Mail-Order Mismatch: Brides of Burlington County, Book Two

by Amelia St. James

  He carefully loaded her belongings before turning back to face her. “You don’t have to do this, you know? I’ll see to it that you’re returned safely to Miss Elly’s boardinghouse, if you want.”

  Angelica swallowed hard. “Is that what you want?”

  Shaking his head, he wondered what the woman in front of him was thinking, wondered if he’d ever learn to guess, if she ended up staying. “No.”

  “Then why did you say you’d take me to the preacher’s house? It sounded like you planned to drop me off.”

  “Well, I do. It’s not fitting for you to stay with me now, as Inez said, and there isn’t any other place I feel comfortable boarding you. Staying with Inez isn’t a great option.” And she’ll have you married off to David in a heartbeat.

  She frowned as he watched, trying not to stare. He didn’t tower over her, and that surprised him. Most of the women he’d met had been closer to his sister’s height than his. Angelica looked like she’d fit right under his chin if he wrapped his arms around her. She was beginning to appear angry, her cheeks growing pink as she pursed her lips. Palms sweaty again, he wiped them on his pants and adjusted the brim of his hat. “What’s wrong?”

  She hesitated for a moment, her voice low when she finally spoke. “I’m…” She looked over her shoulder briefly, her soft waves bouncing gently as she turned back. “It’s just that I thought we’d be getting married today.” The pink in her cheeks deepened.

  “I see.” Holden walked around the wagon, checking the horses as he stalled. Still guessing, he was unsure what she really wanted. Marriage was a big step, and he believed in a lifelong bond. It seemed like they ought to know each other a little more before taking that leap of faith.

  He stroked Lil, his favorite mare as he considered maybe he’d been around cattle hands too long to remember how to communicate in polite company. If he got this wrong, this woman would leave, and he was already certain he’d never get her out of his head. Lil’s coarse mane underneath his palm steadied his pulse. “I thought maybe you’d like some time to see what you’re getting into before you say I do.”

  “Well, I do have a few questions.” Angelica had moved closer to him, her eyes downcast. She reached for Lil, stroking her muzzle as she seemed to work up the nerve to speak. She stopped stroking Lil long enough for the mare to nudge her. She smiled and patted the horse.

  “Ask away,” he said.

  “Well, you said you wanted an Ephesians wife. Do you plan to be an Ephesians husband?”

  Holden nodded, committing easily. He didn’t need much from life, but a faithful marriage with mutual respect was a definite must. “I do.”

  Angelica turned to face him fully, the look in her eyes still wary. “’And the part about wives submitting to their husbands, what does that mean to you?” She watched him as if she was reading him from deep down.

  “Submitting to your husband means, to me, that we follow the course Christ has set out for us, pulling together in the same direction just like Lil here follows Mac’s lead.” At his mention, Mac nickered. He patted Mac, no longer finding surprise in the emotional intelligence his horses expressed.

  Holden looked squarely at Angelica, making certain she had the opportunity to see he had nothing to hide. “You see, if Lil and Mac run off in different directions while pulling the buggy, bad things happen all the way around. But if they work together, things go smoothly.”

  Angelica still eyed him warily, but the beginning of a smile tugged at her lips. “So you want me to work like a horse?”

  Despite himself, he laughed. “No, I don’t. But I do want a peaceful home, laughing children, and a happy wife.”

  A small sigh escaped her lips, as if she was imagining what he described and found it pleasing. He watched her, knowing he had to get back to the ranch but finding that he wasn’t in a hurry to leave her. “Do you have any other questions?”

  “Yes,” she said firmly.

  She watched him intently as she paled. Her lower lip trembled slightly, and he found himself staring again.

  “What would you do if someone took one of your horses? Lil or Mac, here? Do you fight for them or do you turn the other cheek?”

  Holden felt his fingers itchy to grip his shotgun. The muscles in his shoulders felt tight at the mention of someone taking off with his livestock. He didn’t want to frighten Angelica, but he had to be honest. “I’m going to be honest with you, Angelica. No one messes with what’s mine.” His jaw tightened, and he reminded himself to relax or else he’d scare the timid woman in front of him.

