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

by Hildie McQueen

  Lucille neared. “I can tell them you’re unwell.”

  “I appreciate it,” Aurora replied and squeezed Lucille’s hand. “But I better go see what they want. It won’t be a long visit.”

  She almost giggled when Lucille gave her a wide-eyed look. “Right.”

  Before standing to greet her visitors, she folded Wilhelmina’s letter and placed it in her pocket. She’d replied as soon as she’d gotten it, hoping her friend would receive it before the weather precluded mail delivery.

  Gilda and her mother, Laverne, glided in with pasted on smiles and ready hugs of greeting. Once seated, both scanned over her attire, as if memorizing it for future reference of some sort.

  “Lucille is bringing tea,” Aurora told them by way of greeting, unsure what they’d concoct as a reason for their early afternoon visit.

  “I am so glad that you were free for company. This dreadful weather makes for dull days indoors, wouldn’t you say?” It was Laverne, the mother, who started the conversation with not quite a lively subject. The weather, of course, was a safe place to start, although not much more entertaining than her view through the window.

  “Yes, I agree. Quite dull.”

  “I love your dress,” Gilda piped up. “Did you have it made here locally?”

  She’d visited Wilhelmina many times wearing the dress, but she refrained from commenting about it. Instead, she nodded. “I did. Wilhelmina and I always used the same seamstress. She has one identical, only a different fabric.”

  On mentioning her friend’s name, both stiffened and glanced at each other. Finally, Laverne spoke. “Have you heard from her? I am horribly worried.”

  If it were true, they would have asked two visits earlier. Aurora nodded. “Yes, I have. Oh, there’s Lucille now. Should we adjourn to the table, ladies?”

  Thankfully, she was able to claim an appointment and the women were dispatched as soon as they finished tea over awkward attempts to gain an invitation to the Jamesons’ winter party.

  Aurora sat back and closed her eyes.

  “Aurora, did you forget we are going to the Jamesons for tea?” Her mother waltzed in already dressed in a deep purple gown that flattered her fair skin. “Get dressed. The coach will be ready shortly.”

  A shudder at knowing she’d spend several hours at her fiancé’s house ran over her. “Is that today?” Her futile attempt in hopes her mother was wrong was quickly stopped by a sharp look.

  “I’ll be only a few moments.” She rushed from the room.

  In her bedroom, as she removed her dress, Wilhelmina’s letter brushed against her fingers.

  Why did she continually read it? Was it because she faced a life tied to a domineering man who’d not minced words letting her know he expected to rule over her body, soul and mind? Milford Jameson had been groomed to take over the family’s dynasty. He was indulged and pampered, which resulted in an entitled ass in Aurora’s opinion.

  She glanced at the letter once more before placing it into her writing box. Then she turned to her bed where a dressed had already been laid out for her. It seemed that from now on, little was left in the way of choices.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Marcus took a tentative step without the crutches. Since his mother’s death, he could barely stand the indoors. Even more, he hated being confined to using crutches to bear his weight.

  On his right, Wilhelmina rushed to him with arms extended, as if to catch him in case he fell. Eleanor watched from the kitchen doorway, an ever-present scowl marring her pretty face.

  “Be careful,” Wilhelmina said, moving closer.

  “I’m not a damned child,” Marcus snapped. He instantly regretted it when Wilhelmina straightened, her eyes rounded.

  Eleanor let out a grunt. “You are such a bear these days. She’s only trying to encourage you and all you do is bite at her. If you fall, neither of us will help you up.”

  Wilhelmina turned away, but not before he saw hurt in her expression. Winter was always difficult. Being indoors for hours on end, and with the added burden of grief, it made everyone on edge.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, turning to her. There was little discomfort today. His ankle was still tender and would remain braced but, thankfully, his hip held him up without much more than a slight twinge. His leg had healed quicker than expected.

  When she turned, her gaze met his evenly. “You apologize daily. It concerns me that you consider it acceptable to be annoyed and say things that hurt me because you consider that an apology will suffice to settle things.”

