Mail-Order Bride Ink: Dear Mr. Weaver (11 page)

“How will you know unless you try?” Ma asked.

Ebba shook her head. “I can’t subject Daniel to this, let alone all of you.”

“Oh, stop fussing, get on out there and kiss the man!” Ma insisted.

Ebba’s eyes went round as platters. “Mrs. Weaver!”

“Ma, if you please. Now get!”

“Best do as she says, sweetie. Otherwise, she’ll bust a gut – and then bust one of us.” Daniel took her by the arm, pulled her to her feet, took her hand and headed for the hall.

“Let go of me,” Ebba said, trying to pull away.

“Stop it, Ebba. You heard Ma – let’s go outside and see what happens.”

“I know exactly what’s going to happen. The same thing that happened when you found me in the orchard.”

By now they were at the front door. “So?”

She stared at him in shock. “Do you really want to put up with
that
the rest of your life?”

“The rest of my life?” he said as he opened the door. He gave her a gentle tug and pulled her onto the front porch. “What sort of talk is that?”

Ebba tried to pull her hand out of his and failed. “Please, let me go back inside …”

But Daniel took her other hand with his free one and pulled her flush against him. His arms snaked around her, making her his prisoner. “Don’t ya know it’s like Ma said? She cain’t tell if somethin’s workin’ if’n yer not sneezin’.”

He led her to a porch swing and sat them both down, never once letting her go. “Now I’m sorry ya suffer so, sweetie, but yer gonna be my wife. That means for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health and all that other stuff the preacher’s gonna say to us come our weddin’ day.” He pulled away enough to look at her. “We got one more day ‘til we get hitched, Ebba. Ya need to stop thinkin’ ya can’t marry me just ‘cause ya got a runny nose. That’s kinda ridiculous, if ya don’t mind me sayin’.”

Ebba blushed. “It’s just that … oh, I know it’s silly, but then again, it’s not. What if Ma can’t fix it?”

“She fixed it once already, didn’t she?”

“Yes, but that was only because she used … well … whiskey.”

“Whiskey?” Daniel said in surprise.” So that’s why ya couldn’t remember where ya were the next mornin’!”

“
That
is not the reason!”

“Ain’t it?” he teased. “I bet ya slept real good that night too.”

“Ohhhh, why am I even trying to explain this to you?” she asked in exasperation “You’re not listening to me!”

“Sure I am, darlin’. Yer afraid all this sneezin’ and coughin’ is gonna be a bother to me once we’re married, is that right?”

Ebba stared at him in shock. “Yes,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I am.”

“Well, I’ll tell ya right now, I ain’t worried ‘bout it. I know sure as the sun sets that Ma’ll figure somethin’ out for ya. She always does.”

Ebba sighed heavily … and felt her nose start to tickle.
Here it comes …

“Look at me, sweetie,” Daniel instructed.

Ebba looked into his eyes, gasped at the tenderness in them … and sneezed. All over him.

After a second of stunned silence, he laughed, took out his handkerchief and wiped his face. Then he pulled her close. “Ya know what?” he asked gently.

She sneezed again, though thankfully she had time to turn her head first. “What?” she asked miserably.

“I think we’re gonna get along just fine.”

She pushed them apart to look at him. “What makes you say that?”

“Shucks, darlin’, if’n I can survive being tossed down a well half my life by my brothers, then I can survive a little sneezin’.”

She blinked. “Tossed down a well?!”

Daniel laughed again, pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “Yep, I figger I can survive just about anythin’. I’ll survive ya too.”

T
he next day
the guests began to arrive, and Ebba grew more nervous by the minute. As predicted, stepping out (well, forced out) onto the front porch with Daniel had sent her into a sneezing fit within minutes. But another dose of chamomile tea, this time with a bit of honey added, helped calm her throat before it got out of hand.

Come bedtime Ebba finally conceded. Ma was right – they would just have to experiment and find out what worked and what didn’t. “Fine, you win,” she’d told Daniel as he’d led her upstairs to her room.

“It’s like I told ya, sweetie – ya just hafta trust Ma knows what she’s doing. I knew she’d help. She’ll do whatever it takes to find what works for ya.”

“I guess I owe you an apology,” Ebba said, her eyes downcast.

