Amelia, An Autumn Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 7)

by Hildie McQueen

  The man turned away. “She’s coming out in a second.”

  It was then she realized it was Gerard. Her eyes widened. “Oh. You’re...you’re...”

  “All done. Ready to head back.”

  “Yes.” She stood, unable to keep from staring at him. “She cut your hair very short.”

  “Yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Feels strange.”

  Not only had the woman cut Gerard’s hair, but his beard was trimmed close to his face. Amelia had to drag her gaze away. The man was astonishingly handsome. With a strong jawline, full lips and light blue eyes, he had to be the most attractive man she’d ever seen in her life.

  This was not good. It was not good at all. When he took her arm to help her up, her stomach flipped over and her chest constricted. Alarmed at her reaction, she gasped and covered her mouth with her right hand, pretended to stifle a yawn.

  “Goodness, I can’t believe I fell asleep.” Amelia stepped away from him. “It’s been a long day I suppose.”

  “Yes, it has been.”

  “Here you go,” Mrs. Shaw held out a small item to Gerard. “Don’t lose it.”

  The woman looked to Amelia. “I’m so glad you found each other. Go on now. I’m afraid I delayed you too long. Now the sun will be down before you reach town.”

  It was no use correcting the woman on her assumption of their relationship. Amelia smiled. “I hope to come see you before winter. Please take care of yourself.”

  Just then, Gerard hugged the woman and Amelia’s heart softened. He did seem to be a good, caring man.

  Once they were settled onto the bench, for some reason there was tension between them again. It was almost as if they’d met for the first time. The awkwardness of two strangers forced to be together.

  Amelia pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders even though it was warm. However, a chill came over her.

  “Do you think it will rain?” Some clouds had gathered overhead, some with dark gray edging.

  “I hope not. I’d be thankful if thunder doesn’t sound again. This horse is already acting skittish. Not sure why I picked her. Although she’s a big gal, I know she doesn’t care for rainstorms much.”

  Amelia chuckled. “That sounds so girlish,” she answered and shivered. “I don’t blame her.”

  They continued on for a few minutes, all the while she kept stealing glances at Gerard. Who would have guessed he was so handsome under all that hair? Amelia would have preferred to travel back with the other version of him. Being alone out in the middle of nowhere with such a handsome man sent a stirring through her. It was a feeling she’d not felt in a long time.

  “Why have you not married?”

  His question came at the absolute worst time. Then again, it would bring perspective to the situation. It would be a stark reminder that getting too close to someone would only bring heartbreak.

  Gerard turned and met her gaze. “If it’s too personal, you don’t have to tell me.”

  “It is personal, but I don’t mind telling you,” Amelia said while considering where to start. When telling her story, she kept to the facts. It was best not to allow emotion in or she couldn’t stop it from overtaking her.

  She spent every moment of every day avoiding this very subject. Amelia filled as much as she could of her waking hours to keeping busy to not think.

  “I was engaged. Before coming here. I lived in Boston.” Her short sentences kept the emotions at bay. “He died. Unexpectedly. They said his heart stopped while he slept.”

  Gerard kept his head bent, listening to her. Although he didn’t respond, it was obvious he listened intently. “So then you moved here?”

  “Not right away. Prior to Anthony’s death, my parents had both died within a year of each other. My father died in a fire where he worked and Mother from pneumonia. Sometimes, I think they couldn’t bear to be apart. So after my mother, my father had to follow.”

  She took a long breath and blinked away the moisture that threatened. “I fell into a melancholy. To this day, I’m not sure what would have become of me if Uncle Bernard had not come.”

  “You’re a strong woman, Amelia. You do so much for the community.” His eyes locked with hers for a long moment. “I think you would have pulled through.”

  Thunder sounded. The storm was getting closer. The horse whinnied and kicked. The wagon swayed violently side to side until Gerard was finally able to get the horse to calm.

  Her hold on the plank across the front of the wagon remained tight for a few minutes until Amelia was sure the horse had truly calmed. “My goodness. If it rains, we have no protection.” The sky was deceivingly clear except for the same group of clouds.

