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

  Aurora,

  a Romantic Bride

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing

  Augusta, Georgia 2017

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Aurora, a Romantic Bride

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing

  ISBN: 978-1-939356-58-1

  Editor: Scott Moreland

  Cover Artist: Wicked Smart Designs

  Copyright © Hildie McQueen 2017

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without written permission.

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

  This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader.

  If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to your retailer and purchase your own copy.

  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Table of Contents

  AURORA, A ROMANTIC BRIDE

  Copyright

  Other Works by Hildie McQueen

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  About the Author

  Other Works by Hildie McQueen

  (In reading order)

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride

  Aurora, A Romantic Bride

  Lucille, A Lucky Bride

  Esther, An Easter Bride

  SINGLE TITLES

  Beneath a Silver Sky

  Under a Silver Moon

  HEADING WEST SERIES

  Where the Four Winds Collide

  Westbound Awakening

  Where the River Flows

  SHADES OF BLUE SERIES

  Big Sky Blue

  A Different Shade of Blue

  The Darkest Blue

  Every Blue Moon

  Blue Horizon

  Montana Blue

  Midnight Blue

  THE GENTRYS OF MONTANA

  (Sensual)

  The Rancher

  The Marshal

  The Outlaw

  Find Hildie McQueen’s books at Amazon

  Chapter One

  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1872

  With each click of silverware and every indignant sniff, Aurora became more convinced her decision to run away from it all was the right one.

  Mrs. Jameson was her soon-to-be mother-in-law. The woman’s calculating gaze shifted to her and Aurora’s blood ran cold. What would the dragon expect of her now? Not yet a member of the elite Jameson family and already the burden to become a “pillar” of society grew heavy.

  “Aurora, I expect your help in planning the spring ball. It will be our first social event with you as part of the family. We can’t disappoint.”

  Disappoint whom? Every suck-up in town would attend and pronounce it the best event ever. Of course, there would be whispers in smaller circles criticizing every detail, from the decorations to the outfits they wore. None, however, would openly criticize a member of the Jameson family for fear of being found out and ostracized from society.

  Aurora’s own closest friend, Wilhelmina, had been tarnished and, subsequently, sent away because of one of the Jamesons.

  Assuring a pleasant smile, Aurora met the woman’s gaze. “Of course.” Fortunately, her reply was with a much stronger voice than she’d thought possible. She had mentally moved away and could care less about any ball or what the people they associated with thought about it.

  Her family was prominent and included in every guest list in the area. Not because they had a lot of money, but mainly because of her father’s title. His aristocratic lineage was of high value and, since Aurora was the eldest of the only two daughters, whoever married her would be the next Duke of Edenton.

  Her mother, who constantly fawned over Mrs. Jameson for whatever reason, smiled primly. “Of course, both of us will help. Anything you need, all you have to do is ask. It’s such a wonderful thing for our two families to join.”

  Ever since Aurora had become engaged to Milford Jameson, one would think it was her mother who wore the five-carat monstrosity weighing Aurora’s left hand. Her mother constantly fell over backwards to accommodate any request by the Jamesons, especially the matriarch.

  Her father, on the other hand, was the opposite. He expected everyone else, for the most part, to direct his social life. If left to his own devices, he’d remain in his study, reading and scribbling ideas about social economic findings. Not surprisingly, he had little to say on the marriage and, for that, Aurora was grateful. He listened to her lament on the idea of marrying someone she didn’t love with a gentle pat on the shoulder.

  Once in a while, when she’d asked if there was a way out of the predicament, he’d comment. “We all have to do what is expected.” That, of course, didn’t help her feel any better.

  This night, her father was much more interested in the lively conversation with the male in attendance on the expansion of the railroad toward the northwest. Her father was interjecting he’d known all along it would be a good investment eventually.

  The damned railroad was the main reason Aurora found herself in the dreadful situation of marrying the stone-faced man whose calculating gaze met hers every so often. A constant reminder of what he’d told her to expect after the meal.

  He demanded she allow him more access to her body. Not quite so far as to take her virginity, for he pronounced he’d not pursue full intimacy until after the wedding, but enough to satisfy him. Whatever that meant.

  Although he was not unattractive, and power did add appeal to Milford Jameson, it was his demeanor that she found unpleasant. He rarely smiled and usually kept his eyes half-closed, as if bored. The sound of his voice irritated her so much.

  When he spoke, instead of a deep masculine sound, it was shrill, a higher pitch than one would expect from a man. Silly things Aurora found annoying, probably because of the forced marriage to him.

