Evan went to the door where he’d hung his jacket and donned it again, followed by a thick scarf and gloves. He hesitated and looked to the table as if considering whether to eat more.
“If there is anything you require, feel free to look about. I apologize for not being more of a host, but I have an injured patient in the clinic.” He motioned toward the kitchen. “It’s straight out the back door. There is a path…of sorts.”
“This is certainly going to be an interesting visit,” Lucille remarked, once the man was gone. “I’m not certain Doctor Jones is accustomed to visitors.”
Aurora couldn’t help the tears that sprung to her eyes. “It’s a disaster. What if we are stuck here for weeks? Whatever shall we do?”
“I’ll help with whatever is needed about the house. I’m sure it won’t be weeks.”
Looking out the window, Aurora saw even more snow falling. “I will as well. Let’s pray you are right and we will be on our way soon.”
Chapter Six
“Who are you?” The hurt man glared at Evan. “Let me out of here. I’ve got to be somewhere.”
It never ceased to surprise Evan how little people appreciated someone saving their life. “I’m Doctor Jones. You’re in my clinic. Three days ago, you were shot multiple times and just now came to.”
Instead of being satisfied with Evan’s reply, the idiot tried to get out of bed and flopped to the floor.
Evan rushed to him, just as Gladys traipsed back in and let out a huff. “Sometimes, I wonder why the Lord chooses to let some people live.” She grabbed the man’s arm. “You want to go out the door to the storm or get back in bed?”
In spite of himself, Evan chuckled. His stomach growled and he let out a sigh. “What are you doing back here, Gladys?”
They both helped the now moaning man back into bed only to earn a glare. “Could stand to be a bit more careful,” the man grumbled. “I’m pretty badly hurt.”
Gladys stood over the man with her arms crossed and looked down at him. “You’re gonna be more trouble than you’re worth.” She looked to Evan. “I forgot my knitting.”
“I’m hungry,” the injured man said and his expression finally softened. “Names Filbert Hughes.”
The name meant nothing to Evan, other than the bothersome patient now had a name.
“A storm has been raging outside for two days now. It’s not possible to travel very far.” Not looking forward to going back out, Evan went to the window and pulled back the curtain so the man could see. “My house is not too far. I can go fetch something.”
“I’d appreciate it, Doc.” Filbert frowned. “Any of my things brought with me?”
“No. Several men carried you in with only the clothes you wore. They are ruined by the way. Lots of blood. I did put whatever you had in the pockets in a drawer.”
“They say anything about a horse?”
“I believe it’s at the stable.”
The man looked to the ceiling. “I reckon my partners are gone.”
He didn’t reply, as it seemed the man talked more to himself. The other two who were shot had come and gone. Both were local men. He’d contact the sheriff and let him make sense of who shot first. Right now, his plans were to feed the man, see about his wounds and wait out the storm.
Two knocks sounded at the back door. Before Evan could open the door, Aurora walked in. Cheeks flushed, she looked to Filbert who didn’t bother to look to her. Instead, his gaze remained on the basket she carried.
Aurora met Evan’s gaze. “I brought food. You didn’t finish eating.”
It was surprising that she’d thought enough to bring him dinner. Evan wondered if it was her idea. It seemed to him that she’d have sent the other woman, Lucille, to do her bidding and not bring the food herself. Then again, it could be an attempt to set things right between them since he offered her and Lucille a place to stay.
Her eyes were reddened and he wondered if the lovely woman had cried or perhaps it was due to the bitter cold.
“Thank you.” He took the basket from her and went to a small table. “I was just about to come to get some food to ensure he eats. This is more than enough for both of us.”
In all honesty, he did not plan to eat much. Any desire for food had dwindled at her presence. It wasn’t that he disliked people, but Evan looked forward to time alone at home. Most days, he was around people; sick townsfolk who complained, whined and cried. It was rare that anyone was glad to see him. Evan always looked forward to evenings when he could relax and get away from all the negativity. Guests only meant no alone time.