  “I don’t like being treated as if I’m an invalid and can’t do for myself.”

  “And for many days, you could not. I care enough to worry you’ll hurt yourself, but I see you prefer I don’t. Have it your way. I won’t care from now on.” Her skirts brushed his leg as she rounded him and headed to the back of the house.

  His brother came up and nudged him. “Wanna come to the barn and help me clean out stalls?”

  “Yeah. I’ll try.” He limped to get his coat and hat. Then he walked outside with Tobias who frowned up at the sky.

  His brother shook his head. “How much longer before we can get Pa to leave the bedroom for more than supper. I understand he’s grieving, but I’m worried about him. He’s drawn, lost a lot of weight.”

  It was then Marcus realized he’d been so focused on his own situation he’d not paid much attention to their father. “I don’t know.”

  “The weather isn’t as bad this week. Perhaps, Pastor Ward and his daughter can come for a visit.” Tobias pulled his coat collar up.

  “Are you sweet on Isabel Ward?” It occurred to Marcus it had been a while since he and his brother spoke. It was nice to do so, felt normal. “She’s a pretty little thing.”

  “Nah.” Tobias shrugged. “I am not. She’s a bit young and, besides, Ma and Eleanor placed the ad.”

  They arrived at the barn and the animals bellowed in response, knowing they’d be fed. Despite the chill outside, it was comfortable in the barn and they began working. Marcus was slow, but the work gave him an outlet for his inner turmoil.

  “Maybe I’ll get lucky and get a wife like Wilhelmina. She sure is a good woman. Pretty, too.”

  Marcus grunted in reply. “Good luck. I doubt there’s another one as beautiful as my wife.”

  Tobias was silent. Marcus turned to find his brother had come over to where he was working. “What is it?”

  It was comical to see the wide grin split Tobias’ face. “You are in love.”

  “What if I am?” he snapped and continued working. “Why is it so funny?”

  “Now I know why you’ve been a bear to live with. You’re scared she doesn’t feel the same way.” Tobias roared with laughter. “It would suit you right.”

  “You need to get back to work.”

  “And you need to admit you’re scared.”

  Before he could reply, James arrived at the barn. The stern man grumbled about the cold, grabbed a pitchfork and climbed the ladder to the hayloft.

  “What’s got you?” Tobias said looking up.

  “Eleanor just kicked me out of the house. Said I was being difficult.” James pitched a large bale over the side with so much force it bounced. “Damned if that woman doesn’t drive me to drink.”

  Once again, Tobias began to laugh. “I might be the lucky one, not to have to worry about what my wife does or doesn’t do. You two are enough to convince a man to remain single.”

  Laughter ceased when the second bale barely missed Tobias. “Hey, watch out.” His brother glowered up at the loft. “You almost got me.”

  “My aim must be off,” James replied.

  If Marcus didn’t change his attitude, Wilhelmina wasn’t sure what she’d do. Today, she’d come close to screaming at him. After raising her voice twice already that week, it would not do. Of course, everyone was tired of the seclusion. She understood that but, at the same time, it didn’t give him permission to be rude.

  She looke
d around their bedroom. Everything was in its place, the clothes either hanging or neatly folded. Every sock and undergarment laundered. She’d finished knitting a sweater for Marcus and was now making him a scarf. The yarn and needles were in a basket by the window beside a pair of chairs Marcus had made.

  Tobias and James planned to go to town the following day and she was anxious, hoping Aurora had written back. It would be nice to hear back from her dear friend and receive news about home and her father. She could care less about Gilda and Laverne, both more of a thorn from the past than anything else.

  Perhaps spending time outdoors would help Marcus’ mood. She, for one, had enough and would not put up with it. Tonight, she’d speak to him and try to get through to the man how hurtful his words could be at times.

  Although she doubted it would do much good.

