Cora: Bride of South Dakota (American Mail-Order Bride 40) (6 page)

“So you haven’t heard from my father?” Cora dreaded the thought of her father coming after her. Dragging her back to Lawrence and forcing her to marry Ernest.

“Not a word. Papa said it was odd. He expected your father to turn up here before you or at the very least contact him and demand to know where you were.”

“Father was desperate for me to marry to further his political career but, Peter found something that could destroy father and he is going to warn him to leave me alone.”

“Do you think he will leave you alone?” Millie asked.

“Maybe.” Cora couldn’t shake the feeling of doom that caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. She worried that all was not as it seemed.

“Come on. Forget about your father. We’re going to have so much fun.” Millie held Cora’s hand tightly.

The girls approached the Reynold’s carriage, acknowledged the waiting driver and jumped inside.

Gus secured Cora’s trunk to the rear of the carriage before assisting his wife inside. He climbed aboard, the driver flicked the reins and they were on their way.

Chapter Six

One Week Later

“Whatever do you do to occupy your time out here?” Cora asked Millie as they ambled across a vacant paddock. A cow glanced up from her munching as if to ensure the intruders weren’t a threat to her meal. Obviously satisfied there was no danger, she lowered her head back to the luscious green grass.

“I take long walks, read, sew and contemplate my future. Sometimes I help Papa with the harvest.”

“Have you met any men, someone tall, dark and handsome, suitable for marriage?

Millie snorted with laughter. “I’ll probably end up being a mail order bride like you. Heaven knows, there’s no-one suitable around these parts. They’re either too young, only interested in drinking and
those
kinds of women or, they’re old enough to be my grandfather.”

“You’re parents weren’t very happy about me going to South Dakota to marry a stranger, imagine how they would feel if you did.”

“I may not have a choice now we live here. I won’t be left on the shelf and become an old maid. I want a home of my own, a husband and children.” Millie insisted. “Are you scared about meeting him?”

“Not so much scared as nervous. He sounds nice in his letter and even with his scar he has a handsome face.”
But, what if he isn’t nice? What if he’s cruel like Papa?

“Cora!” Millie shouted as she grabbed at her friends arm and wrenched her backwards.

Cora screamed when she glanced down and saw a snake slither past.

“It’s alright. It’s harmless but I didn’t want you to step on it. Welcome to country life.”

Cora placed her hand to her chest, her heart beat rapidly. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

They continued their walk back to the house in silence. This was what made the girls such good friends, they could chatter for hours or they were equally comfortable in silence. Merely being together made them happy.

Linda heard the kitchen door click as it closed after the girls stepped inside. They were hanging their coats on pegs by the door when she approached. She waved a white envelope in the air as she addressed Cora. “This came for you.”

With trembling fingers, Cora accepted the letter. This was it, her future. She prayed he was still interested and had enclosed the references she had requested.
Please let him be everything he said he is.

She opened the envelope and removed three sheets of paper. The first was a letter from a Banker. He extolled John’s virtuous character and assured her he had excellent means with which to provide both her and their family with everything they required and desired. He detailed some of John’s acts of kindness towards those in the community who were less fortunate. He was adamant she would be hard pressed to find a better man.

Cora smiled as she refolded the paper and slipped it back into the envelope.

She proceeded to read the next reference from the Postmaster. It was every bit as glowing. John was obviously a man of good standing who was well respected by those who knew him. Her heart flip flopped with happiness. She was feeling more confident by the minute.

The final letter was from John himself. She frowned when she read he was both concerned and reassured by her age.
Not too set in my ways? We’ll see.
He also expressed concern about how she would adapt to such an isolated life but trusted that she would adjust. John assured her of his willingness to proceed with the marriage on her arrival. He explained that he refused to have her made the subject of town gossip by taking her as a single lady to his ranch with four single men.

“He’s considerate,” she mumbled.

“What?” Millie and Linda asked.

“Is something wrong? You know you’re more than welcome to stay here. You don’t have to marry.” Linda assured her.

“Cora clutched the envelope to her breast. “Nothing’s wrong, it’s perfect. The references are even better than I could have hoped for and he sounds like a very considerate gentleman.” She handed the envelope to Millie.

Linda hung over her daughter’s shoulder as she read the letter and references.

“He sounds heavenly,” Millie sighed.

“I must admit, he does sound like excellent husband material.” Linda admitted. “You do know, if anything worries you or you feel unsafe you can telegraph us and we’ll come and get you.”

“I know and it sets my mind at ease. I have a feeling everything will be fine. I’d like to go into town, make travel arrangements and send Mr. Franklin a wire. I’m anxious to meet him. I don’t want to wait for him to send the funds and I want to explain in person why I’m travelling under a false name.”

“I’ll ask Brent to accompany you tomorrow. I’m sure Millie will go with you too.” Linda said.

Cora felt like jumping for joy but settled for Millie and Linda hugging her close.

***

John held the folded paper in his hand and watched as Bert from the Telegraph office, rode off. Puffs of dust rose in the air as the horses’ hooves pounded the dusty road.

“What was Bert doing here?” Sam asked as he ambled to John’s side.

Frank and Henry also loped up.

“He brought a wire out for me. Said it was marked urgent.” John unfolded the paper and read:

Mr. Franklin stop Have received your letter and references stop Arriving on 10.45 train Friday October 26 stop Look forward to meeting you stop Cora Ancelet stop

“Damn, that gal made her mind up fast,” Sam said. “Sounds mighty desperate.”

