“We will hide,” Lucille announced in a strong voice. “Being snowed in, we haven’t been seen by many.”
“True.” Aurora smiled.
“I’m afraid the news has been spread. About the two of you from back east being here in my house. Just this morning at the clinic, the butcher asked about you ladies.”
Lucille leaned forward. “The man who lives in the clinic, Filbert, why does he not come and join us for meals?”
Evan shrugged. “He is used to doing for himself. He uses the stove in there to cook and such. He baked a cake the other day.”
“A cake?” Aurora laughed, not picturing the barrel-chested man, who limped about, as a cook. “How interesting.”
“They were mere muffins,” Evan clarified.
He sat and pondered a thought. “Aurora,” Evan stated her name clearly. “Would you care to accompany me to visit the newborn and mother? It’s close enough that we can make our way there.”
“That would be lovely,” Aurora replied, somehow keeping from looking to Lucille.
A couple hours later, the same man that she had judged as an uptight society male, held a newborn in his hands and spoke to it softly. He rocked back and forth while examining the squirming infant. Somehow he managed to hold the child while warming the stethoscope with his breath before pressing it to the tiny body.
“Doctor Jones is a gift to our town,” the new mother told Aurora. “I admire his willingness to help so many and even those who can’t afford to pay. I am so glad he didn’t marry that woman he was seeing and leave us.”
The words stunned Aurora who attempted her best to smile warmly while stirring honey into chamomile tea. Her hand shook just enough as she held the cup out to the woman. “It must have been a hard decision for him.”
Unfortunately the woman sipped her tea and did not comment further. Aurora watched as Evan placed the child into a crib.
They left when the grandmother proclaimed both mother and child would sleep and rest. Bundled up, they headed back out into the frigid air.
“It seems you are admired and very well liked in this town.” Aurora slid a sideways look at Evan who lifted an eyebrow.
“It’s either that or they are afraid I will cut off their legs when they’re unconscious.” He chuckled at his own joke and Aurora could not help but join in.
He stopped walking and motioned down the center of the nearly desolate town. The snow had begun falling again, making the scenery seem surreal. “Once this storm blows over, you will be amazed at how lively and welcoming Laurel is. This town helped my brothers and me start anew. It’s the place to come and start over. You’ll see.”
If only she could. “Where is the train station from here?” She wasn’t sure why she asked other than it would give her an idea of which direction to keep watch.
Arm extended, he pointed to their left. “Behind the buildings, a few miles from the edge of town. I haven’t heard a train this week. One should be arriving in the next day or two.”
Day or two. Aurora’s heart beat against her chest. Hopefully, this would not be the train that would bring people to fetch her. No it couldn’t be. It had only been two weeks since she’d left. Two weeks and a couple days at the most.
“You’re worried.” His took her arm and they continued walking. “It’s too cold to remain out here for long. I’m sure everything will work itself out.”
“I am not as certain.” Aurora allowed him to usher her toward the house. She was trembling from head to foot by the time they entered and she hurried to the fireplace without removing her coat or scarves. “Not sure I can get used to this. The cold feels harsher here.”
Once she finally warmed enough to remove her clothing, she noticed Evan was still there. She’d expected him to go to the clinic. Instead, he sat in a chair peering into the fire, seeming to be deep in thought.
Lucille came into the room and looked to her then to Evan. “I’ve got coffee brewing.” A worried expression crossed her friend’s face. “Is everything all right with the babe and mother?”
The air in the room was filled with tension and Aurora wondered what had changed since they arrived. “Yes, both are well. The baby is perfect and beautiful.”
At reaching the table, Aurora saw several papers on it. “Telegrams?”
Her friend swallowed visibly. “Yes, they are all for you.”
Chapter Ten
With each telegram she read, Aurora became more ashen. Evan wanted to rush to her and ask who the telegrams were from and the content. Thankfully, Lucille hovered over her shoulder and mouthed the words, some aloud.
“…worried…horrible…return at once…” Lucille mumbled as Aurora’s gaze moved across each piece of paper.
Evan attempted to get closer by standing and stretching. By the tension in the room it was evident that whatever was written was dire news, indeed.
Lucille picked one up and put it into Aurora’s hand. “This one is from Milford.”
“Does this mean he knows where I am?”
“It could be your mother told them you came to see Wilhelmina.”
“True. I hadn’t thought of that.”
The women had forgotten about him, which gave him leave to move closer and peer down at the papers.
Aurora let out a shaky breath. “The last one came today. It’s from mother. She’s insisting I reply at once. Somehow I must make it to the telegram station and send a short missive letting her know I am not returning and definitely not marrying Milford Jameson. Hopefully, it will be enough to stop her from sending someone for me. Although by his note, it sounds as if he plans to come and fetch me himself.”
The women continued speaking as Evan read over some of the telegrams. If Aurora did not marry right away, her family would not allow any excuse to stop them.
He cleared his throat loudly. Both Aurora and Lucille looked up. “I propose we marry Miss Middleton. It will be the only way to stop your family from coming.”
Two sets of wide eyes stared agog at him. Neither woman spoke out loud, but when they looked to each other, somehow they seemed to communicate without words.