  She smiled. Grinned, actually. “Good. Let’s get married. We’re wasting daylight.”

  She jumped into the wagon seat before he’d thought to help her, leaving him stunned as he climbed up next to her. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Chapter Three

  Angelica braced herself as the wagon began to move and glanced over at the man next to her. He was gentle as he coaxed his animals forward, deepening her conviction that this stranger was the right man for her. She didn’t know how it was possible to make such a big decision without a pit of fear in her stomach, but was thankful for the peace that came with her acceptance.

  She looked around as they drove, realizing that she’d been distracted through parts of town and had failed to memorize her surroundings. She’d already begun to relax with Holden, an observation that gave her hope.

  He’d come off as gruff, but she hadn’t been fooled. His tenderness for Inez and gentle handling of his horses showed her all she needed to see. Her Pa had always told her she had horse-sense, and it had served her fairly well.

  Holden was quiet next to her, calmly driving the horses without the need to fill the silence. The peaceful ride soothed her after many long hours in a noisy, crowded train. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply the scents of leather, grass, and something else….She inhaled, smiling as she realized the faint scent of spice with a touch of citrus was Holden. She hadn’t expected a cattle rancher to smell so nice. She breathed the scent in again, trying to go unnoticed while her heart began to pound.

  Holden glanced at her, the lines of his handsome face making her chest tighten. He had accurately described himself as tall and strong, and he did indeed have blue eyes and brown hair. Beyond that, though, he had definitely been mistaken. Holden Jamieson didn’t have a homely bone in his body.

  The man’s physical strength was coupled with an inner strength of character that she could feel, rather than see, but she still questioned why he’d lied about how handsome he was. Surely someone had told him he stood out among a crowd.

  He turned and smiled at her, almost apologetically. “We’re almost there. Preacher Paul would probably rather us get married after a service while the town is dressed in their Sunday best. Are you certain you don’t want to wait a little while before going through with this?”

  Angelica nodded, more vigorously than she intended, but she was ready. Once she was married and belonged to someone, the threats to her had to diminish, didn’t they? The only question was why a man as handsome as Holden would marry a scarred stranger, but he hadn’t given any indication that he was opposed. As long as he had an obedient wife, he’d manage.

  “I believe I can be the wife you’re seeking. I’ll work hard.” She pursed her lips on all the things she wanted to say but couldn’t. I’ll raise our children in safety, as long as you’re there to protect us. I’ll find a way to make you love me, if you can only see past my scars and accept me.

  Blue eyes met hers. The man was unsettling, even when he didn’t say a word.

  “If you’re certain you want to do this today, I’ll make the arrangements.”

  He guided the horses to turn, stopping next to a small house nestled beside a plain church. He set the brake and stepped down, the wagon rocked a little with his movement. Angelica hadn’t thought much about his height, but she was glad he had described himself accurately. As tall as she was, she would enjoy having a husband who was taller.

&nbs
p; Holden came around to her side of the wagon, reaching his hand out to help her down. Her first reaction was to ignore his offer to help, but she thought she saw a glint of vulnerability in his eyes. Smiling, she stood and allowed him to help her down, her hand gently gripped in his tanned, calloused palm. He quickly let go, stepping aside to allow her to move past.

  Her heart skipped a beat at his nearness, making her wonder if she could actually go through with marrying him, after all. She just wanted someone honorable who would take care of what was his. He was quickly growing on her, making her question her decision. Falling in love with someone was far too risky. It would be more difficult to maintain her resolve to keep her past behind her if she fell hard and opened up.

  A small pit of fear balled up in her stomach. Her throat felt dry.

  Holden paused next to her, reaching for her arm to keep her next to him. His warmth tingled against her through the sleeve of her dress. Looking up in alarm, she felt the blood drain from her face. He watched her attentively with a serious look on his face.

