Drina’s Choice Read online

  “I appreciate it, Beulah, but I think the couple needs their privacy. Besides, Felix is cooking up a stew from the deer I killed the other day. He’d be mighty put out if I didn’t come to partake of it with the rest of the fellows.”

  Drina was disappointed. She would’ve liked for Salty to stay for supper. For some reason, she felt he was her only friend on the ranch, and it would have been nice to have him with them on this first meal together. Gathering her courage so the disappointment wouldn’t show, she said, “I’m glad you at least came to observe the wedding.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it. I had to make sure he done it right, ’cause it’s not every day a man like Aaron Wilcox gets married.”

  “You’re sure right about that.” Aaron came into the room and joined them.

  Beulah looked at him. “I was just telling Salty that I cooked a good wedding supper and invited him to eat with you.”

  “You know you’re welcome to eat, Salty.”

  “I know, but I can’t, Aaron. You know how Felix is. If I don’t come to eat the deer stew he made, he won’t cook any wild game I bring in for a long time. Maybe never.” He headed for the door. “I’ll see you folks later.”

  Aaron glanced at Drina. “I guess you’re hungry.”

  She didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t really hungry, but at least eating would postpone the inevitable of what was supposed to happen on a wedding night. She muttered, “I guess I am, a little.”

  “Then why don’t you and Beulah go ahead…”

  Beulah interrupted. “There’ll be none of that. You get yourself in the dining room and set down. I’ll serve you and your new wife this special meal.”

  Drina thought Aaron was going to argue with Beulah, but he didn’t. Instead, he turned to her. “We might as well listen. Beulah doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer when she wants something. Follow me.”

  There was nothing Drina could do, but follow him to the dining room.

  Beulah brought bowls and platters of delicious looking food to the dining room. There was a beef roast surrounded by carrots and potatoes. The side dishes contained corn and a variety of raw vegetables. Freshly baked bread and butter were the last things she carried in. She then served coffee and brought a bottle of wine and sat it at Aaron’s place.

  When she started to leave, Aaron asked, “Aren’t you going to eat with us?”

  “Not tonight.”

  “Please eat in here with us,” Drina put in hastily. I have no idea what to say to this man and I have a feeling he doesn’t know what to say to me. “Everything looks wonderful, Beulah,” she added. “Thank you for all of your hard work.”

  “You’re welcome, Mrs. Wilcox. Enjoy it.” With that, she slipped out of the room.

  Drina felt trapped and from the look on her new husband’s face, he felt the same way. She studied him as he reached for the platter of beef and began cutting off a slice. He was tall, as his uncle’s letter had said. But the letter hadn’t really done him justice. Aaron Wilcox would be called a handsome man in any woman’s estimation. His dark eyes and hair complimented the tanned face and his jaw line was proud. Though he was lean, his shoulders were wide and one could tell he was used to hard labor by the muscles in his strong arms. She was almost ashamed to admit, even to herself, she’d noticed his powerful thighs in the tight pants he wore. And his hands were something to behold.

  For some reason, a man’s hands had always fascinated Drina. Aaron had long tapered fingers, but there were some calluses and scratches that made them look manly. She found herself wondering what those hands would feel like if they reached out and touched her cheek.

  He spoke and she jumped. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I only asked if you wanted a piece of beef.”

  “Yes, please.” She held her plate toward him.

  He cut her a slice of beef and then handed back her plate and passed the vegetables.

  She mumbled a thank you, then took a spoonful of everything else using the excuse that she didn’t want to insult Beulah. It was obvious the woman had worked hard on the meal. And it was delicious. Enough so that, for a moment, Drina forgot the circumstances of the meal. It wasn’t often she’d been feted to such fine cooking. Back on the Georgia farm, she was lucky to get more than one vegetable at a time, and meat was a rarity unless her father brought in a rabbit or squirrel to be fried or cooked in a stew.

  Aaron then opened the wine and poured a glass for her, then one for himself. “Beulah made this wine. She’s good at fermenting fruits.”

  “I’ve never had wine before.”

