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June 9th 1871
Denver
When she woke the following morning, Rebecca realised that she was unwell. Sitting up in bed, she felt the room spin around her and she had to lie back down again. She had barely slept the night before, her mind going over and over what she had heard the previous night and what she was going to do about it. Her initial, somewhat rash, decision to have a baby had seemed such a good idea at the time, but now having thought about it, she realised how foolish it would be to put herself at such risk just to spite her future father-in-law.
As she lay contemplating this, there was a soft knock at the door. Pulling on her dressing gown she got to her feet and stumbled to the door, hoping it wasn't Preston. To her relief, it was Louisa.
"Good morning," the other woman greeted her, "are you all right?"
"Fine," she lied. "And you?"
"I'm fine," Louisa replied. "I wanted to…" she paused, clearly embarrassed, "I wanted to apologise for last night. I didn't expect James to blurt out our news like that."
"You have nothing to apologise for," Rebecca reassured her. "It's wonderful news and you have every right to share it."
"Yes, but…"
"No buts," she insisted, "I can't have every woman I know walking on eggshells whenever the subject of pregnancy comes up."
Louisa smiled gratefully. "Are you coming down for breakfast?"
"I…um…" Rebecca wasn't sure she could stand to sit at the table with Preston Senior, especially feeling the way she did.
"Louisa, Rebecca," Preston suddenly appeared, "good morning ladies."
"Good morning Preston," Louisa said, "you seem ebullient this morning."
"It's a beautiful day and I'm getting married tomorrow," Preston said, winking at Rebecca, "I couldn't be happier."
Louisa smiled, "I'll leave you to it. We'll see you downstairs shortly," she cast a look at Rebecca and then disappeared back down the corridor.
"Did you oversleep?" Preston asked, stepping into the room.
Rebecca closed the door over but left it slightly ajar, propriety still winning out. "I suppose I did. It must have been all the travelling we did yesterday."
"I told my parents we would join them for breakfast in half an hour."
"Oh," she said, feeling the blackness start to descend at the very thought. She sat down on the edge of the bed, hoping he would leave soon so she could take some digitalis.
"That is all right, isn't it?" he looked at her searchingly.
"Fine," she replied, smiling as best she could.
"Excellent," he clapped his hands together, "I really think this has gone better than I had hoped it would. I'll see you downstairs shortly." He kissed her on the cheek and then hurried to the door. "I love you, Rebecca," he said, opening the door.
She felt a rush of love towards him, "I love you too," she said. He grinned at her and then left the room. Rebecca rushed over to the drawer in the vanity table and took out the digitalis. She took two drops and felt the tension instantly ease. Clearly the stress of the situation was affecting her condition. She had to try and calm down, keep things in perspective and, above all, remember that she was marrying the man she loved and that was supposed to be a good thing.
XXXX
Half an hour later, she descended the stairs of the hotel and was about to make her way into the dining room when she heard her name being called. Turning, she saw James coming through the front door. He touched his hat and hurried over.
"Good morning Rebecca," he greeted her.
"Good morning," she replied.
"I take it you're well this morning?"
"Yes, of course, and you?"
"Very well indeed," he replied, with a smile she could only attribute to his approaching parenthood. "I wanted to apologise for last night."
She wasn't sure she could bear to hear another apology and held up her hand, "Please, you don't have to say anymore."
"But…"
"Preston and I are very happy for you and Louisa."
He smiled at her gratefully, "I'd also like to apologise for my Father's behaviour. I know he wasn't exactly welcoming towards you."
Rebecca smiled ruefully, "After everything that's happened, I genuinely wasn't expecting him to be."
"I'm sure that over time he'll change his opinion," he reassured her, "but if he doesn't, just remember that you're marrying Preston, not our father."
Rebecca laughed, "I'm very glad about that."
He held out his arm, "May I escort you through?"
She accepted his offer and allowed him to lead her into the dining room where the others were already waiting. As they approached, Preston stood to pull out her chair but she noticed his father made no effort to greet her.