  “You can change your mind, you know. I won’t be upset.”

  The ball of fear tightened. He had known her less than an hour and he was already changing his mind. Tears threatened to gather in her eyes as she attempted to blink them back. “I know it feels rushed, Holden, but I gave my commitment to you the moment I accepted your marriage request, and I don’t go back on my word.”

  A strange look filtered across his face, faint lines crinkling around his eyes as a grin broke out. “Alright, Angelica. I’ll stop asking. But one thing you should know for sure, I’ll never force you to do something you don’t want to.”

  He licked his lips nervously, his hat casting a shadow across part of his face, drawing her attention to the stubble on his jaw. Angelica longed to reach up and run her fingertips along it. “And I’ll never refuse you a reasonable request.”

  He nodded, seemingly satisfied as his boot steps sounded on the wooden steps of the porch that wrapped around the small house. With one final glance back at her, he raised his hand to knock. Before his knuckles touched the door, it flung open and a petite young woman breezed through it and kissed him on the cheek before her gray skirts had even stopped swirling.

  Angelica stepped back from the pair, feeling oddly left out as a twinge of jealousy awakened. The young woman turned to face Angelica, a slight frown marring her pretty features. “You must be so travel-weary. Come inside, and I’ll get you settled.” She craned her neck curiously at the wagon before saying, “Holden, be a dear and get her things.”

  Holden grinned at the woman and tipped his hat before turning to do her bidding. The woman wrapped her hand around Angelica’s arm and tugged her, chattering as Angelica reluctantly accepted her guidance into the small home.

  “I’m Tilly, and this is my home.” She held the door open as Angelica allowed her eyes to adjust to the darkness inside. “I’ll light some more candles to brighten things up. Paul and I keep it on the darker side while we pray.”

  “Are you the preacher’s wife?” Angelica bit her lip, unable to contain her curiosity. The preacher’s wife openly kissed Holden’s cheek as if she was completely comfortable with him but she was a married woman. His hesitation to marry her was beginning to take on a new light, making her doubt herself.

  “I am, and Holden is my big brother. I’m absolutely delighted that he’s found someone to settle down with. I was beginning to think he would stay single forever.” Tilly sighed, then shifted her attention back to Angelica. “Let’s get you settled in, then we’ll make a hearty meal that will help you get a good night’s sleep.”

  “Actually, Tilly, Holden and I would like to get married today, if that can be arranged.”

  Tilly’s full lips parted, her blue eyes wide. Angelica saw her in a new light now that she realized she had no need to be jealous and the family resemblance was uncanny. She tried to picture Holden and Tilly as small children and the thought made her smile. Her scar itched as she smiled cautiously at the woman who would become her sister-in-law.

  “I must say that surprises me. Is Holden agreeable with that decision?” Tilly clutched her dark gray skirt in one hand, leaving a mess of wrinkles when she let go.

  Afternoon light poured inside as Holden stepped through the doorway, his large frame filling the space easily. “I can assure you that I’m agreeable with it. Is Paul here?” Holden held Angelica’s trunk, seeming to wait for further instructions.

  Though it was barely perceptible, Tilly’s face softened. “He took some supplies to a family in need, but he should be back in an hour or two. You can put that in the spare bedroom for now.” She waited until Holden was out of sight before quietly asking, “Would you like a bath before you marry Holden?”

  Angelica closed her eyes at the thought of a hot bath. “I’d love that.” She opened her eyes. “If it wouldn’t put you out, that is.”

  Tilly giggled. “I’m happy to help. You’re going to be my new sister. The least I can do is give you a proper welcome!” She looped her arm around Angelica’s and guided her to the kitchen. “I will have water heated in no time, and I’ll also make you a cup of tea.” Her blue eyes sparkled as she whispered, “Did you bring a wedding dress?”

  Angelica frowned. She hadn’t given that much thought, either. She only wanted to be brave enough to accept the unknowns and follow where she felt her heart led her. The actual planning of the events was not something she’d been concerned with until now. “No, I didn’t.” She straightened her now wrinkled, smudged skirts. “I have a few dresses with me. They’re not as pretty, but they’re clean.”