  That night, the candlelight flickered over the bedroom as Wilhelmina lay next to Marcus on the bed. He looked up at the ceiling in thought. “I understand what you said. It’s just that I was trying to make a point not to hover over me when I was trying to walk.”

  “You could have said it in a nicer way, not by cursing.”

  He was silent for a few moments and Wilhelmina wanted to elbow him in the ribs. The man would put a mule to shame. Stubborn as the day was long.

  “I apologized. I should not have cussed.” He rolled to face her and scanned her face. The man was too handsome for his own good. With long lashes and straight eyebrows, it always looked as if he flirted. His lips thinned for a moment. “I love you.”

  Wilhelmina knew her eyes became wide as saucers at the unexpected declaration. “What?”

  “I don’t know when it happened. I love you.” Marcus didn’t seem too pleased at his pronouncement, which made Wilhelmina want to laugh.

  “I would think that if you do, you’d strive to be nicer to me,” she replied, touching the tip of his nose.

  He looked away for a moment. “I’m not sure what is going on.” Closing the distance between them, he pressed his lips to hers. “I miss being with you. This injury and all.”

  They’d not made love since the accident, having tried once without success as Marcus hurt too badly to continue.

  “Do you want to try? We can take it slowly.” Wilhelmina’s heart quickened when he reached for her.

  Their mouths met with a mixture of trepidation and hunger. She clung to him. Her need for him took over any other emotion.

  Lovemaking was tender, sweet and slow. Every sensation took the forefront, from longing to exhilaration, until she floated away on a cloud of so many emotions Wilhelmina could only cry out.

  The weight of Marcus over her was just right as he, too, let go and fell into the abyss. His hoarse voice sounded wonderful in her ear.

  “I love you, too, Marcus.”

  Marcus lifted his head, his gaze boring into hers. “Do you really?”

  “For a long time now. It’s probably the only reason I have not smothered you to death while you slept.”

  He laughed. “I’ll remember to be nicer to you in the future if you’ve had those thoughts.”

  It was nice to relax with him, to once again be able to talk and relax with each other. Wilhelmina hoped it was a new start and that a new, better chapter in their marriage was reached.

  His palm cupped her face, lifting it up to his. “I will do my best to listen, be more attentive and…” His brow creased as he tried to figure out what else to say.

  Wilhelmina pressed a kissed on Marcus’ mouth. “Reasonable?”

  “Yes, that.”

  “Goodnight,” she said, giving him a sleepy kiss.

  Her response was a soft snore.

  The next morning, Wilhelmina stretched. She gasped when she realized Marcus remained in bed. Usually, he woke hours before she did, if only to annoy Eleanor in the kitchen. He slept soundly, his face turned toward her.

  Lips parted and a lock of hair across his cheek, Marcus looked years younger. The crinkle between his brows, the ever-present, attractive scowl, was replaced with smooth skin.

  Although cranky at times, she had to admit her husband was more willing to listen to her now. Although he’d balked at her for attempting to assist him, he’d always thanked her for whatever chores she did and complimented her attempts to cook and such. Although her culinary skills still required a lot of honing, she never felt as if her efforts were in vain.

  As a matter of fact, Tobias and Jacob were both the same way. Complimentary and thankful to both her and Eleanor for everything they did. From what she knew, most men took women’s work for granted, not seeming to appreciate the hard work. Especially there in the west where women were responsible for every aspect from churning the butter to pumping water for meals and cleaning. One would hope men would be more appreciative.

  Marcus inhaled and opened his eyes. “Good morning.” His lips curved and he lifted a brow.

  Her smile turned to shock when her husband pulled her against him and began nuzzling her neck.

  “Oh.”

  Once the men ate breakfast, they all went out doors. Tobias and James would be hitching a large sleigh to plow horses and heading to town, while Marcus planned to check on the animals.

  “Pa, can you come with me? I’m still not too steady.”

  Jacob jerked up from studying his coffee. “I will, yes. Let me get a thicker shirt on.”

