Scarlett, A Summer Bride (A Brides For All Seasons Novel) Read online

  Scarlett, A Summer Bride

  Brides for All Seasons

  USA Today Bestselling Author Hildie McQueen

  Contents

  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

  Have you read all the Brides?

  About the Author

  Pink Door Publishing

  Editor: Gayla Leath

  Cover Artist: Dar Albert

  Copyright Hildie McQueen 2018

  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.

  Created with Vellum

  Other Works by Hildie McQueen

  (In reading order)

  BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS- MONTANA

  Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride

  Aurora, A Romantic Bride

  Lucille, A Lucky Bride

  Esther, An Easter Bride

  Scarlett, A Summer Bride

  Isabel, An Independent Bride

  BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS - WYOMING

  Sarah, A Festive Bride

  Christina, A Christmas Bride

  Amelia, An Autumn Bride

  SHADES OF BLUE SERIES

  Big Sky Blue

  A Different Shade of Blue

  The Darkest Blue

  Every Blue Moon

  Blue Horizon

  Montana Blue

  Midnight Blue

  Blue Montana Christmas

  THE GENTRYS OF MONTANA

  The Rancher

  The Marshal

  The Outlaw

  SINGLE TITLES

  Where The Four Winds Collide

  Westbound Awakening

  Beneath a Silver Sky

  Under a Silver Moon

  Colter Valley

  Patrick’s Proposal

  Judith, Bride of Wyoming

  Chapter One

  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1874

  At her desk in the study, Lady Eugenia Price placed her pen down beside her journal and peered through the window to the wet street outside of her home. Spring showers were in full effect, the steady droplets like a sheet of silk. Although it was lovely to watch, at the same time quite annoying if one planned to go anywhere.

  She wondered if her pupil would come that day. If it were her, she’d prefer to remain indoors and away from the rain and rapidly forming puddles. Then again, it was nice to see other people from time to time; so chancing the weather could be worth it for her student.

  A black carriage rumbled by, its wheels sinking into puddles and sending muddy water up and over the sides. No, it was not a good day to be outside, as there didn’t seem to be any end in sight to the rain.

  Her maid, Bettina walked in. “Would you like tea?”

  She let out a sigh. “I hoped to wait a bit, but I don’t think she’ll come with the weather being so awful. I may as well have a little something.”

  Lady Price stood and walked to the window to get a better look up and down the quiet street lined with thick trees and well-spaced homes of the wealthy.

  In the distance a slight figure appeared. A woman huddled in a coat walked with quick steps, moving sideways on occasion to avoid puddles.

  “There she is. My goodness, if I’d known she didn’t have transport, I would have sent Clarence.”

  Lady Price turned to Bettina who’d joined her at the window. “Be a dear and fetch towels and set out some dry clothes for the poor thing.”

  When her maid hurried off to do as told, Lady Price rushed to the front door and pulled it open. Thankfully there was enough of a cover over the door to keep her dry as she waited for the young woman to near.

  The wet woman walked faster and climbed the three steps to where Lady Price stood.

  Indeed, upon close inspection, the unfortunate creature was soaked. Her hair was plastered to the sides of her drawn face and her clothing hung limp, dripping water onto her sodden shoes.

  Scarlett Franklin looked up at her with sorrowful eyes. “I’m afraid I can’t possibly come inside until I dry a bit.” She let out a soft sigh. “I apologize for my lateness. My reticule was snatched just as I signaled for a coach.”

  “Oh no. That is horrible.” Lady Price took her by the shoulders, careful not to get too close. “Come into the parlor. We’ll get you dried up before you catch a cold.”

  “I should at least remove my coat here,” Scarlett said.

  “Don’t be silly,” Lady Price replied, tugging her in.

  Leaving a trail of water, Scarlett shuffled inside, her gaze moving from Lady Price to Bettina who swiftly instructed she remove all of her clothing before taking another step into the house.

  It was no use to correct the willful maid who pretty much ran her entire household like a well-oiled machine. Lady Price helped hold up a blanket as Scarlett did as told. They bundled the young woman into the blanket and Bettina guided the overwhelmed girl to a bedroom to change into dry clothes.

  Lady Price chuckled when a younger maid hurried in and picked up the wet clothing while making a dour face. “Tis not right for a woman to be out alone in the rain,” the young girl said in a thick Irish accent. “That a miserable rat took her reticule is the least of what could ‘ave happened.”

  “Eavesdropping again Innis?”

  The girl’s eyes rounded. “No ma’am, she said it loud enough that I didn’t ‘ave to.” Innis dashed away before Lady Price could say anything more.

  Bettina returned with a tray of tea and small cakes. “She’ll be out shortly. Is there anything else you require?”

  “Please see that her clothes are hung up to dry. She may require a coat, as hers seems to be ruined. Look in the back room for one that I may have placed there for donating to the poor.”

  Moments later Scarlett entered the room. The transformation was astounding. The young woman seemed pretty upon first inspection. However, once one took notice of her violet-blue eyes and petulant lips, she was captivating.

  Her deep brown almost black hair was pulled back from her heart shaped face, showcasing thickly lashed eyes. The dress, a simple frock in a soft cream, suited her coloring perfectly. Across her shoulders she wore a shawl that Lady Price had put aside to give away.

  With an eager expression, Scarlett neared and sat across from her in a settee and clasped her hands together on her lap.