“She didn’t even give me a chance to make the arrangements and send her some money.” John was thoughtful.
Why are you so anxious to get here? What are you running from?
He pushed the worry from his mind, folded the paper and tucked it into the pocket of his blue cotton shirt. “Guess we’d better get everything in order. Friday’s only four days away and there’s still a lot to be done. He turned towards the house.

“We’ll get things moved into the new house and then give you a hand to clean up,” Sam said as he started towards the barn, Henry followed but Frank headed to the house to start supper.

“You want us all to come with ya on Friday,” Henry asked hopefully.

“Of course. I’ve asked Sam to stand up for me since he’s been my best friend since we were in diapers but I want you all at my marriage.”

“Ain’t ya worried we’ll scare her off with our ugly mugs?” Frank asked.

“I guess you’ve got a point. Maybe I should just go alone and you can meet her after we’re already wed.” John laughed.

“Yeah, she might turn tail and get the next train back to where she came from,” Sam said.

The men guffawed as they went their separate ways but despite their humor, they would present the ranch in its best light. They would not let John down.

***

Cora stepped onto the platform in Rapid City and glanced around. She searched for John amongst the milling crowd. Her hands shook nervously as she clutched her reticule.
This is it. You’re about to meet the man who is to be your husband.

“Miss Brown. Miss Rose Brown?” the station porter asked.

“Yes,” she answered.

“Your luggage is by the waiting room for you,” the man said.

Before Cora could thank him and offer a coin, he scurried away. She returned to searching the thinning crowd for John’s face.

Then, not ten feet away, she saw him for the first time. He seemed to be searching for her but how he was ever expecting to find her, she didn’t know. Cora had never sent him a picture, only a description.

She took advantage of her knowledge to study her intended. His picture did not do him justice. This was the man who was to become her husband and wow, what a man! He was tall, really tall. His blonde hair showed signs of being bleached by long hours in the sun. His skin was golden brown, his lips full and definitely kissable. But, his eyes were what snared her attention. They were the brightest blue she had ever seen, bluer than the sky on a bright summer’s day.

Her eyes continued their perusal. His coat was unbuttoned, his shirt pulled taut against his broad chest. A belt with a large buckle cinched the jeans at his narrow waist. His legs were long but judging by how tight his pants hugged his thighs, they were also muscular. She sighed loudly. The man was more handsome than she’d dreamed despite the scar on his face. She swallowed hard and tentatively stepped towards him.

“Mr. Franklin, I’m Cora” Her voice was husky with nerves and she offered a shaky, gloved hand.

“But, the porter called you, Miss Brown.” John was confused, he ignored Cora’s hand and his beautiful blue eyes narrowed. “I assume you have an explanation. I can’t abide liars.”

The tone of his voice was more serious than angry but it still caused Cora to tremble and step back a pace. What if he didn’t understand and sent her back?

“Mr. Franklin, I promise I can explain if you give me a chance. Is there somewhere we can go and talk?”

John heard the pleading note in her voice and his annoyance settled. “Very well.” She was so beautiful it took his breath away. He couldn’t stay mad. He spun around and spoke to another man standing nearby. “Sam, can you get Miss Ancelet’s luggage to the wagon? I’ll take her to Lilly’s for tea so we can talk.”

“Sure thing, John. Henry, Frank and me will grab a drink at the saloon while we’re waiting.” Sam ambled away with the two other men.

John placed his arm on Cora’s elbow to escort her away. A jolt so powerful caused stars to dance in front of her eyes, she became breathless and stumbled. His arm whipped around her waist to steady her and he gazed into her eyes questioningly. Had he felt it too?

“Sorry,” she murmured. “I felt a little light headed. I must have been affected by the long journey.”

“No need to apologize.” His deep voice caressed her. “Maybe you need something to eat.”

They left the station arm in arm.

***

John had been watching carefully as the train drew to a stop.
This is it. My wife is on this train.
He scanned the carriage doors as they opened and passengers alighted. When a beautiful girl appeared in a doorway and hesitated, his heart skipped a beat. Was this her? The way she had described herself didn’t fit but he sure wished it was her. Cora had told him she was plain with dull brown hair. This gal was anything but plain and her hair shone in the morning sun. He couldn’t drag his eyes from her.

Her eyes were as grey as a stormy, winter sky. Her skin was ivory white, unprotected by a stylish but useless bonnet perched atop her head. Her hair was drawn up revealing her milky white neck. Could this vision be her? He noted she was searching for someone. Could he be so lucky? He stepped towards her. His heart hit his boot straps and he stopped when the porter addressed her as Miss Rose Brown.

He tore his eyes from her as she stepped onto the platform and continued his scanning. He was startled when a few moments later a voice with a musical lilt spoke his name.

He spun around and there she was. His spirits soared until he remembered she was either travelling under a false name or had given him a false name in her letters. Why? Annoyance settled over him. He hated liars. She assured him her real name was Cora and asked for a chance to explain. He felt he at least owed her that after she had travelled so far.

He would escort her to Lily’s for tea and if her explanation sufficed, he would take her to the hotel. If not, she would be on the first train back in the morning.

As his hand brushed her arm, John was almost bowled over by the strong surge of desire which zinged through him. Cora’s stumbling reaction confirmed she’d felt it too.