Lucille, A Lucky Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 3)

by Hildie McQueen

  He shook his head and looked up to the ceiling. That was the basis of life, he supposed, for a mother to care and nurture her children, even after they are old enough to be on their own.

  “Thinking about hanging yourself?” The amused voice was accompanied by musical laughter.

  Lucille’s eyes sparkled with mirth when he turned to her. To keep from allowing a smile, he pressed his lips together. “Doesn’t sound like you’d mourn my death.”

  “Hmm,” she replied noncommittally and neared the stall. “What, do tell, is the reason for you looking gloomier than usual?”

  “Watching this mare with her offspring. She was restless until I let her come back inside.” He didn’t expect her to understand, but elaborated anyway. “Mothers, they provide love and support even after their offspring don’t need them to sustain life. This colt is old enough to do for itself.”

  Lucille neared, bringing with her a soft floral scent, which he inhaled deep into his lungs. Reaching for the mare, she slid her hand over its mane. “Hey there, Lady. The mean man doesn’t understand you does he?”

  “I am not mean. She will eventually have to be separated from…”

  “Why? I think you should consider letting them stay together. What can it hurt?”

  He let out a sigh and had to admit that he liked to spar verbally with her.

  “I understand you are mourning, yet…” She looked to him for a moment. “Do you know how blessed you are to have had your mother for as many years as you did? The people in the house, what about them? You should relish your time with your siblings. Family is very important.”

  Ire flowed wide and thick until Tobias couldn’t hold back. “If family is so important, then why did you come so far away from yours? Obviously, the support you could give and receive did not matter as much as whoever you left back east.”

  Her eyes narrowed and, for a moment, he thought she’d slap him. When she focused on him there was mirth instead of anger. “You are an ignorant man. I came here with Aurora because she is the only family I have. Of course I would not leave if I had parents or siblings back home, which I have neither by the way.” She huffed, placing her hands on both hips and tapping one foot. “I came out here to find you for supper. Time to eat.”

  “I owe you an apology. I should have thought before speaking.” Regret settled onto his chest demanding he make things right.

  Lucille lifted a brow. “You owe me two apologies. One for the inexcusable marriage demand and another for assuming I gave no forethought before moving here.”

  “I’m sorry, Lucille.” He considered reaching for her. Instead, he crossed and uncrossed his arms. “Please accept my apologies for both.”

  “You need to consider how much you want something and then strive for it. Enjoy life, else you’re wasting air.”

  “I have to say, you have quite a way with words.”

  Lucille held up her right hand, palm away from him and waved him closer. “Lean forward.” He did as she asked, careful not to lean too close.

  “Closer, lower, you’re quite tall.”

  If the woman planned to slap him or break his nose with a punch, he’d allow it. However, one hit was his limit. After that, he’d stop her and leave.

  She placed a hand on each side of his face and looked directly into his eyes. Tobias held his breath. It was the first time a woman had done this and he wasn’t sure what to think.

  Lucille kept the eye contact. “If you wish to marry me, Tobias Hamilton, I suggest you decide if I’m really the woman for you. I will tell you this. I plan to marry and it will be to a man who both desires me and accepts me just the way I am.”

  She pulled his face even closer and pressed her lips over his. The kiss lingered until he was just about to close his eyes. Then she abruptly moved back.

  As if he were a child, she patted his left shoulder. “Think about it, Tobias. Supper should be ready shortly.”

  The swish of her skirts and curvy figure kept his rapt attention until she walked out of sight. It was then he finally gulped in air.

  Throughout dinner, the trio of newly arrived women, Wilhelmina, Aurora and Lucille, kept a lively conversation going. Tobias, along with the other men, didn’t try to interject, except when asked an opinion. And then it was kept to a one or two word reply. Eleanor, on the other hand, was given more leeway.

  It was obvious by the way they ended each other’s sentences or took up a story when one stopped speaking that they’d grown up together. They still maintained a close friendship.