He scowled and Aurora seemed to shrink backwards. “Do you need more food?”
“No, thank you. This is fine.” In the basket was a plate piled with food, bread and a jug, which he assumed had coffee. “Thank you. You should go on back and rest. I know the trip here is hard.”
“Yes, Lucille and I are about to go to bed. Before sleeping, I wanted to ensure you didn’t need anything.” She neared and her lips curved into a soft smile. “Thank you so very much for allowing us to stay at your house. Lucille and I appreciate it very much.”
Evan liked the sound of her voice, soft with a husky edge to it that made him want to close his eyes. She wasn’t a shy woman, that much he could tell. However, she didn’t seem to particularly care for him. Something about the way she looked at him, as if she knew something. Evan sensed judgment and not particularly positive speculation of his person by her.
What she based her negative ideas on was a mystery and, frankly, once she left and went to the Hamiltons’ place, it didn’t matter to him.
Besides, he had passed judgment as well. Even now, he considered her upbringing as being one raised in a lifestyle replete with pampering and being waited upon hand and foot.
She’d not helped prepare the dinner. Although he supposed there was little she could do as the woman had probably never stepped foot in a kitchen, much less learned the first thing about cooking.
“Do you cook, Miss Middleton?” Evan wasn’t sure why he asked, other than perhaps a bit of guilt for being judgmental. “I suppose it’s out of curiosity that I ask. Being your upbringing, I don’t expect you do.”
Her eyebrows rose and she blinked. “My upbringing? Sir, you do not know anything about me. I presume you ask since Lucille and I may be forced to depend on your hospitality for an indeterminate length of time.”
“No, not at all. I ask out of curiosity. I know a bit about you, yes. Wilhelmina Hamilton was most enlightening when speaking of you. She holds you in high regard.”
“And I do her.”
Her gaze swept over the clinic and, immediately, Evan could see she found it lacking. “Are all clinics so basic here?”
“Basic?”
“Rudimentary.”
“It will be a hard adjustment for you here, Miss Middleton. This clinic is quite sufficient for the town.”
She lifted a brow in disbelief.
Evan had had enough. “The reason for you coming so far must be utterly fascinating. Not that I plan to investigate further. Given your dour disposition, I imagine it won’t be long before you return to a more elevated way of life.”
The fire in her gaze seared. “I have always been described as sunny and pleasant. It could be your most disagreeable company that brings out the worst in me.”
He tapped his chin in thought. “No, I don’t believe so. That can’t be it.”
“You are an arrogant, egotistical and annoying brute with a lack of decorum and manners.” When she stormed away in a flutter of skirts and lilac, his lips curved. So it seemed Miss Middleton had a bit of a temper.
Evan chuckled.
“Your lady guest doesn’t like you,” Filbert stated the obvious.
Once he and Filbert shared the meal, Evan pulled out blankets and prepared a cot. He’d spend the night there, although it was obvious the patient was not in any danger. However, there were two women who now depended on him for protection.
Yes, Filbert was too weak still to get far and cause any type of harm. At the same time, he preferred to keep an eye on him until word got to the sheriff the man was awake.
Unfazed by his presence, Filbert was snoring within moments. The loud sounds irritated Evan, who, for some reason, had a hard time falling asleep. Instead, his thoughts were on Aurora. Was she here to marry someone? Could it be she was set to marry Tobias, the younger Hamilton?
He’d not asked the purpose of her visit when it was discussed. There had to be a very important reason for a woman such as Aurora to come this far during the winter. It could be it wasn’t a visit but a move.
Rolling to his side, Evan attempted to get comfortable. The reason for Aurora’s presence was really none of his business. He needed to stop thinking about it and get on with what was important.
Unfortunately, at the moment, there was very little to keep his attention, other than the snoring man.
“I don’t like him,” Aurora said. With the storm blocking any moonlight, once the lantern was doused, the room plunged into darkness.
