Mail order bride surpris.., p.3
Mail-Order Bride Surprise, page 3
“Good to hear. That the only time you rode?”
“No.” Her eyes flashed with humor. “There was a stable boy at the Abernathy’s who was good enough to teach me a little.”
“A beau? Should I be concerned?” He was only teasing because if the man had been a rival, she wouldn’t have come west to get married.
“About Albert? Nope. He had his sights set on bigger and better things.” She seemed about to say more, then changed her mind.
Why would she say that? As if she wasn’t suitable? The young woman before him had managed to get a decent education despite the way she was forced to live. Her letters proved that and elevated her in Luke’s eyes. And he meant to tell her so. “He could do a lot worse.”
She met his gaze for a heartbeat then lowered her head to study her fingers. “I hope you always think that.”
Her insecurity ached through him. Of course, she was uncertain after the way her uncle had treated her, but she needed to know things were different now.
“Not more than two hours ago I vowed before God for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death. I meant every word.”
Her gaze jerked to his. “As I meant mine.”
He heard the hesitation in her tone. As if she had to express her conviction but doubted his. He understood how her upbringing had been the cause of that.
But his faithfulness and care would soon erase all those fears.
Wouldn’t it?
3
“We should continue our journey.” Luke rose slowly as if reluctant to leave their picnic.
Honor shook crumbs from the quilt, folded it, and put it in the back of the wagon. She turned to take in the view again. “Never goin’ to forget this.”
He stood at her side. “We can come back as often as you like.”
It was a generous offer but she kinda figgered that once they were at the ranch, there would be work for both of them to do. She meant to be the best housekeeper and cook he could imagine.
They returned to the wagon and Luke turned back to the trail. As they headed west, he pointed out landmarks. A big pine tree, a crook in the road because of a boulder, and far-off buildings of some neighbors.
“How long to the ranch?” She couldn’t wait to see her new home.
“Almost there.” They reached a branch in the road, and he guided the horses to the right. A few more turns of the wheels and he stopped. “You get your first glimpse from here.”
Up the ridge, she made out a house and a barn. A cabin squatting to the left. She sat back, disappointed. Hadn’t he said there were four houses—one for each of the brothers? Had he been untruthful? T’would serve her right for she’d been less than completely honest.
“You can see more when we top the rise.”
So that wasn’t all. Good to know.
They moved on. Passed the low cabin.
“That’s where Wally lives.” He tipped his head toward the structure.
“Your oldest hired man?”
Luke grinned at her. “You remembered?”
“I remember it all.”
His eyes warmed as if her answer had pleased him. Good. She meant to please him in every way she could.
A big barn lay to the right as she expected. And a huge garden. He hadn’t mentioned that.
They passed a good-sized house. A man stood in the open doorway watching and Luke waved.
“That’s Andy.”
“Your younger brother.” Her gaze rested on the other Shannon and the house built by his father. Andy had been given the bigger house because he was favored by their mother.
They continued down the trail to a house nestled in the trees. Somehow it looked lonely, and she caught her breath, hoping it wasn’t where Luke lived. But they drove by.
“Riley’s house.”
“Your oldest brother.” Strange that he’d said little about Riley. Only that he was a confirmed bachelor. Might be a story behind that.
Another house came into view. Looking cozy. Was this her new home? But the door opened, and a woman and child stepped out. Even without Luke’s words, Honor knew who it was.
Luke announced, “Matt’s house. There’s Gwen. And Lindy.”
The two waved.
Honor studied the woman. In his letter to Mrs. Strong who arranged mail-order brides, he had requested a woman like his brother had married. Educated, refined, willing, and eager to live in the west. Honor could claim the latter. She would prove to Luke that there were more important things than the other two.
But Gwen did look polished and efficient. Her hair tidy, her apron clean and in position. Even her wave was royal.
Honor was grateful when they moved on, and she could no longer see the other woman.
“Your new home.” She’d been expecting the house to be on the right like the others, but it lay on the left. They stopped at the far side of the house. Windows greeted her with a flash of reflected sunshine. Past the house, she saw the mountains in all their majesty. Imagine seeing them every day unless, of course, the clouds hid them from view. “It’s perfect.”
He chuckled. “You haven’t seen it yet.”
Compared to the rundown shack she’d lived in, it looked like a mansion, but she kept those words to herself. No point in giving him information that would cause him to question who and what she was.
He helped her from the wagon and led her to the door. “I believe I am supposed to carry you over the threshold.”
“Why?”
He blinked. “I really don’t know. Guess I’ll make up my own reasons.”
What a nice idea.
“It’s to show how welcome you are and inform you that I am now your husband and will protect you and provide you with a home.”
She hugged the words to her heart, knowing she would cherish them forever. “It’s like a repeat of our vows on the picnic.”
He swept her into his arms.
Giggling, she held to him for safety. She’d never known a man’s embrace. It was a delightful, exciting sensation.
He put her on her feet, his hand on her arm to steady her. “Welcome to your new home.”
