Text copyright ©2017 by the Author.
This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Debra Holland. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original Montana Sky remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Debra Holland, or their affiliates or licensors.
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Welcome
Welcome to Montana Sky Series Kindle World, where authors write books set in my 1880s “world” of Sweetwater Springs and Morgan’s Crossing, Montana Territory. Aside from providing the backdrop of setting and townsfolk, I haven’t contributed to the stories in any way. The authors bring their own unique vision and imagination to the KW books, sometimes tying them into their own series.
Capture Her Heart is written by Caroline Clemmons and ties into her four earlier Loving A Rancher series for Montana Sky Series Kindle World, one of which is the bestselling Murdoch’s Bride. I met Caroline online in 2012. Although we met only briefly at a Romantic Times Convention in 2015, we are in several of the same Facebook groups and collaborated on a box set titled Courting The West.
I hope you enjoy reading Capture Her Heart.
Debra Holland
Synopsis
Vanessa Worthington didn’t know her late husband had lost their home until the notice came to vacate within six hours. Desperate for a place for her and her children, she travels from Atlanta to Montana Territory as a mail-order bride. She hopes to find a protective and kind man to help parent her children. One thing she’d certain—she will never again trust a man.
Travis Boyd has overcome horrific difficulties and carved out a ranch for himself. His two cowboy hands are like family, but he’s lonely. He longs for a loving wife and children to make his house a home. He’s eager for his bride to arrive and looking forward to home-cooked meals and a tidy house.
When Travis learns Vanessa has always had servants and doesn’t know how to cook, do laundry, or any household chores, he is disappointed but decides to make the best of the situation. He meant his marriage vows. Vanessa can’t believe he won’t soon lose patience with her and change from kind to domineering like the other men in her life had been.
Chapter One
Thursday, September 8, 1887
On a train in Montana Territory
Vanessa Worthington brushed soot and dust from her gray twill traveling suit. She could hardly wait for this exhausting journey to end, yet questions nagged her about whether she’d made the right choice. Pointless to second guess herself now when she’d passed the point of no return.
She turned to regard her two precious children, her greatest treasures. “We’ll be there soon. Willisferd, gather your things and help your sister collect hers.”
Her eight-year-old son faced her from the edge of his chair, his face solemn. “You said we’re starting over, remember?”
“That’s true, we’re beginning new life.”
“So, from now on I want a new name.” His little chest puffed out with his proclamation. “I’m gonna be called Jack.”
She could hardly blame the child for hating Willisferd Wroxeter Worthington, IV. Ridiculous identity to give anyone, but she hadn’t been able to reason with her late husband and his parents. “You know that yours is a family name. Are you sure you want to abandon it?”
He looked at her with blue eyes far older than his eight years. “Mother, I hate that label. Others make jokes about it. I’ve thought about our new life and making a good impression. From now on, I’m Jack.”
She held his coat for him. “All right, I’ll call you Jack.” She definitely had no wish to be reminded of her late husband and his many levels of perfidy. “What about you, Dorothea? Are you changing names?”
Six-year-old Dorothea’s gold curls so like Vanessa’s bounced as she shook her head. “I like my name. ’Cept Nancy at school said Dorie is a short way to say Dorothea, so I want to be Dorie now.”
“All right, you can be Dorie. If it’s all right, I’ll still be Mother.”
The children laughed.
Vanessa hugged them to her. “You’re both special. I’m proud of you for who you are.”
Jack helped his sister with her coat while Vanessa donned hers and gathered their various bundles and valises.
Dorie’s usually sunny face changed to pensive. “What if our new father doesn’t like us?”
Jack nodded. “Yeah, what will we do?”
“My dears, we’ve been over this. How could he not like you? You must be on your best behavior, though. He may not be used to being around children.”
Jack asked, “Is he going to fuss at us if we talk when he’s around?”
Like their father did? “I certainly hope not. If he does, I’ll inform him that’s not acceptable.”
Although she’d been unable to change her late husband and his autocratic manner, she was older and wiser. She’d start as she meant to go on this time. Heaven knew she’d had too many painful lessons on men and their ways.
The train slowed and buildings came into view. She peered at them to get an idea of their new home. From what she could see, Sweetwater Springs was not a very large town. Her new home… she had such grand hopes for life here.
When the cars had stopped, Vanessa guided her children to the exit. They stepped onto the platform at the same time as several others left the train. She looked around for a man alone who might be her new groom.
Days of sitting on the train had left her stiff. She shifted her weight as she scanned the platform. What would she do if Mr. Boyd had changed his mind?
A woman hurried toward them. Her blond hair was graying gently at the sides and her face displayed a broad smile. “You must be Mrs. Worthington. I’m Mary Norton, the minister’s wife. Mr. Boyd can’t come until Saturday, so he asked me to meet your arrival.”
Without waiting for a response, Mrs. Norton waved down a couple of men. “Would you put Mrs. Worthington’s trunks inside the depot? She’s here to marry Travis Boyd.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” One of the men answered and nodded at Vanessa.