  “I wish they’d blow away.” She glared up at the clouds.

  Gerard frowned up at the sky. “You can ride in the back if it does, the covering will provide some protection. Let’s pray the thunder doesn’t sound again. I’m not sure what this horse will do.”

  They continued on for a couple of miles and, with each passing minute, it became clearer it would rain. There was no way they’d reach town before it started and Amelia began to prepared herself mentally for an uncomfortable end to their trip.

  Thunder boomed overhead.

  Amelia screamed.

  The terrorized horse bucked and kicked its front legs up.

  As hard as Gerard tried, he could not stop the horse from galloping toward the tree line, only to stop when the wagon became lodged between two trees.

  “Oh no!” Amelia cried out as the wagon and both passengers toppled sideways and a front wheel came off. Thankfully, a tree stopped them from hitting the ground.

  Unfortunately, Gerard fell against her, his large body pressing her against the tree trunk.

  His breath fanned over her face as he tried to move. Amelia couldn’t help but giggle at the picture they presented. A sideways cart between two trees, two people scrunched against a tree and a very upset horse.

  “You find this amusing?” Gerard frowned. “I can’t get a hold of anything to move off you.”

  For whatever reason, his words made Amelia laugh harder. “I’m not the most comfortable at the moment. I’m not sure what hurts more, the tree against my hip bone or your elbow pressed into my side.”

  Gerard grunted and grabbed for the front of the wagon. He lifted off her for a moment and then his foot slid and, once again, he fell against her.

  “Ouch,” Amelia said and, again, chuckled at his reddened face. “That hurt.”

  He pressed his lips together in a tight line.

  “You want to laugh, too,” Amelia elbowed him. “How about I try to slide out? I just need you to try to lift up a bit.”

  He met her gaze, their faces only inches apart. Amelia’s eyes went from his down to his parted lips and she cringed. What was she doing?

  When he leaned forward, her eyes closed of their own volition.

  A second passed.

  “Are you going to move?” Gerard grunted. “I can only hold myself up for a bit.”

  “Oh!” Amelia slid sideways, grabbed for the side of the wagon and managed to wiggle out from under Gerard. Unfortunately, there was nothing to keep her from tumbling to the ground, landing on her stomach.

  She scrambled out of the way when Gerard followed her lead.

  The horse continued bucking, not at all happy with being restrained. Gerard tugged at Amelia’s arm. “Move out of range, the horse could kick you.”

  The wagon was tightly wedged in the trees. No matter how hard the horse kicked and tugged, it barely budged. If anything, it was getting jammed in harder.

  Gerard let out a breath. “I’m not sure if I should unhitch her or wait for her to calm down. I think the longer she remains constrained the more upset she will get.”

  “You have to unhitch her. Otherwise, how will we get home?”

  Both of them looked to the horse. She finally stopped tugging and was now pawing at the ground.

  Gerard scratched the back o
f his head. “I am not sure we can ride her. She is very agitated.”

  Stalking to the wagon, Amelia peered into where she’d fallen against the tree and retrieved her shawl. “We can’t very well remain here. Maybe we can leave the horse and walk.”

  “If I let Daisy go, she’ll return to the stables. Thomas will know something is wrong and send someone for us.”

  Amelia narrowed her eyes. “What if she decides to head in the opposite direction?”

  “We can write a note.” Gerard looked around but, sure enough, there wasn’t anything to write with or on.

  “How about we take our chances and ride?” Amelia wasn’t about to get stuck outdoors overnight. Especially with a handsome man that awakened feelings she’d thought long gone.

  His wide shoulders lifted and fell. “All right. We’ll try.”

  He went to the front of the wagon and tugged at the frightened horse’s reins. Smoothing his hand across the animal’s muzzle, he spoke in soft tones. Moving with precision, he began removing the restraints.

  By his moves, it was easy to tell Gerard was accustomed to handling horses. He remained cautious while not letting the animal sense any tension.

