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

by Hildie McQueen

  Tobias flushed under the attention. But he was obviously used to it. He didn’t protest their actions. His father and brother needed the assurance he was well by touching him and demonstrating their love.

  Finally, Jacob moved away and went to Blake’s bed where the man who’d come with them stood looking down at the sheriff. Jacob placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Owen, don’t worry about your brother. I’m sure he’ll recover just fine.” He first touched the unconscious man’s shoulder before leaning over. “Wake up, boy.”

  Evan nodded, encouraging Jacob to continue. The rancher then touched the man’s neck, feeling for a pulse, and then felt his brow.

  “Is your father a doctor?” Lucille asked the brothers who nodded.

  Marcus’ lips curved. “He did a bit of medical stuff when in the cavalry.” He looked to Tobias. “Wanna go home?”

  “Need to find my horse.”

  “That’s how we knew something was wrong. Your horse came to the ranch. He was followed by the sheriff’s horse, which we brought with us. On our way to find you, we ran into the messenger Evan sent.”

  Lucille felt Tobias’ gaze. Something about the way he studied her brought apprehension. “Thank you, Lucille. I best go on home now.” He did not meet her gaze directly. “Evan, need me for anything else?”

  “No, get some rest. I can take the stitches out next week or you can do it. Give it at least seven days for the wound to heal properly. No roping.”

  “I don’t use my left arm that much.”

  “You heard the doc,” Jacob said without looking away from the still unconscious sheriff. “You’re riding in a wagon. I’ll stay here and help out.”

  The sheriff’s brother didn’t move to leave. Instead, he sat in a chair and continued a vigilant watch over the unconscious man.

  Wiping her hands, Aurora went to where Marcus and Tobias stood. “Tell Wilhelmina I’ll have to wait at least until next week to visit. Lucille can come out and bring the dresses I promised her.”

  Both nodded. Lucille waited for a reaction from Tobias, some sign he was still interested in her. Without looking her way, he walked out with his brother.

  Once again, he’d withdrawn. Lucille let out a huff. How could anyone be so glum? He had so many people who cared about and loved him. Yet he withdrew from the world as if it wasn’t worth it.

  She itched to run to him and shake the man until his head wobbled. If it weren’t that he’d had such a horrible day already, Tobias would be treated to a strong tongue-lashing. Lucille crossed her arms and shook her head at the pair of broad backs.

  “He’s not been right since my wife died. Be patient.” Jacob Hamilton smiled at her. “That’s all I ask. That you give my boy a chance.”

  Lucille could feel her eyes widen and cheeks grow hot. “I am not sure what to think right now.”

  “Honestly, neither do I. I wish I knew what to say to him or do to help Tobias out of this melancholy he’s gotten into.”

  Lucille sighed. If his own father couldn’t figure him out, then she wasn’t sure what to make of Tobias either.

  Two days later, Lucille helped the sheriff eat. Blake scowled at her and looked toward the door. “I’m going home today.”

  “No you’re not.” Lucille lifted another spoonful of food to his lips. “You can’t even feed yourself. How do you plan to walk all the way across town?”

  He lifted a shaky arm. “What the heck is wrong with my arms?” His voice faltered and his eyes closed before he could snap them open again.

  “You lost a lot of blood. Need to rest for a few days. Evan says you’ll be good as new as long as we keep you from getting out of bed.”

  Once again, his eyes drooped. “I’m not hungry.” The lulling of his head sideways followed his slurred words and he fell asleep.

  The young guard had recovered faster. He sat up in a chair and looked to her with expectation. “Miss Lucille. Are you married?”

  In spite of the circumstances, Lucille chuckled. “No, I am not. What about you, Peter?”

  “No, ma’am. I’m lookin’ for a wife though.” His earnest expression was endearing. “Hard to convince a woman to marry a soldier. We aren’t in a place for long. And don’t earn much either.”

  “I bet. However, you will find a wife, I’m sure.” Lucille smiled while he frowned in thought.

