“Do you think we should break them up?” Wilhelmina asked, not moving. “If one of them hits his head on a block of ice, he could knock himself out.”
Eleanor shook her head. “The other two idiots are standing there just watching.”
Sure enough, her father-in-law, Jacob, and Eleanor’s husband watched and laughed. Jacob was bent over with mirth, his shoulders shaking.
“You’d think Jacob would put a stop to it.” Wilhelmina gasped when Tobias pushed Marcus off and straddled him and began covering his face with snow. “What is that crazy man doing now?”
Marcus swung wildly and finally managed to kick Tobias off. Both lay on their backs, too winded to move.
“This storm is bringing out the crazy in them.” Eleanor swung the door open. “James and Pa. Get those two up and bring yourselves in here this instant!”
Like schoolboys, they did as they were told and, moments later, shuffled in one behind the other, none of them making eye contact with either of the women.
Not one to back down, Eleanor waited for her brothers to walk by and slapped each one on the back of the head. “Get out of those wet clothes before you catch your death. Then come back in here. Wilhelmina made soup.”
Wilhelmina set a basket with warm bread in the center of the table and sat down to drink a cup of tea. “I’m worried about Aurora. How long do you think before we can make it into town?”
Eleanor let out a breath. She placed four empty bowls and spoons on the table and shook her head. “Another week, hopefully sooner. We’re running low on staples. Although I doubt the mercantile has much of anything. Those that have been able to make it there probably cleaned out the shelves.”
“Poor Aurora. She must be so confused by all of this. I hope Evan is not too bothered by the presence of two women he doesn’t know.”
Eleanor grinned. “If anything, I would bet a sack of gold he’s in love with one of them by now.”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.” Wilhelmina smiled broadly and giggled. “Now wouldn’t that be interesting.” Lips pursed, she tapped her index fingered on them. “I would think he’d be more interested in Lucille. He and Aurora are too much alike.”
“Then again, that might make them more comfortable with each other,” Eleanor replied. “Tell me again what Lucille is like.”
“Lucille is a bright and energetic young lady. She has the most beautiful green eyes and glorious red hair. Although it wasn’t proper, we included her in our visits. Often, she would bring us to laughter with her quick wit and fiery personality.”
Tobias entered the room without speaking. He sat at the table and listened to Wilhelmina, his gaze averted.
“I remember once,” Wilhelmina continued, “when we went out for a stroll in the city park. A gentleman approached us and introduced himself. A dandy with an easy smile and light about the eyes, he struck me as quite nice. However, Lucille would have none of it. She told him he should be on his way and if he desired to get to know one of us better he should come by our home and drop his card. She sent him on his way, instructing him to ask for an appointment and not take liberties.”
The women laughed. “Why ever did she do that?” Eleanor asked.
“We asked the same thing and she pointed out that his shoes were overly polished to cover that they were old and worn. Then she said that although he could aspire to court someone of a lower social stature, he was too bold to approach either Aurora or me.”
“How astute.” Eleanor looked to Tobias. “I think you should make Lucille’s acquaintance. She would set you straight at every turn. You need a strong woman.”
Tobias let out a long breath. “I don’t plan to marry, ever. Now let me be.” His green-eyed gaze moved from his sister to the pot of soup then to the doorway. “What’s taking them so long?”
Wilhelmina felt bad for him and she stood. As she ladled soup into his bowl, she spoke to him in soft tones. “You deserve the best the Lord has in store for you. If He so desires for you to have a wife, then it will become abundantly clear.”
“He’ll have to definitely make it abundantly clear,” Tobias replied and reached for the bread.
“Careful what you say when speaking to God,” Eleanor said laughing. “What were you and Marcus fighting about?”
Just at that moment, the other men appeared. Jacob sat down at the head of the table. “They were fighting because Marcus hit Tobias on the back of the head with his rope. Marcus claimed he did so because Tobias called him a name. Same thing they’ve been fighting about since they were about five.”