Daniel tucked a finger under her chin and lifted her face to his. “Ain’t nothin’ to be ashamed of, Ebba. You need to learn to give folks a chance, is all.”

“If you say so, Daniel. I’ll try to be better about that in the future.”

“I’m sure ya will.” He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead again. “G’night, sweetie. I’ll see ya in the mornin’.” He turned on his heel and disappeared down the stairs. And Ebba had dreamt about that gentle kiss all night.

But today was a new day – not to mention the day before her wedding – and there was a lot of work to be done.

“Mary,” Leona Riley called out. “Did you think about a veil for the bride?”

“Land sakes, no!” Ma called as she came out of the sewing room. “I was so concerned about getting the dress ready, I forgot all about a veil.”

“Then it’s a good thing I thought of it.” Leona pulled a veil out of a box. “Let’s see how this looks on her.”

“I’m just glad I had one in the store,” added Aunt Betsy. “Of course, it’s not like my sister to not have what she needs to make one, but there isn’t time.”

“For once, sister dear, I agree with you.” Ma turned toward the hall. “Ebba!”

Ebba came out of the kitchen and into the parlor, her hands and apron spotted with flour. “What is it, Ma?”

“For Heaven’s sake, child, stop fussing in the kitchen!” Ma chastised. “We need to get you ready for your wedding.”

“The wedding isn’t until tomorrow, Ma,” Ebba protested, then saw the veil in Mrs. Riley’s hands. “What’s that?”

“Something beautiful for a beautiful bride,” Aunt Betsy explained. “I can’t wait to see you in your wedding dress.”

“Yes, let’s have a look,” Leona said. “Then we can see how the veil goes with it.”

Ebba glanced at the three matrons, all with eager looks on their faces. “Shouldn’t I finish the biscuits first?”

“Is Rufi in the kitchen with you?” Ma asked.

“Yes, she is.”

“Then she can take over the biscuits. She knows you have to get ready for tomorrow.”

Ebba fought against a sigh. It wasn’t even noon and she was already exhausted. The thought of trying on her wedding dress who knew how many times made her want to hide in the barn. “Very well. I’ll let Rufi know.”

“I’ll let her know.” Leona marched toward the kitchen. “You put on that dress.”

Aunt Betsy clapped her hands together in glee. “I do love a good wedding!” She hurried toward the sewing room.

Ma watched her go and rolled her eyes. “I hope they don’t get too frenzied over this.”

“Frenzied?” Ebba asked, worried.

“I’m afraid so, child. You see, Leona and your Aunt Betsy can get
very
excited when it comes to weddings. In fact, if there aren’t any weddings going on, they tend to make them happen.”

Ebba swallowed hard and took a step back, then glanced toward the kitchen, thinking of poor Rufi. The girl was probably next on their list. Thankfully, she was still too young to marry, but not for long …

“Well, let’s get this over with,” said Ma. “I have to admit, I am curious how that veil will look. Maybe we can spruce it up if you don’t like it.”

It didn’t take long before Ebba was into her wedding dress and the three matrons went to work. Aunt Betsy played with her hair while Ma and Leona discussed the veil. When they finally put it on her head, Ma looked very pleased. “It’s beautiful,” she said.

And Ebba had to agree – she looked better today than she had the day before. The veil definitely completed the look. Now she would truly be a bride – or at least feel like one. She could hardly believe she was to be married in less than twenty-four hours.

Speaking of which … “When will the other guests arrive?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Davis will be here tonight along with Matthew and Charlotte,” Aunt Betsy volunteered. “It’s too bad Billy and Abbey aren’t going to make it.”

“Who are Billy and Abbey?” Ebba asked.

“Charlotte’s younger sister and her husband,” Leona explained. “They moved to Clear Creek, Oregon – you know, the town my brother is from?”

“Oh yes, where is the sheriff?” Ebba glanced at Ma to see her reaction.

“He’s riding out with Tom and Rose Turner,” Leona said. “He’s been wanting to talk with Tom the entire time he’s been here. I can’t understand why.”

Ebba watched Ma’s cheeks grow pink and smiled. Daniel was right – Ma
was
sweet on the sheriff. “Well, they are both lawmen and from the same hometown. Why wouldn’t he want to spend time with Deputy Turner?”

