Substitute Montana Bride: Bear Grass Springs, Book Thirteen

by Flightner, Ramona

  For she very much feared Sally would receive her wish. Alvira would be alone forever. She only prayed she wasn’t miserable too.

  * * *

  Tobias looked up from the recent Bear Grass Springs newspaper, chuckling at the headline “Hotel Ghost Chases Away Another Dinner Guest.” His smile widened, when he saw Atkins approaching. “Hello, Anthony. Seems your ghost has made another appearance.”

  “Damn interfering woman,” Atkins muttered. “If she weren’t married to a MacKinnon, the lawyer in this town would be willing to do his job and to sue her, so she’d cease writing such ruinous gossip about my hotel.”

  Tobias tilted his head, as his eyes gleamed with mischief. “Weren’t you the fool who told her about the ghost in the first place?” When Atkins flushed, Tobias laughed. “You can’t be angry at Jessie for publishing something you freely told her about.” He set aside the paper. “Besides, it’s a better story that the ghost scared Miss Damon away, rather than your behavior.” He met Anthony’s irate glare.

  “How dare you gossip about me?” Anthony hissed. “Did you think your little interlude with her at the café would soften her toward you?” He rolled his eyes and spun away to pace around the store. “Any woman with sense—and that woman has more sense than any woman who’s come to town before—can tell that you’re a scoundrel and a rogue. Why your family ever decided to forgive you is beyond me.”

  Tobias took a deep breath and then another, forcing himself to relax his hands from their clenched fists. Placing them flat on the counter in front of him, he looked at the hotelier. “What brought you in today, Anthony?”

  “To warn you to stay away from her. She’s meant to be with me.”

  “That’s not how it works. The lady chooses. If she doesn’t want to be with you, then she isn’t.” He paused, as he stared deeply into the hotelier’s eyes, a deep sincerity in his gaze and a threat not to cross him also held within. “Nor will I, or any of the MacKinnons, countenance you forcing her to do something she doesn’t desire.”

  Anthony snorted and looked to the Merc’s high ceiling. “Isn’t that rich? Marriage advice coming from the likes of you? All you managed to do was ruin marriages, never actually wed yourself. And your precious MacKinnons have rarely married without scandal in patched-up marriages rarely blessed by a pastor. Why should I worry what any of you think?”

  Tobias stepped out from behind the display case and took slow, measured steps toward Atkins. The threat implied was greater than if he had rushed toward him. “You know why you should be worried. Everyone in this town looks to the MacKinnons for their leadership, friendship, and good sense. Cross them and you will be a pariah.”

  Atkins flushed red. “She’s meant to be mine!”

  Tobias took another step, so he stood toe-to-toe with Atkins. “No, she isn’t. She’s her own person, and she can decide who she wants to be with and what she wants to be. Have you ever considered she has no desire to wed? That she is content as the schoolmistress?” He waited as disbelief and incredulity flit over Atkins’s expression. “Leave her be to decide for herself what she wants, Anthony.”

  After Anthony swore under his breath and stormed from the store, Tobias let out a deep breath. He knew Anthony would heed his words for a week at best, before he convinced himself that he should renew his pursuit of Miss Damon. With a sigh, Tobias was thankful that he had at least earned Alvira a week free of Atkins’s badgering presence.

  Returning to his post behind the display case, he thought about Alvira. “Vera,” he whispered to himself. For some reason, he already had a special name for her. Alvira seemed too proper a name for a woman who sparkled and shone as bright as the sun—when she forgot about clinging to propriety.

  He closed his eyes, as he remembered holding her in his arms at the dance. Inhaling, he imagined he could smell her scent of lilies of the valley mixed with a pine forest. A scent he would always associate with her. It had been so long since he’d danced with anyone not from his family. With a woman who intrigued, beguiled, challenged, and bewildered him. Oh, how he wished another dance were occurring soon.

  For years, Tobias had believed he was destined to be alone. That his penance for his past misdeeds was solitude, even though he wished it could be otherwise. As he thought about Vera, he couldn’t vanquish the glimmer of hope that his future didn’t have to be as he had always believed. That he could share it with someone he loved and cherished.