The Hamilton men were handsome and in the prime of their lives. Even Jacob, a recent widower, was only forty-seven, too young not to marry again. Although his wife insisted he do so immediately after her death, Wilhelmina had a feeling that unless a woman pursued him, he would not.
Marcus, her husband, walked into the kitchen last and sat at the opposite side from Tobias. It was a clear indication the argument between them was not over. With lips tight, Eleanor met Wilhelmina’s gaze. The brothers were about to get an earful.
Eleanor placed a filled bowl in front of her father as Wilhelmina served Marcus. As soon as James was served and everyone sat at the table Eleanor cleared her throat and pushed her bowl aside. “It is hard enough to have to all stay inside so much because of the cold weather without all of your constant bickering and fighting. Ever since Mama died, it’s as if you’ve lost your minds.”
The men all stared into their food as if it would make them invisible. Eleanor, however, would not let them off the hook that easy. “Now, all of you listen here. Look at me.” They all obeyed and her sister-in-law gave a firm nod.
“Wilhelmina is in a delicate state. You can’t have her upset and worried all the time. If you have a problem, walk it off. I don’t care if you lose an ear from frostbite, go out there and cool down. If you want to throw fists, do so out of our sight.” She pointed at her brothers. “Not right outside our window.” With a resigned breath, she sniffed. “I know it’s not easy without her and we’re not over it yet, but let’s honor her memory with at least acting like we care for each other.”
James, her husband, placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry.” He kissed her temple and she smiled at him.
After a beat of silence, Jacob spoke up. “You’re right, Eleanor. We’re all at our wits’ end with this storm and all. I should have been the peacemaker with the boys. I’ve also lost my temper with everyone more than I should.” He looked to Wilhelmina. “Just understand, sometimes men need to blow off a little steam and I know it makes no sense to you womenfolk.”
“I understand, but one of them could have been seriously injured. We are trapped out here, unable to get to a doctor,” Wilhelmina replied and slid her gaze toward Marcus.
Her husband’s eyes widened at seeing she held back tears. “I apologize.” He kissed Wilhelmina’s temple and then turned to Eleanor. “I’m sorry, Sis.”
Tobias, however, stared straight ahead. Without a word, he stood and walked to his sister. He whispered something into her ear and left the room.
The rest of the family continued eating and, after a few minutes, they resumed the normal daily conversation of the weather and such.
“How long before we can get to town?” Wilhelmina asked.
She could always count on her reckless husband to agree to the impossible. “I’ll go. Get one of the plow horses saddled up.”
“Give it a week,” Jacob said in a stern voice. “I won’t risk you or the horse to go off for that long of a trek yet.”
“I agree,” Wilhelmina said. “Although I appreciate your willingness, you’re so sweet to me.”
A grin spread across Marcus’ handsome face. “Of course, anything for you.”
Jacob chuckled. “Never thought I’d see the day when my son was so smitten.”
Both Eleanor and James nodded in agreement.
Wilhelmina looked to the door. Tobias was not ready for love, not yet. He would not be
the right match for Aurora. Her plan all along had been to match them up. Now she wasn’t sure what to do.
If anything, perhaps she and Evan would prove to be a match, after all. The storm would force them to spend time together. It was best left to God she supposed and said a silent prayer that He look over her friend.
Chapter Thirteen
“Mrs. Jones, there is a telegram for you.” A young man had entered the clinic and approached her with a piece of crumpled paper.
Aurora smiled at him. “Thank you.”
The streets were beginning to clear mainly due to local men working tirelessly to shovel snow and ice from the main roadway. Evan and Filbert had worked two days now so the women could make their way between the house and clinic as well as to the main road.
The words on the paper swam as she read.
Return home at once.
Your father is quite ill.
It was from her mother. Could it be true or a trick to get her back to Philadelphia?
Unfortunately, Evan was not about that morning. He and Filbert had been unusually quiet and had gone to the stables. From what she’d overheard, the older man proclaimed he would leave in spite of the weather.