“Of course he would,” Ma said. She turned to Leona. “Will your brother be going home with you the day after the wedding?”

“I assume so, but Harlan does what he wants,” Leona said.

Ma’s eyes darted around the room as she licked her lips. “Men often do.”

“Do you like your hair this way, Ebba?” Aunt Betsy asked.

“It’s very fine. Thank you for styling it for me. Do you think Daniel will like it?”

“He’ll love it, child,” Ma said with a smile. “He’ll love you.”

Ebba caught the tremor in her voice. Daniel was her baby, the last of her children to marry. She hadn’t thought about how her new mother-in-law would feel, other than ecstatically happy. Sadness had never occurred to her. “Are you referring to what we talked about the other day? That kind of love?”

Ma smiled and took her hands in her own. “It’ll be a good start, child. A very good start.”

“
S
top it
, I tell ya!” Daniel shouted over his brothers’ boisterous laughter. The twins each had one of his ankles in their grasp as they held him headfirst over the well. Thankfully it was deep, wide and full of water. Daniel knew to tuck himself into a ball the minute they let go. After all, this was hardly the first time they’d done this – and possibly not the last.

“C’mon, Daniel,” Calvin said with a snicker. “It’s yer last day as a free man – and
our
last time to throw ya in the well as one!”

Daniel’s arms splayed helplessly as he struggled. “Dagnabit, I got chores to do! Ma’s gonna have a fit when she finds out we ain’t got ‘em done in time!”

“Well, what do we have here?” a man’s voice drawled above him. Daniel tried to see who it was but couldn’t quite manage it.

“Howdy, Deputy!” Calvin replied happily. “Yer just in time!”

“Ya sure are,” said Benjamin. “This here’s what ya might call a monumental occasion.”

“Daniel?” the voice called down the well, “is that you?”

“Yes, it’s me! Who else would these idjit brothers of mine be hangin’ onto like this?”

“Seems to me it’s a good thing they are, or ya’d be splashin’ around down there by now.”

“They’re a bad influence on the younguns!” Daniel called back. He shook his head. His brothers usually didn’t hold him upside down for this long – they’d just get him in position and let go. Now that they had an audience, who knew what they’d do? “Just get it over with, why don’t ya!”

“Ya should’ve seen how hard he fought us, Deputy Turner,” Calvin said with pride. “Almost got away from us twice.”

“And I woulda if Alfonso hadn’t tripped me!” Daniel groused.

“That’s right,” Benjamin chortled from above. “Remind me to give that boy a penny, will ya, Calvin?”

“Sure will, brother,” Calvin chuckled.

“Ain’t you boys gettin’ kinda tired of holdin’ yer brother like that?” Deputy Turner asked.

“Yeah, come to think of it,” Calvin said, his voice starting to strain. “What do ya think Benjamin? Should we drop him?”

Benjamin shrugged. “On the count of three?”

“Okay. Deputy, ya wanna count?” Calvin asked.

“I’d better not,” he said. “In my position, I cain’t be seen to condone unlawful behavior.”

Daniel could just imagine the grin on his face. “Oh for crying out loud, just do it already! I got chores to finish!”

“Yer awful anxious to get wet,” the deputy pointed out. “But I suppose these boys can’t hold ya like this forever.”

“One … two …”

Benjamin was interrupted by another voice. “What’s going on here?”

“Oh, for the love of Pete,” Daniel grumbled. He was starting to get dizzy from being upside down for so long. If they didn’t let go of him soon, he might have trouble when he hit the water “Just do it!”

“Great Scott! Is that Daniel you two have a hold of?” Daniel recognized the voice of Sheriff Hughes.

“Harlan, if’n they don’t let go, arrest ‘em! I’m startin’ to feel kinda poorly down here.”

“You heard him, boys,” the sheriff agreed.

“Three,” Benjamin called out, and he and Calvin let go.

Daniel tucked himself and hit the water – with enough force to get the men above him good and wet, he hoped. By the time he surfaced and got some air into his lungs a rope had already been lowered. “You two just wait ‘til I get my hands on ya!” he sputtered.

