The Unwilling Bride of a Cattle Baron

By LIZ RAWLINGS

Catherine finds herself stranded in a small western town in the late sixteen hundreds and is rescued by a cattle baron, who hires her to become his wife, for, how ever long he needs her. She ultimately finds that he is a domineering man, who demands obedience and during her struggle with his controlling ways she falls in love with him and finds herself emotionally and physically involved with him even though he prepares to marry another woman.
Jonathan Thornton, the new cattle baron, because, of his father's illness is returning home and stumbles upon a young woman being sold to a brothel and he rescues her and ultimately hires her to marry him in order to keep peace, between he and his father for the two men had a disagreement causing Johnny to leave home five years ago. Now, he finds himself torn, between Catherine the woman he hired to act as his wife, who invades this thoughts during the day and his dreams at night and gives him peace and contentment when he makes love to her and Elizabeth, the woman with whom he is engaged to be married as they have been meeting and writing secretly over the past five years and is use to the life of a man who works twelve or more hours a day in running a ranch as the Bar T.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781467847230

LIZ RAWLINGS

Liz Rawlings is a new author, who writes as a hobby and enjoys writing for her own pleasure. She writes mostly about women in the seventeenth century, who at the hands of powerful men, struggle, against the expected pattern of being obedient and docile. Liz lives in North Carolina with two rescued dogs and her daughter. You can contact her by her e-mail address, LizRawlings @mail.com

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Stepping off the stage coach, Catherine looked around for Bradley Harrington III, a stranger with whom she was to marry and become a mother to his two small children. Exhausted from the trip across country for two weeks, she was disappointed at not seeing him and felt anxious at sitting alone in a strange place.

Having agreed to meet at the dry goods store in the settlement of Bridgetown, she stood beside her trunk where the stage coach driver had placed it and felt tears stinging her eyes; for suddenly, she felt afraid and began to doubt her impulsive decision in leaving her home for the unknown.

Pulling her cape tighter around her shoulders, her attention was diverted by men riding in on horses and stopping in front of the saloon. A tall slender man, one of the horsemen, who was hatless, caught her attention as he dismounted his horse. Still watching the men, she noticed the tall man staring at her and for a few seconds, found she was unable to look away. Blushing at the feeling of being a loose woman, she turned her eyes away and when she looked back he was gone.

Having already waited for over an hour, she resigned herself in having patience and her thoughts raced back to the day when her world came crashing down.

Her parents and brother were accidentally killed on the day of her graduation from a girls’ finishing school, leaving her alone and with little money. Having been raised with money, she was indulged with clothes and the finer things of life with never having the worry or responsibility of anyone or anything.

For the first year after her family was killed, she taught privilege children piano and voice lessons and though she was frugal in her spending, it didn’t prove to be enough money to maintain the home in which she was raised.

Walking to the home of a student one day, she noticed an article in the newspaper soliciting women who would be interested in relocating their residence. Men from the new developed west were in need of women to marry and become mothers to their children and out of desperation she purchased the paper.

Debating for weeks over the idea of such a drastic move, she wrote to a man that sounded interesting, for he was well versed in reading and music. After months of writing she accepted his offer of a home with the luxury of a housekeeper. Purchasing her ticket, she closed the house with leaving it in the hands of a friend to sell and left her home of nineteen years.

Feeling the cold wind gusting across the porch, she pulled the hood over her head, breaking her chain of thought and realized the sun was setting. Having traveled across country, she was well aware of darkness coming quickly after sunset and desperation washed over her at what would she do if Bradley Harrington didn’t appear as promised.

Standing up, she realized how stiff she had become from sitting most of the day and saw lights coming to life in the salon across the way. Concerned at the thought of being alone with no place in which to stay the night, she picked up her valise and started walking toward the church.

Miss Mason, Catherine Mason. called out, a voice behind her.

Yes. she yelled, turning toward the voice. Yes, I’m Catherine Mason.

There you are. said a man running up to her. I’m Bradley Harrington and I apologize for being late. he said, out of breath from running.

Mr. Harrington, it’s good to meet you. she said, with a sigh of relief. I was becoming concerned. placing her hand in his.