The day before, Evan admitted he’d grown fond of the man and feared he’d die from exposure. However, Filbert was a grown man, capable of making a decision in regards to his own life. Aurora wondered if Evan had gone to the stables with the man hoping to talk him out of leaving.
They’d never learned the truth as to why Filbert had been shot. To her, it seemed obvious someone meant to kill him. It could be that the man was anxious to leave because of whatever threat still existed. Thanks to the storm, not many people knew Filbert. Those people who’d brought the injured man in the first place never came back to ask.
She went to the coat rack and grabbed outerwear. Perhaps Lucille would have some insight as to what she should do in regards to the telegram.
When she entered the house, Lucille looked up from the table where she sorted threads. “You’re back early. Normally, you stay until afternoon tea. Is something wrong?”
“I got a telegram. It’s getting where I hate opening the door. My mother is relentless.” Aurora handed Lucille the paper.
Her friend read over it and then seemed to read it again. “Oh goodness. Do you think it’s true?”
“How can I know for sure?” Aurora sunk into a chair and rolled her head, stretching out the stiffness in her neck. “I don’t put it past my mother to lie, but I doubt she’d go this far.”
Lucille nibbled her bottom lip. “You should go.”
“What if it’s a trick and they keep me from returning?”
A slow smile curved Lucille’s lips. “They can’t if you take your husband with you.”
A weight lifted from Aurora’s shoulders. “You’re right!”
Once Evan returned, she would share the news and ask that he accompany her to Philadelphia as soon as the weather cleared. “I couldn’t live with myself if something is truly wrong with father.” She huffed. “I wonder if the trains are back on schedule.”
“I thought I heard a train whistle this morning.”
The women sat back, each one deep in thought. Finally, Aurora stood and went to the window. “Evan and Filbert went to the stables. I know Evan planned to check on his horses and Filbert the same. He is planning to leave later this week.”
Lucille shook her head. “He is such a stubborn old man. I can’t see how he will survive outdoors, it’s still so frigid.”
“That’s what Evan keeps telling him.” Aurora sat back. “What about you? I feel bad leaving you here alone if we go to Philadelphia. Do you wish to come with us?.”
“Don’t feel bad.” Lucille waved off her words. “I can keep busy. Besides, someone needs to be here to inform Wilhelmina of everything that has happened.”
“That’s true. However, I fear for your safety. You cannot possibly stay here alone.”
Aurora tapped her chin in thought. Perhaps this would be a way to delay Filbert’s departure. Remaining in the clinic, he could keep watch over Lucille in their absence. Of course, this was all dependent upon Evan agreeing they should go back. If her father was, indeed, ill, she had to go.
“Can you get away and go to the mercantile?” Lucille asked. “We are in dire need of things. I’ve made a list.”
“Yes, of course. Get bundled up and we’ll go,” Aurora had not removed her coat, so she waited for Lucille to put hers on.
Although her feet were cold, Aurora walked into the locale filled with excitement. She rushed to the front of the store to the woman behind the counter. “Hello, I’m Aurora Jones.”
The woman smiled warmly. “Oh my goodness.” She rounded the counter and hugged Aurora. “I’ve been so tempted to come visit. I’m Gemina Johnston. Howard, my husband, keeps talking me out of it, saying it’s too soon.” Once again, she embraced Aurora. “Welcome, get acquainted with where everything is. Let me know if you have any questions.” Her gaze went to Lucille. “And you are?”
Lucille, not one for hugs, stuck out her hand. “Lucille Ash. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
It was obvious Gemina struggled not to hug Lucille. Instead, she grasped her outstretched hand with both of hers. “How pretty you are.” She looked back to Aurora. “Both of you.”
“Thank you,” Lucille said and looked around the mercantile. “You have a very nice establishment.”
The store was nothing like the expansive ones back in Philadelphia. When one locale didn’t provide everything needed, there was another just a few yards away that would have a different selection. As far as Aurora knew, the only options in Laurel were this mercantile and an apothecary. Evan had mentioned a butcher shop and a shoemaker in town. It was doubtful anything else existed.