Finally, Aurora met his gaze. “I don’t expect you to do any such thing. Your hospitality is already a huge burden.”
Interesting that she’d not said no, not yet anyway. “Actually, I have grown quite fond of both of you. It has been nice to have your company.”
Lucille neared. “I think it’s a fabulous idea for you to marry. You are quite suited.”
It was delightful to see color suffuse over Aurora’s face. She turned away and covered her cheeks with both palms. “This is all so strange. How can I possibly accept? I feel horrible that you’d change everything about your current life because of my problems.”
“If you would rather, I can fetch Filbert. He’d be willing.” Evan pressed his lips to keep from laughing when both women gasped.
Lucille giggled and Aurora gaped at him with shock.
With each step toward her, Evan’s heart beat faster. He wanted this woman and, now that he’d spoken the words, he would not relent until she accepted and became his wife. He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. “Aurora, it is not only because of the circumstances that I ask.”
Her eyes locked to where his lips had touched. “Are you certain? Perhaps you should take a couple days to think on it.”
“And if in that time someone arrives?” He seriously doubted it. However, it was not beyond the realm of possibility.
“That’s true,” Lucille said. “It’s best to get it done and over with. That way the only worry will be what to do once someone does arrive. Perhaps we should send a telegram right away with the news. Save someone the trouble of coming.”
Lucille left the room, seeming to understand they needed a moment alone.
“What can I do to convince you of my sincerity?” Emboldened, he brought her closer and tipped her chin up. “Marry me, Aurora. I will be a good husband to you.”
When he pres
sed his lips to hers, she froze. For a moment, he considered moving away, but slowly Aurora relaxed and kissed him back. Her hands clutching his shoulders, she allowed him to deepen the kiss. When he lifted, she was flushed and her eyes closed.
“That is the most beautiful sight ever,” Evan proclaimed.
“Oh goodness.” Aurora regained her composure and let out a long breath. “I’ve never been kissed like that.”
The reflection in the mirror did not seem real. The woman in the mirror was not the same Aurora who’d left Philadelphia just weeks earlier. Her gaze was warmer, her coloring better and there was a soft lift to the corners of her lips. Life in Laurel had turned out quite different than she’d planned.
In a few minutes, she’d be married to Evan Jones and begin her new life. It was a shame she’d not seen her dear friend Wilhelmina yet. What a shock it would be once the weather allowed them to visit. Would her friend be happy for her? It seemed from the way Evan’s lips curved when he talked about her that they’d gotten along well. Her soon-to-be husband certainly held Wilhelmina in high regard.
The door opened and Lucille peered in. “The preacher is here. Evan and Filbert are ready. I will be the second witness. Are you ready?”
A strange tightness constricted around her lungs and Aurora took shallow breaths. “I think so.”
Ever patient and so understanding, Lucille rubbed her back. “It’s just nerves. Relax. This is the reason you came here. Your destiny. A beautiful life with a very handsome man. You can’t complain.” She winked at Aurora, which made her laugh.
“You are such a darling friend. I love you so much.” The women hugged and Lucille tugged her to the door.
“Your groom awaits.”
Soft candlelight and the sound of the wind whistling outside added to the surreal event. Aurora’s hands shook as she took Evan’s and pronounced her vows. It was endearing when his shook, too, and she smiled up at him.
Gladys was the only other person who’d made it to the ceremony. Lucille sniffed and Filbert cleared his throat when the preacher pronounced them husband and wife.
The kiss was chaste and quick. For that, Aurora was thankful. Once they were alone, she hoped for another deeper kiss like the one they’d shared earlier. Intimacy would come and she decided to push any thought of that aside. She wasn’t sure it would be as delightful as the kiss.
“No time for anything fancy, but I whipped up a pile of corn cakes.” The smiling Gladys brought out a plate piled with flat cakes that had been drizzled with honey. Evan poured brandy for everyone and they toasted to their future.
“It was so heartwarming. I just know you will be so very happy!” Lucille hugged Aurora tightly. “I’m going to stay with Gladys tonight.” Her friend’s whisper made Aurora realize, once again, there would be more than a kiss involved in the new marriage.
“You don’t have to.” She grasped Lucille’s hand. “Truly, I’m sure it will be fine.”
Lucille’s lips curved, her eye sparkling. “By the way your new husband is watching you, I will most certainly not remain here. Tomorrow afternoon is early enough. And even then, I may stay a day longer.”
Across the room, Evan’s gaze met hers and she blushed in spite of the fact he could not hear their conversation. His lips curved, making her eyes widen. Perhaps he did know what they spoke of.
“Lucille, what do you think it’s like?” Aurora pulled her friend toward the fireplace. “I am not sure I want to see a man bereft of clothing.”
“Goodness, I have no idea although Molly was always going on about how wonderful it was with her husband. At the end of the day, she looked forward to being with him,” Lucille said mentioning the chambermaid at her parents’ home.
Aurora’s knowledge of what transpired between a man and a woman was nominal. She’d taken books from her father’s library and read about it, but it was so technical that Aurora had become lost in the descriptions. She and Wilhelmina had also discussed it and, yet, none of what the books or discussions described seemed possible.