  Although Lucille had come to Aurora’s home as a servant, she’d become a confidant and friend to her. From what he gleaned from their conversation, Lucille had attended all of Aurora’s private lessons. They’d admitted Lucille had the best aptitude for mathematics and music and she blushed prettily when they insisted she sing.

  Lucille stood and held her hands in front of her. With one tucked in the other, she sang a quick but beautiful song. When everyone clapped, she curtsied and returned to her seat. “That was painful. I have not sung in a long time.”

  “You do have a beautiful voice,” Eleanor gushed. “I’m glad it was short. I almost cried.”

  The women laughed and began a new subject.

  Marcus nudged Tobias. “You think it’s safe to get up now?”

  Their father, seeming to not care what the women thought, got up and stretched. “I’m going to bed. Going to town early in the morning.”

  After goodnights, both his father and James, Eleanor’s husband, went to their bedrooms.

  Not ready to call it a night, Marcus, Evan and Tobias went out to the porch, instead.

  The sun had set, only the tips of its rays shining on the horizon. Tobias had to admit the view was breathtaking.

  “What are you planning to do about Miss Lucille?” Marcus interrupted his musings.

  Tobias shrugged. “I told her I’d marry her, but she got angry with me.”

  “Can’t imagine why,” Evan said in a wry voice, shaking his head. “Before speaking of marriage, you should court a woman.”

  The course had been set. She’d already turned him down and, although he pretended not to get it, he’d heard her reply loud and clear. The only confusing factor was the kiss earlier.

  Why had she done it? Perhaps some sort of game to see what he’d do next.

  “I escorted her to the festival.”

  The other men chuckled and he scowled.

  Marcus’ grin was infectious and Tobias fought not to smile back. “You looked as if you were in pain the entire time. Heck, I’ve seen people at funerals more lively than you that day.”

  “I was nervous.”

  Evan let out a sigh. “Consider seriously if you’re interested in the pretty lady. My brother is planning to test the waters. Also, I wouldn’t count Sheriff Blake out of the running. He’s been by a couple times.”

  “Did you tell them she’s spoken for? I told your brother. Why is he still pursuing her?”

  “He kept his distance when we stopped by earlier. But he did ask me how things were going between you and Lucille. I was honest and told him you’re still trying to convince her.”

  It was to be expected. Other than Isabel, Lucille was the only single woman in town of marrying age. It was not that aspect as much as her other qualities that interested him. She was not afraid to stand up to him or express her opinion. Nor did she shy away from a challenge. He’d never known a woman like her. Someone who he admired and yearned for at the same time.

  “I’ll court her. She’s going to marry me,” Tobias stated and headed back into the house.

  Chapter Six

  When Tobias walked back from the porch and sat at the other end of the table, Lucille wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.

  In front of him were several pieces of paper and some pencils. Not seeming to pay them any notice, he began sketching.

  Other than a beat of silence when he sat, her companions dismissed him and began discussing the possib
ility of a seamstress shop in town.

  “We can go to Billings and shop for fabric.” Eleanor, already enamored with the idea of the seamstress shop, leaned forward, her eyes shining with excitement. “I bet your friend, Esther, will appreciate a selection to begin with.”

  “Yes,” Aurora added. “I would be happy to fund a portion of the business. I have plenty of money. My father sent my dowry and Evan refuses to touch it.”

  Only true friends followed someone into a venture without blinking an eye to any potential loss. Lucille giggled. “In her letter, Esther stated her plans to arrive in the next month or so. I assume she will be here by Easter.”

  “The weather will be warmer, making it easier to get work done on whatever building we choose.”

  Tobias cleared his throat. “There is an empty space next to the sheriff’s office. Although I don’t know if it would be a good location for a seamstress shop. It was originally built to be Blake’s home, but he’d rather stay in his house on the edge of town.”

