Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 1)

by Hildie McQueen

  Marcus’ gaze lifted to hers. He searched her face for a clue as to what she was thinking then looked away.

  No greeting. Wilhelmina decided to be the better person. “Good afternoon. Go ahead and sit down. Supper is just about ready.”

  The men moved as one toward the table, James appearing from the back. “It smells very good,” James said, smiling broadly.

  At once, she and Eleanor served the meal, ensuring each man had a large portion.

  When Wilhelmina sat down next to Marcus, he looked to her. “How was your day?”

  “Quite interesting. I enjoyed speaking with your mother. She gave me a lot of good advice.”

  His brows came together in a frown and he looked to Eleanor who feigned not noticing, her lips pressed together in an unsuccessful attempt to hide a smile. “You spoke to her?”

  “Mother sat out here with us for a good while. She had a good day today,” Eleanor announced to the table. “I took her back a few minutes ago as she needed to get some rest.”

  Marcus cleared his throat. “I am planning to go to town this week. Would you like to go?”

  Wilhelmina looked to her sister-in-law. “Oh, that is most timely. Eleanor and I have compiled a list of things we must get. Your mother also has items she’d like purchased. If you can take us, it would be nice.”

  “Indeed,” Eleanor said. “We have to get supplies and ensure the kitchen and house are stocked for winter.”

  Leaning over his plate, he resumed eating, not speaking to them for the rest of the meal. Wilhelmina almost felt bad as it became obvious he’d meant the invitation to be for her alone. But at the moment, she cared more that he didn’t think all was forgotten or would be by his invite alone.

  “Can we speak after supper?” she asked him in a soft voice. “I don’t believe our discussion from last night is finished.”

  His jaw clenched, the muscle jumping when he clamped his teeth together. “The matter is settled.”

  “No it is not.”

  Everyone around the table stopped eating and watched them with expectation. Wilhelmina refused to back down. “We will speak after supper.” She looked to her father-in-law. “Would you like more stew?”

  Thankfully, the woman who came on occasion to help, showed up after supper and took over cleaning the kitchen. Wilhelmina walked out to the porch to search for Marcus.

  In the distance, she spotted her stubborn husband who’d escaped as soon as he finished eating. Marcus was probably attempting to avoid her. He stood in the center of a corral holding the end of a rope with the other secured around a horse’s neck. The animal trotted in a circle as Marcus made clicking sounds and spoke to the animal in soft tones.

  She pulled her shawl tight around her shoulders, the fabric barely enough to keep her warm. Then she walked to where he worked.

  If he saw her, Marcus did not acknowledge her, but continued with whatever he was doing.

  “I feel that a husband and wife should discuss anything that will impact both of them,” Wilhelmina called out and leaned on the fence to stare at him.

  “Why should we discuss something when a decision is made?” he quipped back, tugging at the rope.

  “Because it’s what civilized people do.”

  “I am civilized.”

  “I am making a point. How would you feel if I decided we’d eat beans every day? I made the decision without asking your opinion and just served them.”

  “That makes no sense. Why would anyone eat beans every day?” He looked at her with narrowed eyes. “Are you really planning to do that?”

  “It’s just an example.” She resisted the urge to stomp her foot. She shivered, but refused to go back indoors. They’d have a conversation whether he liked beans or not. “You decided where we’d live and didn’t give me a choice or an opinion on the matter. At this point, you do not know if I would have thought it a good idea or not. You don’t know if I want to be here or not. You did not give me an opportunity to prepare for a very big change in plans.”

  He walked to the horse and untied the rope. The man’s movements fascinated her, his wide back stretching as he reached up to pull the saddle from the animal. With determined, long strides he walked towards her and placed the heavy item on the fence. Marcus’ lips remained pressed into a tight line and she could see the stubborn resolve. The man would not give in easily and admit to being wrong, or at least partially understand where she stood.

  “I am not going to change my mind. What do you have to say on the matter?”