  Marcus and Tobias shared a look, which told Wilhelmina they hoped to get their father interested in more than remaining locked up. It was time for him to do more than mourn.

  Admittedly, her own father had grieved for over a year before he’d been willing to leave their house and to accompany her to social events. The long months had served to strengthen him but, at the same time, he’d been easy prey for Laverne. She was the first woman her father escorted out after becoming a widower.

  Eleanor fussed over James, reminding him to travel with care. She wrapped a scarf about his neck and followed by doing the same to Tobias. “Don’t take the short cut. If it gets late, stay the night and wait for the morning to come back.”

  “It only takes a couple hours to get there,” James grumbled. But by the soft smile, he didn’t mind his wife fussing over him. “Don’t worry.” He kissed her temple.

  “See you at supper time.” Tobias escaped before Eleanor could turn back to him, rushing out the door holding the lists both she and Eleanor had made for them.

  Eleanor and Wilhelmina went out to the porch and watched them ride away. “Finally, a quiet time in the house. I love James and my brothers, but boy are they a nuisance to have around during the day.”

  Wilhelmina chuckled. “Right you are. How about we air out the house a bit? I’ll sweep the front rooms.”

  “And I’ll scrub that dining table and kitchen counters. All the soot from the stove has gotten into everything.”

  Wilhelmina looked to Eleanor. “Once spring comes, what are we going to do? I’m going to miss you.”

  “I hadn’t thought much about it. But you’re right. James and I have decided to stay here. I can’t see leaving Pa alone with Tobias. Neither of them can cook more than beans.”

  “We can take turns,” Wilhelmina offered.

  “No,” Eleanor reached for her arm and patted her. “You’re a newlywed. You need to start your married life alone with your husband.”

  Eleanor saw the look of concern on Wilhelmina’s face. “James and I have been married for almost six years now. We’ve only lived here a year. I don’t mind. It’s like my own home now. Once Tobias marries, if he ever does, then I’ll move to the other house.”

  The thought of living with her husband alone made Wilhelmina even more impatient for spring to arrive. Not only would the weather warm, but also there was so much to look forward to.

  She turned to the doorway and lost her balance. Everything swam before her and she rushed to the end of the porch to throw up.

  “That was quick,” Eleanor said laughing. “You and Marcus did not waste any tim
e.”

  The spell was over as fast as it came. Wilhelmina straightened. “Something must have not sat well.”

  “Either that or I can expect a niece or nephew by fall.”

  When everything tilted this time, she leaned on the wall and Eleanor came to her. “Perhaps, you need to rest just for a bit before tackling those floors.”

  Wilhelmina allowed her sister-in-law to hold her elbow as they walked inside.

  “I wonder what Marcus will say when he finds out,” Eleanor said.

  Wilhelmina shook her head. “Not yet. Let’s wait to be sure.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  It felt good to be mobile again. Marcus continued brushing his horse while the contented animal ate fresh oats. Although winter had definitely set in, he didn’t mind it as much as he normally would. Funny how certain things could change a man’s perspective.

  Tobias grunted, stretching. “Some days I wonder if it’s all worth it, you know?”

  Not sure where the conversation was going, Marcus nodded. “Yep.”

  “Pa has had it all; land, a good wife, us. Then one day, none of it matters. I don’t think I want to go through all that.”

  “What are you saying?” Marcus went to the edge of the stall to get a good look at Tobias’ expression.

  Head bent, overly long hair curtained his face. “I mean. Why put myself through it? In the end, we’re all going to end up planted out there.”

  It was strange to see his normally easygoing brother so morose. Come to think of it, Tobias had been different since their mother died. Introspective and quiet, he’d gone through the motions that were required during the day. The after supper, he went to his bedroom, not to emerge until morning.

  Even though younger than him, Tobias was taller and broader. And although Tobias was the more passive of the two, his brother didn’t shirk from a fistfight whenever Marcus instigated trouble.

  “That’s life, Brother. Have to take what we can, make the best out of it while we can. You’ll see.”