The train jostled and Aurora shook her head. It was best not to spend so much time in fear. There was nothing to be afraid of. If anything, the future was a fresh new beginning.
And besides, Wilhelmina assured her in the last telegram she’d send someone to greet her. One way or another, there would be a person at the station.
A short while later, Lucille returned with two small bundles. The rich aroma made Aurora’s stomach grumble. “What is it?” She reached for one. “It smells delicious.”
“I stopped at the dining car and fetched us breakfast. Thought you’d like to eat something. Then we can take our time dressing before going to eat a full, proper meal later.” Lucille sat back and nibbled on her biscuit.
“You are so thoughtful, Lucille. I am so glad you came with me. I’m afraid I may not have been so bold to leave if it wasn’t for you agreeing to run away with me.”
The rest of the day, the snowfall continued. The snow did not lighten. If anything, it seemed to gather strength and fall harder and thicker. The train slowed, but they continued forward into what looked to be a white world of ice and cold.
Chapter Four
It seemed his brothers left just in time. Everyone in Laurel would be homebound for days. A huge storm hit the night before making it impossible to get far unless on a plow horse.
Evan added wood to the fire in the hearth and let out a breath. The last thing he needed was to be trapped there in his house for days on end. He could reach the clinic if needed to check on his patient as he’d spent most of the day shoveling a path. The man remained, without gaining consciousness, and Evan didn’t hold out much hope he’d recover.
The snow continued to fall and, by midday, all his efforts in shoveling could prove for naught.
There was banging at his front door. He went to it, preparing mentally for the assault of frigid air.
On his porch stood a young man with only his eyes exposed. He wore a heavy coat and had scarfs wrapped around his neck. Evan moved back to let him in.
The man didn’t bother with removing his scarf. “Hey, Doc. Murphy sent me to tell you we have stranded passengers. A couple of women. Guests of the Hamiltons. Since you’re friends with them, he thought you could come get ’em.”
Who in their right mind would come to Montana in the middle of winter? It could be weeks before they could reach the Hamilton ranch. He’d see about them and set them up in the house for a few days. He wasn’t about to host anyone for longer than that, however.
“I’ll be there shortly. Let me see about getting a wagon and some sturdy horses. Can I get to the station?”
“Yes, sir. I suppose you can. Just go down the center of town. Looks like several wagons have and it’s a bit clearer.”
It took time to get layered in clothing, check on his patient, ensure Gladys could stay with the man and then finally make his way to the stables
Thankfully, they provided two plow horses, so he was able to get the enormous animals and a large sled from the stables.
The stable worker, although normally gruff, did not hesitate to assure him he’d come and gather the horses after the women were collected. Every male in Laurel would do whatever was needed whenever the fairer sex was involved.
Evan climbed onto the high bench of the sleigh and headed in the direction of the train station, which was just past the edge of town.
There were many people gathered into groups. Some around bonfires, others seeming to stream in and out of the boxcars. Most had blankets around their shoulders. There was a food wagon of sorts set up next to the main station. Next to the wagon, large pots bubbled, sending aromatic steam into the air. It was like a tiny town had been erected overnight. Several dogs milled about and a boy chased one away, hollering and waving his arms at the animal that scurried away with a large piece of meat.
He sat back on the bench and scanned the crowd. Surely the young woman Marcus Hamilton’s wife had described would be easy to recognize. His friend’s wife had said Aurora Middleton was a rare beauty with dark hair and slight in stature.
While scanning the faces of the people milling about, Evan’s mood remained grim. This woman was everything he’d gotten away from.
She came from the life of privilege. Her family was wealthy and from a station of the favored few where the high society standards applied to everyone but the person judging.
Every single thing about life in the east brought memories of constant gossip, dramatics and the ever-present weight of what everyone would think if one did that or the other. Lord forbid not appearing at functions or, gasp, wearing the wrong cravat or wearing something from the wrong season. Any of these transgressions would send mothers to hide daughters.
A bitter chuckle escaped at the memories just as he spotted her. There was no doubt in his mind it was Aurora Middleton. From the delicate features to the graceful movements when she pulled up her skirts in an attempt to avoid the wet slush covering the ground, he knew he had found the woman.
Beside her was another woman. This one had a riot of reddish hair. She seemed to be speaking nonstop and motioning with her arms in an attempt to get her point across.
Whatever Aurora’s companion said made her laugh.
Evan’s eyebrows rose at the throwing back of her head and shaking of her shoulders. Her mirth made tears spring and she wiped them away, once again regaining composure and lifting an embroidered handkerchief to the corners of her eyes.
The women went closer to the nearest bonfire, their skirts swaying in unison. As if sensing his regard, Aurora Middleton looked toward him. Her eyes narrowed then moved past to where more horse-drawn wagons were arriving.
Unable to prolong the inevitable, he climbed down from his seat. He delayed having to approach the women by going to the horses to ensure they were of good spirits. It never did anyone any good to have an unhappy horse at times like these. At least that’s what he repeated to himself, feeling foolish at not wanting to fetch his guests.
