Cassandra (Bride Brigade Book 3) Read online

  He leaned his elbows on his knees. “Made up with her and we’re getting married next Saturday. Her brother arrives on Friday.”

  Adam laughed. “Looks like the picnic was… um, different.”

  “She dumped a bowl of candied sweet potatoes on my head. Sure made a mess, but I don’t begrudge her action. We’re all straight now and will soon be wed.”

  “Thank goodness. Now maybe things will calm down around here.”

  Sam chuckled. “How calm can it be? You still have those prisoners.”

  “A patrol is coming to take them to the fort. Turns out they’re wanted there and I’m glad to be rid of them.”

  Sam raised his eyebrows at the sheriff. “If soldiers are coming that sounds serious. Think the crooks will hang?”

  Adam’s expression was somber. “No doubt about that. They killed an officer in one of their raids. He was visiting his family. Messy business. But don’t let that overshadow your good news.”

  Sam released the brake. “My news is better by a long shot. I’m as happy as if I had good sense. See you tomorrow.”

  He stopped in front of the café long enough to stride in with the picnic basket. He set it on the counter and handed Martha two dollars over what he’d already paid for the basket of food. “Sorry things are in such a mess. Good food.”

  She held the two dollars and stared at him.

  Knowing he looked a sight, he rushed out before she could question him. He just wanted to get the buggy to the livery and then go to the bath house. With his hair in such a mess, he couldn’t even wear his hat. Damn, he’d have to go by the hotel and get clean clothes. Might as well have Lemuel send up a bath to his room.

  But he was happy, happier than he could ever remember being. Cassie, his Cassie, really was going to be his wife. Sweet potatoes or not, this was his lucky day.

  ***

  Cassandra and her friends chatted excitedly over supper. Her mind whirled with the changes. She was going to wed Sam. Trenton was coming because Sam had paid his fare.

  Prudence set down her fork. “So Sam Drummond isn’t just a cowboy?”

  Lydia smiled at Cassandra. “Sam has one of the largest ranches in this part of Texas. He has a league of land, which is over forty-four thousand acres. He’s also purchased adjoining land as it became available. His ranch is next to mine so I’ve known him since I moved here.”

  Cassandra sent her hostess an accusing glance. “But you didn’t tell me. You let me think he was a poor cowboy.”

  Lydia held up a hand in protest. “I was sworn to secrecy before I knew you liked him. His first wife was such a horrid woman. All his friends were relieved when she left him for city life.”

  She paused to shake her head. “I’m sure he was hurt, but he’d never loved her. All she wanted was a rich man but she didn’t realize how isolated ranch life can be. She craved parties and fun.”

  Ophelia patted Cassandra’s hand. “You won’t mind living on a ranch, will you?”

  Cassandra smiled at the gentle girl. “Not at all. I’ll have Sam and my brother and I’m sure we’ll come to town occasionally. I hope we can come to church but I forgot to ask how far away the ranch house is from town.” She looked at Lydia for an answer.

  Lydia set down her glass. “About two hour’s drive in a buggy. Sam often attends church and our local social events. He even rents a permanent room at the hotel and keeps a suit and a few clean clothes there.”

  Cassandra sighed. “That’s good to know, but I’d still marry him if we only came to town once a year. I’ve never been so happy. And, I can hardly wait to see Trenton again.”

  Lorraine chuckled at Cassandra. “We’ve only been here a few weeks. He can’t have changed much.”

  Rachel shook her head. “Boys that age grow in spurts. I’ll bet he has changed.”

  Lorraine said, “It’s a bet.”

  Lydia clapped her hands. “Ladies, we have another wedding to plan. Isn’t this exciting?”

  Cassandra was happy to see Sam when he came by the next afternoon.

  “I can’t stay away from you any longer. Can we go into the garden or somewhere we can talk?”

  “Come on through the house, Sam. I’d love to sit in the garden. There’s a shady spot under the rose arbor and it smells heavenly.”

  “I talked with Grady this morning. He and Angeline were pleased at my news. Of course he agreed to perform the ceremony.”

  “Lydia wants to host the reception here as she did for Angeline and Josephine. Is that all right?”

