“It won’t be long before I’m there to visit.” Aurora sniffed, unwilling to release Lucille’s hand. “Evan will probably tire of going back and forth.”
For the second time in her life, Lucille’s heart was torn. Since losing her parents, Lucille had not separated from someone she cared for so much. Tears streamed down her cheeks without warning and she hugged Aurora. “I can’t do this. I don’t think I can leave you,” she choked on every word.
When Aurora began crying so hard her body shook, Evan came and pried his wife away. “There now, darling. She’s not going too far.” He reached for Lucille’s shoulder to comfort her just as Tobias neared.
Her new husband, more awkward than comforting, put his arm around her shoulders and guided her to the wagon where Wilhelmina greeted her with a watery smile. “Come sit with me. It’s quite comfortable. Look, we have blankets.”
Tobias helped her up to the back of the wagon. Before she slipped under the covering, she turned to Aurora. “I love you.”
Aurora nodded and mouthed the words back before pushing her face into Evan’s shoulder.
“My goodness, one would think I would never see her again,” Lucille said and blew her nose into a handkerchief. “It’s just that I am going to miss her so.”
Wilhelmina sighed. “I cried as well when I left Philadelphia. Not just for my family, but because I missed you and Aurora immediately.”
Lucille settled back into the wagon and looked around the small but comfortable space. “This is nice. What are all those bundles?”
“Tobias had us pick up things he thought you’d need at the house. I know you’ve done some shopping, but he insisted. So we did our best. He figured with the wedding and all, you would need help.”
“That’s very nice of him. He puzzles me. He’s thoughtful yet, at the same time, he’s so distant at times.”
Over time, she’d get to know her husband better and learn his ways and how he communicated. For the time being, his awkwardness made it difficult to relax sometimes.
“Is he always so closed off?” Lucille asked.
“For the most part, Tobias is a quiet man. He is most relaxed when he is surrounded by family. Once you two spend more time together, I am sure you’ll see a different side of him.”
“Yes. I expect so.”
“The wedding was perfect.” Wilhelmina changed the subject and they spent the next hour discussing the day before.
“Pa, James, and I are taking the cattle next week. No need for you to leave so soon after getting married. Owen will stay back and help you with whatever is needed.” Marcus rolled his neck. “I must have slept wrong or something. My neck is killin’ me. I bet you slept soundly.”
It was obvious his brother was hoping for information about the night before by his not so subtle comment. Tobias ignored him and, instead, decided to speak of the upcoming cattle drive. “You sure James shouldn’t stay back instead of Owen? The man just started ranching. I’m not sure he can handle days on a drive.”
Their sister’s husband was an accountant by trade. He’d moved to Laurel after meeting their sister when Eleanor had gone to Billings to visit a friend.
“He asked to come, so Pa agreed. Not sure myself, but it’s not far. Won’t take longer than a week or so.”
Drizzle fell, making the wind seem colder. Tobias tugged at the collar of his jacket. “Hate that I lost my scarf.”
“You didn’t lose it. It’s in the pigsty. Just have to go dig it out.” Marcus chuckled and Tobias groaned. “Don’t need it that bad.”
“How was last night?”
Tobias felt heat crawl up from his neck. His scarf was not needed for the moment as his entire body warmed at thinking about the night before. He shrugged. “Good.”
“I imagine so, by the look on your face.”
Were all brothers as aggravating as his? Some days, it would be nice not to be the youngest, which lead the other siblings to think it was acceptable to poke their noses into every part of his life. “What do you want to know? I took your advice. It helped.”
“That’s all. Just making sure you didn’t have any questions.” Marcus’ chest puffed. “My little brother, finally a man.”
All he could do was shake his head as a smile crept up.
A pair of riders appeared in the distance. Jacob and Owen galloped forward to make space between them and the wagon. Tobias pulled his wagon to a stop and James did the same. The men exchanged glances without a word.