I’m sorry, Miss Mason for causing you to worry. Come, let’s go to a friend of mine and you can rest before we travel to my home. he said.

Nodding her head as he picked up her trunk, she realized he was leading her to the saloon.

Is this the place in town where you? she stopped and stood in confusion over having to go to the saloon.

Don’t worry, Catherine, this is the only place in town to spend the night, it’s clean and they respect ladies such as you. he said, quietly. Of course, we won’t spend the night, but you understand what I mean.

Nodding her head at thinking he had an honest face, she quickly caught up with him and continued to walk to the saloon.

How was your trip out here, Catherine? he asked.

It was a very long trip and took us two weeks of hard riding. I wouldn’t like to repeat it anytime soon. she replied.

I’m sorry. she said, quickly. That didn’t come out right, Mr. Harrington; I remember our agreement of a trial period for six months.

I feel confident you won’t have to make the trip back, Catherine. he said, smiling, opening the door to the saloon. Come in.

Walking inside, she felt uneasy at seeing men sitting around, apparently gambling and drinking all day.

What did I say, Dolly, she’s pretty isn’t she? said, Bradley walking up to a buxom woman

Hi honey, I’m Dolly the owner of this establishment, she said, approaching Catherine and smiling to Bradley. "Come with me and I will show you to a room where you can freshen up.

Is she the new girl, Dolly? called out, a voice from inside the saloon.

Turning to the direction of the man, Catherine suddenly found it difficult to breathe, as she saw a man staggering toward her. Shocked at his words and his brazen act, she felt frozen to the spot, unable to move as he ran his hands over her, nodding his head in approval. Pulling back in fear, she turned to Dolly and felt the man’s arms around her waist.

I’ll give you your going rate for her right now, Dolly. said the man.

Stunned at his unruly behavior, she looked around the room at the men that were watching and no longer able to cope with the smell of liquor and the men staring, she turned and ran toward the door.

Anticipating her running, Bradley picked her up in his arms with her kicking and screaming.

Well Dolly, what do you say, do we have a deal? he called out, holding Catherine against him.

O.K. Bradley, I’ll give you the money in which you’re asking. she replied.

I think I’ll make use of her myself. said, Bradley pulling Catherine closer to his chest. After all, we were to be married eh, little Catherine? he said, smiling down at her as he began climbing the stairs with her still kicking and screaming.

If you make use of her tonight, Bradley you’ll pay the new rate, for I’m paying you more for her than I usually spend. called out, Dolly.

Sold. shouted, Bradley as he looked down at Catherine’s frightened face.

You’re going to be worth every penny, for I like a woman that fights. he said, laughing as he climbed the stairs.

Fight you say, I’ll show you fight. she yelled, pulling back her hand and striking a blow to his cheek. Immediately, all in the saloon were quiet, for it was an unmistakable sound of a slap.

Bradley, my boy. called out, Dolly as everyone began laughing. You picked a wild child this time.

You little bitch, he sneered, as they reached the landing. You’ll never forget this night and that’s a promise."

Placing her on her feet, he grabbed her shoulders and began shaking her, causing the hair that laid low on her neck in a knot to drape around her shoulders.

Just a minute, Harrington, I wish to pay for her services tonight. shouted, a man from below.

Suddenly, everyone became quiet at the man’s challenge of Bradley.

Looking down to the voice which called out the challenge, Catherine was shocked to see the tall man from earlier that day. He was young and powerful in looks and as he looked up at her, she felt confused at the look in his eyes.

Standing in suspense, she watched Dolly’s head bobbing up and down while the young man talked and Catherine realized she was holding her breath in anticipation of the outcome.

Bradley. called out, Dolly. I have an offer that’s double of your bid do you want to go higher?

Looking at Bradley Harrington’s face, Catherine could see rage running through him at hearing Dolly’s words.

No. he spat, pushing her across the floor causing her to fall backwards. He can have her.

Lying in shock from the fall, she saw the young man running two steps at a time up the stairs and with his quick movement, he was on the landing towering over her.

Looking up at him, she pulled back in fear, for his face was devoid of any expression. Jumping as he bent down to her, she felt his hands under her arms and on the sides of her breasts when he pulled her to her feet.