A sigh came from the other bed in the room. “Why in heavens would you dislike the doctor? We barely met him.” Lucille sighed again. “If anything, I think he’s the most handsome, attentive man I’ve ever met.”
With his stature, broad shoulders and handsome features, one would have to be blind not to take notice.
Aurora huffed. “He is judgmental and irritable. Presumed I don’t know how to cook and commented on my upbringing. Reminds me of the men back in Philadelphia.”
“I wonder why he lives here.” Lucille echoed her thoughts. “Seems to me, he has a skill that would be useful wherever he came from.”
They fell into silence and, soon, Aurora heard Lucille’s soft breathing. Her friend needed rest, as did she.
The first day of her new life had begun. They’d arrived in Montana. Her last thoughts were of wondering what the next weeks would bring.
The smell of bacon woke Aurora the next morning. She jerked up to sit and found Lucille’s bed empty. “Confound it.” She scrambled to her feet, wrapped a robe around herself and rushed out toward the kitchen.
Laughter sounded, followed by a deep voice. “I am accustomed to being alone. Usually takes me a bit to fully wake up. Several cups of coffee.”
“I’d say that is probably good. No one should jump out of bed and rush around like mad. Many mornings I had to do just that. Part of life as a servant to the wealthy.”
Aurora stopped and listened. She decided it was best to dress before joining them for breakfast. It sounded as if they had things well in hand.
“In Massachusetts, we had a small staff. The best mornings were when I had a few minutes free and could join Betty, the cook, for coffee in the kitchen. I was usually gone before my family awoke as I studied at a medical school quite a distance away…” Evan kept talking, seeming quite at ease with Lucille.
Returning to the bedroom, Aurora decided to make use of the time. She made the bed and then folded the extra blankets. Once that was accomplished, she performed her morning ablutions and dressed. It took a bit to untangle her hair, but she managed to brush it out and pin it up into a low bun.
When she returned to the dining room, both Evan and Lucille were at the table. They each had a coffee cup and a plate with eggs and bacon. Neither noticed her enter as they spoke of the weather. For an unexplained reason, a pang of jealousy made her wince. “Good morning.”
Lucille’s face brightened. “There you are. I was about to wake you. I’ll get your plate.”
“I’ve been up for a bit. No, please, continue eating. I’ll fetch my own.”
“Good morning, Miss Middleton. I hope you slept well. There is bacon. If you need assistance frying an egg, I can do it.” At Evan’s cool reception, she bit her tongue to keep from saying something she’d regret.
“No, thank you.” She walked past and into the kitchen. The frying pan was pushed aside to keep from getting too hot. Aurora put it back onto the stove then took two eggs and cracked them into a bowl. Once that was done, she added a bit of cream and whisked them together with salt and pepper. She placed the egg mixture into the pan, placed crumbled bacon into it and folded it over into a perfect omelet. She slid the eggs onto the plate with the last two slices of bacon crossed over the omelet. She’d show the man who couldn’t cook.
Once finished, she poured a cup of coffee and returned to the dining room.
It was gratifying to see the man’s eyes widen at seeing her meal. Lucille smirked and covered it up with her coffee cup.
“How is your patient, Doctor Jones?”
“Call me Evan.”
“Very well, but I must then insist you call me Aurora.”
“The patient is recovering. I don’t know the man. He isn’t from town and so I ask that you both keep your distance. Today, I will speak with the sheriff regarding the shooting he was involved in.”
“Shooting?” Lucille leaned forward, her hand on her chest. “Did anyone die?”
“The man at the clinic came close to it. He was shot five times. Lucky that he lived and seems well on the road to recovery.”
“Goodness,” Aurora couldn’t help but reply. “It must be a testament to your abilities as a doctor.”
Evan didn’t gloat as she expected. Instead, he ate his food, seeming to be in thought. “Most of the time, it’s sheer luck and the person’s constitution that saves a life.”