"Good morning Rebecca," Alice greeted her. "Did you sleep well?"
"Very well," she lied, "like a log in fact. I was only saying to Preston earlier that all the travelling must have tired me out."
"Did you see him then?" Preston Senior asked, his question directed towards James, his tone wary.
"Yes I did," James replied, "he agreed to meet us at noon to discuss it. He seems happy to oblige."
Preston Senior looked towards his younger son, "Preston, why don't you come along?"
"Sir?" Preston looked up.
"James and I are intending to meet a very influential contact this afternoon. I'm suggesting you come along too. It might prove fortuitous for you."
Preston glanced at Rebecca, "Well I…yes sir…that would be fine."
"Good," Preston Senior said, "I'm sure Miss McKendrick can find something to amuse herself with in your absence." There was no mistaking the contempt in his tone and Rebecca opened her mouth to respond but Alice spoke first.
"Rebecca, Louisa and I are going shopping this morning," she declared.
"We are?" Rebecca said before she could catch herself.
"Of course. We can't come to Denver and not," Alice smiled, "besides, it'll give me an opportunity to find out more about the woman who I can tell is destined to become one of my favourite daughters-in-law."
XXXX
Alice, Louisa and Rebecca spent the morning going around the various stores in Denver perusing their wares. It appeared that the Lodge name opened many doors and sales assistants fawned over them as if they were royalty. It didn't sit easily with Rebecca, but she said nothing. Afterwards, as they sat having lunch in a beautiful restaurant, she glanced down again at the bag containing the beautiful dress Alice had insisted on purchasing for her to wear for her departure after the wedding.
"It really is too much," she said again. "You shouldn't have."
"Nonsense," Alice replied, "Preston and I wanted to buy you something to welcome you into the family and it did suit you very well. Scarlet really does bring out your colouring." She must have seen the dubiety on Rebecca's face, "My dear," she said quietly, "I'm not a fool. I know that my husband hasn't exactly been warm towards you…"
Rebecca looked away, "I don't…"
"…but I'm afraid that's just his way," she sighed. "He isn't used to people defying him and I suspect he thought that he could convince Preston not to marry you."
"Mrs Lodge…"
"But, given the way my son looks at you, I can see that would be impossible. He will come around, my dear, I promise you. Especially if I have any say in the matter." She winked at Louisa.
"At least he needn't worry about my tainting the Lodge line," Rebecca said, a slight note of bitterness in her tone. Alice and Louisa exchanged glances. "I'm sorry," she said, ashamed by her outburst, "I shouldn't have…"
"I don't understand," Alice said. Then realisation dawned on her face, "Rebecca, did you hear…?"
"I happened to be on the terrace when you and Mr Lodge were talking last night," she admitted, "I heard what he said about me."
"Oh Lord," Alice said, putting her spoon down, her hand reaching to her throat, "Oh my dear Rebecca…I'm so sorry. I had no idea that you had been privy to the conversation." She sighed heavily. "What he said was wrong."
"He's free to speak his mind," Rebecca said, "and he's entitled to his opinion."
"Yes, but what he said was cruel," Alice looked upset, "I would never wish to hurt you, Rebecca. I'm so very sorry. Please forgive me."
"It's not you I would need to forgive," she said, "but I've known of the family's disapproval for me for some time so I don't intend to let comments like that get to me."
There was a long silence. "I am sorry for your situation," Alice said quietly, "I can't imagine how I would feel in your position having been fortunate enough to bear five healthy sons…" she trailed off, "you must not think of it as a failing on your part."
"I don't," she raised her chin defiantly, "Preston loves me regardless and that's all that matters." The conversation switched then onto other things, but Rebecca couldn't help mulling over Alice's words. Was it a failing? Was she not all she could be because of it?
XXXX
Across town, Preston, James and their father were having lunch in an exclusive gentlemen's club with David O'Hagan, a shrewd yet friendly Irishman. A loud, blustery man he would have been seen by many as crude were it not for his substantial wealth and connections.
"Well now," he declared once the formalities were over and they were sat at a table in the corner, "you're the son who ran off to the country to make his fortune."