“Eleanor, get in the other wagon,” James told his wife. She immediately climbed down and Marcus went to help her up.
“Recognize them?” Marcus asked the others. Both Tobias and James shook their heads.
“Tobias?” Lucille called his name and, immediately, his heartbeat quickened. He had to protect her.
Blood rushing to his ears, Tobias cleared his throat. “It’s all right. Looks like.”
Owen held a hand down next to his gun as the men pulled to a stop within speaking distance. For a few moments, all four men seemed at a standoff, neither side trusting the other.
“I should have ridden ahead. No need for Pa to put himself in danger.” Tobias watched his father, barely daring to breathe.
Marcus didn’t reply. He held his finger up to his mouth and then motioned to the back to let Tobias know the women could hear.
Finally, Jacob pointed back to the way they came. The men must have been asking for directions or such. However, not taking any chances, Jacob and Owen didn’t motion them forward.
They remained at a standstill as the riders galloped past with barely a glance in their direction.
“I told them about the outlaws here recently. They understood why we were being protective.” Jacob came up next to them as they moved forward. “Bad times when newcomers don’t feel welcome.”
“Who were they?” Tobias asked.
Owen grunted. “Both are looking for work. One said he’s got a wife and children to feed and plans to go back for ’em.”
“There’s plenty of work. Elias is looking for help,” Marcus said. “Once the ground thaws, he’ll need help tilling, planting and such.”
“Not sure what the man does with all his money.” Jacob adjusted his hat and lifted the collar of his coat. “Seems to spend all his time alone out there.”
Tobias shrugged. “Elias doesn’t need the money, but you’ve got to respect a hardworking man. All three Jones brothers don’t mind getting their hands dirty when it’s called for.”
Chapter Fourteen
Two weeks later…
“I best get on to work. It’s hard to get it all done with those three gone.” Tobias pushed back from the table. “Thank you for breakfast.”
Lucille smiled despite being irritated just moments earlier. “You don’t have to thank me every meal.”
When he lowered to kiss her lips, she had to admit enjoying how much attention her new husband constantly paid her. “I am appreciative of what you do.” His lips touched hers again. He walked across the room to where coats hung on hooks.
She patted her hair, which was held back by a ribbon Tobias had given her days earlier.
“Tobias.” Lucille remained at the table. She waited for him to look at her. “I would prefer it if you left the morning tasks to me. I can fetch the eggs from the hen house and help milk the cows.”
He frowned, shrugging on his coat. “It’s not safe for you to be out and about early in the morning. Never know if someone’s out there.”
“Besides the cows and the chickens? They’d have to get past the bunkhouse and you told me Owen gets up early.”
Although his precautions meant safety, Lucille was beginning to feel cloistered staying inside all day. He’d moved the clothesline just outside the side door and began construction on a tall fence where she planned to garden. If things kept up, she’d be living in a fortress.
“There is no reason why you can’t come with me in the morning. I’ll get you up. I do prefer you not do it alon
e.” Leaving no room for argument, he went out.
Lucille followed and stopped on the porch. “We’re having supper at the big house tonight. Don’t forget.”
“I’ll come fetch you.” He mounted and galloped off, turning twice to see if she’d gone inside.
Flushed from the walk, Lucille entered the big house later that day. Wilhelmina was at the kitchen table chopping vegetables while Eleanor chatted from the stove.
“Aren’t you a picture of happiness,” Wilhelmina exclaimed. “I assume we’ve not seen you because the honeymoon continues.”
Her eyes sparkling with mirth, Eleanor turned to Lucille. “I hate that you missed coming over when the notions peddler came by. I told Tobias you’d prefer to choose your own items. The peddler had quite an assortment of ribbons.”
“I suppose it would have been late. By the time he would have told me, the man would be long gone.” Her stomach flipped, hoping the words were true. That Tobias had not purposely kept her from coming.
