Explanations
The sky was fairly clear, and the stars were shining brightly as Cordia and Will made their way around the outskirts of town, away from major roads and populated areas, before turning north and heading for Will’s home, near Nevada in Vernon County. The wind had died down, but it was still rather chilly, and Cordia was thankful to have her coat. Will was used to being outside in all kinds of weather and was just grateful that he had a horse to ride on this journey, rather than walking the twenty-five miles or so they would cover that night.
They didn’t speak too much at first, afraid that doing so might lead to their discovery. However, as they wound their way out of town, they became more confident in the success of their escape, and Cordia couldn’t help but engage him in conversation. She had so many topics she had wished to discuss with him for so long, and having him here at last was almost too hard for her to believe. “If Carey went to the sheriff or called out the militia, do you think they will visit your aunt and uncle’s place?” she asked riding along beside him.
“Most likely,” he replied, pulling his hat back on his head so that he could see her better. They were not pushing their horses, wanting to ensure they made the whole distance with no difficulties. Should they believe they were being followed, they would need to press them, so for now they traveled at a slow gallop.
She considered his answer a moment before continuing. “What do you think they’ll say?”
“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “We had a bit of a falling out this evening. Aunt Margaret said that she forgave me, but she may be inclined to tell the truth. I’m sure that, if she tells the authorities my house is still standing, it won’t be too long before we have company.”
“About what?” Cordia asked, although she had a suspicion she already knew the answer. She pulled her coat closer against the cold.
Will sighed, not really wanting to relive the conversation but realizing she needed to know. He also understood that he had a lot of explaining to do to Cordia as well, though she didn’t seem to think he owed her an apology. He believed he did, however, and he hoped to get to that before they reached their destination. “She overheard our conversation today, at least part of it. She wanted to know how long you and I had been involved together.”
Even in the dim light, Cordia could see his eyes. She swallowed hard; this lump in her throat had been growing for years. “I see,” she said quietly. “What did you tell her?”
He contemplated the question for a moment before responding, “I told her the truth. I thought they deserved to know.”
She nodded, not sure if he could see well enough to know she was doing so. “How did she respond?”
“Better than I thought she would,” he admitted. “Uncle Arthur knows, too. I was a little afraid they would throw me out, but they said they forgave me, forgave us I suppose.”
“God,” Cordia whispered. “I’ve feared that conversation for so long, and you had to have it all by yourself. I’m so sorry you had to do that alone,” she said, reaching for his hand.
He gave her hand a quick squeeze before letting her go. “Thank you,” he replied, shaking his head, “but it was my fault I was alone. If I had believed you, we would have been able to talk to them together as we had planned. Cordia, I am so sorry that I didn’t trust you.”
“You’re sorry?” Cordia repeated, her eyebrows raised in disbelief. “Will, if anyone should be sorry, it’s me. If I had been courageous enough to stand up for myself in the first place, this would have never happened.”
“No, Cordia,” he insisted, “I told you I didn’t want anyone to know about our engagement until I returned. I understand now why you did what you did. I just wish I would have known these past two months that you weren’t actually planning on marrying Carey.”
“Carey was absconding with my mail,” she explained. She saw his eyes widen even in the near darkness. “He must have threatened Mr. Wheeler or something, but he was stopping my mail to you from leaving the post office.”
“Unbelievable!” Will exclaimed. “How can someone be so malicious?”
“I have been asking myself that question for years,” Cordia admitted. “I don’t know, and why he would want to marry someone who hates him as much as I do....”
“Well, that’s an easy one,” Will interrupted. “He thinks he deserves the best, and you are certainly the most beautiful woman in Lamar, or anywhere for that matter.”
She was glad he couldn’t see that she was blushing. “Oh, please,” she said modestly.
“Seriously, Cordia. Who wouldn’t want to marry you?” he asked, staring at her a bit longer than he intended to. “I know I want to,” he added quietly.
“Thank goodness this is your ring on my finger then,” she replied, a teasing lilt to her voice.
He chuckled softly. “When did you put that on?” he asked, watching it glint in the moonlight.
“As soon as I took his off and threw it at him earlier this afternoon,” she replied.
“Oh, I see. So, you paid Lt. Adams a visit today as well?” he asked, previously unaware of what had set Carey off.
“Yes, I did,” she explained. “As soon as I left the farm, I drove straight to his house and told him off, once and for all. I’ve got a nice bruise on my arm to prove it, too, if you’d like to see,” she added, still feeling the sting off his fingers on her arm.
“That bastard,” Will mumbled. “He’s lucky I didn’t shoot him when I had the chance.”
“Me, too,” Cordia agreed. “Or I could have stabbed him right in the face, right in the smirking, smarmy face.”
Will raised an eyebrow and looked at her intently. “Thought about that before have you?” he asked a bit amused, despite the seriousness of her remarks.
“Thousands of times,” she admitted. “But I guess I’m just not a violent person.”
“Thank God for that,” he replied, “or else I might be a bit worried riding around out here in the dark with you, not a soul nearby to hear my screams.”
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