Yet, why was she still sitting there considering his proposition and having a hard time?
If she were to be totally frank with herself, why the women in the room admired the man was, indeed, understandable. A handsome, rugged man who took charge was the flesh and bone hero of every romance novel.
“Very well, Mr. Hamilton. Let us go.”
His mouth fell open and he looked to Isabel as if to confirm her words. The young woman stood with Wilhelmina and grinned at him. “Pay the tab and come along, Marcus. Wilhelmina and I will await you at my home.”
“Don’t forget to pick up my luggage,” Wilhelmina added in a flat tone. “Please try not to get into a fight along the way.”
Chapter Seven
The pastor’s house was on a corner at the edge of town. It was built next to a small, but quite beautiful chapel.
Exhaustion began to set in just as Wilhelmina sunk into a small, overstuffed chair. It was early afternoon on her first day in Montana and already so much had occurred.
Her mind was awhirl at considering the situation. If things were different, she’d give Marcus Hamilton a piece of her mind and continue forth without considering the man for marriage. He’d have to prove himself to her, by courtship and interaction over a period of time.
So far from home and without the option of returning, this was her first test. The idea of a return train ride made her want to weep.
Not seeming at all discomfited, Isabel went about adding a log to the fire in the hearth. She was humming as she sat in another chair. “I love your dress. Women here always look forward to seeing what new arrivals wear. I am sure everyone will be coming around to see you whenever you and Marcus come to town, just to see what you wear.”
The young woman continued chatting and asking Wilhelmina questions about fashion and such. The distraction from her situation helped settle her some. Wilhelmina yawned and covered her mouth. “I’m so sorry. It’s been an exhausting few days.”
Isabel nodded in understanding. “I understand. Train travel is not easy, especially for so long a distance.”
More than anything, at the moment, to lie upon a comfortable bed and sleep for hours would be a wish come true. Instead, there was a knock at the door announcing her husband-to-be had arrived. When the front door opened and Marcus Hamilton stepped inside, her heart tumbled and something akin to butterflies fluttered in her stomach.
A most disturbing reaction for sure as she’d barely met the man. True, he was for all intents and purposes, her fiancé, but that could change at any moment.
Pastor Ward walked into the room and greeted Marcus with a familiarity that spoke well of their relationship. The clergyman asked him to sit and he did so, on the chair next to hers. The pastor then sat opposite them and placed his hands on his knees looking from one to the other.
“I have considered the situation. Knowing Marcus the way I do, I recommend you go through with the marriage, Miss Wilkins. You will not want for a better, more honorable husband. And although he is of a quick temper, he has never raised his voice or his hand to any woman.”
Wilhelmina remained speechless, looking at the pastor who reached for his bible. How to rebut such a statement? Of course, it was what she wished more than anything, to be married to an honorable man who would treat her well. Her main objections at the moment were his abhorrent behavior just hours earlier and lack of manners at not meeting her upon arrival. But Pastor Ward’s words had done quite a bit to set her mind at ease.
Marcus looked to her, his gold-speckled eyes warm when meeting hers. “I do wish to marry you, Miss Wilkins. As Pastor Ward claims, I will strive to be a good husband.”
“However,” the pastor said as he held up a hand. “I feel you should wait at a few days and allow for courtship. Miss Wilkes will remain here in our home for at least a week.”
Marcus’ eyes rounded. “That’s a long time. The weather may not hold up.”
“It’s not long enough,” the pastor interrupted. “Besides, she’s exhausted. It’s much too soon to take her to your home.”
Marcus grumbled under his breath then nodded. “Of course.” Everyone looked to Wilhelmina who could barely put a thought together.
She was much too tired to form any kind of argument. Truth be told, she’d marry a mule at this point if it meant being left alone to rest.
“I am so tired. At this point, I can only say the pastor makes the most sense. I came this far under the agreement to marry you,” she said, looking to Marcus. “I will keep my word, but would like a few days reprieve, please.”
