Aurora, A Romantic Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 2)

by Hildie McQueen

  When he looked to her, Aurora shifted her gaze away. Evan nodded. “Your overseeing of the household would be acceptable. However, you do not have to pay Gladys. I pay her a sum for housekeeping and assistance at the clinic. I will continue to pay her the same amount.”

  Aurora decided she’d give the woman a recompense of some sort for the meals already cooked as she’d delivered something earlier that day.

  “Very well.”

  He settled into a chair opposite hers and Aurora’s stomach flipped. What would she say to him? She looked toward the hallway. Where was Lucille?

  “Aurora, I don’t consider you or Lucille an imposition.”

  “Oh.” Unsure what else to say, she looked at the fire in the hearth. “I am sure you are accustomed to living alone.”

  “My brothers visit all the time. If not my brothers, either Marcus or Tobias Hamilton stays here when in town. It is rare I remain by myself for long stretches of time.”

  At the mention of Tobias Hamilton, Aurora perked up. Wilhelmina had mentioned to her that he could be a potential for marriage. According to her friend, he was mild-mannered and very handsome.

  Handsome men, it seemed, were not hard to find in the west. She studied the man across from her and wondered if he planned to marry. It would seem, regardless of the scarcity of women, someone so attractive would not have a hard time finding a willing bride

  “Miss Middleton, you seem lost in thought.” The words brought her back to the present and she blushed at realizing she’d been staring at him for far longer than appropriate.

  “I—I’m sorry. How rude of me,” she stammered and, once again, peered to see if perhaps Lucille would appear. Of all the times for her inquisitive friend to be missing, now was not a good one.

  “Perhaps my conversation is lacking and, therefore, I lost your interest.”

  “Not at all. I was wondering about the Hamiltons. What is your opinion of them? It seems you are very close.”

  He nodded. “We are. When my brothers and I came to Montana about five years ago, they were the first family we met. They welcomed us and their parents ensured we had home cooked meals at least once a week.” He stretched his long legs and smiled. “Eleanor, the sister can be very bossy. She would bully my brothers and me into stripping so she could wash our clothes. Imagine it. The three of us sitting on the porch, bare as the day we were born, while waiting for the clothes to dry on the line.”

  Aurora chuckled at the thought, then couldn’t help but scan his body. “Why didn’t you bring a change of clothes with you?”

  “We finally did. Even if we told her we had clothes back at our camp, she insisted they were probably dirty. And they were. Tobias and Marcus made it a point not to loan us something to cover up with. Taking pity on us, their mother, God rest her, would bring us a blanket or such.”

  “I did hear she died recently. How sad to lose one’s parent.”

  His eyes clouded and he looked away, the change in his expression from light to hard. He stood and let out a breath. “Would you care to join me for some brandy?”

  Aurora dared not to ask if she’d overstepped. Perhaps, he’d been close to the late Mrs. Hamilton. “Thank you, I would.”

  He went to a side table and Aurora stood to look out the window. For the first time in days, it had stopped snowing, yet all she could see was a blanket of white.

  Behind her, his footfalls neared. Aurora turned to find him close. She looked up at him, not able to help but notice how interesting his eyes were. There were small speckles of a darker hue, making them more alluring.

  “I have never seen eyes like yours.” Her voice came out more like a croak and she cleared her throat.

  “I’m sure not as beautiful as yours, Miss Hamilton.”

  “Aurora.”

  “Yes. I believe we agreed on first names did we not?”

  “Yes.” Her breath was gone as was her ability to think. When he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, she wanted to take him by the shoulders and not allow him to move back.

  Brandy sloshed dangerously high to the side of the glasses he held when he took a step backward. By his wide-eyed expression, he was as shocked as she was by the kiss. “I apologize…”

  Aurora took the glass from his left hand, enjoying how discomfited, for once, the man was.

  “For the kiss? You shouldn’t be apologetic. It was impulsive and, therefore, meaningless. It is obvious we don’t like each other. Therefore, I will place little importance on it.”

  Where the words came from, she wasn’t sure. Thankfully, they sounded light. Her heart, which fluttered erratically, on the other hand, along with the butterflies in her stomach, belied her words.

  The kiss had been like nothing before. It was as if she’d been waiting her entire life for him.

  It didn’t do, of course, for she didn’t care for the man.

  In the least.

  Chapter Seven

  The next days passed without incident. Every day had become a game of avoidance. Thanks to his patients, Evan was able to spend most days at the clinic. There were many people to care for and all in dire need. Only those very ill were desperate enough to get through the storm.

  One particularly worrisome case kept him there for two nights straight until, finally, the woman was out of danger and her family took her home.

  Filbert Hughes had made himself at home, taking control of one of the rooms and made it his temporary home. Although the man was not fully recovered, he managed enough to help Evan when another pair of hands was required.

  It was Lucille who brought meals, at midday usually. The only time he saw Aurora was when he came home for the evening meal. For the most part, they maintained a cordial, but cool conversation and were never alone in the same room.