  Lucille met his gaze for a moment. He was so different here in his home, more relaxed. During supper, he’d actually smiled a couple of times.

  “That may be the perfect solution,” Aurora said and smiled broadly at Tobias. “Thank you.”

  That evening, the house quieted and Lucille let out a breath while drying the last of the dishes she and Eleanor had washed. Although she loved mornings, nighttime, just after everyone retired, was her favorite. Thinking back over the long day of traveling and visits, it had turned out to be an enjoyable one.

  Wilhelmina and Marcus had gone home, along with Evan and Aurora. She’d remained at Eleanor’s insistence.

  “Need help?” The deep voice startled her and she turned to find Tobias studying her.

  “I’m done. Thank you.”

  “I keep thinking about what you said earlier. I owe you an apology for assuming you’d left your family behind.”

  She needed space between them. But at the same time, she yearned to be closer. Lucille held a dishtowel to keep her hands busy. “I accept your apology.”

  “You are correct in saying family is there for each other. I will try to keep that in mind.” He lifted a piece of paper. “For you.”

  Lucille reached for the sketch of her, Lucille and Aurora. He’d captured every detail of their faces with amazing accuracy. Each of them smiled at whatever secret they shared and he’d drawn Aurora’s hand over hers, which her friend had done during their earlier conversation.

  “This is…it’s so lovely. I am speechless. You are an amazing artist.”

  He shrugged her compliment away. “It’s what I enjoy doing in the evenings. Helps me relax.”

  Once again, she looked to the sketch. Then she turned her eyes to him and met his gaze. “Thank you, Tobias. I love it. I’ll get it framed.”

  “It’s not that good.” He smiled at her, causing her stomach to flip and her breath to catch. Never in her life had she met a more handsome man.

  “I-I better go to bed. Good night and thank you, again.”

  He nodded. “I’ll head on over to the bunkhouse. I will see you in the morning.” His gaze moved over her face and Lucille wished he’d do more than just look.

  When he left, she went to the bedroom. It suddenly occurred to her that she must be staying in his bedroom.

  The room was well appointed, with a large, well-built bed and a tall chest at the footboard. Besides a washstand, there was a desk by the window with an oil lamp, papers and all types of writing implements. Must be what Tobias spent his money on, Lucille thought.

  After placing the sketch he’d given her on the desk, she lifted another to study it. It was a nature scene. Birds took flight from a tree while clouds gathered in the skies over mountains. Artists rarely made enough of an income, but she ventured to think that in a large city, Tobias could sell his art for good money.

  Perhaps, she’d ask him for a couple and mail them to an acquaintance of Aurora’s back in Philadelphia. The young woman was also artistically inclined and enjoyed drawing and such. Her social circle included painters and other artists in good standing.

  While undressing, she could barely keep her eyes open. The bed beckoned and a part of her relished the thought of sleeping in Tobias’ bed. He’d not brought up marriage again and she wondered if he ever would. Pushing the thoughts aside, she slipped between the sheets and was immediately engulfed in his scent. Masculine soap mixed with outdoors scents made a sensual combination.

  Lucille turned to one side and then the other. Her body was suddenly alive with so many sensations, she could barely keep up. Finally, she lay on her back and stared up at the darkness. Perhaps sleep would not come as easily as she’d thought.

  “You’re not in a good mood this morning,” Aurora said. She gave Lucille a quizzical look while Evan assisted her into the back of the wagon to join her. “Did you not sleep well?”

  Not only had she not slept well, but also she’d not seen Tobias that morning. The men had already gone out to work by the time she’d finally trudged into the dining room.

  “I did not. Probably being in a strange place and all.”

  Unlike her, Aurora smiled and seemed well rested. “It could be your mind was preoccupied with other things.”

  “No, that’s not it,” she snapped, noticing her friend exchanging a knowing glance with Evan. “It could be I was overly excited about our conversation about the dress shop.”