  Wilhelmina could only gawk at him. She bit down, grinding her teeth to keep from screaming. “Is that how you want to start this conversation?”

  “We’ve been talking for a few minutes.”

  After a fortifying breath, Wilhelmina met his gaze. “Do you understand what I said when I asked that we discuss things before a final decision is made?”

  “I’m not an idiot. Yes, I understand, but I don’t agree.” When he rolled his neck and looked up to the sky as if for patience, Wilhelmina spun on her heel and headed back to the house.

  It was no use. The man was as stubborn as a mule. She rushed past the main room to the bedroom and closed the door. Then she fell over the bed, pushed her face into the bedding and screamed.

  Chapter Twelve

  The wagon ride to Laurel was entertaining. Tobias and Marcus sat on the bench while Wilhelmina and Eleanor settled into the back of the wagon. Although it was quite cold, blankets and warmed bricks helped a great deal.

  Eleanor pointed out several places and told her stories of the people who lived there. Although Wilhelmina and Marcus had yet to speak about things, for the time being she allowed it to pass. It wouldn’t do to ruin the day by arguing with her stubborn husband.

  Upon arriving in town, the brothers assisted the women down and they were immediately surrounded by several townspeople. It was interesting that most did not try to conceal their curiosity at meeting Wilhelmina.

  Two women neared and both hugged Eleanor. Her sister-in-law’s face was bright with joy. “Wilhelmina, this is Gladys. She is Evan Jones’ nurse.” She motioned to the woman who smiled broadly in return and then turned to the other woman who’d stepped out of the building they stood in front of. “And this is Gemina. She and her husband, Howard, own the mercantile.”

  The women seemed anxious to get her inside to talk. No doubt, they sought to find out the information every other woman had sought to get from her.

  Wilhelmina turned to find Marcus. He watched on with a curve to his lips, obviously at ease since she was not frowning.

  Just then an argument broke out across the street and two men began trading punches.

  “Not again,” Gemina said with a huff. She turned to watch the commotion while Wilhelmina went to stand behind Marcus.

  One man fell to the ground. Wilhelmina looked to Marcus. “Who are they?”

  “The one standing is Evan’s brother, Elias. He’s a rancher.” Marcus chuckled when the fair-haired Elias fell face first onto the ground because the other man grabbed his legs.

  “Isn’t anyone going to do something?” Wilhelmina asked just as Gladys rushed over with a bucket of water.

  “Cut it out,” the woman admonished the fighters and doused them with the cold water. She stormed away, leaving the men to glare after her.

  She came to Wilhelmina and smiled broadly. “Come inside. Let’s have tea.” Gladys gave Marcus a pointed look. “You will let her spend a few minutes visiting, won’t you?”

  Marcus didn’t dare look at her. “Yes, of course. Tobias and I need to pick up medication from Evan and load up the wagon.”

  Marcus then addressed his wife. “I’ll be by for you in an hour or so,” he told her and walked off.

  The women settled in the back of the mercantile where Gemina goaded her husband to bring chairs for them. Tea was made and a pretty plate of cookies was passed. Wilhelmina was delighted to spend time with the women and almost cried with joy when Isabel burst into th
e store calling out her name before hugging her tightly.

  The day went by much too fast. After tea, the women all assisted with shopping for the winter. Gemina gave her almost as much as she purchased, insisting it was a wedding gift.

  “If only you lived closer,” Isabel said with a woeful look. “I could help sew dresses.”

  When Marcus and Tobias returned, the women lined up to hug Wilhelmina and Eleanor. Finally, they were bustled into the wagon to head home.

  It was good to see his wife so happy. She and Eleanor held an animated conversation the entire ride back. They recounted every single conversation of the time with the other ladies. Seeing the sparkle in her eyes and her wide smile lightened his heart. Once spring came, he’d see to it that she traveled to town often to visit with her new friends.

