Chapter 2

When Joseph came to the boarding house the other day, I was immediately taken with him. He was tall and broad; I could tell that whatever he did for a living, took physical effort. He stood well over six feet tall, and if I had to guess, he was at least six feet four inches because I was taller than most women I knew. I was close to five feet eight inches. He was a good height; I could imagine myself leaning on his upper arm or laying my head on his shoulder.

At first glance, some would say he was a backwoods heathen, due to his long hair and beard. But for me, it lent an air of mystery to him. His hazel eyes held a depth that I couldn’t wait to uncover. He had confidence unlike many of the men who I had previously met.

He came to the boarding house because he had seen the advertisement that Mrs. Sheffield had placed in several newspapers across the country. Charlotte and I were watching from the stairway when he arrived. We overheard him introduce himself to Mrs. Sheffield. As he spoke, I could tell that he was of Scottish descent. Charlotte had nudged me in the hall and whispered, “You should try to catch him, I can see that you like him.”

“He’s different from the others that have shown interest,” I whispered back and then urged her up the stairs. As we climbed the stairs to our rooms, we chatted about all of the others who had come looking for a wife. None had shown any promise and Mrs. Sheffield had turned them all away. She was being extra cautious recently, with the three of us who remained. You see, two of our friends had run into trouble in their search for a husband.

Hannah left last year and traveled to Texas. Her mail order husband was an abusive drunk who was old enough to be her father. After she arrived it was determined that he was also a murderer and a thief. Fortunately, he was killed shortly after his arrest when he pulled a gun, while being transported to Leavenworth Prison. She fell in love with the ranch foreman and they married almost immediately and already their first child is due in a couple months.

Abigail, our other friend, had met and written to her now, husband, Henry, who is a captain in the army. Last year, they decided to marry and on her way to Indian Territory where he was stationed, she was abducted by her father. She was rescued and the last letter I received from her indicated that she and Henry were happy and were expecting their first child, while making plans for the future.

Mrs. Sheffield knows that outside forces were at play and any one of us could be put in harm’s way at any time. But she is determined to make sure that the three of us who remain make good matches and all potential husbands are now required come here to meet us first. If we are agreeable, then we are wed before we leave St. Louis. She is doing her very best to help us make good matches.

The three of us who remain are Mary Jane, Charlotte, and myself. Mary Jane is bold and daring. I guess, when you grow up in a brothel, with the head Madame for a mother, you learn to be that way. She’s constantly sharing with us all manner of ways to please our husbands. When she first began sharing things with us, I was extremely embarrassed, because it all sounded so sinful. But now, having met Joseph, I hope that I can indulge in some of the more outlandish things she shared with us. But as for Mary Jane, based on the way she talks, I don’t think she wants to please a husband, I think she wants to control him. But that will be his problem, whoever he is.

Charlotte is sweet and the most refined of us all. She was orphaned and then raised by Mrs. Sheffield and has taken on most of the older woman’s personality. Don’t get me wrong, Charlotte is in no way a push over. She is far from it. But she knows how to act like a lady. She is a fantastic hostess. Any time we have a party or event here at the boarding house, Charlotte is the one making sure that everything goes exactly as it should. She will most likely end up marrying someone who owns a business and lives in the city.

During our first meeting, Joseph and I spoke briefly. He mentioned his intentions and that he wanted to spend some time getting to know me this week, while he is in town conducting business. We didn’t share much initially, as he had quite a few things to do. He promised to return the next day and I was so excited and filled with anticipation of his arrival, that I had trouble sleeping that night.

When he arrived the next day, just after noon, I was elated. He asked if I would take a walk with him and I immediately agreed. As we stepped out onto the porch, I laced my hand through his arm so that he could escort me on our walk. I placed my hand on his upper arm and reveled in the feel of his bulging muscles. I was pleased by the strength I felt.