  “Really? Try it and see if you like it.”

  Drina sipped the wine and the fruity peach tasting bubbles tickled her tongue. “It’s good.”

  “Most people like Beulah’s wine.”

  They then spent most of the meal eating in silence. Drina was busy thinking of all that happened tonight. Wouldn’t Pa be jealous if he knew I was sitting here having a wonderful meal and sipping homemade wine? Aaron broke into her thoughts. “I have to go into town this evening.”

  She nodded and almost whispered, “I understand.”

  “Good. You go on to bed and don’t wait up for me. You can sleep in the room where you dressed for the wedding. I’m sure you’d be more comfortable there than upstairs. It’ll be late when I get back, and that way, I won’t wake you.”

  “I see.” And she did see. It meant he wasn’t going to demand his right to her body right away. For this, she was grateful. More than grateful. She was delighted, but hoped her joy didn’t show in her face. After all, she was a new bride and as such, she should be insulted he was going to leave her. But every marriage was different, they said. Hers was, for sure. At least this would give her a little time to learn more about the man before she had to submit to him in other ways.

  The rest of the meal was shared in silence and when they finished, he stood. “I’m sure Beulah would want you to leave the dishes for her to do in the morning.”

  “I don’t mind cleaning up.”

  He nodded. “Whatever you want to do.”

  When she didn’t answer he went on, “Sleep well. We’ll move you into my room when you’re ready.”

  “That’ll be fine.”

  He moved toward the door. “Then, I’ll see you later.”

  “Good night, Mr. Wilcox.”

  He frowned. “I think it would be more appropriate if you called me Aaron.”

  She nodded. “As you wish.”

  He nodded then turned and walked out the dining room door.

  For a moment, a stunned Drina sat staring at the empty chair where he’d sat at the head of the table. She didn’t know much about the male species, but she wasn’t naïve enough not to know that most men were anxious to take the woman they just married to bed. Now, here she was, a married woman and her new husband had left her alone on their wedding night. Not only that, but he told her to sleep in the guest room and not to wait up for him. Was this intentional? Did he not plan to sleep with her? Surely he did, but if he didn’t, was she the reason? Did he have no interest in her at all in that way? From the remarks the stage driver had made, she gathered Aaron Wilcox was a ladies’ man. It had to be her. He married her for his own reason, but he had no intention of making her his wife. Maybe Pa was right after all. I’m just too little to be a wife for any man. Though I’m grateful for the reprieve, I’m confused by it. I may even be insulted.

  This thought made Drina sad and before she could stop herself, she began to cry.

  * * * *

  “Aaron Wilcox, what are you doing here tonight? I thought you got married this evening.” Brit Vance, the Hatchet Springs railroad representative asked as he pulled out a chair and sat at the table with Aaron.

  “And why aren’t you home with that fancy wife of yours, Brit Vance?” Aaron’s voice was a little slurred. He’d had his third whiskey since entering the saloon. Of course, nobody knew he’d grabbed a couple of bottles of Beulah’s wine and downed them both on his rid
e into town.

  “She left on the afternoon stage to visit her aunt in Phoenix. I’m a free man for about a month.” He motioned for the barkeep to bring more drinks to their table.

  “I hope you don’t plan to spend your first night of freedom with Lottie.”

  “And why shouldn’t I? You’ve got a new wife to satisfy.”

  “Don’t count on it.”

  Brit frowned. “Don’t tell me there’s trouble in Paradise already.”

  “No trouble at all. Let’s call this my last night of freedom. And I plan to spend that freedom with Lottie.”

  “Did I hear somebody call my name?” A tall brunette walked up. She had on a red satin dress with sparkles sewn around the neck which was cut so low most of her ample breast was plainly visible. She pulled out a chair and sat at the table with the two men.

  “We were discussing who was going to have the pleasure of your company tonight.” Brit winked at her. “Want a drink?”

  “Sure, I want a drink—and I must say, I’m thrilled to have the two best looking men in Hatchet Springs fighting over me.”