  The young man, at no more than eighteen, already had the beginnings of a very handsome man. He was tall, yet still lanky. Once he filled in and gained assurance, she figured women would vie for his attention.

  “Are you just sayin’ that cause you’re goin’ to turn me down?”

  “No, I’m saying it because in a couple years, you’ll have your choice of many.”

  The young man shrugged, looking less than convinced. He peered out the window. “They should be here any time now to collect me.”

  The military was notified of Peter’s injuries and the other young man’s death. They’d telegraphed back that they had dispatched a large party to come collect the dead young soldier and Peter.

  In Lucille’s opinion, a large party should have come in the first place. The outlaw was well known and dangerous, yet it wasn’t until someone lost his life that they took extra precautions.

  It was good, of course, for Peter’s sake. However, it was too late for the other young man.

  “I’m movin’ here when my time is up,” Peter announced and gave a nod in affirmation. “In a couple years, my time will be done and I want to settle down.”

  Aurora and Evan entered the room. Her friend smiled at Peter and then looked to Blake. “Should we be worried about the sheriff?” She turned to Evan who went to stand beside Blake’s bed.

  Leaning over the man, first he studied the sheriff’s face and lifted one eyelid and then the other. “No he’s just resting.”

  “He seems very weak still,” Lucille said.

  “Honestly, he’s lucky to be alive. With all the blood he lost, it will take time for his body to recover. We’ll have to force him to be patient. The deputy has everything under control. Let’s just hope the town remains quiet.”

  Lucille wondered if Evan was right. “Since the incident, everyone is spooked and has remained indoors for the most part. I hope it continues to stay quiet.”

  A wagon rumbled by and, through the window, Lucille spied a farmer and his family. The back of the wagon was piled high with corn and several children who giggled at every bump.

  Evan looked out. “I don’t remember exactly how many children the Johnsons have, but they seem to multiply every time I see them.” He shook his head and propped the door open. “Fresh air will help the sheriff. I believe I’ll go for a walk.”

  Aurora and Lucille went to the doorway. Her friend laughed when a small boy jumped from the wagon to be caught by Evan. “He loves children. I hope we have some of our own soon.”

  “As lovey dovey as you two are, it won’t be long.” Lucille laughed at Aurora’s flush. “I can’t wait!” she exclaimed and hugged her friend.

  “Speaking of which, will you go to the Hamiltons and take Wilhelmina the dresses I promised her? Thankfully, Gemina had those two ready-made ones that were larger and will be perfect for her expanding waistline.”

  “Yes, I plan to go in the morning. With the soldiers. They will provide a safe escort. I’ll ask Marcus or Owen to escort Gemina’s nephew and me back at least part of the way.

  Aurora frowned while Evan and the farmer spoke. The men stood next to the wagon while the wife and some of the children walked into the mercantile.

  “Perhaps we should wait. What if the outlaws are out there? You have to come back alone with only a teenager for protection.”

  It was not in her nature to remain cloistered for long. “I’m sure the Hamiltons can see us here most of the way.”

  “If they cannot, remain there until they come back to town. Either Jacob or James comes to town at least once a week to check for mail and pick up sundries.” Aurora held up a hand. “W
ait…now that I think about it, that is a better idea. I’ll wait for them to come back.” Aurora tapped her foot. “With all that was happening, it didn’t occur to me to give one of them the dresses the other day.”

  “They were just here. I don’t expect they will return for a while yet. Wilhelmina has been waiting for the dresses. It’s going to be fine.” Lucille lifted a hand to stop Aurora’s protest. “I’ll be fine.”

  As the sun set later that day, Lucille packed some belongings into a bag as she planned to spend at least one night at Wilhelmina and Marcus’ house. She would not see Tobias, which suited her fine. The man had left without a word and she’d not heard from him. If he did not seek her out, she would have to ignore it. No matter how much she wanted to see him and know how he fared, it was not right for a woman to seek out a man.

  One day, she’d marry the right one. Perhaps it would not be Tobias Hamilton. More than anything, the more she considered it, the stronger the conviction became that it would more than likely not be him.