“Marcus,” the pastor said. “Why don’t you come back later this evening after Miss Wilkins rests and visit with her? Then return in two days. At that time, after you spend some time together, she can give a final decision.”
The pastor walked out of the room with Isabel in tow to give them privacy. Wilhelmina swallowed, unsure of what to say to the man who frowned while staring at the fire.
“I suppose you’re angry.”
His wide shoulders lifted and lowered. “No, just disappointed.” He looked to her with a curve to his lips. “My sister and Ma will be even more so. They’re looking forward to meeting you.” His brows came together and he huffed. “Both will give me a piece of their minds once they find out what happened.”
It was her turn to smile. “I suppose they will.”
He stood and held his hat in his left hand. “I look forward to our evening visit. Rest well, Miss Wilkins.”
Much to Wilhelmina’s dismay, the afternoon had turned to evening when she woke. Voices from the front room and the smell of food pulled her from her slumber. In a hurry, she dashed from the bed and splashed water on her face from the basin thoughtfully filled by Isabel or a maid, she wasn’t sure. Afterward, she brushed her hair and pinned it away from her face. Once she felt presentable enough for company, it was time to face her fiancé for a second time.
Upon entering the dining room, everyone looked up. Isabel reacted first by motioning to a chair. The men stood as she neared and Wilhelmina sat without making eye contact.
“How did you rest, Wilhelmina?” Pastor Ward asked, his kind eyes meeting hers. “I assume it wasn’t long enough of a nap.”
“Very comfortably, thank you.”
When she looked to Marcus, his darkened gaze met hers and much to her mortification, a heated flush rose to her cheeks.
Isabel, who seemed not to run out of topics of discussion, helped maintain a comfortable flow of conversation while they ate. The food was delicious. There was a generous portion of mashed potatoes with meat and gravy along with freshly baked bread.
Once they finished eating, Wilhelmina offered to assist the maid and Isabel with clean up. She was hurried out of the room and told to spend time with Marcus.
“Would you care to walk outside, Miss Wilkins?”
Although she wasn’t anxious to be exposed to the cold, Wilhelmina wanted some private time to speak with Marcus. “Very well. I will retrieve my cloak.”
“You will require something warmer than what you wore earlier. I stopped by the mercantile and purchased a more suitable coat. You can order one more to your liking later if you wish.”
On a peg hung a beautiful, thick, dark brown coat. Wilhelmina reached for it, her fingers sinking into the dense fur lining. “Thank you. I love it.”
He assisted her into the coat and, within seconds, warmth engulfed her. They walked out to find the sun had begun to set. Wilhelmina allowed him to take her elbow and assist her down the front porch steps onto the boardwalk.
“I will give you a tour of our town. Although there is little to see right now, more is planned.” Marcus described each building and who either lived in the space or was the proprietor of the business. She found it interesting how many people lived above their business and not in a separate house.
Most had closed for the day. The only places remaining open were the hotel and the saloon, which he made sure to walk past on the opposite side of t
he street.
There were few people out and about, but those who were immediately came to them to be introduced to Wilhelmina. Each person gave a glowing recommendation of her soon to be husband until she began to wonder if, perhaps, they were honest or just hoped marriage would settle him down.
Marcus motioned to a small building with a bell set up in front. “That is our school house. Our current teacher is one of the farmers’ wives, so class is only held twice a week. A new schoolmarm was expected to arrive last month. From what I understand, she’s been detained by some sort of family illness.”
Wilhelmina studied him for a moment. Marcus’ one eye was swollen almost shut now and he sported purple bruising around his mouth and jaw. He would not make the most appropriate groom, but Wilhelmina’s mind was made up. If she came this far and made a commitment to do something, then she’d follow through. The hot-tempered man would just have to deal with the consequences.
