Dorcas: An Independence Day Bride (Brides of Noelle Book 6) Read online

  “Yes, we can do that.” Dorcas began to pace.

  “Will you stop?!”

  Dorcas turned to her. “I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to help it.”

  Daphne gave her a hug. “Dorcas, you’ve told Elwood. You’re not in this alone.”

  She sighed. “Then why do I feel like I am?”

  “Because this is about more than Vermin. It’s about your parents. You love them, as I loved mine, but we don’t always see eye to eye with family, do we?”

  “No, we don’t.”

  “They’ll come around – you’ll see. Mine would have if they were still alive.”

  “Your folks were more agreeable than mine.”

  “No, they weren’t. Maybe that’s why they all got along so well.”

  “They did, didn’t they? Just as we do.” Dorcas nodded. “All right, let’s go see Birdie and the other women. Maybe they can help me get past this.”

  “That’s the spirit! Let’s go.”

  They left the Golden Nugget and headed for Cobb’s Penn. Dorcas remembered her last visit and her clumsy attempt to help Avis with her business. Maybe this time she could keep her mouth shut.

  Luckily for her, there was no sign of the proprietress when they entered – a man stood on the other side of the counter. “Good morning, Mrs. Brooks.” He looked at Dorcas and smiled. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  “Liam,” Daphne said, “this is my friend from Denver, Dorcas Minx. She’s here to marry Elwood Hunter.”

  “Ah yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Minx. I hope you’re finding Noelle to your liking.”

  “Very much, thank you.” Dorcas glanced around the storefront. “You have a lovely shop.”

  He smiled, then bit his lower lip. “Yes, my wife told me you thought so.”

  Dorcas felt her cheeks grow hot. His wife no doubt has told him a few other things as well, but that was her fault.

  “Is Avis around?” Daphne asked.

  “No, she’s gone to visit Pearl. Did you want me to relay a message?”

  “Yes, I needed to speak with her about the celebration. She’s in charge of vegetables.”

  “Oh yes, and she’s been speaking with Mrs. Thornton. They’ll be happy to provide whatever you need.”

  “Wonderful!” Daphne turned to Dorcas, who was still doing her best to stay quiet. “The Thorntons own a ranch outside town. They have a lovely garden and provide Cobb’s Penn with some of what they grow. There’s not much at this time of year, but every little bit helps.”

  Dorcas nodded, wondering what sort of crops would be ready in June and July. She knew nothing about farming. “That’s nice,” she said stiffly. She fought the urge to roll her eyes at herself and took a sudden interest in a cigar box on the counter.

  Daphne looked confused before addressing Liam. “Tell Avis I’ll stop by later today if I have time.”

  “I’ll do that. You ladies have a good day.”

  “We will.” She took Dorcas’ arm and pulled her toward the door. Once outside she turned to her. “What was that about? You’re never that quiet.”

  Now Dorcas did roll her eyes. “I embarrassed myself the last time I was here. I didn’t want to do it again.”

  Daphne’s hands went to her hips. “What did you do?”

  Dorcas looked at the ground. “I tried to give Avis pointers on how to run her store.”

  “Oh,” Daphne said as her hands fell away. “I imagine that didn’t go well.”

  “No, it didn’t. But she was nice about it. It’s just that I felt so edgy – I’m still fretting about Vernon.”

  “Him again. We need to get rid of him once and for all.”

  Dorcas’ eyes went wide. “What do you mean?”

  “Don’t look at me like that – it’s not like I want to murder the man. But you have to get him out of your head. The best way to do that is stay busy.”

  “True, but with what?”

  Daphne laughed. “You’re joking, right? You’re getting married – that should be enough to occupy any woman’s mind. Plus the celebration. Let’s go see Birdie and find out what she can do for you.”

  Before Dorcas could answer, she was being led by the hand up the street. They marched straight to Peregrines’ Post and Freight. A tall old woman with a warm smile was behind the counter. “Daphne, you’re back.”