  Chapter Nine

  The wagon she was in swayed side to side as they traveled toward the Hamilton ranch. From the bench next to Milton, Lucille watched Peter who sat in the back of the other wagon covered with thick blankets. Next to him in a pine box rested the body of the other soldier.

  The young man had paled initially at seeing the box and requested a horse. However, Evan had argued against it. In the end, the poor young man was forced to ride next to the coffin.

  A soldier brought his horse alongside the wagon Lucille rode in, his dark gaze moving between her and Milton. “In about half a mile, we’ll part ways. From there, it’s only about a couple miles to the place you are heading to.”

  “Thank you so much for the escort,” Lucille replied. She was forced to pry her eyes away when his gaze moved to her mouth and down her body. Although she knew women were scarce in the west, it was unsettling to be admired so openly.

  Back in Pennsylvania, she rarely garnered so much as a glance in her direction. Of course, she rarely left the house alone. And when she did, the company of Wilhelmina and Aurora in their finery left her to fade into the background in her brown or gray serviceable dresses. Although Aurora often gifted her clothing, she would only wear it for special occasions. Otherwise Aurora’s mother would scold them both.

  “Miss Lucille. Which house are we going to?” Milton brought her out of her musings. “I am visiting with Mr. Jacob. He’s going to teach me about ranching while I’m here.”

  Lucille studied the expanse of land. A pond surrounded by trees and a herd of cattle grazing on a hill made a beautiful picture. “The house right over the ridge there. You can deliver me there and head back over to the large house.” She pointed toward where Wilhelmina lived.

  As they drew closer, two men rode toward them on horseback. Lucille’s stomach flipped at recognizing Tobias as one of the riders. The other man was the sheriff’s brother, Owen.

  Milton pulled the wagon to a stop and grinned at the men. “How do, Mr. Tobias and Mr. Blake?”

  The ranch hand, Owen, nodded at her. “How is my brother faring?”

  “He’s well,” Lucille replied with a warm smile.

  Tobias acknowledged them. The entire time, his gaze was on her. “Milton, why don’t you ride back with Owen? I’ll take Miss Lucille to my brother’s place.” His green gaze met hers. “I’m assuming you’re here to see Wilhelmina.”

  Tongue-tied, Lucille could only nod.

  Excited to ride the large black-maned horse, Milton scrambled from the wagon and onto the saddle. Not waiting for any other instructions he galloped away with Owen.

  Lucille sat with her back straight, unable to form a thought. What would he say to her, if anything? It was time she confronted him and, once and for all, find out what, if any, his intentions were. Afterward, she’d make it clear it was best for them to remain nothing more than friends. Surely he didn’t plan to pursue any marriage plans.

  “Can I speak to you for a moment?” Tobias had come to her side of the wagon and held up a hand. “Allow me to help you down.”

  Lucille cleared her throat and held out her hand. “Yes, of course.”

  The surroundings seemed to disappear and, in her mind, the only thing visible was her hand reaching for his. When he lifted her by wrapping his hands at her waist, Lucille’s breath caught.

  The ground under her feet finally gave Lucille the ability to move back. One step away was enough to keep from reaching to touch him. Whatever the draw was of the man, she had to be sensible and not allow emotions or urges of any kind to cause her to falter.

  “What did you wish to talk about, Tobias?” Lucille looked past him as a flock of birds flew into a copse of trees. The beauty of the nature there never ceased to amaze her. She looked back to the man who’d remained silent and lifted a brow.

  Tobias swallowed visibly, his gaze boring into her. “I am confused. As much as I am drawn to you, I don’t feel this is a good time to give you any false expectations. My life is…”

  “Stop there, don’t say another word,” Lucille interrupted him, unable to keep from clenching her hands. “I don’t have any expectations whatsoever when it comes to you, Tobias Hamilton.”

  His startled expression only angered her further. “To tell you the truth, I don’t plan to have any more to do with you than absolutely necessary. It seems to me that no matter how many blessings the Lord gives you, it’s not enough.”