“Why did you post an ad for a wife? It seems to me, you are well liked and, although there aren’t many women here, I’m sure you would not have a problem in finding a wife.”
His gaze moved to the side as he considered how to reply. “I didn’t place the ad. My mother decided it was the best way to get my brother and me settled.”
“Oh.” A troublesome thought occurred. “So you are forced into this?”
“Not at all,” he replied readjusting his hat. “As a matter of fact, I planned to get married. I just wasn’t sure how I’d go about finding a wife.” He grinned then grimaced as it probably smarted with his split lip.
“Sorry about my appearance. I know it’s not attractive and probably a bit frightening.”
She nodded. “A bit…yes. Marcus?”
“Yes, Miss Wilkins?”
“What if we are not suited? What would you do if, after all this, you realize we’ve made a huge mistake?” The question she posed to him was the same she’d been repeating to herself since agreeing to the marriage.
“We will make vow to each other. I am of a thought that those promises will be what should keep us together. If and when we have any problems, we can remind each other of that.” His hazel eyes roamed over her face and his brows lowered. “I do believe physical attraction is a good start. I find you beautiful, Miss Wilkins.”
Wilhelmina could not help her eyes from rounding. Unlike any man in her past who may have declared to find her attractive, Marcus’ words sunk in and made her very glad to hear them. At the same time, it was quite unsettling when heat rushed to her cheeks.
“Thank you. Please call me Wilhelmina. We are to be married after all.”
His lips curved. “Very well, Wilhelmina. I should escort you back. It’s much too cold to keep you out here for so long.”
Upon arriving at the front porch, Marcus lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “I will remain here in town and come see about you tomorrow. Is late morning a good time?”
Flustered at his closeness and not quite sure what, if anything, the Ward’s had planned, she nodded. “I think so, yes.”
Upon the door being opened by a bright-eyed Isabel, Marcus tipped his hat and took his leave.
Isabel tugged at her right hand. “Hurry inside. It’s freezing out there. Come in and sit by the fire.”
They settled into chairs where Isabel already had a pot of tea sitting next to the fire. “I figured you’d want something warm to drink.”
Wilhelmina looked to the door. “Where do you think Marcus will spend the night?”
“Probably at Dr. Jones’ house. They are good friends. Marcus and his brother, Tobias, often sleep there when they come into town.”
She wondered about her intended’s family, but was too tired to ask. Once she sipped the tea, she wanted to go to bed.
Isabel poured the tea and handed her the first cup. “Did he kiss you? Where did you go?” Although her new friend was overly curious, Wilhelmina liked Isabel.
“No he did not kiss me, other than my hand. We walked down the boardwalk to the school house and back.”
“Oh,” Isabel said downturned lips.
Morning came too soon but Wilhelmina felt remarkably rested after deciding she’d not put off Marcus. It was best to proceed as planned and marry. Since there wasn’t really a good reason other than her nerves to put it off, she preferred to move forward and start her new life.
Determination would be best in this instance and for the months to come. There was much to learn and become accustomed to. Although she’d considered herself prepared for the roughness of the west, the truth was, it turned out to be much more underdeveloped than she ever expected.
It would take some time to get used to the fact everything there was rudimentary. Not in a bad way, but obvious things from buildings to clothing was fashioned to withstand the elements and not to impress.
Over breakfast, the pastor and Isabel ate with gusto, both peppering her with questions about life in Philadelphia. She imagined one day she’d act the same when meeting someone who came from out east.
“Have you made a decision, young lady, regarding Marcus? Will you marry him in a few days?” The pastor’s warm gaze rested on her for a moment. “Whatever your decision is, know that my daughter and I will support you.”
Wilhelmina put her fork down and sighed. “I have. I will marry him and I would rather do it today, if possible. I don’t want to impose on your hospitality. Not only that, but I came with the expectation of marrying right away and beginning a new life with him.”
“That’s good news,” Isabel exclaimed, bouncing in her seat and clapping. “I’ll help fix your hair.”