Wilhelmina shrugged. “The peddler was here for two days, actually. A delightful older man who shared many a witty story.”
“Yes, he comes by at least twice a year. We sent him to town with instructions to seek out Aurora.”
It was hard not to allow her anger to show, but Lucille managed to smile. “Tobias bought some beautiful ribbons for me.”
The women admired the ribbon in Lucille’s hair as Eleanor rushed to her bedroom to fetch a mirror she’d purchased so she could show it off.
“Is something wrong?” Wilhelmina studied her. “You seem out of sorts suddenly.”
“Is Marcus overly protective of you?”
Wilhelmina’s dreamy smile made Lucille smile in return. “At times, yes. He ensured I was taken care of before leaving. It’s nice spending time with Eleanor, but I do miss my house and being alone with Marcus.”
“They’ll be back any day now,” Eleanor said, walking in with the mirror. “Then you can go back to your little love nest.”
A pretty blush stained Wilhelmina’s cheeks just as the front door flew open. “Lucille!”
Tobias burst into the kitchen, his chest heaving and his eyes wide. “What are you doing here?”
“I told you we were having supper with…your family,” she finished weakly.
He turned away and left the room, the footsteps not stopping until he went back out. The front door closed firmly behind him and the three women looked to one another.
“What was that all about?” Eleanor frowned toward the doorway.
Both women looked at Lucille. “He probably went to the house first since he told me this morning he’d fetch me to come over here. It’s a short walk and I needed the fresh air.”
“That is just silly. It is a very short walk. Perhaps he got spooked when finding the house empty. I’m sure he’ll get over it. Tobias has never been one to stay angry,” Eleanor assured her.
They continued preparations for supper. The entire time, Lucille kept looking for her husband who’d yet to return. “Should I go see about him?”
“I wouldn’t,” Eleanor responded. “He’s being childish. Once supper is ready, I’ll go fetch him and Owen.”
The evening meal was somber. Only Eleanor and Wilhelmina spoke on occasion. Owen, normally a talker, was quiet as he’d announced earlier that he had a sore throat. Lucille spent most of the time looking to Tobias who kept his head bent. Finally, it was time to go and she fetched her coat.
Hugging Eleanor and Wilhelmina, she promised to return in a few days to begin a quilting project they’d planned. Aurora was coming to visit as well, so they discussed the details.
Tobias waited for her by the door without complaint, his gaze lifting to her every so often. Once she finally went to the doorway, he took her elbow. When he started to put his hands around her waist to lift Lucille onto his horse, she stopped him.
“We can walk. It’s not so far. Besides, I think we need to talk.”
He didn’t respond but, instead, fell in step beside her. “You left after I told you not to. You are not to leave the house alone.” His words were delivered through clenched teeth.
The unexpected coolness in his tone froze Lucille midstride. “Exactly what do you want me to do? Remain locked indoors all day long, twiddling my thumbs? There is much work to be done, Tobias. I cannot sit around and wait for you to come home to garden or see after the animals.”
“It’s not safe. Anyone can be about. What if the cow kicks you? If you fall and hurt yourself, no one will hear your calls for help. This is not the city, Lucille. You are not equipped to live here.”
The urge to kick him made her stomp her foot instead. “And exactly how will I learn when I’m locked in the house?” She stalked away toward their home.
“I have not locked you in. But I will if you defy me again.” He caught up with her easily. “Don’t you understand? I made a vow to protect you.”
Too angry to want to hear his excuses, she glared at him. “What about the peddler? I would have liked to see what he brought. Why didn’t you tell me? Was he a danger as well?”
Tobias didn’t reply. He continued walking, his head bent. This was not the time to let things go. It had never been in Lucille’s nature not to say what was on her mind.
“I am not a delicate porcelain doll that you need to keep on a shelf. But a human, a strong person whose had to do for herself always. I’ve taken care of myself since I was very young. I will not allow you to imprison me. The sooner you understand this, the better.”