  Amelia held her breath, looking up at the sky and then back to Gerard. Hopefully, the thunder had already passed. If it sounded again, it would be a while before the horse could be calmed.

  Although they would arrive well after dark now, at least she didn’t have to worry about spending the entire night out there.

  Finally, the horse was unhitched. Gerard motioned for her to remain back. “Okay, girl, let’s see if you’ll let me onto your back.”

  Amelia hurried forward with the blanket she’d had over her shoulders and Gerard put it on the horse’s back. He shook his head. “Let’s see how this goes. I have to get her closer to the wagon so I can hoist myself up.”

  The horse followed Gerard’s lead, the entire time its ears twitching as it had yet to settle totally.

  As soon as Gerard mounted, he motioned for Amelia to hurry. She scrambled closer and held her hands up so Gerard could help her up.

  Thunder boomed, this time so close that the ground seemed to shake.

  When the horse bucked, Amelia lost her hold on Gerard’s hand and toppled to the ground.

  Lightning brightened the sky and, for an instant, everything seemed to still.

  The horse kicked its front legs up and then followed with her rear. Gerard remained atop the horse at first, but when the horse bucked, he flew off sideways, landing in a heap just under the horse.

  Amelia screamed as a hoof hit Gerard in the stomach area.

  The horse dashed away at the second sound of thunder, becoming lost in the trees.

  “Oh my God.” Amelia hurried to where Gerard lay. He was unconscious, but breathing. She took him by the shoulders and gently shook him. “Gerard?”

  He didn’t respond. Frantic, she looked around the area as if there was an answer as to what she should do.

  “Calm down,” Amelia mumbled. “Check for injuries.”

  She slid her hands behind his head. There weren’t any bumps that she could feel. He moaned but didn’t open his eyes.

  Once that was complete, she slid her hands down his torso. Again nothing. No blood seeped through the clothing and, for that, she was grateful.

  Looking down past his hips and legs, he seemed to be without injury. She’d been too forward as it was and wasn’t about to examine his legs.

  She slid her hands down his chest again to make sure he wasn’t bleeding. When he cringed, she yelped. “Sorry.”

  “Ouch. That really hurt.” Gerard spoke in a breathless voice. His eyes remained closed and she cupped his face with both hands. “Can you open your eyes?”

  “I can, but I really don’t want to.”

  “Where does it hurt?” Amelia tapped the sides of his jaw. “Look at me.”

  His eyes opened and he cringed. “I think she broke at least one of my ribs. Other than that, I feel as if I fell off a horse.” He attempted to sit up, but Amelia held him down, her hands on his shoulders.

  “Take a few moments. I don’t want you passing out again.”

  “I didn’t pass out.” His brows drawn, he looked at her. “I just didn’t want to cry in front of you.”

  Amelia shook her head and held back a chuckle. “I would have certainly understood.”

  She let out a breath and groaned when light rain began to fall. “I’ll have to wrap your chest. Stay here. I have to find something to use.” She pressed a finger into his right shoulder. “Don’t move.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  There wasn’t anything in the wagon. Although the blanket had fallen off the horse’s back, it was too thick to tear. So Amelia scrambled behind a tree and removed her underskirt.

  With quick motions, she tore it into wide, long bands.

  Gerard lifted a hand and gingerly touched his chest.

  Thankfully, the trees kept them dry for the time being. She helped Gerard to sit and then guided him to a fallen tree trunk. Although he grimaced, for the most part, Gerard was silent.

  It was hard to remove his shirt because every movement hurt him, but finally he was bare chested.

  The idea of how close she’d be to him and how intimate the action of wrapping his rib cage would be made her hands tremble.

  “Lift your arms just a bit. I know it’s uncomfortable.” Amelia had rolled up the fabric strips into two rolls and placed one on the trunk next to where he sat.

  When he followed her directions, she began to wrap his chest. Each time he groaned she looked to him. “I’m sorry. I have to wrap it tightly.”