I found it humorous that he told me once again his intentions for coming to the boarding house. I could tell he was nervous, although, what he had to be nervous about, I’ll never understand. He was beautiful for a man. Everything a woman could ask for and he was talking to me. I’m fairly plain. You see, in my opinion, I’m not as pretty as Hannah and Abigail. When compared to them, I feel rather plain.

I don’t like to stand out, not that I work to hide. I mean, I like beautiful dresses but I prefer to keep to myself. I prefer to sit and read or to chat quietly with a small group of close friends. I don’t like the gossiping and flirting that so many young ladies indulge in these days.

He asked me about my dreams concerning my future husband and I teased him just a bit. It was clear that we both seemed to be moving toward marriage. I had no idea what he did for a living, but based on his clothing, I assumed he was a tracker or a trapper. He was dressed in long pants and boots, which was typical for most hardworking men. But he worn a bucksin coat that was long and fringed on the ends. Something that I had seen other traders from the north wear when they came to town.

We chatted about this and that, but mostly just enjoyed the quiet of the street as we walked back and forth. All too soon, the day was coming to a close and our walk ended. He promised to return today and we bid each other goodnight.

As I closed the door, I was bombarded by Charlotte and Mary Jane. They immediately wanted to know all that we discussed on our afternoon walk. I was selective in what I chose to share. Not that anything was bad, it was just that I wanted to think on it and keep some of it to myself. We had talked about my family and I told him about my Pa’s death and how my Ma wanted to send me to a convent. Then we spoke about dreams for the future. It was endearing to me how he tried to act so proper with his speech, but eventually, he relaxed and his rich, guttural brogue began to slip through.

I refused to tell them that he had basically proposed. I smiled as I remembered his words, “If we are to marry, I want to know this beauty on me arm.” I sighed to myself as I replayed his words in my head. Oh, yes, I would marry him, but I think I would like to be asked properly.

The next morning seemed to drag on slowly. I made sure to complete my share of the chores early. We found out this morning, that another boarder would be arriving next week. This one only staying for a month, she was passing through and had business to attend in St. Louis.

That was the way of the establishment. Mostly, Mrs. Sheffield helped unfortunate young ladies like myself, and the lost or orphaned, like Charlotte. But occasionally, someone would pass through town and stay at the boarding house. It was a safer option for ladies traveling alone, because no men were allowed anywhere but on the main floor. Well, except for George, Mrs. Sheffield’s brother. But he was family so he didn’t count.

It was just after one o’clock and a knock sounded at the door. Finally, I thought. Knowing that it was Joseph, I hurried to the door. I took a deep breath to steady my heart, then opened it. I was greeted by the man who had consumed my ever-waking thought and every dream since our first meeting just days ago.

He nodded at me, then winked and said, “Good afternoon, lass. Would ye care to go for another walk?”

I giggled and said, “Actually, I thought we could go sit in the back yard this afternoon. It’s my turn to help with the children. Would that be alright?” Honestly, Charlotte had offered to trade with me, but I wanted to see what he would do around the children.

He nodded, “Absolutely. I hav’na played with any bairns in quite some time. Lead the way.” He reached a hand out, allowing me to show him to the back yard.

On our way, we passed Mrs. Sheffield and the girls. I made a quick introduction and then hurried through the back door. I didn’t want him to become waylaid by Mary Jane. She would surely ask some ridiculous questions and embarrass me. Then he would scurry away and I would miss out on marrying this fine specimen of a man.

The children had just come out to play, having just finished their lunch and their chores. The children in the orphanage all shared the duties of caring for the property, just like the rest of us. But they were also given lots of time to play and be children. The chores were so they would learn to care for themselves as they grew. But it was never given as punishment. Mrs. Sheffield had three ladies that helped her run the orphanage. Everyone pitched in, no one was exempt from doing their share.

One of the little boys, Jacob, came running up to me. “Miss Emily, is that your Alpha?”