The two accepted her claim tickets with her thanks then carted her four trunks into the station. Would her things be all right? Should she reclaim her tickets? She stood biting her lower lip and staring after them.
Mrs. Norton patted her arm and urged her toward the town. “Don’t worry, everything will be waiting when your groom arrives to load them onto his wagon. In the meantime, I’ll show you to Mrs. Murphy’s home. She has a spare bedroom she sometimes lets and is expecting you.”
Vanessa called, “Children, stay with me.” Dorie tended to get sidetracked.
To Mary Norton, Vanessa asked, “Isn’t there a hotel?” At this point, she’d prefer the anonymity of a business over a possible prying hostess.
“Not yet, but you’ll find Mrs. Murphy is a wonderful cook and has a nice, clean home.” The minister’s wife took hold of Dorie’s hand and kept up a brisk pace.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to infer otherwise. I was just curious about why we were going to a private home.”
“We’ll have a hotel in a few years, I’m sure. There’s already a need but I’m not certain we have enough travelers to support one.”
They halted in front of a pleasant-looking but small two-story frame home. “Here we are. Children, go right on through the gate and your mother and I will follow.”
At the door, Mary Norton
rapped. They were met by a thin woman of indeterminate age but with gray threading her dark hair.
“Lavinia, this is Mrs. Worthington and her children. I’ll turn them over to you and get back to prepare dinner.”
After thanking the minister’s wife and bidding her goodbye, Vanessa followed Mrs. Murphy into her parlor. The home appeared as spotless as predicted. They proceeded upstairs.
“You’ll have to share a room as I only have the one. Mr. Boyd will be here in a couple of days, though.”
Upstairs, Vanessa looked at the tiny room. “This looks very nice.” My stars, good thing their trunks were still at the station. There wouldn’t be room for them here.
The landlady’s gaze took in the children. “There’s no running in the house and no yelling. Thomas, that’s my husband, is very ill and I don’t want him disturbed. There’s fresh water in the pitcher and a chamber pot under the bed. The privy is in back.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Murphy, We’ll be quiet, won’t we children?”
“I lock the doors at ten each night. Supper is at six and breakfast is at eight. Dinner will be in half an hour. I’ll see you in the dining room.”
Vanessa smiled at her hostess. “Dinner smells delicious.”
When the landlady had gone downstairs, Dorie tugged at Vanessa’s sleeve. “Which one of us sleeps in here?”
Vanessa gave a big sigh. “We share, like we did at Hilda’s. We’ll only be here a couple of nights. Won’t it be nice to have a chance to look around the town?”
Jack grimaced. “If we don’t like this ranch place we’re going to, then what?”
They had to like it for they had nowhere else to go and only a couple of dollars left of the money Mr. Boyd had included in his request for a bride.
She sat on the bed so she could face the children more easily. “I explained that we have to be cheerful and keep an open mind about our new situation. Let’s decide we will like this ranch. After all, most children dream of living on a ranch with lots of horses.”
Jack crossed his arms. “We had horses at home. I almost never got to ride one. And, even when I did Father criticized me all the while.”
“This is our home now, Wi… Jack. Please try to like it.”
His little shoulders slumped. “I’ll try, but I miss our old house. I miss seeing Greta.”
Vanessa fought tears. How she longed to confide in Greta today. “I miss her too. As soon as we get settled in our new home I’ll write her a letter. You can add one of your own if you wish. She’d love that.”
Dorie tugged at her sleeve. “I’ll write one too.”
Jack frowned at his sister. “You don’t know how to spell enough words to write a whole letter.”
Dorie put her hands on her hips. “Big brothers are supposed to be nice and help little sisters.”
Jack dropped onto the floor and crossed his legs. “Okay, I guess I can.”
“For now, let’s get cleaned up and go down for the dinner that smells so good. You heard the minister’s wife say Mrs. Murphy is a good cook.”
After they’d eaten a delectable meal, they returned to their room to lie on the bed.
“Stretching out is wonderful. After we rest, we’ll walk around the town and see what businesses there are.”
Both children fell asleep almost as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Vanessa forced a million questions out of her mind and relaxed enough to join them. She could have slept for hours but woke to Dorie tugging on her sleeve.
“Mother, we rested. Can we go outside now?”
“Let me tidy my hair. Put on your shoes. Jack, don’t forget your cap. Come here, Dorie, and I’ll help you with your bonnet.”
She glanced at her lapel watch. Half past three o’clock. They each had needed their brief sleep, though. The train trip had been tiring. At first Jack and Dorie had enjoyed looking out the window, but that had soon grown tiresome unless something spectacular could be seen.
She told their hostess their destination. Vanessa and her children walked toward the business area, which was a short distance. The air was fresh and crisp and the sky unbelievably blue with not one cloud visible. In the distance, snowy caps decorated mountain peaks.
Vanessa decided to start with the mercantile, the only brick structure visible. Inside, they were greeted by a man seated on a stool and hunched over the counter.
The woman who must be his wife glared at the children. “Hello, I’m Mrs. Cobb and that’s my husband. Can I help you?”