  “Hello, Agatha. May I introduce my friend Dorcas Minx? She’s here to …”

  “Marry Elwood Hunter, I know. How do you do?”

  “Very well, thank you.” Dorcas glanced around at the stacks of books ready to be moved. Elwood was probably close by.

  Agatha waved at the piles. “Here to take a few of these?”

  “No, we’re here to see Birdie,” Daphne said.

  “She’s out back – I’ll fetch her for you.” Agatha disappeared through a door.

  Within moments, Birdie appeared. “Daphne – so good to see you! Dorcas, you too.”

  “We’re especially glad to see you,” Daphne replied. “We need to talk about a wedding dress for Dorcas.”

  “Music to my ears,” Birdie said with a smile. “What did you have in mind?”

  Daphne turned to Dorcas. “Do you have any idea what you want?”

  Dorcas cringed. She just wanted to get married and be done with it, if it would guarantee her safety. “I don’t need a dress, really …”

  “Are you sure?” Daphne asked. “Yesterday you sounded like you wanted one.”

  “I know, but I wasn’t the only one involved in that conversation. Elwood kept insisting I have one. I’m not sure.”

  Daphne frowned, then glanced at Birdie. “Can you give us a moment?”

  Birdie’s eyes darted between them. “Sure.” She headed for the back.

  Dorcas fought against a groan. She knew that look – a lecture was coming.

  Daphne smiled pleasantly before taking Dorcas’ arm and pulling her into a corner. “What is wrong with you?”

  Dorcas closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “You already know. I …”

  “What did he do to you?”

  Dorcas froze.

  “What did Vernon Fink do?!”

  Dorcas swallowed hard. “He … forced himself on me whenever he got the chance.”

  “What?! How?”

  “He’d pin me against a wall or get me in a corner, try to kiss me, or … or paw at me. It was disgusting.”

  “I see,” Daphne said. “I’m sorry that happened, though it could have been worse …”

  “And probably was for poor Polly.”

  Daphne almost choked. “Your maid?”

  “Yes. I don’t know what happened – she wouldn’t tell me when I questioned her about it later – but he got her in a corner too, I know it. And with both sets of parents in the house too!”

  “Have you told Elwood?”

  “No, not that part. Just that Vernon is vile.”

  “I think you should tell him.”

  Dorcas nodded. “All right. He seemed fine with what I told him last night.”

  “Then why are you still so nervous?”

  Dorcas glanced over to the counter, where Birdie was still absent. “I don’t know. Maybe because I’ve never been away from home before, or because of the way I left. I feel as if I can never go back and … oh, Daph, it’s tearing me apart!” She fell into her friend’s arms and began to weep.

  Birdie and Agatha came out of nowhere and were at her side within seconds. Neither said a word as all of Dorcas’ fear and frustration spilled from her eyes and lungs. Minutes passed – how many, she didn’t know – before the two other women stepped away and only Daphne was holding her. “I’m so sorry … hic … I didn’t mean to lose control like that …”

  “Don’t be sorry,” Daphne consoled. “My goodness, I’m surprised you held it in this long.”

  Dorcas smiled. “Me too.” She sniffed a few times and took the handkerchief Agatha offered. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t worry, honey,” Agath
a said. “You’ll do just fine.”

  “Do you really think so?”

  The old woman exchanged a look with Daphne and Birdie. “We know so.”

  Chapter 10

  Several days later …

  Elwood paced the front of his bookshop, the shelves now up and almost filled with merchandise. Marshal Gant had sent a note that he’d be in Noelle in a day or two, and Elwood could hardly contain his excitement!

  Not only was he almost ready to open, but the wedding had been postponed a week, giving him more time to spend with Dorcas – and giving her a chance to have a wedding dress made. Plus, with the wedding now on the tenth of July, they’d have the big Fourth of July celebration out of the way, which was fine with him.

  He went to the back of the shop and examined the back wall. Jack and Gus had done a fine job on it, and with days to spare, he could add a few finishing touches. But thoughts of his interview with Marshal Gant had his mind whirring with story ideas, and he’d spent much of his time jotting them down. He’d even shared some with Dorcas over the last few days. She listened attentively, but he wondered if she really cared. Was something else on her mind, or was it just disinterest?