In spite of first impressions, she was prepared to give the doctor the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps she’d misjudged him.
“Speaking of which,” he said and peered toward the large windows facing the back of the house. “I need to check on him before going to the Sheriff’s Office. Travel down the street will probably be a challenge.”
Aurora looked to the window at the continuously falling snow.
“I’ll clean up and find something to prepare for supper,” Lucille said, already collecting the plates.
Evan studied her and Aurora pretended not to notice by adding more hot water to her cup from the pot on the table and stirring cream into it.
“Tell me, how do you plan to pass the day Aurora?”
That was a good question. She had no idea. “I plan to air out my clothes.”
“That will keep you quite busy, I’m sure.” He walked to the kitchen with his cup and she glared after him. What exactly had he meant by that? Did he have to goad her at every possible instance?
She waited until he left before going to the kitchen. “I still don’t like him.”
Lucille laughed. “You both act as if you don’t like each other at all.”
“Why? Did he say something to you?”
“Not at all. I think the attraction to each other is making you both irritable.”
“Attraction? I do not find him attractive in the least. He is a horrible person who goads me at any opportunity.”
“Isn’t that what little boys do when they like a little girl? Pull her hair and annoy her in every way possible?”
“For goodness’ sake, Lucille. I should not have let you read my novels. You are a hopeless romantic. It is the only explanation for you finding anything remotely romantic between two people who are so obviously not suited.”
“In the least?”
“In the least.”
Once the kitchen was tidied up, they went to the bedroom and unpacked some clothing to air out. Lucille then sat down on the bed with a book and Aurora went back out to the living area.
“Attraction. Of all the things,” she mumbled under her breath while looking at a picture of three men. In the center of them was Evan. The other two, by their likenesses, had to be his brothers. Evan was the most handsome.
With a huff, she turned away and went to the window. The sooner the storm stopped the better. She needed to leave.
What was Wilhelmina doing? Surely her friend could send a sleigh for them. From what she understood, they lived about an hour from town. Then again, the weat
her was dastardly and it would be a shame to expose horses to it.
“Aurora.” The sound of a man’s voice permeated through her sleep. She opened her eyes to meet clear brown ones.
“Your head is in the most uncomfortable position.”
She wiped the sleep from her eyes and, immediately, a flush of embarrassment took over. “I seemed to have dozed off.”
From the clock on the mantel, it was early afternoon. She’d attempted to embroider only to fall asleep. Surely there was more to do when stuck indoors. From her experiences back in Philadelphia, there was enough activity to keep busy when the weather precluded one from leaving home. They often played games or kept active with whatever needed to be done around the house. Unlike most families of their stature, her parents kept a small staff and she and her sister would help tidy up spaces and maintain their bedrooms.
An intelligent man, her father insisted she and her sister learn the art of homemaking. They received cooking lessons from the cook, silver polishing and proper bed making from the chambermaid and from the coachman how to properly harness the horses and drive a carriage.
It was her father’s contention that his daughters would never be caught in a situation where they could not help themselves. Much to their mother’s annoyance, he insisted upon it. Her mother, however, would often come along for the lessons with a disapproving expression marring her face. However, more than once, Aurora caught her looking on with interest during some of the schoolings.
“Would you give me liberty to oversee the care of your house? The days are long and I find I do not like being idle.”
Once again, he seemed surprised at her request. “There isn’t much to oversee. Gladys cleans up once a week and cooks for me.”
“Please tell her it’s not necessary while we are here. I will pay her, of course, since she probably counts on the money. It would be my way of repaying you for imposing.”
He seemed to consider what she’d asked for a long moment. Aurora took advantage of his downcast eyes to study his features. With a perfect, aristocratic nose above a well-formed mouth, he also had a cleft in the center of his chin Evan Jones was more attractive than any man she’d known. As if he needed any other features to make him more alluring, his hair was like silk, with glossy tresses that fell perfectly into place.
Aurora, A Romantic Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 2) Page 4