“Good morning, James.” Lucille motioned for them to sit. “I’ll pour coffee and start breakfast.”
The moment had passed. He would not declare himself in front of a witness, but when they were alone and the time was right.
Chapter Nineteen
The sun warmed her back as Lucille dug into the soft soil and scooped it into a square wooden container. Tobias and Owen had tilled it for her and she was excited about beginning a garden. Although the days were still cool, she decided to put off planting anything outside as her sister-in-law warned there would still be another freeze or two.
For starters, she’d plant herbs into the planter her father-in-law had made for her. If the day became too cold, she could easily carry it inside.
In the distance, she spotted a wagon heading her way and she considered whether to go inside or wait to see who it was. She stood and squinted. It looked to be a man and a woman.
The closer the wagon approached, the broader her smile became. It was Aurora and Evan.
Despite herself, Lucille did a little dance, hopping and clapping her hands in joy. The wagon barely stopped and she was already alongside it, barely able to keep from flinging herself on Aurora.
“What a wonderful surprise,” Lucille exclaimed. “Tobias and I planned to come to town in a few days.”
Aurora slipped her arm through hers and they headed to the house. “Well, I couldn’t wait. I had to come promptly and spend time with my dear friends.”
“We must go fetch Wilhelmina.” At Lucille’s proclamation, both women looked to Evan who let out a resigned breath.
Evan snapped the reins and headed to Wilhelmina’s house, which was not very far so he’d return with their friend soon.
“They’ll be back presently.” Lucille looked at Aurora. “Something is different about you.”
“Oh really?” Aurora blushed. “How so?”
It was hard to tell, really. Her friend was beautiful, as always, yet she looked refreshed and seemed to glow with health. “You are in love and it suits you perfectly,” Lucille said and they laughed.
They settled onto the chairs on the porch, to keep an eye out for Wilhelmina. Aurora turned to Lucille. “How did Tobias take the news of your condition?”
Lucille bit her bottom lip and studied her dirty fingernails.
“Oh no, Lucille!” Aurora exclaimed. “You haven’t told him yet?”
She shook her head. “I’m afraid he’ll go back to being overly protective. Believe me, I’ve tried several times, but the words won’t come out.”
With a scowl, Aurora leaned to her. “You must tell him immediately. I mean it, Lucille. And let him know you will not allow him to become overbearing.”
“I have to, of course. I will. I promise.” Lucille huffed. “You are so domineering. I don’t know why I miss you so.”
The wagon appeared and both stood.
Wilhelmina waved and said something to Evan, who laughed. Within minutes, they were settled in the front room with cups of tea and tiny, sweet biscuits Aurora had brought. Knowing better than to remain underfoot, Evan excused himself and went to find Marcus and Tobias to inform them supper would be held there.
“It feels almost like old times,” Aurora said, her gaze going from Wilhelmina to Lucille.
“Oh my goodness,” Wilhelmina sighed. “Who would have guessed the three of us would end up in Montana?”
Lucille held up a finger. “And married to such handsome men.”
“It is most unbelievable to me at times still,” Aurora whispered. “Can either of you fathom how different our lives would have been had we remained in Philadelphia?”
“I do miss the balls,” Wilhelmina admitted. “The gowns, the music.”
Aurora laughed. “The gossip.” She held her hands together in front of her chest. “Which reminds me. Esther put the trip off for a bit. Some problems with her deceased husband’s estate.” Aurora told them. “I am wondering how she’ll adjust to life in Laurel.”
Lucille poured more tea and settled back into her chair. “Much like us I suppose. It will be hard at first. However, with the abundance of work she’ll have, the poor thing won’t have time for melancholy.”
“True.” Aurora took a bite of biscuit. “Her entire life has been such a tragedy. Being married off to that miserly man and now the family is fighting her for what should be rightfully hers.”
Wilhelmina shook her head. “That your aunt and uncle don’t lift a finger to help is another sad thing.”