  She pushed food around on her plate. Her appetite had gone, once the reminder of Milford doing who-knew-what to her had struck. She slid a glance to her father and considered feigning illness.

  Her plan was in place to leave Philadelphia. She’d stolen away items to a cousin’s house, one bagload at a time. Then, later, using the excuse of gifting Esther clothing, she’d taken dresses and shoes.

  Thank God, she could rely on her wonderful cousin. Esther was a beautiful, vibrant woman who understood Aurora’s situation perfectly. Just seven years earlier, at the tender age of sixteen, her cousin was married to a much older man in her family’s effort to gain social standing.

  The man had turned out to be a miserly sort who doled out just en
ough money to barely pay for necessities. As a result, although her sisters had gained invitations to social affairs, Esther had never set foot at a social event again. Her clothing became dull and old since her husband refused to pay for new items, claiming she already owned too many.

  Thanks to Esther’s marriage, her family’s gain had been the demise of her otherwise happy life. In spite of her situation, Esther became industrious in finding ways around her husband’s stinginess and had developed beautiful soap making skills. The sales of her soaps brought her income, which she saved and used to purchase small necessities.

  Aurora shivered at the thought that, although the Jamesons would most definitely ensure she maintained an up-to-date wardrobe, like Esther, she’d give up happiness in exchange for marriage.

  The entire engagement had come to be quite unexpectedly, to Aurora, anyway. She’d been forced into the marriage when her father’s investment of the entire family fortune was lost on a railroad venture.

  Now, just a few short months later, his investment had paid off. Her family was, once again, wealthy. However, it was too late for her. Afraid to lose social status, her parents could never request the retraction of the engagement.

  Of course, the Jamesons had jumped at the opportunity to gain a title for their eldest son, Milford. He’d pronounced Aurora to be an attractive woman who’d fit perfectly in the role of his wife.

  Role, indeed. She mentally kicked him under the table.

  When Milford’s startled gaze met hers, she gasped. “Sorry, my leg cramped.” Aurora fought not to giggle at having actually kicked him.

  “Are you unwell? You haven’t touched your food. Excited about something, perhaps?” His attempt at humor only made her want to throw up the little food she had eaten.

  “I am a bit uneasy tonight. Something didn’t quite sit well with me,” Aurora replied with a pointed look, satisfied at noting the tight lines around her intended’s mouth.

  “I’m sure you’ll feel better later.” He looked away, dismissing her for the moment.

  Aurora looked around the table. With painted on smiles and nods at whatever boring drivel the person next to them said, it was evident the only person enjoying the evening was her father. The triumphant air at no longer being financially dependent on the Jamesons had him positively glowing.

  She loved the often-distracted man like no one else. From his crooked spectacles to the unruly mop of hair and lopsided cravat, he never pretended to be anyone special. Yet, he had the title. It was the one thing every one of the pretentious people around the table coveted.

  As the meal finally ended and people congregated in circles to drink and continue conversing, Aurora fortified herself for time alone with Milford.

  “Oh my goodness!” someone cried out as her soon-to-be mother-in-law fell limp to the floor. The matriarch, who was not above theatrics to get attention or ensure there was some sort of talk of the dinner afterwards, lay on the thick carpet in a perfect pose. She ensured that her face was dramatically full of despair.

  Milford, his brother, Earnest, and the husband rushed to her side as she lifted a hand to her brow.

  “Darling, let us help you to the bedroom. You must have overtaxed yourself tonight,” Mr. Jameson exclaimed, his gaze meeting someone’s across the room. Aurora followed his line of sight.

  Gertrude Mansfield, a woman Aurora heard was the man’s latest lover, stood there. The woman met his gaze and her lips curved as if holding back a secret while she watched the drama unfold.

  Women cooed at Milford’s mother as he and his father helped her to the stairway. Not a second later, they moved away and reached for a fresh cocktail. It was well understood. They were to remain until Mr. Jameson returned to give an update on his wife’s health.

  The conversation buzzed as Aurora moved closer to the patio doorway.

  “I hope you are paying attention to your mother-in-law’s lessons on how to keep your social events forefront on society’s lips.” The woman, Gertrude, had come to stand next to her.

  She was pretty in a no-nonsense sort of way. Her dark hair was pulled up allowing a tumble of curls to fall from its holdings. Gertrude rolled her eyes and curled her upper lip. “All she had to do was feign a headache and excuse herself if she was bored with our company. Of course, that would not have made for gossip fodder.”