  “I can hardly wait. Michael’s ordered me a new suit from Fort Worth. I didn’t know your brother’s size, but Michael thinks he has what Trenton will need.”

  “You’re so kind to think of my brother. You don’t have to get a new suit, Sam. You looked handsome in the one I’ve seen you wear.”

  “Saturday morning, two of my ranch hands will bring the wagon and load up your trunks and whatever Trenton has.”

  He took her hand. “By the way, if all your clothes were burned in the fire, how come you have so many clothes? I’m not judging, just curious.”

  She linked her fingers with his. “That’s an amazing story. I was supposed to be lady’s maid to Jeff’s spoiled daughter Arabella. Not long before I left, she got married and tossed out all her old clothes, her jewelry, her shoes, the lot. She threw them on the floor and told me to get rid of them. She was my size and we even wore the same size shoe. One of the other maids, Anna, helped me get them to my room. I stored them there until I could buy a couple of trunks on my half-day off.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “From what I’ve learned, I’m surprised Jeff let you take them?”

  “He wouldn’t have if he’d known I had them. Anna was larger than me and couldn’t wear anything, but she didn’t like Jeff any more than I did. On two separate occasions, he’d gotten a maid pregnant and then fired her when she began to show.”

  Sam appeared disgusted. “Despicable. I’m sorry I was ever polite to the man.”

  “One day when he and his wife were out, I hired a cab and Anna and Trenton helped me load the trunks into the cab. It was our afternoon off, so Trenton and I took them to Mrs. Long’s and stored them in her spare room.”

  “Your kindness to Mrs. Long paid off in many ways.”

  “She’s a nice lady. I’ve written to her and hope she lets me know her daughter’s address when she moves. Anyway, when Jeff tried to attack me and I broke his nose and kneed him between his legs, I quit.”

  Sam’s face reddened and his eyes narrowed. “That polecat. I’m tempted to go to Virginia just to pound him into the ground.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Fortunately, I’d already moved my things except for the essentials. I’d planned to quit as soon as I found another place. I went to Mrs. Long’s and she showed me Lydia’s advertisement in the newspaper.”

  “I wondered how she contacted you ladies.”

  “She interviewed us. In the end, the seven of us came here. I’m forever indebted to her.”

  He nuzzled her neck. “I am too. You heard her. Repay her by marrying me and having children.”

  She met his gaze. “I’m looking forward to boys with your coloring running around the ranch and girls playing dolls inside.” She widened her eyes as a new thought occurred to her. “Oh, I suppose on a ranch, the girls are likely to be as rowdy as the boys.”

  He laughed. “Probably, but do you care? I don’t.”

  “As long as we’re together, nothing else matters.”

  ***

  Ophelia stopped her one day. “You’re walking around in daze. I’m afraid you’ll fall down the stairs.”

  “I might at that. Between wedding plans and Trenton’s impending arrival, I don’t know whether I’m coming or going, but I can’t be still.”

  “We have the wedding and the reception all planned. All you have to do is dress and show up. I can help you dress for the ceremony but I can’t help you with your brother’s arrival.”

 
“Sam has arranged for Trenton to spend the night at the hotel.”

  “You’re going to be happy, Cassandra. I’m sure of that and I’m so pleased for you.”

  Cassandra was certain her friend had never had a jealous thought and was genuinely glad when good things happened to those around her. Ophelia was just too kind to begrudge anyone else’s good fortune.

  She hugged Ophelia’s shoulders. “I’m lucky to have you as a friend.”

  The Friday stage was due at three o’clock and at least was punctual enough that they could estimate its arrival time. At ten minutes of three, Sam called to escort Cassandra to meet the stage. He’d brought the buggy so she could sit in the shade as they waited.

  At half past the hour, Sam pointed at the horizon. “See that dust plume approaching? That’s the stage.”

  She grabbed his large hand in both of hers and spotted a tiny dark dot in the dust. “Oh, I’m so grateful to you for sending for him. I so wanted him at our wedding.”

  “I have to be on good terms with your family, don’t I? Besides, I kind of worried about the boy on his own. Hard to keep body and soul together in his situation.”