“They are too busy living off Esther’s youngest sister’s marriage to an earl. From Boston, they don’t see how sad their daughter’s life is.”
“Nor do I believe they truly care,” Lucille added.
When Aurora gave Lucille a pointed look, she held her breath waiting for what would come next. “Wilhelmina, did you know our dear friend is expecting?”
“What?” Wilhelmina’s eyes widened and she jumped to her feet and rushed to Lucille. The tight hug made Lucille burst into tears.
“Why are you crying? I hope those are happy tears.” Wilhelmina continued to smile.
“I’m happy. Of course.”
“She hasn’t told Tobias, or anyone for that matter, since she’s known for about a month now.” Aurora was going to make it hard to keep the secret from Tobias.
“Oh, Lucille. You must tell him immediately.” Wilhelmina held her hand. “He will be ecstatic.”
Feeling silly for the lack of control, Lucille wiped her tears and sniffed. “I don’t want him to go back to being overly protective. Can you imagine? Knowing I am with child, he won’t allow me to leave the bed.”
“I do think he will overreact at first,” Wilhelmina agreed. “I can have Marcus talk to him.”
“That would be very helpful.” Weight lifted from her shoulders and she smiled at her friends. “If we were to end up so far from home in a totally different life, I am so glad God deemed it that we be together. Once Esther arrives, she will have family here.”
Aurora sniffed. “Very true. She will and we will love her more than her own parents ever did.” She let out a breath. “I have an announcement of my own.”
Lucille and Wilhelmina froze in place and looked to Aurora who burst out laughing. “You should see your faces.”
“A babe?” Lucille whispered.
“No, not yet.”
“Well, don’t keep us guessing. What is it?” Wilhelmina snapped. “I’m about to fall out of my chair.”
“In a few months, I will live closer. Evan has decided to move his clinic out here so that he can better serve the families of the surrounding area. Emmett, his older brother, will be taking over the clinic in town and moving into our house.”
“That is wonderful news!” Lucille and Wilhelmina cried out at once. The women jumped to their feet and hugged.
In a few hours, the men would return. But until then, the three were content to discuss the particulars of where Aurora and Evan would live and how they’d help out where they could.
Lucille held Aurora’s hand. “Now, let’s get this straight. You must get with child as soon as possible. My and Wilhelmina’s need a third.”
A light flush made Aurora only more beautiful. “Now who’s being domineering? I will do my best.”
They laughed until tears of mirth trailed down their cheeks.
Suppertime was filled with laughter and inside jokes, as both the men and women knew each other from childhood. It turned out Evan and Marcus had often gotten into fistfights in town at seventeen until the sheriff forbid them from coming to town unless accompanied by their parents.
Lucille laughed at picturing the glum young men unable to get into mischief under the watchful eye of Jacob Hamilton.
Tobias flinched when the other two turned their attention to him, both being older they could remember his most embarrassing moments with clarity.
When it was the women’s turns, they shared about their younger days, albeit much tamer exploits.
The evening finally came to an end. Evan and Aurora left with Marcus and Wilhelmina, as they had a larger home with a spare bedroom.
After they waved their friends off, Lucille leaned against Tobias’ arm. “It’s wonderful isn’t it?”
He cleared his throat. “I never imagined so much happiness. This is the life I would have missed out on if I’d not been pulled from my melancholy.”
“I definitely understand. When we allow sadness to take over, the burden becomes heavy and harder to dislodge.”
Lucille looked up at him and smiled. “There is something I must tell you. But I need a promise from you first.”
“Whatever you ask, I promise.”
“Promise me you won’t become the overbearing oaf again.”
“Oaf?” He lifted both brows.
“For lack of a better word, yes. You were an oaf, unrelenting.”
He blinked several times and then nodded. “I promise.”
Her stomach tumbled and she let out a sigh. “I’m expecting our first child. He or she will arrive in the fall.”
