Edwina: Bride of Connecticut (American Mail-Order Brides 5)

by Margaret Tanner

They were sitting in the kitchen having another cup of tea when someone knocked on the front door.

  “I’ll get it,” Eddy said.

  “No, dear, I’ll go, most likely someone wanting the doctor.”

  After she bustled off, Eddy debated about tipping the untouched cup of tea back into the pot, and pretending she had drunk it. Why had she put milk in it?

  Mrs. Schmidt was away, surely for longer than was necessary, and Eddy could hear the murmur of voices. She propped her elbows on the table, cupping her hands under her chin. She was pleased that Amy and Tom had a daughter and all was well, but disappointed she had not been there.

  “Edwina.”

  She glanced up, and there was Joshua. Dark bristles covered his jaw and chin, and weary lines etched his face, but a triumphant smile hovered on his lips, and his eyes gleamed.

  She pushed her chair back from the table and stood. He opened his arms to her, but her feet seemed stuck to the floor, and she couldn’t move.

  “Edwina, my love, what’s wrong?” In two strides he crossed the room and dragged her into his arms. “Edwina, I love you. Love you.” His lips claimed hers in a devastating, passion-filled kiss.

  She was dreaming, of course she was, but her mouth opened for him. Finally, he released her lips but held her close.

  “I love you Edwina, I want to marry you.”

  “You do?” She blinked, hardly believing she had heard right. “Since when?”

  “Probably from the first day I saw you, but I fought it, my love. My fear of commitment had ruled my life for so long, and I was crazy mad at Amy for placing that advertisement.”

  “I loved you, Joshua, almost from the first moment we met, but you don’t have to feel obligated…”

  “I’ve got a signed contract.” He grinned. “I’ll take legal action.” He repeated virtually the same words she had flung at him.

  “Well I…”

  Mrs. Schmidt walked into the kitchen. “Say yes, you know you want to. Put your young man out of his misery. Cup of tea?”

  “No thanks, I’ve still got some,” Eddy said.

  “Thanks, but I only drink coffee.”

  “Well say it,” Mrs. Schmidt urged, standing with her hands on her hips, beaming at them.

  Eddy flung her arms around his neck. “Yes, a hundred times yes.”

  “About time. I’ll give you young folk some time to yourself.” Picking up her cup and the teapot, Mrs. Schmidt left the room.

  Joshua kissed her again, straining her soft body against his hard contours.

  “How’s Amy’s baby?” she asked, when the kiss ended.

  “Thriving. I delivered little Jessica, you know.”

  “You did? Why you? Where was Tom?”

  He went on to tell her what had happened. “That book written by the midwife was a lifesaver. I don’t know how I would have coped without it. You know my love, I went to their place to ask you to marry me, and delivered a baby instead. If that don’t beat all.”

  “Yes, well, a lot happened to me.”

  “I know.” His expression hardened. “Mrs. Schmidt told me. The hell you’ve been through. Those Nesbitts are dead if our paths ever cross.”

  “Did Mrs. Schmidt tell you about little Lizzie?”

  “Yes, she told me everything.”

  “I felt bad about leaving the poor little mite.”

  “She was happy with her grandparents, there was nothing you could do. Apparently heart conditions like hers are virtually untreatable. Mrs. Schmidt told me her husband said it was probably hereditary.”

  “Oh, Joshua.”

  “Call me Josh, I hate Joshua.”

  “Only if you call me Eddy, because I hate Edwina.”

  They both laughed.

  “By the way.” He gave a low chuckle. “Amy sent a message. I promised to quote her word for word. She wants you wedded and bedded before you come back home.”

  Eddy gave him a little punch. “She did not say that.”

  “I swear, she did. You know what she’s like, bossy as always. What do you think, my love? Get the preacher at the church to wed us straight away, and I’ll take great pleasure in having you bedded before the day is done.”

  Mrs. Schmidt entered the kitchen smiling. Eddy’s cheeks burned. Had she heard what Josh said?

  “You’ll get married this afternoon.” Her tone of voice brooked no argument. “I can organize a wedding dinner for you. Young man, book yourself into the hotel, clean yourself up and rest. You look like you need it.”