  Although he detested Atkins’s manner of pursuit, Tobias understood the man’s desperation. Vera was a singular woman. If Tobias lost his chance with her, he feared he would truly be alone forever.

  * * *

  On a Saturday in November, Alvira walked the short distance into town, with the intention of purchasing a few things from the bakery and the Merc. She fought her desire to have a meal at the café, but she suspected she would lose that battle. The food was delicious, and she relished eating a meal she didn’t have to prepare. She hated cooking only for herself.

  Just as she stepped onto the boardwalk near the Merc, a horde of men swarmed around her, shouting and jumping. She heard pistols firing, and she pushed at the men, but none heeded her. They were in some sort of celebratory fit, and she was caught in the middle of it.

  “Statehood!” one yelled, tugging her into an impromptu dance and twirling her around so quickly that she feared he would fling her off the boardwalk and onto the street.

  Another grabbed her and continued to twirl her. Unbidden, she shrieked, terrified and overwhelmed. Another pulled her into his arms, but he was not frenetic in his movements. Whispering soft words, he held her close and swayed her from the crowd to the Merc. Then she heard a door opening and the bell ringing.

  “Alvira—Miss Damon—you’re safe. Open your eyes.”

  A melodious rumble that she recognized. Soft, gentle fingers caressed her cheek and head. She forced her eyes open, unable to conceal the panic in her gaze. “Mr. Sutton?” she whispered. “Those men … I couldn’t get away from them.”

  He nodded, his gaze remorseful and lit with a fiery anger. “I know. It wasn’t your fault, Miss Damon. They’re celebrating and unaware of their actions. It’s no excuse, but it’s the truth.”

  “Why?” she asked, as she shuddered. When he pulled her into his arms, holding her close, she let out a sigh of relief. Her subtle shivers continued, as the shock was slow to calm.

  “They’re celebrating that Montana was declared a state yesterday. We’re no longer a territory.”

  When he would have released her, she clung to him, burrowing closer into his chest. The faint scent of sandalwood, spices, and sweat teased her senses and calmed her. With a sigh, her grip on his shoulders relaxed, although she didn’t ease away from him. “Just a little longer.”

  His arms tightened around her at her whispered plea. “This is no hardship.” He rocked them in place, ignoring the cheers, shouts, and firing of pistols outside his store, as he held her in his arms. When he felt her relax, he eased her away. “Better?” Frowning at the fear that remained in her eye, he shook his head. “Come. Have a cup of coffee or tea, and then I’ll ensure you return home safely.”

  “I hate to be so feeble.”

  “You’re not feeble.” He locked the door, flipped the sign, and clasped her hand, urging her to follow him. After leading her through a darkened area that he used to store vegetables for the store, he brought her into his kitchen. “Thankfully I cleaned this morning.” He saw a hint of her smile and grinned at her. “Sit, Miss Damon.”

  She sat, watching as he puttered around the kitchen, setting the last slices of a tea cake in front of her, before moving to the stove.

  “What would you prefer, coffee or tea?”

  “Tea,” she whispered.

  Soon he had joined her at the table, and they sat in quiet companionship. “I hate I was so weak.” She flushed at her admission.

  With a sigh, he sat back, the tea and cake forgotten, as he focused on her. “How else should you have
been? Delighted to be twirled around like a rag doll, about to be tossed into the street or from man to man?” He shook his head, as he stared at her with compassion. “You had every right to be frightened. I’m just thankful that it occurred in front of my store and that I could aid you.”

  She flushed and ducked her head, before looking up at him shyly. “Me too.” She reached forward, her fingers brushing over his for a moment, before she snatched her hand back again. “Me too.”

  A long silence ensued, although it was comfortable, as Alvira relaxed, and Tobias relished his time with her when she wasn’t prickly.

  “How can Montana suddenly be a state?”

  At her question, he shrugged. “Congress can declare what they like. The citizens of the Territory had voted they wanted to be a state a few times. For some reason, Congress decided to agree.”

  “Will it change life here?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “I shouldn’t think so. Not drastically, although now we’ll have senators and at least one representative.” He smiled at her. “Perhaps we’ll have more funding for schools.”