  What if she didn’t care about his work? He was a writer, and he hoped his wife would support him in his craft. But what if she thought it was silly, or that he couldn’t make a decent living off it? Granted, the whole point of investing in the silver mine was because he knew he’d need another source of income. But it was still a concern.

  He returned to the storefront, hefted a stack of books off the counter and went to the nearest empty shelf. “Let’s see, history goes here …”

  “Elwood?”

  He jumped and dropped the books, one of them on his foot. “Ouch!”

  “Are you all right?” Dorcas asked with concern as she entered the shop.

  “Yes, yes, fine.” He snatched up the attacking volume – part of Dio Cassius’ Roman History. “I’m glad you’re here – I wanted to talk to you.”

  Her concerned look changed to panic.

  “No, no, nothing bad! Please don’t look at me like that.” He set the books down and took her in his arms. “I know something’s still not settled.”

  She stiffened, then leaned into him. “Elwood …”

  He tightened his hold, not caring if anyone walked in and saw. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I … I feel so out of place.”

  He drew away and cupped her face in his hand. “Darling, I understand. If … well, I understand.” He was about to tell her he’d left home under the same circumstances, but he’d planned on leaving his father’s business anyway. His arranged marriage to Gertrude had simply pushed him out faster. “Dorcas, it’s all right to feel this way. I’ve felt that way myself.”

  “You have?”

  “Every day in my father’s shipping business. I didn’t belong there. I belong here, with you, in a little town like this.”

  She smiled. “You make it sound like destiny.”

  “Precisely.” He kissed her cheek, suddenly noticing how she felt in his arms. He’d been so wrapped up in getting his shop and their living quarters ready, he sadly hadn’t taken the time to notice. He sighed – what was wrong with him?

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  “No, I just realized I’m not.” He gazed into her eyes and let himself get lost. “Oh, Dorcas,” he whispered as his heart took over, “I’m sorry I haven’t been paying more attention to you the last few days.”

  “What do you mean? We’ve seen each other every day.”

  “Not like I’m seeing you now. It’s like … like I’m seeing you for the first time.”

  A look of wonderment covered her face. “You’re a strange man, Elwood Hunter.”

  “Perhaps. I’ve been so busy I forgot what’s most important.” He drew her closer. “Dorcas, have I told you you’re beautiful?”

  She smiled. “Once.”

  “Then I’ll say it again. You’re beautiful.” He ran his finger down her cheek and swallowed hard. “And I think we should get married.”

  She blushed. “That’s good.”

  He was fumbling for words as his chest warmed. She was beautiful, and she was about to be his. Maybe he should think less about Marshal Gant and more about his wedding – he didn’t have time for distractions.

  “You have a funny look on your face,” she pointed out softly.

  “Do I?” His lips were on hers before another thought entered his mind. She was soft and warm, and he felt as if he’d just found his true home, one he’d never known before.

  He broke the kiss and rested his cheek against hers. “Dorcas, there’s so much I want to share with you – my work, my life, everything.”

  “Isn’t that what marriage is about?”

  He looked at her. “Yes, it is. So I need to be more attentive. Sorry I haven’t been.”

  She shook her head and put a finger to his lips. “Shhh … you keep saying that. But it’s me that hasn’t been attentive. My mind’s been elsewhere, and there’s no reason for that.”

  “Vernon?” He cupped her face again. “You don’t have to worry about that scoundrel. If he shows up, I’ll protect you.” He drew her close and kissed her once more, but his kiss was a promise. Before, he’d been displaying a growing affection, an appreciation of her beauty, but now …

  They broke the kiss, and her eyes met his. “Oh, Elwood,” she managed, and rested her head against his chest.

  His heart thundered, and he wondered how loud it beat in her ear. “Dorcas, we’ll be all right, you and I. We’re going to …”

  “Elwood!” Jasper rasped as he ran in.

