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

by Hildie McQueen

  Her breath caught. The kiss was sweet and perfect and she wished it to linger. However, too soon, his hand guided her away and he smiled. “Thank you for taking care of me, Amelia.”

  Unsure of what to say, she only nodded. Moving to lay back again, she used the shawl as a blanket. Thank goodness she’d brought a thick one in case it was late when she returned.

  “Amelia?”

  “Mmm?”

  “Are you comfortable enough?”

  “And if I’m not?” she quipped to lighten the atmosphere.

  “You can lay atop the blanket. I’m not cold.”

  She lifted up to her elbow and looked at him. The man was breathtaking and, despite herself, she was not upset about the opportunity to get to know him better. “You will be cold later. Just to let you know ahead of time. Don’t try to steal my blanket.”

  He chuckled. “I will do my best.”

  They fell into silence again. In the trees there was rustling and Amelia froze. “What is that?”

  “You’re going to hear a lot of noise out there. Some animals come out at night to hunt for food. I wouldn’t worry too much.”

  She worried.

  It sounded as if more than one animal searched their area. A bit later, they left and she let out a breath. “I think they left,” she whispered.

  “You seemed to have grown attached to the little girls we visited.” It was clear Gerard was attempting to distract her.

  “They are sweet. I must admit I do love visiting with them. Hopefully, the weather won’t get too cold and I can come back and visit them before long.”

  “Would you like children?”

  His questions were more familiar than a man should be asking a woman. However, based on the situation, she supposed it was understandable. She mused for a moment about his question.

  “I would have liked to have had children.” Amelia’s chest tightened at the idea she’d never be a mother.

  “But for some reason, you’ve made up your mind to keep from marrying and having a family.” His words were a statement, not a question. Although she knew he had similar plans, it didn’t stop anger from striking.

  “I have a strong reason, Mr. Cullen...”

  “Gerard.”

  She ignored his request. “If anyone should understand, I would think you would.”

  “Did you love him deeply?”

  She wasn’t sure why she answered the question. “I was engaged to him. He and I would have had a family.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “What does that mean?” Amelia could not keep the annoyance from her voice. “I was devastated when Anthony died.”

  “I find it interesting that you do not answer my question. I am not belittling your feelings, Amelia. However, we have both decided to protect ourselves from a future because of the past. Only the death of a true loved one can hurt so badly that it would keep a person from loving again.”

  True Love. Amelia was struck silent. What had she felt for Anthony? They’d never exchanged an “I love you” in the two years of courtship.

  Of course, she loved Anthony. He was to be her husband. She’d not marry someone without caring. It had been assumed they’d marry from the day he courted her. They had met at a social event where they’d been paired up by the fact that they were the only single people present.

  Anthony had invited her for a walk in the gardens and they’d hit if off famously. The scent of blooming gardenias had been overwhelming, but she’d not minded. Of a quiet and polite nature, he’d been a man who did not intimidate her. Quite the opposite, Amelia was able to open up and speak of all kinds of things. They became fast friends, enjoying each other’s company tremendously.

  “I’ve brought back unwanted memories. I apologize.” Gerard misread her silence.

  To her surprise, the memory of walking in the garden with Anthony brought a smile. “No, don’t apologize.”

  Gerard kept his gaze on her for a lingering moment, seeming to ensure she was truthful before turning his attention away.

  It was becoming too dark to study his face. The difference between the man she’d left with that morning and the one who lay next to her was astonishing. This one was the wrong one to be stuck with all night.

  If she slept a wink, no one would be more surprised than she.

  He’d kissed her. Amelia frowned into the darkness. It had been so natural, as if it were expected. She’d wanted it to continue. Her first kiss in so many years and, for some strange reason, she wasn’t upset about it.

  Afterwards, they’d continued to speak, neither seeming to feel awkward. How very strange.

  Perhaps when morning came, the awkwardness would return.

  She certainly hoped not.

  Then again, what did she hope for?

  Chapter 8

  The chirping of crickets had nothing on the heartbeats echoing in Gerard’s ears. He’d never been so grateful for pain in his life. Whether broken or bruised, the pain he felt when moving kept him from attempting to turn toward Amelia and kissing her again.

  He wanted to. Badly. His body screamed for another kiss, to hold her close and in his arms. How was this possible? Admittedly, he’d enjoyed her company. Traveling this day had been enjoyable. So many years had passed since he’d actually spent time with another person, talking, sharing and getting to know each other. They’d both stolen glances at one another. Out of the corner of his eyes, he’d caught her studying him.

  After his haircut she’d been taken aback. It was obvious Amelia approved and knowing it had made him feel...well, feel good.

  He’d also taken notice of her more than before and couldn’t stop from following her wherever she went. Gerard had definitely watched the way she moved, so graceful at all times. How she tilted her head when she smiled was especially attractive.

  Everything about her was appealing. The slight hoarseness of her voice, the way she moved her hands when speaking and even the way she interacted with others. Every little thing Amelia did that day, he’d paid attention to.

  Now the woman was pressed against his side, caught between his body and the bottom of the wagon. She let out a sigh and cleared her throat.