Preston realised that the comment was directed at himself. "Yes, yes I suppose I am."
"Making a new life on the frontier," O'Hagan shook his head, "Remarkable. Remarkable. And brave. Aren't you proud of your son, Lodge?"
"Very proud of course," Preston Senior said, smiling at his youngest, "Preston's doing very well in Colorado."
Preston knew his father wasn't being entirely honest, but he nodded his thanks for the compliment.
"And I hear you have a pretty girl," O'Hagan continued.
"Indeed I do," Preston replied, "In fact, we're to be married here in Denver tomorrow."
"Wonderful!" O'Hagan slapped him heartily on the back, "that calls for another round of drinks!" He gestured to the waiter who arrived with more whisky. "Congratulations son," he proposed, "long may you be happy with the girl."
Preston coughed, "Thank you." He glanced at his father who merely regarded him coolly.
"Down to business then," O'Hagan continued after draining his glass, "I have the land you want, so how much are you willing to pay me?"
Preston stared at him, "I'm not sure I understand what you mean."
"Mr O'Hagan purchased some farming land in Colorado Springs from the bank," James explained. "Rebecca's farm." Preston looked at his brother. "He's willing to sell it to you."
"Only if you want it, of course," Preston Senior added, his tone indicating he would prefer it if Preston decided he didn't want it.
"I was going to develop it myself," O'Hagan said, "but I'm all for a good story of love and romance and after speaking to your brother here," he gestured to James, "he persuaded me to agree to sell it to you. For a reasonable price."
"It could be your wedding gift to Rebecca," James encouraged.
Preston looked at O'Hagan, "Well I…I didn't know. I hadn't really thought…"
O'Hagan looked at him squarely, "Do you want the damn land or not?"
XXXX
When the ladies returned to the hotel later that afternoon, the concierge stopped Rebecca as she was about to make her way upstairs. "There's a gentleman here to see you, ma'am," he said. "He's in the lounge."
"Thank you," she replied, curious as to who it might be. As she walked into the lounge, she glanced around and saw Matthew sitting at the far end. "Matthew!" she exclaimed. He got to his feet and hurried over to her. "What are you doing here?" she asked, as he enveloped her in an embrace.
"I was bringing back a fugitive who skipped trial. Gotta stay overnight so figured I'd invite myself to the ceremony tomorrow," he said, "if that's all right with you?"
As sure as she had been that she wanted no-one from town to be there, Rebecca found herself delighted that he had come. "I'd like nothing better," she said. "How is everything back home? Michaela and Katie?"
"They're both fine," he replied, "everyone sends their love and best wishes."
"I'm so pleased to see you," she said genuinely.
"How's it been here?" he asked, "What are Preston's parents like?"
"His mother's charming, but his father is as expected," she replied, "it's good to see a friendly face."
Matthew's expression darkened, "Well, what about Preston? Ain't he sticking up for you?"
"Of course he is, but…"
"Rebecca? Rebecca!" She heard her name being called and turned to see Preston hurrying towards her, "I have good news my darling! I…" he paused. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? Matthew, what a pleasant surprise."
"Preston."
"Preston, Matthew's here on official business and he's going to come to the wedding tomorrow," Rebecca explained excitedly. "Isn't that wonderful?"
"Indeed it is," Preston replied in a tone that suggested it was anything but. Rebecca, feeling better than she had in days, missed his meaning. "How convenient that you happened to be in town."
"Yeah well, sometimes it just happens like that," Matthew replied.
"I'm sure it does."
"You must join us for dinner tonight," Rebecca said.
Matthew glanced at Preston, "Uh…I'm not sure…"
"Of course you must!" she insisted, "Isn't that right, Preston?"
"Of course," Preston said, "I can't think of anything that would give me greater pleasure."
The two men eyeballed each other. "That's very kind, thank you," Matthew said.
Rebecca turned back to Preston, "You said you had good news?"
Preston glanced past her at Matthew, "It can wait."