What’s your name, Miss? he asked, quietly.

Miss Ma… Mason, Catherine Mason. she replied, shaking with fear.

Miss Mason, my name is Jonathan Thornton and you may call me Jonny as do my friends. Take my arm, Catherine and I warn you against slapping me. he said, firmly tucking his fingers beneath her chin and lifting her face to him. Do we have an understanding? he demanded.

Yes, she replied, nodding her head in agreement.

His voice was quiet, low and commandingly self-assured and she took the arm that was offered and noticed the men below were quiet as they walked down the hall.

Stopping at a room, he opened the door and waited for her to enter.

As she walked further inside the room, Catherine felt her knees go weak as he closed the door.

You look out of place in such an establishment as this, Catherine. he said, quietly aware, she was frightened. What’s brought you here?

Still standing and looking at him, tall and demanding, Catherine knew she would never be able to fight her way out of the room.

What are you going to do to me? she asked, her voice quivering in fear.

We’ll never get anywhere, Miss Mason with both of us asking questions and neither answering. he said, shaking his head at the situation. So I’ll, answer you first. What I do to you depends on you and your decision. he said.

What does that mean? I don’t know you, Mr. Thornton, what could you possibly want from me? she asked and immediately blushed, for she remembered hearing her mother talk about men paying money for the pleasures of women.

Sit down, Miss Mason, I would like to talk with you. he said, softly, noticing the flush of color on her face.

Very well, Miss Mason. he said, when she continued to stand without speaking. If you don’t mind, I’ll sit.

Tell me how you happened to be here, Miss Mason. he said, noticing her fashionable clothes.

I answered an advertisement in the paper for a widower needing a wife and mother for his children if you must know. she said, standing straight, looking back at him without lowering her eyes.

Was that he which came in with you and ultimately tried to sell you to Dolly? he asked.

Yes, that’s correct and may I ask what concern is it of yours? she asked, raising her voice.

I paid handsomely for you, Miss Mason and I deserve something for my money, now what had you rather do, talk or be forced in doing what Harrington was attempting? he asked, shifting his weight in the chair.

Jonny sat watching her as she looked around the room, for he knew she was thinking of running and since he had placed his chair in the center of the room, he smiled at her coming to a decision of defeat. Well Miss Mason, what is your decision? I’m willing and able in accomplishing either one you chose. he said, impatiently.

Talk Mr. Thornton, I shall talk, she replied, quietly.

Very good, Miss Mason, but before we start, I’ll leave you and send up a girl to assist you in freshening up. he said, standing and placing the chair in its proper place. "For, I remember you sitting all day in front of the dry goods store.

Blushing at he being aware of her need of bath room privileges, she looked at the fire to break his scrutiny.

Thank you. she replied.

Finding herself alone, she suddenly felt tired from her stressful trip and the encounter with Bradley. Hearing a knock at the door, she rose to answer and Jonny Thornton entered the room before she could reach the door.

I didn’t mean to startle you, Miss Mason. he said, at seeing her eyes wide at his entrance. I want to keep you informed of my schedule for the evening. The girls are on their way up with a bathing tub and hot water, as I’m sure you would enjoy such pleasure after your long journey. I’ve located your trunk as well and I’ve ordered steaks for nine o’clock. Does that give you adequate time to enjoy your bath and dress for bed? he asked.

Yes. she replied, blushing. But why are you suggesting dressing for bed? she asked.

If you want the assistance of the girls, I suggest you take advantage of them, for they will otherwise be busy after nine o’clock. If, of course you prefer, I offer my services in your dressing. he said, with a devilishly grin.

No thank you, I’ll take the girls. she replied holding her head high with the determination of not letting him intimidate her.

Nodding his head in agreement and chuckling as he left the room.

CHAPTER TWO

Having enjoyed the bath, she felt some of the travel disappearing and stood waiting for his return.

Hearing a knock at the door and expecting him to walk in as before, she waited and when he didn’t come in, she quickly ran to the door and found him standing with a frown across his brow.

Entering the room, Jonny watched Catherine walk back to the fireplace while he stood at the door waiting for the girls to place food on the table. He noticed she was dressed in a thin night gown and robe and even though she was fidgeting under his watchful eye, he could see the shape of her body and being a man who appreciates the woman’s body, he felt a stirring within.