  They arrived home a short time later and, after everything was unloaded, Marcus helped Wilhelmina out of her coat. He pressed a kiss to her soft cheek and she let out a sigh.

  “I hope you’re in a better mood and not so mad at me.”

  She turned to him with a brow lifted. “I am in a wonderful mood. However, I am still not happy with you. We…” she motioned between them. “Still have a discussion pending.”

  “How many times do I have to explain there is nothing to dis…”

  “There is much to discuss…” she gritted out and her nostrils flared. “I am not sure what to say to you…I need to walk away.” Not waiting for his reply, she darted out of his reach and walked to the back of the house.

  Marcus walked outside scratching his head. He had to admit his wife had spunk. The fire in her beautiful whiskey-brown eyes had almost made him smile. Now she was angry once again. He looked to the house and wondered what she was doing at the moment.

  It made no sense. Why would she want to talk about something when it wouldn’t change? Women were interesting, but admittedly, very hard to figure out.

  When his father came out and sat down on the porch with a pipe, Marcus walked over. “Hey, Pa. You see Wilhelmina?”

  “Caught a sight of her dashing through the house as if her skirts were on fire. What’d you do now?”

  Although it was cold, he was not ready to go inside. Since boyhood, he’d always preferred the outdoors, often having to be called in for supper. More times than he could count, he’d missed it altogether. He’d often begged for permission to sleep outside where he could stare at the skies for hours. It had been a long time since he’d done that.

  “I told her it was no use in talking about something when a decision is made. Not sure why she’s so mad.”

  “What decision is this?” His father lit the pipe and waited for his reply.

  It was a hard subject to speak about out loud, especially with his father. “I decided we’d remain here through the winter. I want to be available in case something’s needed for Mother.”

  “What does Wilhelmina think about it?”

  He frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Does she agree? Would she prefer to move into the house you built and visit regularly? What is her preference on the matter?”

  “I don’t know. All she says is that I didn’t discuss it before making the decision.”

  His father’s steady gaze met his. “I suggest you find out how she feels about it. Son, it doesn’t matter whether you’re right or wrong when it comes to marriage. What matters is that you know how your wife feels.”

  The words resonated and he lowered to sit. Looking back, he remembered many times his parents had obviously argued and were mad at each other. His mother’s stoic face and his father’s avoidance of looking at her made a tangible air of discomfort in their presence. Each time, he’d often wondered why they’d disagreed.

  Usually a day or two later, things between his parents were smoothed out and back to normal. He didn’t like it when they were mad at each other.

  “I suppose I’ll talk to her. But she’s pretty angry.”

  His father’s chuckle drifted across the porch. “She’s a feisty one, that’s for sure. Perfect match for you if you ask me. You’ll have to do more than talk at this point. Especially if you hurt her feelings.”

  Hurting Wilhelmina was the one thing he didn’t want to do. If he’d hurt her in any way, he’d feel horrible. “You think I did?”

  “There’s only one way to find out, Son.”

  He walked inside and headed for the bedroom.

  She stood by the wardrobe, one hand on a dress, her expression soft. It was easy to tell, in her mind, she was elsewhere, probably back in the comfort of her home, a familiar place.

  No matter what circumstances had taken her so far away, he admired the courage within her that she’d take such a chance and follow her heart to an unfamiliar territory. Here in Montana, she was virtually without friends or relatives of any sort. Only her wits to call her own and whatever she carried with her, were the only familiar items linking her to where she’d come from.

  She turned to look at him and his heart lurched at the shiny telltale sign of unshed tears. Wilhelmina was an astonishingly beautiful woman, even when angry. He could not fathom why she’d had to travel out west to marry.

  “Is something the matter?” She asked him the question he should be asking her. “You seem troubled.”

  With a defiant lift of her chin, Marcus recognized it was not a question of concern, but more a goading, indicating she thought he would not ask the same. “I came to talk. You are upset and I aim to find out why.”