I chuckled at his words. He was always saying silly things like that. His sister, Lizzy, came running up to him and said, “I am so sorry Miss Emily. We were playing a game and I guess he got carried away,” turning to Jacob, she scolded him, “You can’t say things like that. They don’t understand. Now run along.” She looked back at me and smiled, then glanced at Joseph. She had a brief hint of fear in her eyes, then she calmed, nodded and turned to go play with the others.

“Cute, bairn’s,” Joseph said quietly.

“Yes, it’s a sad tale. The girl, Lizzy, she was fourteen when her family was killed by wolves. She refuses to speak about it. Just says that she cannot be separated from her siblings,” I pointed out the four children that she was sitting with under one of the trees. She was talking animatedly to them, probably scolding them.

“It is a sad thing, I’m sure,” Joseph answered, then glancing around the back yard, he continued, “Shall we sit by the tree?”

“Yes, that would be wonderful. I can keep an eye on the children while we talk.” I led him to the tree and he helped me to sit down. I leaned my back against it and he sat opposite me, still under the shade, but not close enough for us to touch.

“Tell me about yourself,” I began.

“I’m the only surviving son out of five children. Me Mum and Da tried to have more bairns but none of them lived past a few weeks or they died during birth. Mum and Da brought me from de ole country when I was but a wee lad. I think I was about four. I dinna remember much about that. I ken that I was about six or seven when we moved to the Dakota Territory. Been there ev’r since,” he drawled, his deep brogue more pronounced.

“How sad for your Ma. To be happy with the news of a coming little one, only for it to die.” My heart was saddened for his mother’s loss. I couldn’t imagine how that felt.

Jacob came running up again and said, “can you play tag with us? You’re big and can help us train to fight the big bad wolves.” His little eyes were begging Joseph to play.

Joseph grinned, glanced at me and winked, then looked back at Jacob and said, “Absolutely. Now, I’ll give ye a head start. Ye better run.” And from out of nowhere, Joseph began to utter a low growl.

I watched as Jacob’s eyes grew wide with fear and he froze.

Joseph noticed it as well, then chuckled, “Are ye gonna run? Or can I catch ye without even movin a muscle?’”

That pushed the lad into action and soon he was running back to the others yelling, “The wolves are coming, the wolves are coming!”

His siblings all squealed and began to run. I noticed that Lizzy sat watching with a frown on her face. But when she realized that Joseph was playing with them pretending that he was stalking them, she smiled. I was glad that she was allowing the children to use their imagination for playtime. It was important.

I leaned back onto the tree and watched for next hour as Joseph played with all of the children. Following their game of being chased by the wolf, they played blind man’s bluff and then finally a game of hide and seek. My heart swelled as I watched. He was so good with them. That’s what I wanted. A man big and strong enough to protect us, but gentle enough to play.

I was brought out of my day dream when Joseph dropped to his knees in front of me and breathlessly exclaimed, “dey done wore me out! Save me!” Then he fell over, his head landing in my lap and closed his eyes.

I looked up in time to see the entire brood of children running toward us at full speed. I held my hands up to slow them down, and in my most stern voice asked, “Who slayed this beast?”

Jacob moved to the front of the little group and said, “I had to protect the leader of our pack. As her most trusted friend, it was my duty. I killed him with my silver dagger,” and he thrust a tree limb that he was holding into the air.

“And what if he isn’t dead?” I whispered conspiratorially.

“Then, we will retreat, rest and prepare to battle another day,” came Lizzy’s voice. “Come on now, let’s leave Miss Emily and her friend alone. It’s almost nap time.”

Moans and complaints could be heard from every little mouth, but they all turned and walked away. Except for Jacob, who paused and turned back to me, “I didn’t really kill him. But if he had been a real wolf that wanted to hurt my family again, I would have.” With that he stalked off, his back straight and determined.

I giggled. “Poor kid, he and his siblings have been through so much. But I guess, if slaying the beast in playtime helps him deal with his fears, it’s worth the sacrifice,” I murmured. Then in a whisper, I told Joseph, “Their all gone. You can sit up now.”