It was wonderful to see his expression change from astonishment to glee. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Evan confirmed it.”
“Thank you.” He hugged her close and kissed her face and mouth until she could barely breathe. “That is the best news I have ever heard.”
Lucille pushed back and leaned up to look at him. “Don’t forget your promise.”
His eyes slid to the side as he considered what he’d just promised. “I won’t.”
When he leaned down to kiss her again, she trailed her lips to his ear. “Make love to me, Tobias,” Lucille whispered.
Her handsome husband’s lips curved as he allowed her to tug him by the hand, past the front room, to their bedroom.
“Are you going to be home all day today?” Tobias had started asking Lucille the same question every morning. And although he had not regressed to his old ways, a tingle of apprehension ran up her spine every time he asked. Most mornings, he’d formulate the question in different ways and would ask questions about her plans.
She wasn’t sure what to think. It was natural, of course, for him to be curious what she planned and to ensure he knew where she was in case he needed her. Yet something about his flat tone rang strange.
“I have a lot to do today. Laundry and cleaning. I’ve been meaning to ask, is it possible to get one of the empty rooms furnished with a bigger bed and table perhaps? I would like to be able to have overnight guests if the need arises. Besides, once our child is old enough, he or she will also need a furnished room.”
Tobias nodded. “I already spoke to Pa about it. He’ll help me build some things.” He drank deeply from his cup. “Make a list of what you think we need. Some things, I’m expecting we’ll have to get from the mercantile.”
“I am planning a trip to town with Wilhelmina and Eleanor,” Lucille said. Although she continued eating, she didn’t miss the bristling.
Tobias straightened and frowned at her. “When?”
Lucille continued as if not noticing the deepening scowl. “Not sure. One of these days.”
All day, she couldn’t shake the fact that Tobias was hiding something. Once he returned from work, everything seemed normal. But he seemed unsettled, as if he wanted to say something but held back.
“It looks like rain. You should stay home today.”
Lucille shrugged. “I planned on it.”
Satisfied with her reply, he left after telling her it would be a long day as they planned to separate the herd and place some in a separate corral for an upcoming drive to Billings.
An hour later, she walked into Wilhelmina’s house. Her friend had been sewing and went back to her work once Lucille settled.
Eyes downcast, Wilhelmina wasn’t her chipper self. Instead, she nodded or gave one word replies to Lucille’s rambling about her confusion about when to start gardening.
Finally, Lucille touched her friend’s arm. “What is the matter? You look as if you’ve been crying.”
“I did a bit this morning. Had a talk with Marcus. You know about the drive.” Wilhelmina let out a long sigh. “It’s only seven days, but I didn’t expect he’d go.”
“Why is he going?” Lucille wiped at Wilhelmina’s cheek with a handkerchief. “I thought it was James and Marcus’ turn to stay this time.”
Wilhelmina’s wide eyes met hers. “You don’t know?”
“What?” Dread curdled in her belly. “Tell me what is happening?”
“Tobias is refusing to go. He won’t leave you.”
“Damn it.” Lucille got to her feet, ignoring Wilhelmina’s gasp at her cussing. “That man is going to get an earful today.” She turned to Wilhelmina, who continued to watch her wide eyed. “Don’t you fret. Marcus will not be going. I’ll go before I allow my fool of a husband to take him from you again so soon.”
Lucille was so angry that she brewed while stalking all the way to the big house without losing one ounce of breath.
“I’m married to a lying man,” she mumbled under her breath as she reached the corrals.
In the distance atop his horse, Tobias chased after two wayward cows with Owen helping. They yelled and swung ropes, galloping in circles. It was an art form and she was impressed with his abilities.
Moments later, as they guided the now corralled animals into the enclosure, Owen said something to Tobias and pointed toward Lucille.
“What are you doing here?” Tobias dismounted and ran to her. “Is something wrong?” He looked past her to the house. “Do I need to take you to see Evan?”