  “Are you asleep?” Amelia asked.

  “No.”

  “I was thinking,” she began, shifting just a bit. “What time do you think someone will be here?”

  “Daisy should be arriving back at the stables about now. Once they see her, help will come. I would guess they will depart first thing in the morning.”

  “Right.”

  “Do you have to be somewhere tomorrow?” He nudged her with his elbow. “A social engagement of utmost importance?”

  Her soft chuckle made him smile. “No. I planned to spend the day weeding the garden. I have a cat I just recently acquired.”

  The last sentence was slurred just enough to let him know Amelia was getting sleepy.

  “I see. I am sure the cat will excuse your absence once you explain,” Gerard teased.

  “Mmmm. I have to name him.”

  “Him? How about Rain?”

  “Or Storm...”

  “I like that.”

  “Mmm, hmm.”

  He waited and then her breathing deepened. She’d fallen asleep. It struck him how comfortable they were. In a situation like this, he would’ve expected a woman to demand privacy and to not want any kind of action which would cause her virtue to be questioned.

  His lips curved. Amelia Fields was an interesting and arresting woman.

  When Gerard inhaled, his ribs protested and he practiced breathing with shallow breaths instead. He wasn’t about to fall asleep. No matter how injured he was, he would fight if someone attempted to harm Amelia.

  Morning came and Amelia shivered and snuggled closer to Gerard. At the moment, she was torn between propriety and the need to stay warm. It was best to get moving and not dawdle about. Any time now, someone would arrive. Finding her snuggled against a man would not be acceptable.

  “I ne
ed help getting up,” Gerard mumbled.

  At the sound of his husky from sleep voice, Amelia’s stomach pitched. Not only had she gotten to know the man more than she’d hoped, but now she knew the sound of his voice first thing in the morning.

  “Yes, of course. I was just thinking it’s time to get up and wait for help to come.”

  She slid down as far as possible and scrambled from the wagon. Then, as gently as possible, she helped Gerard to do the same. By the time he was able to stand, there were beads of sweat on his forehead and upper lip.

  “I’m so sorry you are hurting.” She touched his shoulder. “Ready to try to walk?”

  His lips curved. “I can manage.” When Gerard’s gaze met hers, she blushed. “Yes, of course.”

  While he was gone to relieve himself, Amelia did the same. This was not appropriate, nothing about it was, but there was no alternative.

  Once they returned to town, she’d bring him meals and assist where she could until he recovered. He’d come along to protect and accompany her and she was thankful for it. Thunder had sounded most of the afternoon, so it was very possible she would have been caught in this predicament while alone.

  Amelia hurried to start a fire and Gerard helped her as much as he could. Once again, he sat on the ground atop a sack and Amelia fetched the blanket from the wagon.

  They sat next to each other with the blanket over their shoulders.

  “This has turned out to be the strangest adventure,” Amelia said and let out a long sigh. “I wish we had tea. I am most disagreeable without strong tea in the mornings.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” Gerard said. “However, I am the same way without coffee.”

  She looked at the flames for a long moment. “I am thankful it didn’t rain very hard. The ground is not wet and the morning is actually quite pleasant, don’t you think?”

  There was a rumbling in the distance and Amelia looked up at the sky. “Oh no. Do you think it’s going to storm?”

  Gerard chuckled and winced. “It’s not thunder. It’s horses.”

  “Goodness.” Amelia hurried to her feet and raced toward the road to see who was coming.

  Just moments later, two horsemen appeared, followed by a wagon led by another man. She recognized her cousin, Robert, and her uncle, Bernard. The stable master, Thomas Riggs drove the wagon.

  Robert dismounted immediately and rushed to her. “Are you harmed? Where is Gerard?” He looked behind her.

  “He’s hurt. We think his ribs are broken.” She tugged his arm. “He’s over here.”

  They went to where Gerard sat and her uncle and Thomas went to help him up.

  The proud man pushed them away when they tried to help him walk to the back of the wagon. “It’s going to hurt more to be jostled in the wagon than to walk to it,” Gerard grumbled.

  “Your aunt is beside herself with worry,” Uncle Bernard said, hugging Amelia. “What happened?”

  “Thunder scared the horse and then...” she motioned toward the wedged sideways wagon. “When Gerard fell of the horse, the darn thing kicked him.”

  “I’m glad to see you’re unscathed.” Her uncle inspected her face.

  Amelia nodded. “I’m sure I’ll have a couple bruises. But, thank goodness, other than that, I’m fine.”

  They walked back to the horses and wagon to find that Thomas and Robert had settled Gerard in the back. Although his expression was flat, there were lines of tension on his brow.

  “I’ll ride in the back with him,” Amelia offered. “We should go slow.”

  It took two hours to arrive in town. When they pulled up to Gerard’s house, Sarah and her aunt hurried over to them.

  Both women hugged Amelia, making her feel happy to have people who cared about her. “I must look a fright,” she said, reaching up to her hair. “It has been quite an eventful time.”

  “Goodness, I expected to find you upset or hysterical,” her aunt said while studying her. “Instead, you look as if you just returned from an enjoyable time.”