He shook his head and said, “Nah, I like da view from here.”

I glanced down and he was looking up at me, his eyes darker than normal, a look I didn’t recognize. I squirmed under his watchful gaze. Something in his eyes made me blush and I could no longer hold them, so I turned away. He let out a long sigh, then chuckled, and rose to a seated position. He reached out and turned my chin so I was forced to look at him again.

“One day, me gaze will not frighten or embarrass ye. One day, ye will look at me as I look at ye. I ken what I want. Do you ken?” he murmured.

As I stared into his hazel eyes, I whispered, “I don’t know when ken means.”

“Oh, sorry. I am trying to speak plainly. To ken is to know.”

I thought about that for a moment. He knows what he wants. Do I know what I want? The more I thought about, the more I had my answer.

I searched his eyes, still holding my gaze and I could see the desire in them. He wanted me. How was that possible when we had just met? But I knew that I felt the same way. I wanted him as well.

So, I nodded. “I ken.”

He reached out and brushed one of my loose curls behind my ear. “What do ye ken, lass?”

“I know what I want in life. In this moment. I want you.” I paused in between each sentence, allowing my words to sink into his heart.

He leaned back and smiled. “Well, I need to tell ye about meself, so that ye ken the man you be marryin’ at the end of the week.”

We spent the rest of the afternoon sharing more about one another and what our plans were for the future. As I suspected, Joseph was a fur trapper and trader. Based on what he told me, he was very good at what he does. I was also impressed that he and his family do not waste the meat of the carcasses they skin. Any meat they are unable to use, they share with neighbors. Although, the closest neighbor is over fifteen miles away.

He told me that he would show me where he had lived until a year ago when he decided that he wanted to find a wife and raise a family. He told me about the house we would live in and it seemed lovely. I couldn’t wait to see it in person. He then told me about his arrangement with the ship merchant, named Cole.

Then he said, “I have something I need to ask ye. Yesterday, I met a lad who is too old to continue stayin’ here at de orphanage. His name is Thomas. Do ye ken him?”

I nodded. “Yes, he is a good lad. Not sure what he will do now that he is too old to stay here. Why do you ask?”

“I hav’na spoken with him yet, because I wanted to ask ye first. But how do ye feel about takin’ him with us to Dakota? I can teach him to trap, skin, and cure the furs for trade and he can deliver them to the ship as promised to Mr. Cole.”

I thought it over and it seemed like a good idea. I was fond of Thomas. He was a bright boy with an amazing future, if someone could harness his energy and tame his adventurous nature. I reached out and took Joseph’s hand, “I think it’s a wonderful idea. You should talk with him about it.”

My stomach chose that moment to grumble and make it’s needs known. I giggled and Joseph smiled, then said, “I guess it is getting late. I should let ye go and find some food. But before I let ye go, I need to tell ye about something dat happened dis mornin’ in me hotel room.”

He told me about waking up and finding a woman in his bed. His eyes never left mine and his voice never wavered as he told me. I didn’t respond right away, gauging his demeanor. I believed he was telling me the truth, but my silence was making him fearful.

I chuckled and said, “It’s okay. I must say that I am not surprised. You are one fine looking fellow and I can only guess the number of women who would jump at the chance to find themselves in your bed.” I paused, then pointed my finger at him, my face as stern as I could make it, “However, if I find out that you willingly dipped your quill into someone else’s ink pot, there will be hell to pay.”

His eyes went from fearful to glee in a matter of seconds, as he took in my words. Then he guffawed so loudly, he was probably heard in the next county. “Really? Hell to pay, huh? Well, I’ll be sure to keep me quill in me pants.”

Following his response, I could no longer contain my stern look and we both laughed together. This was another thing that I wanted in my marriage and my life. Humor. The ability to laugh and play with one another.

Once we had composed ourselves, he walked me back into the house and I showed him to the front door. At the door, he took my hand and pulled it to his lips and kissed the back of it. And because we had an audience, he murmured low and deep, “I want to kiss those sweet lips, but I will have to satisfy meself with this, for now.”