  She smiled back and took a sip of tea. “Thank you, Mr. Sutton. I don’t know what I would have done today.” She shook her head.

  He rested his palm over hers and squeezed her hand. “Believe me, Alvira. It was a pleasure.” He gazed deeply into her eyes, before a loud knock sounded on the back door. He rose, answering it. “Jane!” He pulled the young woman into his arms. “Are you well? Did any of those ruffians harm you?”

  She shook her head, wisps of her brown hair falling loose, looking chagrined, as she saw Alvira at the table. “Forgive me for interrupting. Annabelle decided to close early today, due to the chaos in the streets, and I brought you a few goodies from the bakery.” She set a basket on the kitchen counter.

  “Miss Damon was caught up in the celebrations. Some fools twirled her around so hard that they almost hurled her to the street.”

  “Oh my,” Jane murmured, as she stared at the older woman with concern. “Are you well? Should I go for Helen?”

  “Helen?” Alvira asked, with a shake of her head. “Who is she, and why would I need her?”

  “She’s a healer. Married to Warren, the lawyer you met when you arrived to town.” Jane waited until Alvira nodded in understanding. “Although I don’t know what we’ll do in a few months once she has her baby. The doc is nice, but it’s lovely to have a woman to talk with about certain issues.” Jane stared at Alvira with sympathy.

  “I don’t need a healer,” Alvira said, as she smiled. “I’m fine.” She looked to Tobias, as she fought a flush. “I’ll leave you to spend time with your daughter.”

  Another knock sounded on the back door, and a man with black hair poked his head in, heaving out a sigh when he saw the occupants of the room. “Jane,” he breathed. “I was worried when I didn’t find you at home.”

  She beamed at the man. “I’m fine, darling.” She moved to him, kissing him softly on his cheek. “I brought Father some treats. Now you can escort me home.”

  He ran a hand over her back and rested his cheek on her head a moment, his brown eyes staring at Alvira. “I beg your pardon. I fear we haven’t met.”

  “This is Miss Damon. The schoolteacher.” Jane beamed at Alvira, as she waved her hand in her direction, her instinctual friendliness shining through. “She had a scare from the men celebrating, and Father rescued her.”

  Ben smiled at her. “Hello. I’m Ben Metcalf, Jane’s husband. I’m glad you weren’t harmed.”

  Alvira forced a smile, although she suddenly felt a tremendous envy and sorrow, as she stared at their ease with each other. She nodded her acknowledgment of his hello, her throat thickened and unable to speak.

  Ben stared at her a long moment, before whispering something in his wife’s ear that earned a giggle. “Tobias, we’ll see you tomorrow for Sunday dinner?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it,” Tobias said, hugging Jane and slapping Ben on his back, before the couple left, hand in hand. When they were gone, he turned to stare at Alvira. “There was no need to be rude to the man. He was only trying to be friendly.” He halted what more he would have said when he gazed deeply into her eyes and saw the sorrow. “Miss Damon?”

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I didn’t mean to be rude.” She tried to rise, but her legs were shaky, so she collapsed into the chair again. Closing her eyes in defeat, she raised a quivering hand to her forehead.

  “You’re unwell. I’ll go for Helen,” he said, his voice filled with panic.

  “No!” she cried out, grabbing his arm. He crouched beside her, setting a hand on her knee and one on her arm. “No, Mr. Sutton. I saw your daughter and her husband, and I was taunted again with what I will never have. The regret and yearning overwhelmed me for a moment.” She flushed beet red at her admission.

  “Regret and yearning,” he repeated, now kneeling by her, as his gaze bore into hers. “Miss Damon—”

  “Alvira, please call me Alvira,” she whispered.

  His eyes blazed with a fiery intensity for a moment, and he nodded, before breathing, “Alvira.” He saw how she shivered when he spoke her name, and he stared at her for a long moment. “You’ve no need to be envious of my daughter.”

  Shaking her head as she stared at him in dismay, she sighed. “Of course I do. Why would you ever presume that all I ever wanted from life was to be a teacher? Why wouldn’t I have wanted more?” She paused, as the fire faded from her, and she was left with a searing disappointment. “Or are you like all the others, who believe I should be content because I have a profession? Will you too ridicule me for daring to want more?”