  Elwood drew away from Dorcas, but didn’t let go. “Jasper, what is it?”

  Jasper wheezed and coughed a few times. “Mar … Marshal Gant’s here!”

  “Really?”

  “He’s at the Golden Nugget – causin’ quite a stir, too. Everyone’s ‘fraid of him!”

  Elwood grinned. “Did you hear that, Dorcas? The marshal is here – this is what I’ve been waiting for!” He let go of her, grabbed his coat and hat – and froze. Just a few seconds ago, he’d been chastising himself for not focusing more on her … what was wrong with him?

  “Yes, I know,” Dorcas said behind him.

  Elwood turned back, and his face fell as he noticed the slump in her shoulders, the sudden downcast look. “But this isn’t what you want.”

  She met his gaze. “No, it’s not that. I know how much your writing means to you. I’m just …”

  He drew her into his arms again. He couldn’t leave her in this state. “Dorcas, I understand. You feel alone.”

  “I can’t seem to figure out why.”

  “I think I know. Before I started writing I felt the same way. I had my family, worked in my father’s business, had my friends, but I wasn’t doing what I … what I’ve been called to do. Does that sound silly?”

  “No.”

  “Good to hear. Father always thought it was – made sure to remind me every day.”

  Dorcas gazed up at him. “You have a purpose.”

  “Yes, sweetheart. And so do you.”

  She smiled, broader this time, and he could tell she was beginning to feel better. “What’s my purpose, do you think?”

  He smiled back. “Perhaps to be my wife, my helpmeet, to live and work here in Noelle, to raise our children with me …”

  “Children?” Her smile widened.

  He laughed, gazed into her eyes again and blurted before he could stop himself, “By Heaven, I think I’m falling in love with you.”

  She looked at him in shock.

  “I … I mean it. I am falling in love with you, Dorcas Minx!”

  “And I’m growin’ moss under my feet standin’ here,” Jasper yelped.

  Elwood looked at him and laughed. “Go tell Marshal Gant I’ll … we’ll be with him in a few minutes. And keep him entertained until I get there.”

  Jasper gulped. “Mayb
e that’s a better job for Sheriff Draven.”

  “I’ll leave that to you.” He turned back to Dorcas and smiled. “Where were we? Oh yes.” And he kissed her soundly.

  Dorcas melted against Elwood, her mind lost in his kisses. Jasper didn’t scold them for their impropriety – probably because they were getting married in nine days. She’d felt so lost since coming to Noelle, as if her entire life had been stripped from her. She’d decided to run, but what else could she do? She couldn’t marry that snake Vernon! But ever since, she’d been in a state of confusion, fear and loss. What if she never saw her parents again? What if they didn’t forgive her? More importantly, could she forgive herself?

  No wonder she was still trying to get her feet under her. But Elwood’s kisses helped a lot.

  He broke the latest one, stroked her hair and gently kissed her forehead. “Feel better, sweetheart?”

  Her heart melted into jelly. “Yes,” she whispered. “I do.”

  “I don’t want you to feel like you don’t belong, Dorcas. You belong to me, always.”

  She wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m getting the idea.”

  He chuckled, his chest rumbling against her. “I can convince you a while longer if you like.”

  “As much as I would like that, you have a guest.”

  “We have a guest.” He kissed her on the nose. “Care to join me and meet the notorious Marshal Charles Gant?”

  She sighed with contentment. “Okay.”

  He put his arm around her and headed for the door, pausing only to don his hat.

  Dorcas felt like she was floating. She was falling in love with her future husband. Now she knew that despite running away, shaming her parents and causing no end of upset, she’d done the right thing. Elwood was a wonderful man and she was lucky to have found him. Could it be divine intervention? She didn’t know. But she did know that her prayers about living near Daphne and raising their families together had been answered.

  They entered the Golden Nugget to the sound of raucous laughter. A short, squat older man with wide-set eyes seemed to be the center of attention. Could that be the marshal? She tried to get a closer look but more and more miners were gathering around him. “Is that …?”