“Congratulations, dear girl.” Gladys hugged Aurora and she made her way toward the door.
Soon after, one by one, everyone left. Evan stood next to her as they bid farewell to the preacher, who took a plate with half of the cakes that were left. The other half, she and Evan would eat for breakfast.
Aurora rushed to the kitchen to clean up, only to find everything had been taken care of. Dishes washed, surfaces cleaned and food wrapped.
“Would you like another glass of brandy?” Evan asked, his warm gaze meeting hers. “It will help with the nerves.”
“Are you nervous?” Aurora noted his hands no longer shook and was, once again, the self-assured man.
His lips curved. “No, but I am anxious.”
What exactly he meant by that she wasn’t sure. However, she accepted the brandy and allowed him to guide her toward his bedroom.
“I have to see about a chemise,” Aurora protested, but stopped speaking when he pressed his lips to the apex of her neck and shoulder. “Oh.”
Evan proved to be the most patient man. It was a long while before Aurora was overtaken by emotions and lost in his arms. He kissed and caressed her, slowly removing each piece of clothing until she stood before him in only her undergarment.
He lifted her easily, carried her to the bed and kissed her while lowering her to lie upon his bed.
Aurora let out a sigh and, through half-closed eyes, watched as he undressed. First, his shirt was pushed away revealing a well-formed chest and flat stomach. Secondly, he dispensed with his shoes and lowered his pants. Her eyes widened at seeing the most private part of him.
“I-I am not sure what we are supposed to do.” Aurora could not pry her eyes away from his body. “You are so…so different.”
He walked closer, his manhood seeming to grow larger. “We will do this together. To be honest I haven’t had much experience, either.” He motioned for her to lift her arms and she did. He removed the last article of clothing and his breath hitched. “You are so very beautiful.”
When he lowered to the bed, Evan pulled her against him. He was warm, hard and enticing.
Before long, kisses turned deeper, caresses became urgent and need drove them to join until both could not contain the emotions. Surely, this was what the most wondrous thing she’d ever experienced.
Aurora cried out when passion overcame her and, in that moment, she realized this was her true fate. The reason she’d come so far was that Evan Jones awaited her.
The feeble morning sun streaked through the small opening between the curtains. Aurora stretched, enjoying the warmth of Evan’s body next to hers. He remained asleep, his face toward her. She studied every angle of her new husband’s features. The dark slants for eyebrows, full bottom lip and shallow cleft of his chin. In slumber, he seemed younger, less worldly. Aurora wondered what his brothers looked like, if they all resembled one another.
She was reluctant to leave the bed and lingered, waiting for him to wake. While nervous about it at the same time. Would it be awkward?
“Good morning.” Evan’s sleepy words make Aurora smile. When his eyes opened, he returned the smile and pressed a kiss to her lips. “How are you feeling? Any soreness is natural.”
“Is this the doctor speaking?” Aurora teased. “I feel perfectly fine.”
“Good.” His arm wrapped around her waist and he moved to press against her, the entire lengths of their bodies touching. “That is very good news.” His mouth crashed over hers and Aurora gasped at the intensity of the kiss. If there were things she would never grow tired of, it would be his kisses.
After breakfast, Evan bundled up. They’d agreed it was best to get notices of their marriage sent off to Pennsylvania as soon as possible. He prepared to go send telegrams to both her family and Milford.
She’d written short notes to both announcing her marriage and asking they understand. To her family, she added that as soon as the weather got better, she’d write
and hoped they would visit.
Once he left, she turned in a full circle taking in the house with the eyes of wife, no longer a guest. Fortunately, she and Lucille had moved all the furniture around and begun an effort to decorate. It was now a more inviting space. However, it still lacked a woman’s touch as far as décor went.
A smile on her lips, Aurora went to the kitchen to clean up what was left of breakfast. Afterwards, she’d work on her embroidery. Once it was finished, it would be a pretty pillow for one of the chairs.
Just as she sat down, there was a knock at the front door. Although the pounds were hard, they were slow and deliberate. Aurora wasn’t sure what to do. If it was a person needing medical attention, why didn’t they go to the clinic?
How she wished Lucille was there at the moment. At least she’d not feel vulnerable. There was no way to peek out of the window without whoever was outside to notice.
She was being silly. Of course, it was someone from town. Who else could it possibly be?
Aurora went to the door, let out a breath and opened it.
Rage emanated from the man who stood on the other side. His mouth formed a snarl and a terrifying glare met hers. Milford spoke with slow barely controlled precision.
“What is the meaning of this Aurora? No one leaves a Jameson. You must come with me at once.”
Aurora tried to slam the door, but he stuck his foot in the way and it bounced back open. “I won’t go anywhere with you. Leave!”
Milford grabbed her by the arm and yanked so hard she stumbled forward and would have fallen if not for his tight grip. “We leave at once.”
“No!”
The slap across her face was so hard she fell back onto the front porch.
Chapter Eleven
Evan returned to an empty house and immediately became alarmed. The front door was ajar and Aurora was gone.
Aurora, A Romantic Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 2) Page 7