  Excitement built as the dot on the horizon drew closer. Sam helped her out of the buggy when she could see the driver on top of the conveyance. By the time the stage pulled up, Cassandra was about to explode with a combination of tension and happiness.

  The driver got down and opened the door. Two men climbed out and then Trenton hopped down. She could tell when he spotted her because his face beamed. He ran over to her, his dark blond hair flopping in the breeze.

  She opened her arms and he hugged her. “Oh, you must’ve grown several inches since I last saw you.”

  “For a fact. Had to get a couple of pairs of pants and these are a new pair of shoes.” He held his foot out a few inches. “Hated to spend the money, but I limped in the old pair.”

  As it was, his shirt sleeves stopped several inches above his wrists and pulled across his shoulders. Cassandra was just happy to see him and didn’t criticize. She’d sew him new shirts soon.

  Sam stepped up and offered his hand. “I’ve set you up at the hotel for tonight, son. Also arranged for a suit for you to try on at the mercantile. Hope that’s all right.”

  Trenton pumped Sam’s hand as if he was expecting water. “I sure thank you for the fare here and the cash, Mr. Drummond. Being here and seeing Cassie wed means a lot to me.”

  Sam extricated his hand. “Hey, I’m plain Sam, not Mr. Drummond. Figured she’d want you to walk her down the aisle tomorrow.”

  She linked her arms through both men’s to stand between them. “I sure do, Trenton. Did you know Sam lives on a large ranch?”

  Sam gestured to the suitcases the driver off loaded. “Let’s get your luggage and take you to the hotel.”

  Trenton ran to the stage and picked up a valise.

  When he was back, Sam set the bag in the buggy. “Cassie tells me you like horses and have a way with them.” He lifted her onto the buggy’s seat.

  Trenton climbed in beside her. “I love horses. You raise horses or cows?”

  Sam winked at her. “Cattle, I raise cattle, but we ride horses to check the range. We also sell a good many and need help training them. You interested?”

  “I sure am. Not saying this to brag, Sam, but I’m known as one of the best horse trainers in the Richmond area. The last couple of years, people brought their horses to Heathington so that I would train them. Guess he’s losing business now, which serves the blackguard right.”

  “Sam, he’s telling the truth. Trenton made Jeff a lot of money, though the man never shared or showed any appreciation.” She squeezed her brother’s arm. “Don’t give Jeff another thought. He’s out of our lives forever now.”

  They went to the hotel and Sam asked Ulysses to take the buggy to the livery. Cassie waited in the lobby while her brother went to his room and washed off the dust. When he and Sam came back down, they walked to the mercantile.

  Michael and Josephine greeted them.

  After introductions, Sam said, “You’ll need some western clothes, Trenton. I hope you won’t be offended if I buy you what I think you’ll need.”

  Her brother shook his head. “I appreciate you helping me fit in here. I plan to do a real good job for you, whatever you tell me to do.”

  Sam clapped him on the shoulder. “Your shoes are fine for church but you’ll need some boots at the ranch. Let’s pick you out a pair.”

  Michael went with them to the men’s area. Cassandra stayed with Josephine but watched the two men she loved talk to the store’s owner as they sorted through supplies.

  Her friend said, “Your brother is nice looking and appears polite. I know you’re relieved to have him here.”

  She couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “Can you imagine, Sam sent for him as a surprise for me?” Hands at her sides, she spun around. “I’m so happy, Josephine. Happier than I ever dreamed I could be.”

  Josephine laughed. “So all that fuss Sam put you through worked out well in the end?” She grimaced. “We’re closing the store for the wedding, but we won’t both be able to go to the reception. Michael will have to rush back to the store. Some rural people come into town to buy supplies on Saturdays and we can’t leave them short.”

  “I’m just happy you can come at all. I really want you at the wedding, but the reception is not as important to me. By then I’ll just want to leave for the ranch. Lydia and the others have gone to so much trouble to make it a nice event that I don’t dare let them know how I feel.”

  Josephine nodded. “I felt the same way. I imagine most brides and grooms do, don’t you?”