  At times, he could swear she watched him from beneath her lashes, but it could be his imagination. What was bothersome of late was that he’d taken to constantly thinking of her. Not in the way he hoped, but in the curious way of a man interested in a particular woman for more than friendship.

  Lucille placed his and Filbert’s meal basket atop a small table. “I am going to go with Gladys today. She requires help with her grandchildren. It seems her daughter is ill and the husband is gone to help a local rancher with finding lost cattle.”

  She stopped speaking until he lifted his gaze. “I am not sure why you and Aurora don’t care for one another. You’re both good, caring people. If anything, I expected by now you’d be fast friends. If nothing more.”

  “She is very nice. If there is some sort of barrier between us, it is not my doing.”

  Lucille’s tsking stopped him from continuing. “It is very much both of you. Perhaps, sharing supper alone will give you a chance to find out what it is that you dislike about each other. I find it quite disturbing to be honest. I’ve come to like you very much, Evan Jones, and I love my friend. However, this constant thick air whenever the two of you are in the same room is oppressive. Hard enough that we cannot travel more than a few yards with this darn weather.”

  She pulled her coat tightly around her and wrapped a thick scarf up to her eyes before going out, closing the door behind her with firmness.

  “Seems to me, women are taking to speaking their minds more and more these days,” Filbert grumbled, spooning stew into his mouth. “Times are changing.” He waved his free hand and spoke through the mouthful. “And not for the better.”

  “It is good that they do, in my opinion,” Evan said enjoying the flavorful meal. He took the small loaf of bread and broke it in two, giving Filbert half. “However, there are times when I wish Miss Lucille would just let things be.”

  Filbert snorted. “Why do you dislike the other lady?”

  “I don’t dislike her. Just am not comfortable around her. She seems to feel the same about me. I’m afraid there is nothing to be done about it.”

  He considered the circumstances. “Soon enough, the weather will come around. Both the women will
be on their way and I can return to my normal life.”

  Evan studied the ruddy man. “Speaking of which. The sheriff can’t find a reason to detain you. It’s your business, of course. But what do you plan to do about the men who shot you?”

  Without hesitance, the man responded. “Hunt the bastards down and kill ’em.”

  “Or get killed.”

  “I’ll be ready this time.”

  “Don’t come back here expecting me to mend you.”

  Filbert stared at him without blinking. “I don’t expect to need it.”

  Evening came and Evan walked home. The house was bright, as every window’s covering had been moved to the side and lanterns lit. The smell of furniture polish mixed with the aroma of bread baking. Funny, he’d not noticed two chairs had been moved to form the perfect spot for conversation. Nor had he seen that over the mantel were two lanterns he’d once received as payment from people for medical treatments. They’d been kept on the floor in the spare bedroom.

  There was a vase on a side table. He wasn’t sure where he’d acquired it, but it now held dried tree branches and sprigs of evergreen. The display brightened the room despite the lack of flowers. On another side table more evergreen branches lay askew with ribbons and such beside them.

  He followed the sound of humming to the kitchen where, wearing an apron over her dress, Aurora stood beside the stove stirring a pot.

  Quite a contradiction, seeing her as such when he knew her to be an earl’s daughter and came from wealth. How did she come to learn to cook and do household things?

  Noticing him, she started and cleared her throat. “There is hot coffee in the pot. If you prefer tea, I can make it.”

  “I would prefer tea. I can do it. Don’t bother yourself. It seems you’ve kept yourself busy today.”

  “Lucille and I have been doing a bit here and there to not remain idle. Neither of us can take sitting about all day like dolls or such.”

  Evan had to ask. “Why is it you know how to do housework and other menial things? If you come from wealth, surely you had maids to do all your bidding.”

  Her guard went up. It was evident by the light lift of her chin and the squaring of her shoulders. Although a tiny thing, she managed to look down her nose at him. “My father is a very intelligent man. Although he was wealthy, it wasn’t always so. He insisted my sister and I learn enough to survive in case we were ever forced to have to fend for ourselves. I can cook, sew and manage a team of horses. I balance books, speak four languages and can handle not only a household but a business as well. I often accompanied my father to business meetings where he allowed me to be part. Molly, our chambermaid, taught my sister and me to do basic chores.”

  “Impressive.” Evan poured his tea and stirred in honey. “It was almost as if he prepared you for life out west. I am assured you, of all the women who come here, are much more apt to manage well.”

  Her head dipped and she looked to the floor. “I am not so sure of that. However, I will do my best to make it work out. One never knows what the future brings. I am grateful now for the lessons that I often complained about.”

  When she returned her attention to the stove, Evan couldn’t help nearing. “You didn’t like learning?”

  He didn’t want the conversation to end. The woman was proving to be quite fascinating.

  “Oh, some of the lessons, such as sewing and hitching horses were not to my liking. I did, however, enjoy driving the carriage and cooking is a passion of mine.”

  “In that Miss Middleton, you have bested me. I am a horrible cook. I would starve to death if not for Gladys and the restaurant at the hotel.”

  Her lips curved and he wished more than anything to see her smile often. “Good then that Gladys is available to help you. However, you do not strike me as a man who will not do for himself. I’m sure you can do better in the kitchen if you set your mind to it.”