  “There’s no fight.” Aaron reached across the table, took Brit’s whiskey glass, and handed it to Lottie. “It’s already settled. You’re going to spend your time with me, sweetheart.”

  “That doesn’t seem fair.” Brit took her arm. “Wouldn’t you rather be with a lonely married man than some bum who has to hurry back home to placate his new wife?”

  Lottie whirled to face Aaron. “So, you got married?”

  “Yep. This very day. Gave her a ring and everything. Of course, Uncle Walter bought it. I didn’t even know what it looked like until I took it out of the box. Wasn’t much to it, if you ask me. He could’ve sprung for a nicer one, but he’s always been a cheapskate.”

  “Then why are you sitting here making eyes at me? You should be home with your new wife. What’s she going to think?”

  “To be honest, I think she’s grateful I’m not making any demand on her tonight. Fact is, I’d rather be here with you, anyway.”

  “Again I ask, why? Is it her monthly or something?”

  Aaron chuckled. “How should I know? But it sure sounds like a good excuse to me.”

  Brit broke in. “He’s drunk, Lottie. He’s going to pass out in a short time. Let’s forget him and go upstairs. I’m ready for a good time since Adeline is out of town for a while. I’ve got a good reason to be here with you, Lottie dear. I’m tired of being married to an iceberg.”

  “Why don’t you divorce her, old man?” Aaron took a drink of his whiskey.

  “Can’t. Her daddy’s the one with all the money, and as his only child, she stands to inherit it someday.” He punched Aaron’s arm. “Speaking of inheriting. This marriage wouldn’t have anything to do with getting your ranch free and clear, would it?”

  “That’s none of your business, my friend. I came in here to have a little relaxation and fun. Now, if you’ll leave, Lottie and I can get down to business.” He chuckled.

  “Aaron, you’re too drunk to make it up the steps. Why don’t you tie yourself to your horse and go home. I’m all Lottie needs tonight.”

  “Brit, my old buddy, I’ve heard enough from you. Why don’t we settle this with a deck of cards? How about we say the high card gets Lottie for the night.”

  “Now, wait a minute. I’m not sure I want to gamble for her pleasure. You’ve always been lucky at cards. Maybe I’ll just wait until you get a little drunker and I’ll be sure you can’t make it up the steps.”

  “That’s not going to happen, but if you’re afraid to cut the cards with me, then give up and let me have her tonight.”

  “All right, have it your way. Get a deck of cards, honey, and bring Aaron another bottle while you’re at it.” Brit nodded to Lottie.

  After the word spread that Aaron and Brit were going to gamble to see who enjoyed Lottie’s favors for the night, several men gathered around the table to see the outcome of the bet. Of course, everybody was surprised when Brit cut to a Jack of diamonds.

  “You’re going to have a hard time beating that, Aaron,” somebody in the crowd said and several other men grunted and some muttered their agreement.

  With his eyes almost shut, Aaron reached for the deck and drew a card. He winked at Lottie and said, “I think this beats a Jack,” he announced as he laid down the ace of hearts.

  Brit cursed and several men hooted and yelled their congratulations. Aaron simply took Lottie’s arm, reached for the new bottle the bartender, Hal held out to him and headed up the stairs.

  He didn’t wait to hear Brit say, “Can you believe that man? He got married today and he came to The Swinging Door to spend his wedding night with a whore? What kind of man would do that?”

  Several men agreed, and there wasn’t a man in the saloon who wasn’t planning to spread the news all over Hatchet Springs the next day. The gossips would love hearing that Aaron Wilcox had abandoned his wife on their wedding night for a whore at The Swinging Door.

  Brit went home with a grin on his face. Things had worked out better than if he had planned it all himself. He knew it wouldn’t be long until the Wilcox marriage was over.

  * * * *

  Beulah was surprised and confused when she came into the kitchen and saw Drina washing the dishes. What kind of woman is the new mistress? That woman Ariel the boss had had staying here before sure didn’t do any work around the house. Beulah wasn’t sure what to say, so she muttered, “You shouldn’t be doing that, Mrs. Wilcox.”