Will that be all, Jonny? the young girl asked.

Yes, Ginny. he replied, as her voice broke his attention from Catherine. You’ve been your usual charming self and I’m sure Miss Mason appreciates your assistance this evening. he said, closing the door behind her.

Come Catherine, let’s eat before the food gets cold. he said, as she walked to stand beside him.

Sit here. he said, holding the chair for her and walking to sit across from her

Ever conscious of him, for she felt prickly heat race through her when his hand brushed her shoulder; she saw him eating with impeccable manners and the appetite of a hungry man. Though she hadn’t eaten since early morning, she found difficulty in eating after a few bites.

Would you prefer something different to eat Catherine? he asked, noticing she wasn’t eating.

No… . no no this is fine, really she replied, looking at him. I’m just concerned, for I cannot possibly repay you for the money you’ve spent this evening. she said, looking at him.

That’s the beauty of it, Catherine, you can repay me. he said.

Never! she screamed, jumping up and knocking over the chair. You will have to kill me first.

Come Catherine, sit down and finish your dinner. he said, standing. You have the wrong idea about my intentions, though it wouldn’t be an unpleasant thing.

Please tell me what you want. she begged, as she walked back to the table.

Very well, Miss Mason, I’m traveling to Austin, Texas the day after tomorrow and I need you to accompany me as my wife. he said, unmoved at what he was asking.

What, are you mad? she exclaimed. I can’t imagine why you thought I would do such a thing.

I know you are short on funds by your remark earlier, Catherine, so tell me, how are you going to survive? he asked, as he watched her reaction. Are you planning to work for Dolly?

Pushing her food around on the plate, she sat thinking over his remark about her survival and knew she had nowhere to go and no means in making money. She had put all her hopes in Bradley Harrington and with him being a fraud, she was at this man’s mercy and for the second time since landing in Bridgetown, she felt tears close to spilling over.

What will I be expected to do in this sham of a marriage? she asked, without looking up.

You will always be at my side in all affairs, be it business or personal. You will endear yourself to my mother and siblings and take on the role of a dutiful wife.

Role of a dutiful wife? she screeched. I think not.

You didn’t let me finish, Miss Mason. I was attempting to explain the role in the bedroom that is usually required of a wife will not be one of the conditions. he said, impatiently. I intend to continue my sexual life style as usual, so that’s one thing you can dismiss from your mind. It’s purely business.

Now, may I finish without interruptions? he asked, sharply.

Of course. she replied, nodding her head with indifference of his temper.

I have my reason for this maneuver and trust me, a necessary one. You will present yourself as my wife in every way and I mean in every way, but the only thing that will not be real will be the sex and that will be implied. Now, for your effort in this agreement, Miss Mason, I’ll pay you lump sum monies of seventy five hundred dollars when the agreement comes to an end. he said, pulling out a cigar.

Do you mind? he asked, as he hesitated to light it.

Shaking her head as not caring, she looked at him with appreciation of his consideration in asking before lighting it.

The agreement will be at least one year and possibly longer. At the end of the year, I’ll assess the situation and if my affairs are as I think they should be, then I’ll pay your transportation to any destination you wish to go. he said, leaning back and enjoying his cigar. If on the other hand, should I need you longer than a year, I would like the option for you to stay another year with the same amount of money.

That is a lot of money, Mr. Thornton, I can only imagine why you aren’t man enough to return home to face your problems. she said, patronizingly.

You’re not my conscience, Miss Mason, so it will behoove you to keep your opinions to yourself. he lashed out, quickly realizing his loss of temper.

Now, Catherine, he said softly, trying to calm things after his outburst. You can ask questions.

Very well. she said, sitting with her back straight and head high.

Why me? she asked, haughtily.

I was in the saloon when you and Harrington came in this evening and I witnessed his intentions. he said, reminding her of her dilemma. I had a chance to watch you during the afternoon, for I saw you when I rode up and I sat at a table inside the saloon just so I could watch you. You sat for hours with patience, sophistication and character in ignoring the advances of many men who tried to solicit your affections and likewise, you’re a beautiful woman and will look good on my arm. Does that answer your question? he asked.