If I could have swooned right then, I would have. I blushed once again and I felt a tingling in my woman’s parts that I had never felt before. He raised back up and our eyes met, “Can I take ye to lunch tomorrow?” he asked quietly.

I nodded. Joseph turned and nodded to the others watching with interest, “Ladies.” Then he was out the door.

I turned to see that not only was Mrs. Sheffield standing there, but Mary Jane and Charlotte were as well. I blushed, knowing that they had all witnessed our goodbye.

I looked at Mrs. Sheffield, hoping she approved. She smiled and said, “I like him. I wasn’t sure when he first arrived, he seems to rough for you. But after watching him today with the children. And then how he was with you, I think he is your match. Now, come along, it’s almost dinner time.”

The four of us talked through dinner and while he hadn’t officially asked me yet, I knew that marriage was on the horizon. I had lots to do in the next couple of days because Joseph was leaving for the Dakota’s at the end of the week.

My dreams were consumed by thoughts and images of Joseph. Several times through the night, I was awakened by a dream so vivid, I would have sworn it was real. In each dream, we were coming together as only a man and a woman could. The intensity of the emotions I felt in the dream were enough to have me gasping for breath. If my dreams were this intense, what would it be like when we finally came together in real life.

When he came to get me the next day for lunch, he handed me a bouquet of fresh wildflowers. They were lovely and I carried them to my room and placed them in a pitcher of water. Then I walked back downstairs and rejoined him where I had left him only moments before. I took his arm and we walked to his hotel.

The restaurant was spacious and they offered several choices for meals. But the best part was being with Joseph. As our meal was coming to an end, I asked, “Joseph, I know that we have spoken often of marriage this week. But, I wondered…” I paused, unsure if I was being too forward.

“What are you wondering about, Em?” He had taken to calling me Em and I loved it.

“Well, are you going to actually ask me to marry you? Or did you just assume that since we have talked about it several times this week, I would just agree?” I huffed, exasperated with having to ask. I might be outspoken and confident, but that was no reason to not be asked properly.

He chuckled, “Ye got yer feathers all ruffled because I hav’na asked ye proper? Don’tcha be worrying yer pretty little head about that. I hav’na forgotten my responsibilities to ye.”

He reached out and took my hand, then gently circled the third finger of my left hand with his forefinger and thumb. The he released my hand, smiled and said, “Are ye finished with yer meal?”

I nodded and he rose from the table and made his way to the counter where the owner was standing. I watched as he paid for our meal and then made his way back to me. He pulled my chair back from the table so I could stand, then took my arm and laced it through the crook of his, and we strode from the hotel.

He didn’t say anything else as we made our way back to the boarding house. At the door, he leaned in and kissed my forehead and murmured, “First the hand, now the forehead. Soon those lips that I dream about all of the time. I will come collect you for supper at five o’clock tomorrow.”

“Okay,” I replied. Then tried to pull out of his arms, but he held me in place. I looked up at him and smiled as his head moved toward my ear.

“I would say goodnight, but it’s still plain as day. So, I will say, have a good evening and dream of me,” he whispered in my ear.

I shivered at the feel of his breath on my ear and the intimacy of his actions. I took a calming breath, and whimpered, “You too, Joseph.”

I smiled and he kissed my forehead one more time and then released me so I could enter the house. As I closed the door, I leaned against it. I was aroused by his touch and I knew that I needed to settle my nerves before I saw the others or they would ask me a million questions that I had no answers to. The only answer I had was that I was falling in love with my fur trader.

***Author's Note: Thank you for reading! Please comment! I love to hear from you. What do you think of Joseph and Emily? What do you think about his interaction with the orphans? And, our Emily is bold! Is she right to question about an actual proposal? Be sure to check out my group on the social F* OKLACLSYLDY Books, for update schedules, trivia and more