  “I’m certain they’ll do just fine.” She crossed her arms, looking down at her gray dress. “All mine are this color, or I’d offer to share.”

  Angelica tried to hide her curiosity but failed. “All the same color?”

  Tilly exhaled loudly and nodded. “Paul’s mother thought she would help prepare me for life as a preacher’s wife. The day after we married, we began traveling here to join Holden. Imagine my surprise when I opened my trunk to change after our wagon train had driven too far to go back, and I found a new, gray wardrobe and a note. She had replaced all of my clothing without asking, and I was left with this.” Tilly ran her hands down her waist as if touching the gown brought up unpleasant memories.

  “I’m sorry, Tilly.” Angelica tapped her chin, trying to make up her mind. “I worked in a textile mill for a while, and though they used fabric dyes that we probably can’t find here, I might be able to come up with something. If we can dye the gowns, you might have a little variety without having to remake them all.”

  Tilly responded with a brilliant, straight smile that was so like Holden’s. Angelica felt completely at ease, and the comfort of having a friend settled the remaining fears that had been making her feel tense.

  “I’d love that! But first, let’s get Holden to move the tub to give you privacy, and I’ll help you get ready.” Tilly called for Holden, jumping slightly when he appeared beside her. She put her hand to her throat and frowned. “Goodness, Holden. How do you manage to walk so quietly when you’re such a large man.”

  Seeming to regain her composure, she pointed to the wooden tub near the back door and said, “Can you please carry that into the spare bedroom and help me carry water? Your bride is going to freshen up after her travels, though I’d prefer to pamper her a few days before you cart her off to the ranch. Those ranch hands will keep her busy cooking dawn to dusk.”

  Holden picked up the tub and smiled. “Harry has been cooking for us for some time now. We’ll be just fine.”

  “No offense to Harry, but I’m surprised everyone has survived thus far.”

  Holden shook his head and grinned. “I’ll just set this in the other room and help with the water before I go tend to the horses.”

  When the tub was filled with steaming water and lavender scented oil, Tilly excused herself, shutting the door behind her. Angelica stripped out of her filthy clo
thes and lowered herself into the water, the flowery warmth soothing her stiff body. She wasn’t used to being idle long, and sitting still on the train had been difficult.

  She washed her hair, a smile tugging at her lips as she felt refreshed. Her wedding day wasn’t exactly what she’d imagined it would be, but it was drastically different than what it could have been if she’d married who she had originally been promised to.

  Straightening at the unpleasant memory, she stood and reached for the towel Tilly had left for her, finding a soft, gray dressing gown folded up underneath. The woman’s thoughtfulness was surprising but after staying with Elly, she’d begun to realize that women being warm and supportive of others was more normal than not. She’d find a way to repay both Elly and Tilly, she was certain.

  Once she was dried off and wrapped up in gray softness, she towel-dried her hair and began to brush it out. She was nearly finished when someone knocked on the door. Clutching the neck of the dressing gown, she said, “Come in.”

  Tilly opened the door, a warm smile on her face. “Hey, the house is still empty. Would you like to come and sit by the fire so we can help your hair dry a little faster?”

  “That would be perfect. I’ll just find something to wear before I come out, if you don’t mind.”

  “Do you need help with buttons?”

  “Actually, I do.” Angela dropped down in front of her trunk and opened it, tears springing to her eyes instantly. A wrapped bundle waited for her, the brown paper tied neatly. Handwritten messages covered the package, the last reminder of the women she’d left behind at Elly’s boardinghouse.

  Her throat tightened. She touched the package, not wanting to disturb it but anxious to see what was inside.

  “Are you all right? You’re crying on your wedding day.” Tilly peered at her from the doorway, her face etched with concern.

  “They’re happy tears.” She lovingly ran her fingers along the signed wrapping. “My friends left a surprise for me in my trunk.”