  “I am not ungrateful for what I have. I just fail to see why it should matter what I do.”

  “Exactly. Why should it matter that you have a caring family? Why should it matter that I lost my parents as a child, but the Lord deemed it that your mother would live until you’re an adult? Should it also not matter you still have your father who is relatively young and healthy?” Angry tears poured from her face and, despite his attempts to calm her, she slapped his hands away. “No, don’t. I can’t speak to you anymore. If you cannot change the way you think, then I can not do it for you. Don’t ever come near me again.”

  Lucille ran towards Wilhelmina’s house. The cabin was over a small hill upon which she stopped and took in the beauty of more hills, greenery and a lazy stream weaving a crooked path from a valley. For some reason, seeing the loveliness of the Hamilton lands further fueled her rage and sobs raked from deep within.

  “Please let me drive you to my brother’s. It’s threatening to rain.” Tobias caught up to her and spoke in a haunting, low tone. “I can’t let you continue like this. You’re too upset.”

  Without thought, Lucille fell against him and continued to cry. The entire time, he whispered softly in her ear, an endless string of empty words.

  Tobias wasn’t sure how to calm the sobbing Lucille. Frustration emanated from her and, somehow, he understood it had more to do than just with what he’d said. Pain radiated and, more than anything, he wanted to know why and bring her calmness.

  “Tell me about your parents.” He pulled his coat off and spread it on the ground. Then he guided her down to sit. “Talk to me.”

  She sniffed into his proffered handkerchief and let out a long sigh. Lashes clumped by tears framed her beautiful green eyes as they lifted to meet his. His heart melted and he cupped her face with his large palm. “I don’t like to see you cry.”

  Lucille looked into the distance. “I had never seen my father cry. I was six years old and tried as usual to force my mother to eat. I don’t remember what it was, probably broth that I’d gotten from a neighbor.” She closed her eyes. “Her lips were cracked and I wanted to do something, anything that would make her open her eyes and look at me.”

  She was not with him at the moment, but back in her childhood home; not just distance away in her mind, but years as well. “Father got up and left the room, his body shaking with grief. It was then I realized Mama was gone. She’d stopped breathing. I stayed there in the room until I fell asleep next to her body.”

  Lucille continued with the story. “Someone,
I am not sure who, came and gathered me up. I think it was my aunt. She took me to the front room and sat me down. There were so many people there that the room became crowded and hot. I couldn’t breathe.”

  A sob choked her, but she was beyond hearing anything he said at the moment. So, instead, he continued to stroke her arm.

  “Your father is dead, someone informed me. The announcement was said without feeling, without any warning. It wasn’t until years later, I found out he’d drank too much that night, fallen into the river and drowned.”

  Seeming exhausted, Lucille slumped against him and he wrapped his arms around her. Then he placed his chin on the top of her head. Lucille felt so right against him, her plush curves so soft, fragile and yet strong at the same time. This woman who’d been through so much, not only the loss of her parents at such a young age, but also a life of servitude followed by bravely moving west to an unknown world, was so much braver than he.

  In that moment, Tobias was ashamed. He’d stood in front of her, defeated by things that paled compared to hers. So much had been left unsaid, but instinctively he knew she’d suffered much prior to coming to live with Aurora. An orphan child in a large city at the mercy of whoever took responsibility for her.

  “How many families did you live with before going to live with Aurora?”

  Her shoulders lifted and lowered. “I was twelve when the woman I worked for hit me so hard with a broom handle, she broke my arm. It was then my aunt sent me away to where her sister worked at the Middletons. Although I had to work hard to earn my keep, I finally had a home. I had my own small room and money I was allowed to keep.”

  When she straightened, Tobias felt a loss at no longer holding her. Needing the contact, he took her hand between his hands. “And you met Aurora.”

  Tobias was glad when her lips curved. “Yes, I finally had true friends, Aurora and Wilhelmina. For some reason, we immediately became fast friends at that young age and I finally found a family.”