  “Probably, at least if they’re really in love and haven’t… um, in a manner of speaking, put the cart before the horse.”

  Sam, Trenton, and Michael came to the front. Trenton carried a stack of folded clothes and Sam carried a boot box and a black suit on a hanger.

  Michael stepped behind the counter. “Trenton doesn’t waste time deciding between this and that. He chose quickly and wisely.”

  Her brother laid a tall stack of clothes on the counter. “I’m beholden to you, Sam. I’d no intention of running up such a bill.”

  Michael tallied up four pairs of dungarees, five work shirts, two dress shirts, a tie, socks, underwear, the boots, red bandanas, white handkerchiefs, and the suit. “That all?”

  Sam shook his head. “He’ll also need a bedroll, a slicker, and a rope. I’ll take that new rifle you just got in and ammunition. Need that new saddle in the corner over there. We’ll take the suit, boots, dress shirt, tie and one change of clothes with us. Can you crate all the rest until my men come to pick it up tomorrow?”

  “Happy to. Anything else?”

  Sam set his hat on his head then turned to her brother. “Almost forgot a hat. Trenton, try on a couple of these and see which you like. You need one that will shade your face and neck and it has to fit tight enough it won’t blow off in the wind.”

  Trenton laughed at his image in the mirror, but chose a gray Stetson.

  Sam reached for it. “Let me show you how to mold it.” With smooth strokes, he shaped the hat as he wore his then handed the head gear back to Trenton.

  Trenton set it on his head and turned first one way then the other to admire his new look. “That’s much better. Thanks, Sam.” He strode proudly to stand in front of Cassandra. “Well, what do you think? Will I fit in?”

  She thought he looked perfect. “I’m sure you will eventually. Please don’t be disappointed if that takes time. Although I know what a great horse trainer you are, you’ll have to prove yourself to the ranch hands. Otherwise, they’ll think you’re only there because their boss married your sister.”

  He nodded. “I’ve already thought of that.” He held out a hand and rapidly slid his other down his arm and hand ending in a clap. “I’ll be working so fast you’ll only see a blur.”

  Everyone laughed.

  Chapt
er Sixteen

  For Cassandra, Saturday couldn’t arrive soon enough. The wedding was planned for two that afternoon. As she expected, about eight o’clock two of Sam’s cowboys arrived with the wagon to load Cassandra’s trunks and take them to the ranch.

  She’d saved out her wedding dress and one to change into after the reception. The dress she had on, the wedding gown, and her nightclothes would go into her valise. After a luxurious bath downstairs, she ascended to her room to dry her hair.

  Ophelia waited there wearing a green foulard gown, one of several Cassandra had cajoled her into accepting. The neckline of this one was high in back and hid the scars which Ophelia feared revealing. Cassandra had asked Ophelia to be her maid of honor after Angeline refused, claiming her pregnancy meant she should avoid calling attention to herself.

  Cassandra said, “You look gorgeous, Ophelia. Men will be trying to monopolize you at the reception.”

  Her friend curtsied. “That would be a lovely thing to happen but very unlikely.” She giggled. “But, I guess with three of our seven married, that ups my chances, doesn’t it?”

  “Certainly, although you’ve had many admirers since we arrived. Isn’t there one you like best? Are you sweet on anyone?”

  The other woman turned shy. “I might be but there are problems. Sit down so I can work on your hair.”

  Ophelia arranged Cassandra’s hair in a becoming style but appeared ready to hurl the pink gros grain roses and greenery across the room. “Oh, these leaves won’t do what I want.”

  Her friend worked a few more minutes and stepped back. “There, now everything is anchored with hair pins. What do you think?”

  She turned her head from side to side. “I love it. You made the flowers look like a crown, which is so much prettier than Arabella wore them.”

  Cassandra handed her friend a necklace. “Arabella even tossed away these strands of pearls with a pink rose medallion in the center of the bottom strand. I don’t have matching earrings because she threw them and I could only find one. These other plain pearl ones at least appear to match.”

  Ophelia fastened the necklace around Cassandra’s neck and the earrings to her ears without mussing her hair. “Time to get into your dress.”