“We’re new here and wanted to look through your store.”
Mrs. Cobb turned up her nose. “You that widow woman Travis Boyd sent away for?”
“As a matter of fact I am. My name is Mrs. Worthington and these are my children, Jack and Dorie.” She looked at the two.
Dorie curtsied. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Cobb, Mr. Cobb.”
Jack bowed slightly. “Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Cobb.”
Surprise flitted across the woman’s face. “I declare, your children have good manners.”
“Thank you.” She fished two pennies from her purse and gave one to each child. “You may choose a sweet while I look around. You know our rules.”
Jack took Dorie’s hand. “We won’t touch anything, Mother. We’ll stand by the door and wait for you.”
So quietly she could barely be heard, Mrs. Cobb muttered, “Well, I’ll swan. Never saw the likes.”
Vanessa walked slowly through the store. She was pleasantly surprised at the wide range of merchandise available.
More friendly now, Mrs. Cobb followed her. “Mr. Boyd has an account. If you find something you need, I’ll add it to his bill.”
Vanessa didn’t know what to say. She’d seen things they might need to wear for Montana winters, but she wouldn’t presume to buy them without the permission of her husband-to-be. After all, they weren’t yet married.
“Thank you, Mrs. Cobb. I believe we have everything we need for now. I’m sure we’ll need warmer clothing soon, though.”
“We’ll likely have snow by the middle of next week.”
Her hand at her throat, Vanessa exclaimed, “Oh, dear, so soon? I suppose I’d better stock up now.”
She chose coats and pants for Jack and Dorie. They’d probably need stronger boots, too. She might also. And underwear and socks.
After Vanessa had gathered an armful, Mrs. Cobb said, “Let me take these to the counter for you.”
Vanessa continued shopping. Laden with more merchandise, she carried her selections to the counter. When she’d completed her shopping, she was surprised at the large stack of packages.
Mr. Cobb totaled up the sum she’d charged. “You can leave these here until Mr. Boyd brings his wagon in on Saturday. I reckon he’ll need to pick up supplies for the ranch.”
“Thank you. That would be helpful. We’re staying at the Murphy’s home. Although their place is lovely, there’s limited room.”
He nodded at her. “You make yourself to home in Sweetwater Springs, ma’am. I reckon you’ll like it here. Nice a town as you’ll find anywhere.”
She thanked Mr. and Mrs. Cobb, determined to explore more of the town. She opened the door and let the children go in front of her.
At the horse trough in front of the mercantile, she asked Dorie and Jack to wash the remains of a peppermint stick from their hands and she offered her handkerchief as a towel. They strolled along the boardwalk. People they met nodded and smiled and she returned the greeting.
Yellow paint on the saloon was peeling but other businesses appeared neat and well-kept. Although Sweetwater Springs was small, the town offered all they would need. She wondered how many people lived here.
Travis Boyd had written he had a large ranch, so she supposed he had plenty of money and wouldn’t begrudge her purchases. But, she didn’t long for riches—just for an honest, hard working, and patient man who would be good to her children. With good fortune, he’d also be kind to her. Could she hope for that much?
Two doors
away was an appealing shop, Amelia’s Millinery. She smiled at the woman inside who waved at her. Moving along, Vanessa found a café, barber shop, photography studio, bath house, cabinetmaker and furniture store, blacksmith, livery, the sheriff’s office and jail, and spotted the white church’s spire at the end of town. Crossing to the street a block behind the businesses, she noted neat homes, one of which had a discreet sign indicating the owner sewed for the public.
At least Vanessa knew how to sew, her one domestic skill. Greta had hastily shown her the rudiments of cooking but the list of foods Vanessa could prepare was sparse. She hoped her ability would suffice for the times Mr. Boyd’s cook had a day off. Greta had sent several recipes as backup in case Vanessa forgot.
“We’d better get back to Mrs. Murphy’s. I imagine supper will be served soon.”
Dorie tugged on her sleeve. “Is this where we’re gonna live now?”
“We’ll only come to Sweetwater Springs to shop. I don’t know exactly how far away the ranch is, but too far for you to come to town for school.”
Jack jumped and clapped his hands. “Yay, no school.”
She smiled at her son and tugged his cap over his eyes. “Sorry to disillusion you, but I’ll teach your school lessons.”
He set his cap straight. “Aw, I was hoping we could skip those.”
“Young man, you want to be able to support yourself when you’re grown, don’t you?”
He skipped in a circle around her. “I thought I’d live on a ranch and wouldn’t have to know all that book stuff.”
“How do you think a rancher keeps track of his cows? How can he track income and expenses if he doesn’t know math? How can he learn new methods of ranching if he doesn’t read? How would he know if someone was cheating him if he didn’t read?”
“Aw, I guess.” His downtrodden expression disappeared. “I’ll bet a rancher doesn’t have to know Latin and Greek.”
Vanessa hid a smile. “No, and neither will you because I don’t remember enough to teach either of them.” She only knew useless things that couldn’t possibly relate to ranch life
Montana Sky: Capture Her Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 6) Page 1