  “First, you’re making no sense. Second, don’t presume to know me.” He squeezed her arm and rose, moving to the basket Jane had brought. He heaved out a breath, as he stared at the basket. “Life isn’t fair, Alvira.” He stared at her over his shoulder. “But don’t judge me or make me pay for the failings of the weak men you’ve known before me.”

  She shuddered out a breath, nodding.

  Lifting out a huge chunk of cake, he sniffed. “Spice cake. One of my favorites.” Opening a drawer, he rummaged until he found two forks. The plate with the cake clattered on the table, as he set it between them. After he handed her a fork, he sat and took a bite. “You might as well dig in, or I’ll eat this all on my own.”

  She smiled at him and took a small bite, her eyes closing, a sigh escaping, as the spices hit her taste buds. “How is every cake she makes better than the last one?”

  Tobias chuckled. “I don’t know. One day you’ll eat one and declare it your favorite. Until the next day …” He took another large bite. He motioned to the cake with his fork. “Don’t be shy, Alvira. Eat your fill.” His grin widened when she did and ate gustily, until she dropped her fork beside the plate.

  “Oh, I’m a glutton.” She held hands over her belly, as she groaned, before giggling. “Thank you for sharing your cake with me.”

  He nodded, staring at her, a deep emotion in his gaze. “Thank you for being honest with me. For sharing part of yourself with me. I promise I won’t betray you.”

  She nodded, her heart fluttering in her chest, as she gazed into his mesmerizing eyes. Suddenly she hoped for the strength to prove Sally’s wish wrong. Alvira wanted so much more than to be alone forever.

  * * *

  One afternoon in mid-November, Alvira opened the front door to her cabin and stilled when she found yet another piece of cake awaiting her on her porch. For the past few weeks, she had found a treat nearly every day. Some days it was cookies; others it was a slice of cake or a piece of pie. Today it was a white cake with white frosting. Sniffing at it, she sighed with delight at the scent. “Lemon cake,” she whispered.

  Although she’d never seen the person in the act of leaving her these treats, she had her suspicions. Only Mr. Sutton knew she had been so sorely deprived of baked goods. However, she’d never once seen him skulking by her home, and she wishe
d she could catch him.

  With a shrug, she entered her home and set the cake aside. Part of her pleasure came from the knowledge that she would have a treat later, although this cake was particularly tempting. Just as she considered taking a small bite to see if it was as delicious as it smelled, someone knocked on her door.

  “Yes?” she called out, as she opened it. Unable to prevent her broad smile from bursting forth, she beamed at Tobias, as he stood bundled up in his winter wear on her doorstep. “What brings you by?”

  “I wondered if you would like to take a stroll?” he asked, as he waved toward a path away from her cabin. “Today is a beautiful November day, and we won’t have many more of these, before the snow falls.”

  She bit her lip, as she watched him. “Why should I risk my reputation by going on a walk with you?”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “It’s midday, Alvira, and there’s nothing scandalous here about a man and a woman walking together. Not at our age.” He leaned forward, as though imparting secret knowledge. “I had learned from the town gossips that Mr. Atkins plans to call for you in about ten minutes.”

  “Oh my,” she gasped. “Give me two!” Leaving the door ajar, she raced inside to find her outerwear, and she was ready in record time. Although reluctant to give the town gossips further fodder, she slipped her hand through his arm and walked with him on the path that led away from her cabin and town, over a small hill. “Where are we going?”

  He shrugged. “This path doesn’t really lead anywhere, although if we follow it for a way, it has a nice promontory, and you can see the town and down into the valley.”

  “Oh, I’d like that,” she breathed. “I’ve felt hemmed in.” She flushed at her admission and ducked her head.

  “All you had to do was ask, Alvira, and any number of us would have escorted you on a walk, if you weren’t inclined to walk alone.”

  She let out a frustrated breath, as she now walked ahead of him, slowly making her way up the steady incline of the path. “It’s unseemly. I should be content with what I have and where I live.”