She took in a long breath to calm her racing heart before turning her attention to the place before her and gasped with delight. They stood in a homey room. There was a burgundy couch along one wall, and two soft-looking armchairs at kitty-corner to it. Some bookcases with a large selection of books. Her spirits sank at that. He was obviously a reader. Wouldn’t he wonder that she didn’t care to read? Her attention went to the window. She gasped and moved toward it.
A valley lay below them. The mountains rose above that. The house stood on a point of land allowing her to see down the valley in either direction.
“My father named it Shannon Valley.” Luke had joined her at the window. “Pa insisted we should always be able to see God’s great creation.”
“What a scene. God has truly blessed me.” She could barely squeeze the words past the tears clogging her throat.
“What do you mean?”
She tore her gaze from the window, comforting herself with knowing it would always be there for her to enjoy and she faced Luke. “I am blessed with you as my husband, with this house, and with a view of God’s great creation. Like your pa said, it truly is very good.”
His warm, tender smile told her that he appreciated her mentioning his father’s words.
“I’m happy you’re pleased but you haven’t seen the rest of the house.”
“Lead on.” She wrapped her arm around his.
He led her to the first of three doorways off the living room and opened the door. “Bedroom.”
She remained in the doorway with him. The room held a bed covered with a gray woolen blanket and a wardrobe.
He moved to the next door. “Bedroom.”
Almost identical to the first.
They moved to the third room. It was bigger. The bed was wider with a crazy quilt draped over it. Each patch was edged by fancy embroidery stitching. A shirt hung over the wooden chair next to the wardrobe. A lamp and book waited on a writing table beside the bed. Obviously, his room.
“Ma made the quilt.” His voice grew husky.
She squeezed his arm. “It’s beautiful.”
“Pa insisted we each build our own house. He ordered us to have three bedrooms in each. One for the parents and one each for the boys and girls.”
Honor’s insides froze. This was the room for the parents. For the husband and wife. For her and Luke. Their marriage bed. She’d prepared herself for this. Had told herself she’d not only be the best housekeeper and cook but also the best wife. But her heart beat so hard she feared he’d hear it and wonder what was wrong with her.
“You’ll be wanting to see the rest of the house.” He turned her away from the bedrooms. They crossed the living room and stepped into the kitchen.
Delight rose in her throat and released as a chuckle. “It’s perfect.” A heavy wooden table stood in one corner surrounded by four chairs. Plenty of cupboards. A large black and shiny-steel stove.
She looked out the window over the worktable. Every view was inspiring. Like living in a beautiful garden, watered by nearby rivers, and protected by mountains. “My work will be pure joy when I have this to look at.”
“There’s a pantry and storage area here.” Luke indicated the doorway. “And a little entryway for dirty boots.” He reached for the door.
But Honor wasn’t interested in such ordinary matters. Not when the view beckoned, and her kitchen held everything she needed to prepare excellent meals. “I could start cookin’ this very minute.”
“I’m glad you’re that eager to start work. But it’s not necessary. I believe Gwen was making a welcome supper.”
“Oh.” She hadn’t been able to keep the disappointment from her voice and immediately smiled hoping he’d not take offense.
“Everyone is anxious to greet you.”
She’d gladly put off the meeting ‘til she felt safer at being part of the family.
He must have read the uncertainty in her expression. “They’re harmless you know. You might as well get the introductions over with.”
She nodded agreement though it wouldn’t be as easy as he seemed to think.
So many people to judge her. Would they realize she wasn’t the educated woman she’d pretended to be? Would Luke’s promise to honor his wedding vows apply if he learned the truth?
Luke understood Honor’s anxiety over meeting his whole family. But he counted on them being on their best behavior.
She turned to study the room again. A smile curved her lips. She was obviously pleased with what she saw.
Shoot. He pressed a palm to his forehead. He meant to put a vase of flowers on the table, but it had slipped his mind.
“Honor, I’ll bring in your trunk, then I have to take care of the wagon. We’ll go to Matt’s house about five.” He glanced toward the clock on the wall over the table. That gave him a good hour. Time enough to make up for his lack.
He heaved her chest to his shoulder and carried it into the bedroom they’d share.
She watched, her eyes dark and troubled.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothin’.”
Obviously, something was bothering her. But if she didn’t tell him, he couldn’t guess. He patted her shoulder as he passed. “I’ll be back shortly. Make yourself at home. This is now your home.”
She didn’t move as he left the house.
He got into the wagon and headed for the barn, mentally reviewing everything. He’d stocked the pantry, so she had what she needed for preparing meals. It was all strange right now, but she’d soon get familiar with things. She’d learn to appreciate the others on the ranch. She and Gwen would have much in common and become good friends.
He pulled to a halt at the barn and jumped down.
Matt strode up to him and clapped him on the back. “How does it feel to be a married man?”
“Fine so far. She’s everything I expected.” Mostly. There were a few surprises—like her freckles but nothing to be concerned about.
“Good. We’re all anxious to meet her. Especially Gwen. She’ll enjoy having another woman here.”
Luke grunted a response as he unhitched the horses.