  “It does cut our evening short, which is distressful for some of the guests. This way, she cannot be blamed,” Aurora said immediately, regretting her slip. “However, I’m sure she overtaxed herself today.”

  The woman smiled and Aurora immediately liked her. “Perhaps this is a good time for me to slip away. I find myself with a headache.”

  Gertrude lifted an eyebrow. “I can certainly understand why.”

  Not wanting to ponder what Gertrude knew, Aurora nodded and hurried away.

  She went to her father, who stood next to doors leading outside to the gardens. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Father. I’m going home. I have a headache.”

  He looked around the room and huffed. “Quite so. I’ll join you.” He motioned for her mother, who shook her head. “Ah well, she’ll ride home with the Pattersons, I’m sure, as she will remain until the end to ensure our hostess is not in grave danger of sudden death,” he mumbled. Aurora laughed, gaining astonished looks.

  “Come, Father, before you get me in more trouble.”

  * * *

  Two days later, Aurora rushed to her cousin Esther’s house. After ensuring she’d not been followed, she entered without knocking.

  Her cousin had everything packed. “I’ve already asked for a coach to come. It should be here momentarily.” Her cousin wringed her hands and let out a long breath. “I hope no one arrives between now and then.” She went to the window and peered out.

  “Stop it. You are making me even more nervous.” Aurora joined her at the window. “Oh look, there comes Lucille. Thank God.” Craning her neck, she was able to look to the opposite end of the street. “I don’t see the coach as yet.”

  Lucille, smarter than Aurora, went to the back of the house instead of coming up the front steps. Moments later, after a hurried rap at the back door, she entered the kitchen where Aurora and Esther had rushed to.

  The bright-eyed maid looked from one to the other. “My heart is about to beat right out of my chest!” Her usually slight Irish brogue became more pronounced as she continued. “I won’t be able to breathe properly until we’re on the train.”

  Aurora grabbed Esther’s hand. “Tell me I’m not making a huge mistake.”

  The hard knocks on the front door made all three of them jump. Finally, Esther, who’d paled, let out a breath. “The coach. It must be the coach. Let us hurry.”

  Each woman, carrying satchels and several bags, hurried out to the coach. Esther’s one footman loaded Aurora’s trunk onto a rack on the back.

  Without speaking, they settled into the plush seats, unwilling to peek out the window. Aurora prayed they’d make it onto the train without being stopped.

  “I wish I had been brave enough to escape,” Esther confided as they rode in the carriage to the train station. “I was much too young and, admittedly, in awe of Jonathan,” she confessed, referring to her deceased husband.

  “Definitely too young. Where could you have gone?” Aurora’s heart thudded against her breastbone so hard she wondered if it would burst. “I am wondering at the folly of my ways right now.”

  Esther smiled broadly at her. “I envy you. Wilhelmina was right when she said, whether it is a good or bad decision, at least it’s done on your terms.”

  The driver brought the carriage to a stop and, for a moment, Aurora almost demanded to go back. This had to be the most impulsive, irresponsible thing she’d ever done. What if it all backfired? It could be that her father was mistaken and had not gained the family fortune, plus more, back.

  “Go. Be happy,” Esther said, her voice shaky with emotion. Her cousin hugged her tight. “Hurry.”

 
; When the door was opened, she pulled her hood up to cover her hair. On unsteady legs, she disembarked, followed by a similarly cloaked Lucille.

  Penn Station bustled with activity. Despite the anxiety of what she faced, the excitement of the long, upcoming journey filled her with anticipation.

  Finally settled into the comfortable boxed car she’d purchased, Aurora sat back in the plush comfort of the bench and let out a breath. Lucille’s gaze went to the window. But like Aurora, she was not brave enough to peer out.

  Aurora reached for her faithful friend’s hand. “Thank you, Lucille. We are about to go to a place neither of us would have ever dreamed of. Let’s pray this is what is intended for us.” As they nodded their heads, trembling hands joined, the train jostled and inched forward.

  Whatever the future held, it could not be worse than marriage to a man who’d been so angry at her for leaving the dinner party, he’d actually yelled at her. The admonishment had been overly loud and frightening.

  Without preamble, he’d pushed her bodice down and exposed her breasts. Disgusted, she remained frozen while Milford took to them like a babe to a mother’s teat. The entire time, Aurora was too stunned to think and not quite sure what all he did. Finally, his breathing hitched to an alarming crescendo and he shuddered.