“I guess I’ll have to marry you.”
Chapter Five
Ruby was sure she’d heard what she wanted to hear, but not what he said. She stood there, allowing her hand to rest in his, with her mouth slightly opened in surprise.
“Marry me?” She repeated his words.
“Yep. Can’t think what else to do. You did come to get married, didn’t you?”
She stuttered, “Y…es, but, now that you know why I came and the lifestyle my mother lived, well I don’t expect you want to marry me and…” she turned and pointed at the boy bundled on the cot in the cell, “there’s Timmy.”
Ruby saw a flash of anger in his eyes. “I can’t say I’m happy about any of this. I wanted… I’m not sure what I wanted, but a child was definitely not part of it.”
Ruby pulled her hand away. “I’m sorry, I can’t marry you then. If you won’t take Timmy.”
Seth began to pace back and forth. “I didn’t say I won’t take him. It’s just not what I wanted.”
“I understand.” Ruby’s voice was low. “Mother didn’t love Timmy and he knew it. I don’t want him to ever have to experience that kind of treatment again. I can’t expect you to love a child who isn’t yours, but I could only marry you if you felt you could at least be kind to Timmy, provide a home and schooling. I’ll love him enough to make up for whatever he doesn’t get from you.”
Seth sighed. “What about you? Do you need to be loved?” He searched her face, for the first time appreciating her evident beauty. Her long brunette hair tied with a soft ribbon was lovely. She wore no paint on her face or lips. The only thing he didn’t like was her dress.
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “I never expected that. I’d like what I ask for Timmy as well; kind treatment and a home. Timmy will love me.” Ruby moved a few steps away from the desk and picked up a sugar bowl on the table. She set it closer to the middle. Whenever she was nervous, rearranging things calmed her.
What she’d said was true, she did want a home and kindness for both herself and Timmy, but did she want to marry a man who obviously could not and did not want to love her? As the questions flooded her mind, she heard a small whimper come from Timmy and it set her resolve. Timmy needed a home; she could go without love.
Ruby stood still and looked straight at Seth. “I won’t ask for anything more thank kindness for both Timmy and me. I will be a good wife and do whatever it takes to help you civilize the town.” Her words were brave, but inside, she felt as if a door to a room once filled with hope had suddenly been slammed shut.
Seth stopped pacing. “I think it’s best I go and get the preacher. Then I’ll take you and Timmy to my house.”
Ruby nodded. She understood he didn’t want anyone else in town to see her as she was dressed, but clothes were still going to be a problem.
“I don’t have anything else to wear. There are two other dresses in my case, no better than this.” She spun slowly; her cheeks red with shame.
“I’ll get you something from the trading post. Can you sew?”
“Yes, I’ve always made my own clothes. I can try to make over some of the dresses I brought.”
Seth held up a hand. “No! I never want to see those dresses.”
Ruby felt as if she’d been slapped. She clamped her lips together.
“Stay here. I’ll be right back.” Seth left the building.
Rudy’s shoulders sagged. This was not the wedding day she’d dreamed of since her childhood. She was pleased that Seth had agreed to go through with it, because she would at least be settled and safe and have a home for Timmy, but would she or Seth ever be happy? Was this what God wanted for them?
Timmy began to stir again, so she rushed across the room, scooped him up and held him close. “Oh, Timmy. We’re going to have a home.” She whispered into his ear. Even if things hadn’t started out as she wished, this was her one chance to not have to live the life of a saloon dancer.
Timmy looked up at her and gave her a large grin. For the moment they were both safe and happy.
***
Once more, Seth found himself in the trading post. This time he was looking for a dress that Ruby could wear once they were married. Then, before he took her to his home, she could come over and pick out material for more clothes. Right now, he didn’t want anyone else in town to see her dressed as she was.
Still, he thought, she was rather startling and beautiful in the saloon ballgown and the necklace she wore against her white skin reflected the red in her lips. He’d never given much thought to what his mail order bride would look like. All he wanted was someone with upstanding moral character to help him clean up the town. This girl spoke as if she were that person, but doubt still niggled in the back of his mind.
Seth moved through the store, trying not to raise any attention. Glad that Abigail Crane wasn’t in the store, he found a few pre-made dresses. Jo had just recently added the dresses to the inventory. Most women still made their own clothes. Seth was glad to see these simple frocks. Although there was little choice, he felt the one pink calico might work. He held It up and eyed it critically, hoping he was making a correct judgment on the size.
Finally, happy with his choice, he