  Amelia chuckled. “It most certainly was not my idea of a fun. Poor Gerard is hurt and we must look after him. After all, he did come along to escort me.”

  “Alone?” Her aunt’s wide eyes went to where the men were helping Gerard from the wagon. “I thought Eudora was also with you. Goodness, Amelia, what will people say if they find you spent the night out in the wilderness with a man?”

  Sarah took Amelia’s arm. “Come have a cup of tea. They will settle Gerard and we can take him something to eat in a few moments.”

  Thankful that her friend steered the conversation away from the possible gossip to come, Amelia readily agreed. “That sounds wonderful.”

  “Ignore me if you will,” her aunt continued as they sat drinking tea while Sarah cooked. “However did you spend the night out there? The man could’ve taken advantage.”

  Knowing it was best to tell her aunt something to quell her worry, Amelia worked out the best scenario to share with her.

  “He was a complete gentleman the entire time so please don't worry. I slept in the wagon and Gerard by the fire. He stayed up all night to ensure no harm came to me. Besides, he is much too injured and can barely stand. If anything, I should have been protecting him.”

  “It reassures me, but only a bit. Surely by now, people are aware of what happened.”

  Sarah came to the table and stood with one hand on her hip. “No one is aware but Thomas and us. So I’m sure Amelia’s virtue is intact.”

  When Amelia laughed, the two women looked to her. “This conversation is silly. First of all, I have no aspirations to ever marry. And secondly, do both of you actually think a man intent on marriage here in town would hesitate worrying about my virtue? Other than Lilah and Laddie, I am the only other single woman in town.”

  “Say what you will, however one day you may live to regret it,” her aunt replied, shaking her head. Camilla looked to Sarah. “I hope you are right Sarah, and I hope Thomas doesn’t tell a soul.”

  Chapter 9

  Gerard wasn’t sure what to think of all the attention and help he was receiving. The outpouring from the people in town was both overwhelming and humbling. He’d barely moved a finger since being hurt.

  Meals were brought. Men were sent over by the mercantile owner to help him with personal necessities and Mrs. Parker had sent enough herbs to keep him healthy for a year.

  At the moment, two people were present, the doctor, who was examining him, and Amelia, who remained just outside the door.

  For the past few days, Amelia had stopped by in the afternoons to keep him company for an hour or so.

  That day, upon arriving and finding the doctor, she’d intended to leave to give him privacy, but he’d insisted she remain until the doctor examined him.

  Not that Gerard needed anything, but it was that he’d become accustomed to her presence and intended to ask her some questions. There would only be time for a bit of privacy since Pastor Miller and his wife had plans to come and bring supper that afternoon.

  Finally after a few instructions, the doctor left. His broken ribs would take a few more weeks to heal and Gerard was instructed not to return to work for a month at least.

  “A month without working will drive me crazy,” Gerard grumbled as he walked out of the bedroom to the front room with Amelia beside him.

  “I’m just happy to see how much easier you can move about now,” she replied.

  An arm around his ribs and slightly bent at the waist was not exactly the picture of health. Gerard remained silent.

  A glance at the clock on his mantel let him know the preacher would be arriving soon.

  “Amelia,” he started. When she met his gaze, it made his gut tighten. “I wish to speak to you about something.”

  “What is it?” Her brows fell as Amelia searched his face for clues.

  “It’s just that, with you coming here and spending so much time with me...”

  “Oh no.” Amelia covered her mouth
with both hands. “I’m so embarrassed. I shouldn’t have taken so much liberty.”

  Before she could turn away, he took her by the arm. “Would you listen to what I have to say before getting upset please?”

  Although she nodded, the shine in her eyes told him it was too late. He was an idiot and had started out by saying the wrong thing.

  “The thing is...I want you to continue to visit me. I am beginning to care for you. I look forward to your visits.”

  “Oh.”

  Gerard cleared his throat. “I would like to ask if you’d be willing to pursue more than just friendship with me.”

  She blinked rapidly and studied his face. It was almost as if she didn’t understand what he said. “Do you mean as in courtship?”

  The idea of not seeing her again had kept Gerard up all night. It hadn’t been until almost sunrise that the realization he cared for Amelia and wanted her in his life became clear.

  He nodded.

  “I don’t know what to say.” She bit her bottom lip. “This is not what I planned. I don’t think I wish to marry...” Amelia stopped speaking. “And yet.”

  “And yet?”

  “I can’t imagine not seeing you every day either.”

  He pulled her close. “Amelia. We can take things slow. Take our time. This is not what I had planned either.”

  When she caressed his face, cupping his jaw, it was all the invitation he needed. Gerard covered Amelia’s mouth with his. The kiss was perfect, natural and almost familiar in a strange way. Two people meant for each other. Their mouths melded together and his eyes fell closed.

  Amelia relaxed against him and ran her fingers through his hair.

  Three quick raps sounded at the door. They sprung apart so fast that Gerard winced in pain.

  “Are you all right?” Amelia’s worried gaze moved from him to the door.

  “More than all right,” he replied with a grin.

  It was Sarah at the door. “I came to fetch you so we can go discuss the fall festival with Mrs. Withers.”