  Being so close to her, the nearness brought a stirring. Evan lowered his face. Her gaze dipped to his mouth, almost as if unconsciously inviting a kiss. For a breath, both froze, unsure what brought this about.

  Loud bangs sounded at the front door.

  Aurora’s eyes widened and she took a step back. “Do you think it’s dangerous to open the door?”

  “Those, Miss Middleton, are the knocks of desperation. Someone in dire need of medical attention for either themselves or someone they care for deeply.”

  He opened the door to a shivering young man. The man stared up at him with a pleading expression, while barely catching his breath. “My wife. The baby. She is in a lot of pain. Please. Hurry.” His stilted words were punctuated by loud wheezing. “I can’t be gone too long.”

  Can I help?” Aurora asked. At the moment, neither alternative, whether remaining home alone or going out into the bleak day, loomed attractive. It was apparent by his hesitance Evan weighed the options before replying.

  “I am not sure how long it will be. It’s her first child. There will be no one to escort you home. It’s preferable you remain here.” His gaze was warm when meeting hers. “I think you would be more comfortable staying back.”

  Evan looked to Aurora again. Then to the young man. Putting on his coat, he maintained an even voice. “Joe, I need you to relax. Your asthma will worsen if you don’t. I’m sure Laura will be fine. Childbirth is a painful process. It is perfectly normal for her to hurt, unfortunately. I will go with you. Don’t worry, everything will work out.” He waited for the young man to nod and take a deeper breath. “That’s it. I can’t have a passed out father on my hands. I can only do one thing at a time.” He grabbed his bag and ushered the young man back out to the cold.

  Not sure whether to be relieved or hurt, Aurora could only stand by idly as he headed out into the cold behind the other man who’d scurried off.

  Once again, Evan’s profession called and he left to assist a person in need without eating supper. From what she’d noticed, he didn’t begrudge the continuous requests for help. She had to admire how he remained calm and, although weary, never seemed to lose his temper with patients or their family.

  She turned back toward the kitchen and stopped.

  Was he about to kiss her again when the knocks came? Surely not. The one kiss was a mistake, an impulse. If he’d kissed her again, what would it have meant?

  Disappointment weighed on her shoulders and she shrugged. It was folly to ponder the possibilities.

  However, Aurora had to admit, their conversation, even as short as it was, marked the first time they’d spoken without goading or insulting one another.

  It seemed they’d made some progress.

  Chapter Eight

  It was dusk and the quiet house made Aurora wish for something constructive to keep her time. She could do some mending. Surely, there was a need for that, or perhaps she could dust.

  She should have insisted on going to help. Surely, a second set of hands would have proven useful as the young man who’d come to fetch Evan seemed much too overwrought to be of much assistance. It had been apparent by his hesitance that Evan had weighed the options before replying. Now Aurora felt as if she wasn’t of any help to anyone at the moment.

  Aurora stood at the window watching as Evan made his way through almost waist-high snow. He’d stopped and waved at someone, laughing at whatever was said. This man was definitely like no one she’d ever met before. Although well cultured and of good manners, he fit into the western lifestyle and was well liked by the townspeople he served as doctor for.

  The solitude of the house made the walls close in as she walked about the room. Too many days of confinement brought a stirring of restlessness. A thought occurred. Filbert was alone at the clinic. The gruff man did his best, but there was always something that needed attending to.

  Although the weather was not conducive to it, a walk outside just for a short distance would help. Fresh air, even if frigid, was better than the staleness of being housebound for days on end.

  Once she
donned her coat, scarf and gloves, Aurora opened the back door and stepped out into the white space of the back gardens. There was a path cut to the back entrance of the clinic.

  Just as she was about to turn to return inside, the outline of shadows got her attention.

  Through the haze, figures of two people formed. One, a woman, walked beside who she assumed was a man. The man carried a burden, although Aurora couldn’t quite make out what.

  They neared and she could see the man carried a child. Not noticing her, the couple hurried on toward the back door of the clinic and banged at the door until it opened.

  Whatever happened, it was sure they’d come in hopes of finding a doctor. Aurora hurried to see about them. Hopefully, whatever the ailment was, she could be of some assistance until Evan returned. Since he was attending a birthing, it could be another day before he did.

  “He won’t stop moaning and hasn’t eaten in days,” the harried woman explained to Filbert who stood in the center of the room holding a spoon in one hand and a bowl in the other.

  “Ma’am, I reckon he’s home.” The man looked to Aurora. “I’ll go fetch him.”

  “Don’t bother. He just left to assist someone who’s about to have a baby.” Aurora felt bad for the couple who exchanged alarmed looks.

  The air seemed to leave the man’s body and he exhaled, curving forward, hunching his shoulders. “We need his help.”

  The sleeping or unconscious child tucked in his arms was alarmingly pale.

  With more self-assurance than she felt, Aurora directed them toward a narrow bed. “Lay him down here. Let me take a look.” She reached for an apron hanging from a hook and pulled it over her head and then tied it around her waist.