“Miss Middleton, I presume,” Evan said as he touched his hat and bowed just enough. “I am Evan Jones, here to fetch you as the Hamiltons cannot possibly get through the storm and into town.”
“Is that so?” The woman had the audacity to lift her nose in the air and somehow manage to dress him down with her gaze. “How am I to know what you say is true, sir?”
Evan blinked, unsure of what to say next. With much effort, he managed to temper his ire. “I’m afraid I don’t have a written missive sealed in wax to present at this time. However, if you prefer to remain here until they come in a week or two, that is entirely up to you.” He touched the rim of his hat, met her widened eyes and then turned on his heel.
“Wait.” It was the other woman, who obviously had more sense, that called to him. She reached Evan and placed her hand on his arm. “Sir, please excuse my friend. She is weary and, of course, apprehensive for the both of us.”
It was a battle of wills and, although he knew it would be best to give in, he stood without turning. “If your lady wishes to come with me, then she should do so. I will be there.” He pointed to the sleigh. “For a few moments longer. I recommend you hire someone to help with the trunks as it seems my services are not appreciated.”
“Thank you. I’m Lucille Ash.” The woman smiled and he immediately liked her. “I will ensure it is taken care of right away.” She scurried off past Aurora, who followed her. Within moments, the trunks were loaded and all was set for them to leave.
“I presume Lucille and I will ride up front with you. It is much too frigid, but I suppose we’ll manage.” Aurora stood beside him. If she thought that he’d assist her to sit beside him, she was quite mistaken.
Evan went to her, lifted her easily onto his arms and rounded to the back of the sleigh.
“What are you doing?” She gasped and continued to huff until he dumped her unceremoniously onto the back.
“There are thick blankets to keep you and Lucille warm.” He turned to find Lucille standing next to h
im.
He assisted her up and she helped Aurora up to sit, the entire time seeming to hold back from laughing. There was a long bench facing backward. In the space from the bench to the back of the sleigh, the trunks and other belongings fit nicely. The women were protected from the wind and would be more than comfortable for the journey.
When Aurora looked to him again, she frowned. “Thank you for coming for us. I appreciate it.” Their gazes remained locked for a moment. Evan would wonder later why he’d found it so hard to look away from the golden brown eyes. She broke away first, looking to the other woman. “Thank you, Lucille.”
Interesting that it did not take her long to change from irate to gracious. Perhaps she’d not be too disagreeable. Although he’d not hold his breath while waiting to find out.
Chapter Five
The warmth and movement of the sleigh was enough that, within moments, Lucille slept soundly next to Aurora. The poor girl was exhausted, had kept constant vigil over her. Although Aurora pretended not to notice, she knew when Lucille announced she was going for short walks on the train, it was always with the mindset of protecting and providing for her.
No matter how often she told Lucille they were in the role of friends now and she expected nothing other than companionship, Lucille continued in her subservient role. After years of their relationship being as it was, she supposed it would be difficult to change. However, she’d not ordered or asked anything of Lucille as it was time for her to learn to do for herself.
Once settled into life there in Montana, according to Wilhelmina, very few women had housemaids and even less had personal ones. Knowing that meant Aurora was prepared to learn basic housekeeping. In a way, it would be Lucille teaching her many things.
Aurora considered the man who’d come to fetch them. Evan Jones, a doctor he’d said, was not the type she expected to meet in the west. If anything, he reminded her of a society dandy back in Pennsylvania.
It was apparent he came from money by the quality of his clothing and mannerisms. However, she had to admit it was nice of him to come in the Hamiltons’ stead. Thankfully, she’d realized the folly of how she’d greeted him and decided it was in her best interest to be more agreeable. Once Wilhelmina and her husband came for them, she’d not have to see him often.
She wondered why a man with a profession such as his would move west. Why would a degreed man, a doctor no less, move to the untamed territory? Perhaps, there was more to the doctor than good looks and horrible manners.
Yes, she should have been more pleasant upon meeting him but in her defense, she had to worry about the possibility of being kidnapped. According to the people she’d spoken to, a total stranger misrepresenting himself once collected up a woman and she was never seen again.
She shuddered at the idea. Danger abounded here in the west, the majority of Montana was untamed as of yet.
“How much longer until we reach our destination?” Aurora called out. The snow began falling with earnest, making it hard to see further than a few feet.
It was a while before he replied. He either did not like her or concentrated on guiding the horses. “Just a few minutes.”
His deep voice sent tendrils of awareness through her and Aurora let out a huff. This was not the time for romantic fascinations. It was obvious if she were to marry, it was best her attention go to a man far different from the hypocrites of society.
Yes, Evan Jones lived far away from high society, but as far as she was concerned, the belief system was deeply engrained and hard to dispel. She herself could hardly move without thinking everything through, considering perceptions and how her conduct would be judged.
Aurora craned her neck in an effort to look over the trunks in hopes of memorizing the route to their destination in case it was necessary to formulate an escape at some point. However, vision was impossible. Through the flurries, it all looked the same; covered in white, desolate and ghostly. Whenever the snowfall abated for a bit, in every direction she looked there were snow-capped trees with icicles hanging from each branch.