  Drina turned. “I didn’t want to leave you all the mess. You were wonderful to prepare this fabulous meal and I hoped I could take some of the work off of you.”

  Stunned at the compliment and the thoughtfulness, Beulah said, “But I don’t mind cleaning up. I consider it my job.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do something wrong. I thought it would help you.”

  “Oh, you didn’t do anything wrong. This is your kitchen and you have every right to do anything you want to in here, it’s just that…well, I’m surprised that you cared enough to clean away the supper dishes. Nobody’s ever helped me like that before.”

  “I want to help you all I can. I don’t want to be a bother to you.”

  “I’m sure you’ll not be a bother.” Beulah came closer, and then noticed the redness in Drina’s eyes. “Are you all right, Mrs. Wilcox?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “I’m sorry, but it looks to me like you’ve been crying. Did Mr. Aaron say something to hurt your feelings or something?”

  “Of course not. I guess I’m just a little nervous. The marriage happened so quickly and we’re still strangers, after all.”

  “I see.” Beulah glanced around the room. “Where is Mr. Aaron?”

  “He said he had to go to town.”

  “Tonight?” There was no way Beulah could hide the surprise covering her face.

  Drina nodded. “He said he might be late and I was not to wait up for him.”

  “That low-down rascal.” Beulah’s eyes blazed. “He had no right to do that to you.”

  “I’m sure he felt it was important, or he wouldn’t have left.”

  Beulah muttered something in a language Drina didn’t understand.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what you said.”

  “Maybe it’s best you don’t know.” Beulah moved beside her and took the dishtowel from Drina’s hand. “Why don’t you go sit in the parlor? There’s a nice fire in the fireplace and I’ll bring you a cup of coffee. You need to be waited on. After all, this is your wedding day.”

  “I don’t really think I want another cup of coffee.”

  “Then how about a cup of tea?”

  Drina’s eyes brightened. “I’ve only had tea a couple of times in my life, but I loved it. Could I really have some now?”

  “You most certainly can.” Beulah gave her a smile. “Now, go find a comfortable seat and I’ll have it there in a short time.”

  “Beulah.”
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  “Yes?”

  “Would you please make a cup for yourself and come sit with me? I feel a little lonely, and I would love to have company.”

  Beulah wasn’t used to being invited to sit with anyone except Aaron, especially not a lady, and she did consider the new Mrs. Wilcox a lady. But she decided this time she would accept the invitation. This woman was a special one. She was nothing like the loose women who had tried to snare her boss. Mr. Aaron better be careful and not lose Miz Drina. She could be the answer he’d looked for a long time.

  * * * *

  “Here you go, Mrs. Wilcox.” Beulah sat a tray on the small table by the rocking chair where Drina rocked gently back and forth. “I brought sugar and milk. I didn’t know which you might prefer.”

  “I think just sugar.” Drina stopped the motion of the chair and let herself remember the one time she’d had tea in her life. Aunt Verbena served her the brew only because she felt she had to. Drina was old enough to know at the time that the older woman was hesitant to hand her teenaged niece the fragile china cup, but since her aunt was entertaining her Bible study group, she didn’t dare refuse to serve the young girl in front of the women. She decided she’d relate this incident to Beulah if the woman seemed interested in talking about the past. Maybe it would be a way to get her talking about Aaron. Drina so wanted to learn all she could about the man she’d married.

  Beulah poured each of them a cup of the steaming hot liquid and then handed Drina the sugar bowl to sweeten hers. She then poured a cup for herself and sat on the opposite chair.

  “I hope I’m not keeping you from anything.” Drina wasn’t sure how to begin a conversation with this reserved woman, but she was hoping to hit a subject Beulah was interested in. It’d make it so much easier to find out some things about her new husband. She figured if anyone knew him, it would be Beulah or Salty. And she’d already struck out asking Salty questions. She hoped to be more tactful with the housekeeper.

  “No, ma’am. You’re not keeping me from anything at all. It’s the time of the evening when I’ve usually finished all my work.”