  “I--I know,” he managed to say then let out a groan.

  Finally, she completed the task and assisted him back into his shirt.

  “We better start walking.” Gerard stood and bent at the waist, holding his right arm across his rib cage. “I can only go for a few feet at a time.”

  “Don’t be silly. We’ll wait until the morning. I’m sure Uncle Bernard or Robert will be here first thing.” She motioned to the wagon. “We can crawl into the back. And since it’s on its side, it will give us some protection from the elements.”

  She tugged out a couple of sacks for them to sit on. As far as sleeping, the folded blanket, her shawl and the sacks would have to do for bedding.

  “I’ll get some kindling for a fire.” She hurried around the perimeter of the small clearing where Gerard remained.

  It took only a few moments to collect enough wood for a fire that would burn for a few hours.

  Gerard started the fire and they sat on the sacks staring at the flames.

  “Thank you,” Gerard told her. “I should have picked a different horse.”

  Amelia didn’t want to point out that if he’d done as she’d suggested and gone to Mrs. Shaw’s place first while she made deliveries, they wouldn’t have been so late.

  The rain was more of a sprinkle and, thankfully, the trees were dense enough to keep them from getting too wet. The fire kept going as well.

  “I’ll get the food basket. Hopefully, it’s not gone missing.”

  She found the basket. It was surprisingly unscathed.

  When she returned to Gerard, he was leaning back against the trunk of the fallen tree. Although his eyes were closed, he didn’t seem to be in discomfort. In actuality, his expression was lax.

  “Thank goodness we have something to eat. I found the canteen as well,” Amelia informed him, settling next to him, leaving just enough space between them.

  They ate a simple meal Mrs. Wilkes had packed for them. Amelia felt bad that Gerard grimaced each time he moved.

  “Can you help me stand?” he asked and Amelia did. He moved slowly, obviously keeping his breaths shallow.

  While he went off into the trees to relieve himself, Amelia added another log to the fire and considered what to do as the sun had set and the surroundings were becoming darker by the minute. She kept an ear out for Gerard as she w
ent to the back of the wagon. There was enough room for them to lie down, but they’d be against each other. There was no other recourse. She’d not agree for him to sleep out in the cold and rain while she had shelter. Neither would she allow propriety to rule any discomfort on her part. They were adults and could handle the situation at hand.

  When Gerard returned, she excused herself and wandered a short distance. Afterwards, she came back and then using a wet kerchief, she wiped her face and then hands. “I suppose we should get some rest. The side of the wagon gives us enough room. Hopefully by morning, you will feel up to walking a bit.”

  Gerard frowned in the direction of the sideways turned wagon. “Are you sure?”

  “Of course. With the sacks, blanket and my shawl, we’ll be warm enough. I don’t think it will be comfortable, but it’s better than the ground in my opinion.”

  They walked to the wagon. Gerard leaned forward just a bit with both of his arms around his injured midsection.

  “Since your right side hurts the most, I will sleep on your left.” Amelia climbed onto the wagon. “Let me help you.”

  They went about it slowly until, finally, a gasping Gerard lay on his back in the wagon. “I’m not sure this was a good idea. I won’t be able to get back out,” he told her between soft grunts.

  “You couldn’t very well sleep out there.”

  He turned to her. “Sitting up with my back against the tree hurt less to breathe than now.”

  “Oh.”

  “We can give you a few moments and I can help you back there.”

  He shook his head. “No, I’ll be fine. Try to get some rest.”

  When she lay back, it felt much more intimate than she’d imagined. Their hips and arms touched. Although she was thankful for his body heat, she wondered if it wouldn’t have been a better idea to be cold at the moment.

  “I forgot to cover you.” She sat up and draped the blanket over him. Gerard’s gaze locked to hers as she leaned forward.

  Amelia froze when he touched her face. His hand slid to the back of her head and pulled her forward. Not that he needed to, for she went willingly.

  At first, the touch of their lips made them freeze, neither moving, their lips pressed together. But then he pursed his and kissed her properly.