If one were the entrepreneurial type, there was much need for diversity. “Is there a dress shop in town?” Aurora looked to Gemina while holding up some pale green fabric.
Gemina shook her head. “No, I’m afraid not. But some of the women in town sew. We haven’t been blessed with a dressmaker as of yet.”
“I find it shocking. A town this size, with more men than women, could use a seamstress desperately,” Lucille added, looking down at the fabric in Aurora’s hands. “It gives me a grand idea.”
Both Aurora and Gemina waited for whatever Lucille’s idea was.
“Can you sew?” Gemina asked. Aurora knew the answer, but remained quiet. Whatever Lucille set her mind to, she could do. Aurora would not be surprised if her friend decided to become a seamstress.
“No,” Lucille admitted with a sigh. “But we can write Lady Eugenia Price. I’m sure there are plenty of women there who’d come here, marry and open a shop.”
Aurora smiled at Lucille. “What a grand idea.”
“Or better yet,” Lucille continued. “You can tell her personally when you return to see your father.” She looked to Gemina. “Her father is extremely ill.”
“I’m so sorry,” Gemina said and then turned to the doorway. “Good day, gentlemen!”
A pair of men walked in and began picking up things and placing them on the counter. A woman dragging a small child, who kicked and screamed, rushed inside after the men.
“I think we better collect what we need. People are starting to find their way here and soon the place will be bare.” Aurora hurried to a nearby shelf and began pulling items. “Get some sugar and flour, Lucille, and don’t forget cinnamon.”
Over an hour later, they struggled with the bundles as they made their way home. Thankfully, Sheriff Blake caught up and took some packages from both. Once they arrived home, Aurora invited him in for a hot beverage and the lawman accepted.
Sheriff Blake seemed a bit young to hold such a lofty position. Aurora had asked Evan about it once and he’d replied that the man was chosen due to his patient nature and sharp shooting. She’d not questioned it further as things were done so differently in the west.
The sheri
ff was tall, a bit over six feet, with brown eyes that reminded her of autumn. He was quiet, but stern, not the kind she’d ever want to cross as he didn’t seem to relax. Of course, as the lone lawman for the entire town, he had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.
Lucille narrowed her eyes at his back and Aurora tried not to laugh. For whatever reason, her friend didn’t seem to trust the sheriff.
“Mrs. Jones, I was heading here to speak to you when I ran into both of you ladies outside the mercantile.”
He looked to Lucille, who crossed her arms and lifted a brow in question. “I’m afraid this is of a delicate nature. Is Doctor Jones available?”
Aurora noticed the clinic remained empty when they’d walked past. “No, he is not. He went to the stables with Filbert earlier. Would you please just tell me what’s wrong?”
“Mr. Jameson is demanding to bring charges against you for breach of promise. Is it true you were engaged to him before coming to Montana?”
“We should sit down,” Aurora motioned to the dining table. “Lucille, be a dear and fix some coffee.” When her friend hesitated, Aurora lifted a brow. “I’m fine. Please go.”
Sheriff Blake shifted in his chair and fiddled with his hand, which he’d placed on the table. “I don’t mean to pry, Mrs. Jones, but I have to ask questions since Mr. Jameson claims he will demand you answer for this.”
“A man scorned,” Aurora shook her head. “Sheriff Blake, I left Philadelphia to get away from him. Our family had arranged a marriage and, to be honest with you, I did not protest. It was when I got to know Mr. Jameson more that I realized marrying him would be a horrible mistake.”
“Why did you not ask your parents to withdraw from the agreement?”
Aurora sighed. “That is a valid question. My father would have probably done so, but I doubt my mother would have agreed.”
“It could be you were overly sensitive to the idea of marriage.” Sheriff Blake looked to where Lucille stood in the doorway and then back to Aurora. “It is my understanding young women are often afraid…of…of.”
Aurora, A Romantic Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 2) Page 9