XXXX
"And what is it you do, Mr Cooper?" Alice asked later that evening as they ate dinner in the hotel dining room.
"I'm the local Sheriff, Ma'am."
"Sheriff! That must be quite a dangerous job for such a young man. Your mother must worry about you constantly."
"She does," he said ruefully.
"Matthew's 'mother' is Doctor Quinn," Preston said.
"Oh yes," Alice said, "We've heard a lot about Doctor Quinn from Preston."
"Have you and Miss McKendrick known each other long?" Preston Senior asked.
"Pretty much all our lives," Matthew replied, smiling at Rebecca, "She used to tease me when we were kids."
"I did not!" Rebecca laughed.
"Did too!"
"Matthew is prone to exaggeration," she said.
"You must be very good friends for him to make the trip," Preston Senior observed.
"I happened to be in town, sir, and I'm glad that I was," Matthew replied.
"Ah, so you didn't come here specifically for the wedding then?"
Rebecca cursed the man under her breath, "We're very good friends and I'm very glad that he's here. In fact," she said, "I'd be very happy, Matthew, if you'd agree to give me away tomorrow."
Matthew looked at her, slightly stunned. "Well, I…"
"Please," she said, "I was planning to simply walk down the aisle myself but…it would mean so much to me if you would do it."
He nodded, "Sure, sure I'll do it."
"I think this calls for a toast," James said, "to Preston and Rebecca."
"Preston and Rebecca," the others echoed.
Later, once dinner was over, and everyone was planning to make their way to bed, Rebecca and Matthew found themselves alone in the hallway.
"I really am glad you're here," she repeated, "and please ignore whatever Preston's father says."
"He don't bother me," Matthew replied, "Don't like it if he ain't nice to you though."
"Don't worry about me," she replied, "hopefully after tomorrow I won't have to see him again for a long time."
He looked squarely at her, "You sure you're doing the right thing?"
Rebecca looked back, "What do you mean?"
"I mean marrying Preston," he said, "you sure it's what you want?"
"Matthew…"
"I'm serious," he said, "it ain't too late to change your mind."
"I have no intention of changing my mind," she said gently, "I love Preston and he loves me and that's all that matters."
Matthew nodded, "Long as you're sure."
"I am sure," she said, patting his arm affectionately, "but I appreciate your concern."
At that moment, Preston appeared beside them. "Matthew," he said, "would you mind if I had some time alone with my fiancée?"
"Sure," Matthew said, "See you in the morning."
"Goodnight," Rebecca said, before turning back to Preston. "Tomorrow's the big day," she said, "and I can't wait."
"What is he really doing here?" he asked her.
"He came to bring someone back for trial like he said."
"And you believe that?"
Rebecca stared at him, "What are you suggesting? That he lied?"
"I wouldn't be surprised," Preston replied, "it's quite clear the man has feelings for you."
"Oh, don't be ridiculous!" she scoffed, "Matthew is my friend, that's all."
"I've seen the way he looks at you," Preston persisted.
"We have had this conversation before," she retorted, "and I told you then that there is nothing between Matthew and I except friendship. Why can't you accept that?"
"Forgive me for being ever so slightly suspicious!" he snapped.
Rebecca stepped back from him, "Preston, if you doubt the strength of my feelings for you then maybe we shouldn't be getting married tomorrow."
"Is that what you want?" he demanded.
"Is it what you want?" she threw back.
They held each other's gaze for a long moment. "Of course not," he said, finally.
"Well then," she sighed, "after tomorrow I will be yours in mind, body and soul and there will be nothing that will be able to tear us apart. The last few months we've been…stressed and anxious but tomorrow…tomorrow will prove that it will have all been worth it." She stepped closer to him and wound her arms around her waist. "I love you and only you."
He bent his head and kissed her. "And I love only you."
She returned his kiss and then pulled back, her face flushed, "Goodnight then." She backed away from him towards the stairs.
"Goodnight," he replied.
"Oh," she said, pausing, "you never told me the good news."
He smiled, "After the wedding. I'll tell you then."