  “Ah, yes. It is an exciting venture we are about to undertake. I cannot wait to see the building Tobias mentioned. We must go to the space immediately and look.”

  Lucille’s head bopped forward and she jerked back upright. “Goodness, I am so sleepy.” She reached for a blanket and snuggled deeper into the wagon. “Perhaps I’ll take a short nap.”

  Two days later, early in the morning, Lucille walked toward the mercantile and noticed Tobias and the sheriff. They stood in front of the jailhouse with three other men, one who she recognized as Palmer Brown, the sheriff’s deputy.

  “There seems to be something happening. There’s a group of men gathered in front of the sheriff’s office,” Lucille told Gemina when she entered the mercantile.

  “They are transporting a dangerous outlaw to Billings. The lawmen from there were supposed to come for him. But according to the deputy, a telegram arrived stating they’d send two guardsmen instead. I believe the sheriff and Tobias Hamilton are going to Billings with them.”

  “It sounds perilous. What if they’re ambushed by the outlaw’s gang?” Lucille went to the doorway to peer, once more, to where the men continued speaking.

  Gemina neared and looked toward the jailhouse, her brows scrunched. Obviously, the news of the outlaw had spread as several people lingered in front of doorways keeping watch. Mothers hurried by, shuffling their young along, not wanting to linger in the area.

  “I hope it doesn’t come to that,” Gemina said with a shake of her head. “If the man is so dangerous, he should be hung before the gang does come back for him.”

  Lucille pinched her brow in thought. “How did he come to end up here in our jail?”

  “A rancher caught sight of him when he fell off his horse. I heard he’d been shot and lost a lot of blood. I guess he passed out. Anyway, as soon as they brought him to town, the sheriff recognized who he was. They thought he’d die, especially with Doctor Jones being out of town and all.”

  For a bit longer, she watched Tobias as he listened to whatever instructions the lawman gave. Standing taller than the men he was with, the rancher would, no doubt, make someone hesitate before confronting him. However, his size would not deter a dangerous group nor would it stop a bullet.

  “When do they leave?”

  Gemina greeted someone walking past before replying. “Any moment now.”

  Chapter Seven

  The day was warm, the weather perfect for being outdoors. However, it was also clear and would make it easy for an ambush.

  The hair on the back of To
bias’ neck rose as a shiver of apprehension ran just under his skin. Something wasn’t quite right. The prisoner, well known for constantly cursing and having a bad temper, had been meek as a mouse going along with them as they guided the cuffed man from the jail to a wagon. Of course, he’d been injured and, perhaps, that was the cause of his mild temperament.

  “Something doesn’t feel right,” he whispered to Blake. The sheriff nodded.

  “I’m with you there. It’s been too easy.” The sheriff looked around, scanning their surroundings. Although Tobias was thankful for the two guards, the young men looked barely old enough to wear the badges on their chests.

  “I would think with a prisoner like this one, they would have sent more seasoned help.” The sheriff eyed the guards. “However, I know they’ve got their hands full right now with the Burns’ gang.”

  “Let’s ride fast. There’ll be no stopping. The sooner we deliver him, the better.”

  “You’ll get no argument from me.” The sheriff looked forward to the guardsmen. “Gentlemen, let’s pick up the pace. We want to get there before sundown.”

  “Nervous, Sheriff?” The prisoner finally spoke and grinned at them. “I would be if I were you.”

  “Shut up, Miles. You don’t need to speak.”

  The prisoner shrugged and chuckled. “Suit yourself, but I’d want to hear what I’m about to say.”

  “What is it,” Tobias replied when Blake stiffened.

  It was obvious the man relished attention, as he hesitated for dramatic effect. “Let me just say, I ain’t going to Billings against my will. I’ll figure out a way to stop you.”

  “Don’t listen to him,” Sheriff Blake interrupted. “He’s been talking nonsense for the last couple days.” He glared at the prisoner. “You can barely walk. I’d like to see you try to get away.”