  He did look exhausted. Eddy could see that. He had dark circles under his eyes, his cheeks gaunt where they were not covered in stubble.

  “I haven’t slept properly for days.”

  “Eddy needs to rest too. Doctor’s orders. Well, doctor’s wife’s order.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Leave all the arrangements with me. Ooh, I do love weddings.” Mrs. Schmidt clapped her hands. “I’ll give you five minutes to say goodbye then young man, you go.”

  “Ten minutes, and you’ve got a deal,” Josh said.

  “The hotel has a bridal suite, well, more or less. You book that. Get yourself tidied up and have a sleep, and my husband will call for you around four, to take you to the preacher’s house. Cyril and I will be your witnesses.”

  “Eddy might want a wedding with all the trimmings.” His protest sounded half-hearted to Eddy. She loved Josh, wanted to marry him, the sooner the better. She had never been interested in all the frippery of a grand wedding. She was marrying the man of her dreams, and didn’t care if she had to stand in front of the preacher wearing a flour sack.

  “No, I don’t want a flash wedding, I only want to be your wife.”

  “There you go, young man, all fixed. Five minutes.” Mrs. Schmidt wagged a stubby finger at him.

  “Ten.” Josh gave a charming smile, and Mrs. Schmidt capitulated. “Eddy and I have a lot of catching up to do.”

  “Very well, not a moment more though.” With a swish of her skirt she left the room.

  “Oh Josh, I’m so happy.” Eddy dashed into his arms and they exchanged a passionate kiss. When they came up for air, they still cuddled each other. “I’m getting to like this,” she murmured.

  He growled deep in his throat. “You better get used to it, my love, there’s going to be lots of kisses, cuddles, and…”

  The unfinished sentence and the promise in his voice caused excitement to surge through her. “I hope we make a baby on our wedding night.” She ran a hand across his bristly chin.

  “I’ll do my best.” He gave a low, seductive laugh which played havoc with her nerves.

  “On the way to the hotel, I’ll call into the telegraph office and let Tom and Amy know you’re safe and well.”

  “Oh yes, please do. I can’t wait to see their baby.”

  “She’s beautiful, and that isn’t a biased uncle talking, either.”

  “Of course not.” Eddy wanted to jump up and down with happiness.

  “Hold out your hand please, Eddy.”

  “Whatever for?”

  Josh produced a piece of string from his pocket. “I need to measure your finger for a wedding ring.”

  Mrs. Schmidt marched back into the kitchen. “Right, time’s up, young man. You don’t see your bride again until you meet in the preacher’s house.”

  Josh kissed Eddy on the forehead, and stepped over to the kitchen door. With a hand on the door knob, he turned around and winked at her.

  Once he had left, Mrs. Schmidt rushed Eddy upstairs to bed. “Now, you have to lie down, leave everything to me. I’ll find a suitable wedding gown for you, my daughter left a wardrobe fall of clothes, and you’re about her size. Of course, after six children, she’s a little more rotund now.” Her eyes twinkled. “You’re a lucky young lady, he’s a fine man.”

  “I know, and Mrs. Schmidt, thank you. I’ll never forget your kindness. I sincerely hope we can keep in touch.”

  “I’d like that, my dear.”

&
nbsp; Eddy did feel weary, her experience had taken more out of her than she had thought. She couldn’t sleep, excitement about becoming Josh’s wife was too great, but a rest would help refresh her.

  She must have dozed off because she awoke to the aroma of fried bread, and was that roast pork? She glanced around. Draped across the back of the chair was a cream gown. The low cut neckline would have shown more of her breasts than what she wanted any man, except Josh, to see. Luckily, the lace and tulle trim would ensure she was decently covered.

  Dainty matching slippers appeared to be about the right size for her. A good thing too, because all she had were her dirty, worn out boots. She had asked Mrs. Schmidt to burn all her clothes, even the buckskin coat and trousers. She couldn’t bear to wear them again, even if they could somehow be cleaned. They held too many dreadful memories, forever tainted by the canyon people.

  Chapter Twelve

  Amidst the dark clouds, a little patch of blue let the rays of a weak wintry sun shine through, as Eddy entered the preacher’s neat brick house. She clutched Mrs. Schmidt’s arm as Reverend Fitzgerald and his wife greeted them.