Matt stood by watching. Wouldn’t hurt the man to help but Matt preferred to watch Luke and complain he didn’t do things right.
Luke laughed. Why was he being so grumpy? Only one reason. His concern over why Honor appeared to be worried. He could put it down to meeting the others except she hadn’t seemed that concerned at first. It wasn’t until...
He groaned. Of course. It was when he'd taken her trunk to the bedroom. She was nervous about their first night together. He’d put her mind at ease when he returned to the house.
“Something bothering you, little brother?”
He shook his head. “You’ll never let it be forgotten that you’re twenty minutes older than me.”
Matt leaned back and grinned. “Nope. Got to use every advantage I have.”
Luke scowled at him. “Doesn’t seem fair. ‘Pears to me that all the advantages are on your side.”
Matt slowly stood up straighter. “That so? Care to tell me what exactly they are?”
“Can’t say as I do.” He turned back to putting things away. Matt was the responsible one. Matt was the one people counted on. Matt was the one who won every woman they’d ever met. Which was all of two. But he wasn’t going to win Honor. She was Luke’s and Luke’s alone. Which made him chuckle again.
Matt gave him a smack on the shoulder that went a touch past friendly. “You’re always such a tease.”
“Yup.” He grinned.
Matt grinned back. “You do remember that I always know what you’re thinking.”
“Not always.”
“Yup. Always. That’s what comes of being twins.”
Luke snorted. “We aren’t the least bit alike.”
“Maybe not but doesn’t change that we can read each other’s minds.”
Luke refused to rise to Matt’s teasing. “I’ve got things to do.” He strode away but not in the direction of his house.
Matt followed on his heels. “Going the wrong way, you know.”
“Aren’t you supposed to know what I’m thinking? If you did, you’d know I’m going exactly where I want.”
He reached the garden and stopped, hoping Matt would mosey on to something else. Of course, he knew Matt wouldn’t. The man was as stubborn as the plague. And nosy to boot. He wouldn’t leave Luke until he knew what he was doing.
Very well.
He opened the gate and went inside. He pulled out his pocketknife and began to cut the stems of blossoms.
Matt chuckled as Luke knew he would. “A bouquet for your bride.”
“Seems appropriate.” He continued cutting until he had a good handful of flowers then edged around his brother and headed down the trail to his house, Matt keeping stride.
“That’s very romantic.” Matt sighed in a way that informed Luke he was teasing.
“It’s our wedding day. A bride should have flowers.”
Matt patted Luke’s back. This time gently. “Indeed, she should.”
They drew abreast of Matt’s house. “Luke, I wish you and your new bride every happiness. I’ll see you at supper.” He ducked into his home.
Luke shook his head as he continued onward to his own house. Brothers could be annoying especially when one was a twin, but they were also his best friends. He knew he could always count on them.
He stepped into the kitchen. Honor sat on a chair her hands clasped tightly in her lap. He stopped where he stood. What had happened to the joy she’d exhibited earlier?
What would it take to bring it back?
4
Honor couldn’t pull a happy thought from her heart. She’d gone to the bedroom—their bedroom—as soon as Luke left. She took warm water with her and washed up. The suit she had on was dusty and dirty from the trip and she removed it. In the trunk, she considered her options. Oh, how she longed to put on a comfortable cotton dress such as she normally wore and exchange the fancy shoes for her usual footgear, but Tammy’s voice echoed in her head warning her she must dress the part.
The gowns Tammy had sent were appropriate for social gatherings and going to Matt’s house would surely be considered such. With a weary sigh, she pulled out the dark blue sateen one and put it on. The color suited her according to Tammy, but the material was hot, and Honor felt awkward in it.
She felt even more awkward and apprehensive in the bedroom and hurried to the kitchen. If only she could turn her hand to things that she was familiar with. Cooking or baking or cleaning. But Luke would soon be back. She plopped to a chair and twisted her hands in her lap.
The door opened and she jerked her head up. Luke was back.
He studied her a moment, his eyes dark. Was he seeing her clearly? Had he realized her failings?
“Honor, I brought you a bouquet.” He held out a handful of flowers in every color of the rainbow.
She gasped with pleasure. She took them and buried her nose in the blossoms, inhaling the sweet delicate scent. “Thank ya.”
“I’ll get a container.” He stepped into the pantry and returned with a Mason jar, filled it with water, and set it on the table.
He expected her to arrange the flowers, but she couldn’t stop smelling them. The moment felt as fragile as the pink blossom beneath her nose. No one had ever given her flowers.
Luke squatted in front of her.
She lifted her eyes to his, saw warmth and…
Nothing more. She expected nothing more. Certainly not judgment… or disappointment… or anger.
If only she could persuade herself to believe that.
“Honor, I welcome you as my wife, but I am fine with waiting to consummate our marriage until we are both comfortable. Until then, I will sleep in one of the other bedrooms.”
Her cheeks burned, and she opened her mouth to protest. His offer went against her desire to be the best mate possible. But the words that came out didn’t inform him of that desire. “Thank you. That’s generous.”