Finally, they came to a stop. The horses snorted their displeasure, apparent even to her untrained ears. No doubt, like her, they looked forward to being indoors and warm.
She waited for Evan to come to the back. Instead, he seemed to busy himself with the horses. Aurora stood and, after ensuring Lucille remained covered, she leaned over the front of the sleigh. “What are you doing?”
“I am going to take the horses to the stables. They don’t belong to me. I must take them back. I don’t want them out in the weather any longer than necessary. The weather will only get worse.” His head bent, he went back to work, finally releasing the animals from their hitches.
“What about us?”
Frosty brown eyes met hers and she almost instantly got colder. “Stay under the blanket. I’m sure you’ll live for another twenty minutes while I get the horses to shelter.”
“Arrogant ass,” Aurora mumbled and sunk down, burrowing under the blankets. Staying in the man’s house would prove a test. It would be hard to bite her tongue if he continued to speak to her the way he’d just done. No matter the circumstances, he didn’t have to be so uncivilized.
It seemed like only moments later he returned. With him was a young man who helped unload the trunks.
Once the back of the sleigh was clear, Aurora shook Lucille awake. “Wake up, dear, we have arrived.” Lucille groaned, her eyes barely opening. Aurora couldn’t help but smile. “Come now, once we get inside, I’ll ensure to find you a comfortable bed.”
“Oh goodness.” Lucille sat upright, her rounded eyes taking in the surroundings. She blinked and shivered. “It’s freezing. Why are we outside?”
It was, indeed, colder than any day Aurora remembered. The frigid air seemed to cut through the skin while blasting in all directions. “Our host had to see about beasts before us. Seems horses are more important.”
Lucille giggled and scurried to the edge of the sleigh where Evan waited to assist her down. When Aurora followed suit, his flat gaze moved up her body to her face. Without a word, he took her by the waist and lowered her to the ground. “This way ladies,” he said and made a sweeping motion with his arm toward the front of a house.
Finally, they all were indoors. Evan stomped the snow from his boots and picked up a heavy trunk with ease. “Warm yourselves by the fire, ladies. Once I get these out of the way, I will see about a warm meal.”
Aurora looked after him and then to her friend. “Do you think he cooks?”
Lucille shrugged. “If not, I will help him. Perhaps he means to go for food somewhere.”
The room was warm and, within moments, both of them had removed their coats, electing to keep a light shawl about their shoulders.
Evan Jones’ house was not what she’d expect for a bachelor living in the untamed west.
The room in which they sat was welcoming, with two large chairs before the hearth and another pairing across from a longer settee. The rugs on the floor were thick and there was an opening to what looked to be an intimate dining room with a mahogany table for four.
Over the hearth, instead of a portrait, there was a mirror. The rest of the walls were unadorned. She walked to the hallway and noted three doors. Bedrooms she assumed and, perhaps, a privy.
At the sound of male voices, she went back to the hearth and stood beside one of the chairs.
The younger man laughed at something Evan said and, after tipping his hat, headed back into the blizzard. Aurora wondered if the current weather was typical of winters in Montana. She dared not ask Evan, since the man would probably spout something annoying.
Lucille stood and went to him. “I can help prepare something if you’d like.”
“Very well,” Evan replied, seeming surprised by the lift of his brows. They walked toward where Aurora assumed was the kitchen, leaving her alone.
She considered following and assisting, but a third person would only be in the way. Instead, she sun
k into the chair and stared at the flames.
How long would they be forced to infringe upon Evan Jones’ hospitality? It would not do for them, single women, to remain in a bachelor’s home. Of course, given the circumstances, it was understandable and the rules of propriety were more relaxed here. However, no matter how lax, it was unbecoming in her opinion.
Moments later, the aroma of rich meat tickled Aurora’s nose and she inhaled deeply. For days now, she’d been so hungry. She’d refrained from eating most of what was offered on the train as it didn’t look or smell fresh. Now she hurried to the dining room just as Lucille walked through a doorway with two bowls.
“Sit, I am bringing bread.”
She did as told, feeling inadequate.
When the three were seated, she waited with her hands folded for whatever it was Evan would do. He bent his head, both she and Lucille mimicked.
He said a short blessing. Aurora had to fight the urge to pick up the bowl and drink directly from it.
Just then, a woman rushed in from the kitchen. Obviously there was another door through which she had entered. The woman eyed both her and Lucille. “The patient is awake. He seemed coherent enough. I am going home to see about supper for my husband.”
Evan let out a long breath and looked to his food with longing. “Thank you, Gladys. Don’t worry about coming back. I’ll stay at the clinic tonight if necessary.”
When he rose, he looked to them with furrowed brows. “Gladys, I present my guests Miss Aurora Middleton and Miss Lucille Ash. They are to remain here until able to travel to visit the Hamiltons.”
“You picked a heck of a time to come for a visit.” With a shake of her head, the no-nonsense Gladys was gone.
“I put the trunks in the guest room. I may not return for a while. Please make yourselves at home.”
Aurora, A Romantic Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 2) Page 3