The pastor smiled at his daughter. “I will inform Marcus when he arrives. Once you’re finished with breakfast, it’s best you get ready. I know these things take time. However, young lady, you do not put us out in any way. Quite the contrary. Isabel loves to have company.”
Isabel bobbed her head while grinning. “It was so very nice to have you here.”
When they finished eating, Isabel and Wilhelmina walked toward the bedroom. Her stomach tightened with apprehension.
“Are you all right? You are pale,” Isabel asked, studying her. “Wedding jitters,” she proclaimed.
“How old are you?” Wilhelmina changed the subject. “You should be preparing to marry soon as well, right?”
Isabel shook her head. “I’m eighteen. Papa says I can wait as long as I want to get married. I’m going to get married when the perfect man comes along.”
“So no one interests you yet?” Wilhelmina wondered how things would be if she’d grown up there. “With so many men about?”
With a dainty shrug, Isabel rushed ahead of her and lifted a small bunch of yellow flowers with netting. “I made this for you. The flowers are made of paper. My mother showed me how to make them. It will be beautiful in your hair.”
Her eyes welled at the only wedding gift she’d receive and Wilhelmina reached for it. “How beautiful. Your mother must have been a dear woman.”
“Oh, she was.” Isabel smiled. “I am so grateful for the time I had with her. She died almost three years ago now and I miss her daily.”
Wilhelmina walked into the bedroom and sat on a small bench facing the vanity. “I don’t require any help, Isabel. Honestly, I plan to wear this dress and other than pining this to my hair, I am ready.”
Wilhelmina studied her reflection after Isabel helped pin the flowers in her hair and went to her own room to change. Fear and anxiety radiated in the light brown eyes that met hers. Her hand trembled when she pushed back an errant lock of hair. This would have been a perfect time for a bit of brandy.
Many times she and Aurora had planned their wedding days. Every scenario had included prolonged discussions of what they’d wear, hairstyle, shoes and the wedding party.
When a knock sounded, she jumped and dropped the brush. “Come in.” Her voice was shaky, making her clear her throat. “Please come in.”
Isabel peeked in and smiled. “Marc
us is here and so are two witnesses. Are you ready?”
As hard as she tried to stop them, tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision. Her stomach tumbled and she gulped in air. “I am, just give me a moment.”
Isabel gave her a knowing look. “It’s going to be fine. You just wait and see.”
“I think so, too.” Wilhelmina mustered a smile.
“I hope we can continue to visit. I can come to see you and when you’re in town, we can meet for tea. I’d like to be friends.” Isabel hugged her.
“Yes, I would love it as well.”
Isabel’s warm hand on her arm helped calm her and she let out a breath. “I’m terrified. What if this is all a huge mistake?”
“I can only imagine,” Isabel said. “You are so brave to come so far alone and marry someone. However, I am glad you’re marrying him. He’s a good man. Believe me, I know”
“How could you?” Perhaps in a futile effort to gain a few moments, Wilhelmina asked that question.
A soft smile curved Isabel’s lips. “I was recently engaged to a nice man. My father disapproved because he is so much older than me. After much consideration, I broke it off. Shortly thereafter, he married someone else.” She sighed. “It proved he didn’t love me as much as he declared. Father was right. And Father thinks you two are a good match.”
“The right one will come along,” Wilhelmina assured Isabel.
“I know. Now let’s get your nerves under control.”
Wilhelmina nodded. “I am being a silly girl. Nerves have taken over.” She closed her eyes and opened them to meet the determined gaze in the mirror. “I’m ready, let’s go.”
It seemed like only moments later, she stood next to Marcus, flanked by two witnesses. She and Marcus exchanged vows. She recited her vows to love, honor and obey the man until death parted them. Marcus’ voice was deep and clear when stating his vows, while hers wavered, at times barely audible.
Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 1) Page 6