  For a split second, her eyes widened and he expected her to strike back at him. Instead, she shook her head and went to a chair, putting more distance between them. Hands folded on her lap, she looked up at him. “I am upset for several reasons. The first being that you do not seem to listen to what I say.”

  He bristled at the words but, remembering he’d come prepared to hear her out, he sat down on the bed. “I’m listening now.”

  “Very well. It is not that I object to remaining here through the winter. Nor do I blame you for wanting to stay.” She seemed to struggle with how to continue, but at his silence she did. “You hurt my feelings. It is as if my opinion doesn’t count. That I have no say.”

  “You matter very much.” Marcus considered her words, still not quite understanding fully. “I will do my best to discuss things with you in the future.”

  “Thank you. That is all I ask.”

  She stood and removed her robe, folded it and placed it neatly over the back of the chair.

  The silence in the room once she climbed into bed made Marcus uncomfortable. By the thickness in the air, something else hung in the balance. An idea that, perhaps, she needed reassurance struck and he climbed into bed and pulled her into his arms.

  “I’m sorry.” Marcus pressed a kiss to her temple, immediately gratified when she sighed and relaxed into him.

  One kiss led to another until they made love, learning each other and becoming one with the expectation of what would come next.

  “Good morning,” Wilhelmina said to her sister-in-law. Eleanor stopped short in the doorway of the kitchen. “Breakfast is almost complete.”

  Eleanor smiled broadly, looking at the filled platters. “What a nice surprise.”

  It had been two weeks since Wilhelmina and Marcus had made up. And every day she’d learned more and more from Eleanor.

  In a way, remaining there was a blessing. When spring finally came, she’d feel more comfortable running a home on her own.

  There were still things she’d not do. The scrubbing of floors, for instance, on her hands and knees was something she’d already asked the woman who came about doing and they’d come to an agreement.

  Eleanor moved closer, a frown replacing her previous smile. “Mother is not well. She had a bad night.”

  “Is the doctor coming?”

  “Pa is not sure he wants to send for him just yet.”

  Around the table, there were tight lines around mouths and stilted conversation. Wilhelmina had spent the day
before reading to Elaine who was too weak to hold up the book and finish it. Although the woman was ill, her quick wit and comments had them both laughing. Death was never fair and this family would soon weather the storm of it.

  “I won’t be working today,” Jacob Hamilton said, not looking at anyone in particular. “Need to see about bringing the youngest of the herd closer to shelter and finish the addition to the stables. Tobias, you and Owen need to scout for any lost cattle. It’s going to be a cold one, don’t need any stranded critters.”

  The patriarch looked to Marcus. “Go to town. Ask if Doctor Jones can come see about your mother.”

  Once breakfast was done, everyone but Marcus left the room. His gaze met hers. “Do you need anything from town?”

  “No, thank you,” Wilhelmina stood and wrapped her arms around his waist. There was no way to make what he faced easier. All she could do was be there for him and offer comfort.

  His strong arms wrapped around Wilhelmina as his chest expanded with a long breath. She closed her eyes, her face against his breast.

  “I’ll be back in a few hours.” His voice was gruff with emotion.

  He didn’t return that day, or the next.

  The worst days brought out Wilhelmina’s determination. She handled the reins of the horse as she and Eleanor rode toward town for the second time that day, stopping along each homestead and asking about Marcus.

  Exhausted with grief and worry, neither of them spoke much to each other. Both of them were too tired of speculating what could have happened.

  The only person left at the house was Jacob, who looked over his sick wife and strove to keep her in the dark about what happened.

  The distance between the Hamilton ranch and Laurel was not long, perhaps two hours at the most now that it was snowing. There was little danger as a heavily traveled road was easy to traverse.

  Whatever had happened to Marcus either had to do with an accident or with an occurrence in town.

  When they arrived in Laurel, Eleanor took over and guided the horse to a post before climbing down. “There’s James.” She motioned across the street. Her husband stood speaking with Howard Johnston, the mercantile owner, who pointed toward a building.