“Stop it.” She pushed at his hands. “Don’t distract me.”
“Distract you from what?” He scowled and took her elbow. “Let’s get you in the shade.”
“Stop!” Lucille jerked her arm out of his hold and took several steps backward. “Listen to me.”
Although his jaw clenched, his voice was even. “All right.”
“Is it true your brother has to go on the drive again because you refuse to go?”
His flat stare didn’t waver, but his chin lifted just enough to know he felt challenged. “I am not going. That’s true.”
If a dagger had been thrust into her chest, it would not have hurt more than his statement. Tobias crossed his arms. “You shouldn’t have come out here. It’s too far of a walk in your condition.”
“Oh, I’m about to take a longer one. If someone doesn’t take me to town, I’m walking.” She swung away and stalked back the way she came.
Tobias caught up with her and stopped her by taking her arm. “No, you won’t. You cannot threaten me with leaving every time we have a disagreement.”
“This is much more than a disagreement, Tobias. You lied to me.” She gritted her teeth when her voice wavered. “I knew something was wrong. I knew it.” Once again, she attempted to walk away and he blocked her path.
“Don’t you see? I love you more than life. The fear of losing you…of anything happening to you, cripples me. I can’t be so far away. I can’t.”
Instead of his words making her feel better, Lucille was terrified. “Things are not going to change for us, are they? Over time, you will limit me more and more until, once again, I am trapped inside the house.” Her shoulders drooped in defeat. Unsure what to do, she turned and headed to the big house where Eleanor stood on the porch watching.
She turned to look at Tobias over her shoulder. “I would rather live alone than live the life of a prisoner. I don’t know what to say to you right now.”
Tobias’ lips formed a tight line. His flat gaze moved from her to Eleanor, who waved her closer.
“Come inside. You need some tea to calm your nerves.”
After Lucille explained to Eleanor what had happened, her sister-in-law told her James was going to volunteer to go again so Marcus could stay home.
“No. That’s not fair.” Lucille squeezed her eyes shut to keep from allowing tears of anger to fall. “Tobias has to b
e held accountable. If you keep making excuses for him or letting him have his way, things will only get worse for me.”
Eleanor patted her hand. “You’re right.”
Chapter Twenty
Tobias galloped to find the rest of the men who were separating the herd. There were still hours of work to be done and he couldn’t afford to linger behind to see what Lucille would do. He doubted she’d go anywhere for the time being as she was with his sister and Eleanor would talk sense into her.
Although his wife was stubborn, he was sure she could understand his motivation. His brother came into view on the opposite side of the herd from him. With a loud yell, he steered part of the herd toward the lower part of a hill where hay bales had been set up for them to graze on. There still wasn’t enough grass for the animals to fill up on.
The way Marcus rode had never ceased to amaze Tobias. Since they were young, he’d spent hours learning to emulate his older brother. With the fluidity of a man sure in his saddle and at one with the animal, Marcus could outride any man.
When he neared, his brother waved to him. “Bring up the rear.”
Since he’d refused to go on the drive to Billings, Marcus had been short with him, barely speaking. Tobias whistled for the dogs and set off to do as he’d been told. It would be another two hours before the cattle were finally settled. They would then set about separating thirty cows from the herd.
Jacob was already at the corral when they arrived. He and Owen discussed the logistics of how to choose which cows to keep, while James had ridden back to where they’d brought the herd to ensure the other half were safely enclosed and there were no stragglers.
His horse pranced in place after Tobias dismounted. He guided it to a trough so it could drink and tethered him to the post. Marcus did the same. Without a word, his brother walked toward their father as soon as his horse was secure.
Owen smiled broadly at them when they approached. “I was just telling Mr. Jacob, I’m bringing back three horses from Billings. I’ve decided to buy them for breeding. The Coles have a great crossbreed that is fast and beautiful.”
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