  “Where’s your groom? Hope he isn’t going to leave you standing at the altar, so to speak.” Mrs. Fitzgerald gave a twittering laugh.

  Eddy baulked. Josh wouldn’t do that to her.

  “Oh Iris, stop tormenting the girl,” Mrs. Schmidt said. “She’s only joking, dear.”

  “I’m sorry.” Mrs. Fitzgerald apologized as she picked up Eddy’s trembling hand to give it a reassuring squeeze. “I was only joking, but it was in poor taste after what you’ve been through.”

  At that moment a knock sounded on the door, and Mrs. Fitzgerald hurried off.

  The doctor entered the room first, his eyes twinkling. Josh followed a step or two behind. Eddy’s breath caught in her throat. Freshly bathed and shaved, and wearing a dark suit, white shirt and a black shoe-string tie, he was the handsomest man she had ever seen. His grin stretched from ear to ear as he approached her.

  Introductions were made, and the short wedding ceremony commenced. Josh’s hand was warm and strong as he slipped a plain gold wedding band on to her left ring finger. They made their vows, the Reverend gave the benediction, and they were now man and wife.

  “You can kiss your bride,” he said.

  Josh did exactly that, kissing her thoroughly. They drew apart only when the Reverend cleared his throat.

  “You look exquisite, my love,” Josh whispered in her ear as the six of them strolled over to the Schmidt house.

  On entering, Eddy was surprised to see the man from the church who had rushed over to help her waiting with his wife.

  She offered them a warm smile. “Thank you.”

  “Glad to have been of help,” the man replied.

  Two other women were also there, friends of Mrs. Schmidt who had come to help out, and who departed after dishing up the main course.

  Roast pork with crackling, and apple sauce accompanied by various roasted vegetables. Josh ate heartily, while Eddy watched him. The poor man was obviously famished, probably hadn’t eaten a decent meal since he’d left home.

  Eddy found her appetite quickly returning as she ate the delicious fare.

  “I’m glad you’re eating so well,” Josh whispered in her ear. “You’ll need plenty of stamina tonight.”

  Her toes curled up at the thought, butterflies performed an exotic dance in her stomach. She took a gulp of wine and nearly choked.

  After the main course ended, the doctor proposed a toast to the bride and groom, and they all clinked glasses. Preserved strawberries and cream for dessert followed by Mrs. Schmidt’s English tea. Josh rolled his eyes at the tea, and Eddy stifled a giggle.

  They made their way to the parlor. “Not you two.” Mrs. Schmidt wagged her finger at them. “You’re leaving us now, but drop by in the morning to say goodbye.”

  ***

  As they strolled down the main street, Josh said. “I booked the honeymoon suite.”

  “That’s nice.” The words were mundane, but her excited little skip would have conveyed her true feelings to him.

  Josh chuckled. “The only honeymoon thing about it is the big double bed.”

  Eddy laughed. “That’s all we need.”

  “You, my love, are so right.”

  Hand in hand, they entered the hotel foyer, and climbed the carpeted staircase.

  Their room was at the end of the passageway. Josh unlocked the door, turned the sign hanging on the doorknob so the Do Not Disturb sign faced outward, swung Eddy up into his arms, and carried her into the room, kicking the door shut as he did so.

  Eddy glanced around; the lamp on the bedside table was lit, and in the subdued light the room didn’t look too bad. Certainly not palatial, but it was clean. Her gaze went to the bed, and she trembled.

  “Don’t be afraid, my love, the union of a man and his wife can be a beautiful thing. Trust me, darling, you won’t be disappointed, I promise.”

  “I wasn’t worried about me it was…I…I don’t have any experience.”

  “Shh.” He touched his fingers to her lips. “Oh, God, Eddy.” He dragged her into his arms, and his mouth devoured hers as he edged them toward the bed.

  “Wait, wait.” She pushed at his chest. “I have to take the gown off, it belongs to Mrs. Schmidt’s daughter. I can’t risk it getting torn.”

  He let her go, and stepped back a pace. “If it were your gown, I’d probably rip it off you without a second thought. Do you need help with all those little buttons down the back?”

  “Yes please. Um, I’ve got nothing to wear to bed.”