She marched into the house and straight to the bedroom. Too angry to sit, she paced back and forth. Of all the things he did, to keep her from going to his own sister’s house and not allowing her to be part of what they did hurt the most. Perhaps it wasn’t that he protected her, but that Tobias did not trust her.
Instead of waiting for him as she’d done each night, when they’d spend an hour or so having a late cup of tea or such while he discussed his day, she undressed and climbed into bed. When she heard the bedroom door open, Lucille flipped to her side and faced the wall. Tonight, she would not speak to Tobias, no matter what he said. Her feelings were not only hurt, but anger didn’t allow for anything to truly sink in.
The bed sunk under Tobias’ weight and he nudged her shoulder. “I won’t apologize for keeping you safe.”
Lucille gritted her teeth. Did he not understand this was not the time to state his case? “I don’t want to talk to you right now.”
“Would you like a cup of tea?”
“Tobias, please let me be. I’m going to sleep. You can have tea by yourself in the other room.”
For a few moments, he didn’t move. The only sound was his breathing. “Fine. I don’t understand why you’re so angry.”
Red blazed behind her eyelids. Trying to keep from lashing out, she pulled the blankets tighter. A few minutes later, Lucille threw the blankets off and stormed into the kitchen to find Tobias at the table. His wide gaze looked up just as she stalked to the table and slammed her palms onto the top.
“I wanted to see the peddler. I want to visit my sister-in-law and my childhood friend. I want to be free to decide if it’s safe or not. I will not be held prisoner in my own home by a husband who doesn’t trust me.” Tears were flowing at this point, which fueled her anger to a blaze. When Tobias went to stand, she held both arms out.
“Don’t you dare come near me. I don’t want to hear any excuses from you right now. And I know I’m acting in a sinful nature by not being obedient and subservient to you, but I’m too angry to care right now. I’ll pray for forgiveness in the morning.”
She turned on her heel and went back into the bedroom. Once in the bed, she buried her face into the pillow and sobbed.
She was thankful he didn’t follow so she could cry without stopping. Yet at the same time, Lucille irrationally wanted comfort.
Morning came, along with a pounding headache. Lucille trudged into the kitchen, not looking forward to facing Tobias. By
all indications, he had not slept in the bed. On the kitchen table was a basket with eggs.
It took all her willpower not to pick up the entire thing and throw it out the front door. Instead, she stormed toward the smaller bedroom. By the tussled bedding and indentation on the pillow, he’d slept there. But her husband was not to be found.
“Tobias?” Lucille peered outside. She looked up to the clear sky and let out a long sigh. The rebellious part of her wanted to throw on clothes and walk to the big house out of spite. Instead, she went back inside and sunk into a chair. Marriage was not exactly what she expected at all.
Chapter Fifteen
The others had returned. Tobias walked into his father’s house and found everyone sitting around the table. When they stopped talking, he mumbled a “good morning” and went to the stove to pour coffee.
“You’re early,” Marcus stated the obvious.
He didn’t reply. Instead, he sat at one of the empty chairs and reached for a biscuit. Although Lucille was a great cook, his sister made the best biscuits.
Wilhelmina kissed her husband’s jaw. “I’m glad all of you will be here next week. I’m planning a nice get together for Marcus’ birthday.”
Amidst the murmurs of concurrence, Tobias could not help but wonder what Lucille was doing at the moment. Surely, she was angry with him for collecting the eggs and possibly wouldn’t speak to him when he returned. Yet at the same time, she was safe. He’d left his dogs behind to ensure they guarded the house.
“…Lucille the day after tomorrow.” He realized Wilhelmina and Eleanor discussed something about a project. “It will be lovely to get together weekly to work on the quilts. I’m looking forward to mine.” His sister looked to him.
“Where do you plan to get together?” He looked to the women. “I don’t want her walking here alone twice a week or whenever.”
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