He heard a shuffle of feet – Benjamin and Calvin running away as usual. But then there was an unfamiliar succession of thuds, grunts and groans. Now what was
that
about?

Daniel grabbed the rope and expertly climbed out of the well. The sight that greeted him made him fall silent for a second, then pushed him into hysterics. Spencer Riley, Nowhere’s sheriff, and Harlan had a hold of Benjamin, while Clayton Riley and Tom Turner were restraining Calvin.

“What do you think, Daniel?” Harlan asked. “Do your brothers need a little dip too?”

“Well, now,” Daniel said. “I think it’d do ‘em a heap of good to have a li’l afternoon bath.”

“This is
not
how this is supposed to go!” Calvin shouted in protest.

Clayton gave him a friendly punch in the gut. “You’ve been tossing your brother down that well for years. I think he deserves this moment, don’t you?”

“You’re triflin’ with
tradition
!” Calvin rasped.

“Yeah, this is how we Weavers’ve always done thin’s,” Benjamin added. “That’s why it’s called a tradition.”

“Well, what say we expand that tradition?” Harlan winked at Spencer as they started to drag Benjamin toward the well. Tom and Clayton did likewise with their prisoner.

Daniel cackled with glee. “Didn’t I always tell ya that one day ya’d get yers?”

Benjamin started laughing despite himself. “No fair, no fair!”

“Consider this a wedding present, Daniel!” Harlan called out as they tossed Benjamin over the side.

There was a huge splash, followed by “woo-ee! Dang, this is cold!”

Daniel leaned over the side of the well. “That ain’t nothin’! Remember when ya tossed me in the day after Christmas? I broke through a skin of ice that time!”

Now it was Calvin’s turn. He too fought against the men holding him, but couldn’t help laughing as his brother had. “I’m gonna get ya for this, Daniel!”

Daniel grinned ear to ear and held his arms out wide. “Get me for what? I’m not the one throwin’ ya in!”

“He’s got a point there,” Clayton said as he and Tom tossed Calvin in. Another splash, though smaller than Benjamin made. Then, silence.

All five men quickly glanced at each other, then peered over the side of the well.

“You two all right down there?” Harlan called.

“Good God A’mighty,” Calvin screeched. “This’ll like to freeze me solid!”

Daniel rolled his eyes. “They’re fine.”

No sooner had he said it than Benjamin started to climb out, a silly grin on his face. “Ma’s gonna kill us if’n she finds out what we … oh. Hi, Ma.”

The men slowly turned around to find Ma Weaver, her arms folded across her chest as she tapped one foot on the ground. She glared at each of them in turn as Calvin began his ascent. “What have you got to say for yourselves, gentlemen?”

Each and every man audibly gulped.

Harlan stepped forward, took off his hat and began to nervously turn it in his hands. “Er … well, myself and the other lawmen came across your twins here giving the groom-to-be a soaking. They said it was a tradition of sorts. And being the law, we felt that the punishment should fit the crime, so …”

“So we were startin’ a new tradition,” Benjamin quickly added.

At this point Calvin reached the top and fell out onto the grass, his breathing heavy from the climb. “By golly if that wasn’t kind of fun, though.”

“Though maybe the punishment should be more severe if they’re enjoying it,” Spencer suggested.

Benjamin, not wanting to suffer further, kicked Calvin in the hip to silence him.

It didn’t work. “Ow! What did ya do that for?”

Ma marched over to him and kicked him in the other hip. “Get up, Calvin! You want your wife to see you acting like such a fool?” She turned and glared at the rest of them. “And that goes for the lot of you! You’re grown men – you all know better! I’ve got a mind to tan all of your hides until WHAAA!”

The men laughed as Harlan scooped her up into his arms and headed off. “What in tarnation are you doing, Harlan Hughes?” she screeched.

“Having some fun, woman.” he said as he aimed for the barn.

Her three sons began to laugh as she struggled. “That’s showin’ her, Harlan!” Benjamin called after him.

“Harlan, you put me down right this instant!”

“I will – just as soon as we get where we’re going.”

“And where is that?” she snapped.

Harlan lowered his voice to a whisper. “Someplace where I can kiss you proper!”

Ma thought she would die of embarrassment. And she would have, if she hadn’t been enjoying herself so much. “You’ll do no such thing!”