  He grinned. “Actually you have. I went to the Mercantile and bought you a nightgown and a hair brush.” From under the pillow he produced a pretty white nightgown, with pin-tucks and pearl buttons stretching from neck to waist. “Tomorrow we’ll buy anything else you need. We’ll have to travel light, since I thought horseback would be quicker.”

  “Mabel, my horse, is she all right? How dreadful of me, I forgot about her.”

  “She made her way home safely. I’ll buy you a horse from the livery stable to get you home.” His fingers fumbled with the buttons on her gown.

  “Josh Sinclair. Stop talking.” She realized he was as nervous about their wedding night as she was, and she loved him all the more for it.

  “I’ll turn my back while you get ready for bed. Leave the buttons undone, it will save me undoing them.”

  Excitement churned through her, tempered with nerves. She felt a throbbing ache, a fiery need deep within her womanhood.

  Quickly, she undressed and spun around. He was already in bed. As she climbed in beside him, he snuffed out the lamp. For an instant she recoiled. He was naked. His lips soon allayed her fears, the gentle touch of his hands on her body ignited her passion.

  Later, as she lay in his arms, her head resting on his chest she felt loved and treasured. She was now, in every sense of the word, Mrs. Joshua Sinclair.

  “Josh.” She ran the tip of her finger along his neck.

  “Mm.” He was drowsy and satiated, just like her.

  “I hope I conceived your baby tonight.”

  “If not tonight, then tomorrow,” he promised.

  They made love twice more during the night, each time reaching a higher pinnacle of desire and pleasure. Eddy couldn’t believe how wanton she became in his arms, how eager she was to learn how to please him.

  ***

  The next morning, they washed, dressed, and wandered down to breakfast, ordering bacon, eggs, and coffee.

  “None of that tea stuff.” He grinned.

  Eddy felt conspicuous in her wedding outfit, but had nothing else to wear. They decided to head for the farm after they picked up a few things at the Mercantile, and said goodbye to the Schmidts.

  “I’ll need to get something to ride in,” Eddy said, between mouthfuls of the rich, hot coffee. “And don’t even think about me wearing a split skirt because I won’t. Trousers and a coa
t will do.”

  “Probably be easier on the trail, but I could get us…”

  “No, a horse will be fine. It will be much quicker, and we can go across country that way.”

  “True,” he mused. “But it’s not much of a honeymoon for you, although we won’t be sleeping out in the open, too cold. We’ll find a town to spend the night in. Maybe we could go to New York when we get back.”

  “Do you know where I would really like to spend our honeymoon?”

  “No, tell me and we’ll go there.”

  “Up at your cabin. I loved it there.”

  His eyes widened in surprise. “You did? After the rotten way I treated you?”

  “You weren’t so bad under the circumstances.”

  “You’re very forgiving.” He leaned across and brushed his lips against hers. “To teach you a lesson and frighten you off, I deliberately took you the longest and roughest route up the mountain.”

  “I know, Amy told me.” She smiled. “I was angry about it, I have to confess, but then I tried to put myself in your position. I would probably have done the same thing.”

  They ate in silence for a time. “I got Mrs. Schmidt to burn all my clothes, including my buckskin coat and trousers.” She shuddered. “I couldn’t wear them again, they’d be forever tainted.”

  After breakfast, arm in arm, they strolled to the Mercantile to buy a few supplies for their journey, including a hat, boots, woolen shirt and trousers for her. Josh insisted she buy a warm fur lined coat. He bought a horse and saddle at the livery. While she got to know her horse, Josh dashed to the telegraph office. By the time he returned, she was mounted and waiting for him. They rode over to farewell the Schmidts. She would never forget the elderly couple’s kindness.

  “Now, you bring that first baby up to visit,” Mrs. Schmidt said.

  “Pearl, please, they’ve only just got hitched,” the doctor said.

  “We will, I promise.” Eddy crossed her heart.

  “If you’re ever down our way, please call in, you’re welcome to stay anytime,” Josh said.

  “If the fishing is as good as you say it is, my boy, you can count on it,” the doctor said, shaking Josh’s hand.

  Mrs. Schmidt handed Eddy a parcel.

  “Thank you for knitting this, it means a lot to me.” Eddy gave her a hug.