Yes. she replied, blushing at his answer. Will I be able to get this agreement in writing especially about the. she stopped to think, as how to word her thoughts.

Are you referring to the bedroom issue? he interceded at her hesitation.

Yes, shall we have separate bedrooms?

No, Catherine, the whole idea is to convince everyone, I’m married in every way so we’ll share a bedroom, but as I said, there will be nothing sexually between us. he replied.

Are you suggesting I’ll have to dress in front of you and sleep with you? she asked, raising her voice.

Precisely, my dear that’s what I’m suggesting, however if you can come up with a plan to alleviate this and still convince everyone, we are happily married then I’ll entertain the idea. he said, walking around to stand beside her.

You need me as much as I need you, Catherine. he said, quietly moving closer to stand beside her. I’ll try to make it as painless as possible, for I’m well aware this is a difficult decision for a woman such as yourself, but it’s better than what Harrington offered.

Looking up at him, she saw the expression on his face to be as kind as his voice was gentle and she knew he was right, for she did need someone other than Harrington, but could she bear to live with a man in pretense?

You never said if a written agreement would be drawn up or not. she said, rising to her feet.

Yes, we can have a written agreement of everything we have discussed if that’s what you want. he replied, watching her turning to face him.

Very well, Mr. Thornton, I’ll accept your proposal. she said walking passed him to stand in front of the fireplace.

Fine, Catherine and for starters, you need to get in the habit of calling me Jonny, alright?

Nodding her head in agreement, she stood looked at the fire blazing high.

How……when does the marriage take place? she asked, as she stood looking down at the fire.

Tomorrow. he replied. Likewise, I’ll have an attorney draw up the papers. Any more concerns?

About tonight, where will I stay?

I’ve reserved this room for you, Catherine and I’ll be next door if you should need me. he replied, as he stood watching her back

Thank you, Jonny for the way you are handling this delicate matter, I feel in your debt. she said, trying to smile, as she turned to him.

You’re welcome, Catherine, but I don’t want you to feel that way, because this is a necessity when working out a business deal. I’ll say good night and as I said, I’m next door should you need me.

Sleep well and as long as you like. he said, pulling her small hand to his lips and kissing the back of it. I’ll make all arrangements and will come for you after lunch. I assume you have a riding habit?

No, I don’t own such things. she replied. Why would I need one?

We are riding horseback across country and will be on the trail for three to four days. Are you saying you don’t ride? he asked, surprised at what he heard.

Sadly no, I do not, does that change things?

No, just causes a little adjustment that’s all, sleep well. he said and walked out the room

Catherine stood beside the fire and could feel the tingle from his lips where he kissed the back of her hand. Why was she thinking and feeling effects of everything he did to her? There had been men in her life, but none that caused this kind of rippling effect.

Though she was glad to be alone, her thoughts kept coming back to this man Jonathan Thornton and how in a few hours, she had made an agreement to travel across country and pose as his wife for twelve months. How could she be so irresponsible in making such a hasty decision? If she lived with him for a year, would her emotions become involved for already his nearness caused her concern?

Realizing it was after midnight, she knew she needed to be rested for tomorrow. Sliding under the covers, she pulled them close under her chin and heard the piano and the men and girls screaming from below and the noise brought back the memory of Harrington’s hands on her body.

Tossing and turning until early morning, sleep final came and her dreams were filled with Bradley Harrington and Jonathan Thornton.

Waking up to a knock on the door, she ran to it and found Ginny standing outside waiting for her.

Good morning, Miss Mason; I’m here to assist you in any way you may need me, for Mr. Thornton will return at one o’clock and he needs you to be ready to accompany him at that time. said Ginny.

I brought you up a tray of ham and eggs and while you are eating, I’ll fill your bathing tub with hot water. Does that sound alright with you? Ginny asked.

Nodding her head, Catherine sat and ate as Ginny prepared the tub and found she enjoyed the breakfast, especially since not eating last evening. With the assistance of Ginny, she was dressed in plenty of time.

Sitting at the window, she watched Jonny tall and bare headed walking with long strides across the street and quickly. she went to the door and stood