  “Are you well? You will warm up quickly. The fire from the hearth is quite good. How is your father?” Lady Price asked.

  “Yes, thank you. I am perfectly comfort
able now. I appreciate the loan of these clothes.” Immediately Scarlett’s expression changed. “Father is not well at all. No change actually. He lingers in bed. The doctor is unsure what else can be done.”

  “I will pray your father recovers quickly so he can see how well you are prepared for the next social event.”

  By Scarlett’s expression, she didn’t agree. But although she frowned, she remained silent.

  Lady Price motioned to her attire. “You are welcome to keep the clothes. They were to be donated and now they’re yours.

  Scarlett nodded. “Thank you, I will then.”

  “Today we will discuss proper dining room etiquette,” Lady Price began. The lesson would be long as Scarlett had not been able to come the prior week due to her father’s illness.

  The young woman straightened. “I have to admit, this will all be for naught if father doesn’t recover. Besides, I doubt anyone will invite me to any events, being no one really knows me.”

  “Pick up your tea and sip like this,” Lady Price instructed, picking up her cup and sauce while crossing her legs at the ankle. She waited watching Scarlett mirror her actions. “It’s not like you to be down in spirits. I understand your father’s illness is worrisome, however, you must remain positive. It will help him to know you believe he will get better.”

  Scarlett’s hand trembled a bit as she attempted to place the cup down gently. Thankfully none of the tea spilled over the side of the cup. “I have a confession.” She looked out the window seeming to consider what to say.

  “I don’t think my father will recover and it becomes more clear by the way the doctor only checks him and doesn’t prescribe more than medication to make him comfortable. I overheard my stepmother ask him bluntly the other day what the diagnosis was. The doctor said he fears the worst.”

  Scarlett let out a long breath looking to Lady Price. “Whatever will I do? I’ve only just recently moved here and began to know him.”

  Lady Price knew that Scarlett’s father was dying. It had been kept from the young woman by the stepmother who wished for her husband and newly found daughter to have time together without the burden of Scarlett having to fight against sadness.

  “You will continue on with the life your father wants for you. It was his idea that you come here and learn the proper ways of society. You will live with your stepmother until you marry and then you will have a family and a perfectly happy life.”

  A soft smile lingered on the edges of her lips as her pupil took a fortifying breath.

  Shoulders squared, Scarlett picked up the cup. “The garden is beautiful. I can’t help but admire the placement of the flowering camellias. The colors compliment perfectly.” The young woman was a quick study, learning the subtleties of polite society conversation.

  Her beauty alone would garner attention from men. Her dowry, although modest, would attract a husband, who would possibly not be wealthy but of good social stature.

  Lady Price followed Scarlett’s line of sight to her blooming plants. “It’s taken me years to figure it out. Now tell me, what brings you to Philadelphia? I hear you lived in the south. It must be a culture shock for you.”

  Having to consider her reply, Scarlett did as instructed and looked down to her lap with a soft smile. “After my mother died, I moved here. Although I do adore the south, Philadelphia has so much to offer. I look forward to learning more about this city and getting to know people such as yourself.”

  “Very good. Keep the answers to the truth, but not divulging too much. They will not be asking much more as it will be impolite to do so. Although, I must warn you, they may fill in the blanks with assumptions.”

  Scarlett sighed, her gaze taking in the room. Lady Price knew what she saw, wealth and opulence.

  Thick carpets on marble floors, lavish ceiling to floor drapery, and well-appointed handmade furnishings. Everything was imported from Lady Price’s home country of England. She’d meticulously chosen each piece, from the art to the china and silverware.

  The paintings on the walls had been purchased during travels she and her late husband had enjoyed. The oils, many of which were priceless, were all something they’d actually loved, not just purchased because of who the artist was.

  Funny how, although beautiful, her home felt empty since losing her husband. Nonetheless, the constant charitable causes and now tutoring of Scarlett kept Lady Price busy so that she was able to function day to day.

  Then there was the Matrimonial Gazette, a mail order bride venture with a friend out west.

  “Scarlett, what exactly do you wish for?” Lady Price studied the forlorn young woman. “If you had your choice of a future husband, what would he be like?”

  Scarlett bit her lip in thought, something Lady Price had tried unsuccessfully to break her out of. “He would be strong and proud. He would also be a man who knows how to treat a woman without insult or harshness. I wish for a husband who wants children, a strong family man who works hard, but doesn't ignore his home life.”

  “In other words, the perfect man.” Lady Price chuckled.

  Scarlett shook her head. “Oh, I know the perfect man doesn’t exist, but one can wish.”

  Her earnest expression made Lady Price laugh. “Yes I do believe in wishing and praying for exactly what you want in a husband.”

  Chapter Two

  Laurel, Montana

  Emmett Jones stalked into the jailhouse to find Sheriff Colton Blake standing next to the stove with a cup of coffee in hand.

  “Blake, where is the son of a bitch?”

  “I’m going to assume you’re not talking about old man Willy.” Sheriff Blake motioned to the corner behind him.

  Emmett didn’t find the humor in the statement, not at the moment. Although the old man, who snored loudly in the corner with his back to the wall and head hanging sideways, was a bit of a comical sight. Especially after noting he’d urinated on himself.

  “You know who I’m here after.”

  “You’re too angry right now. I’m not going to let you do anything stupid,” Blake said, moving to block the doorway to where the jail cells were. “I suggest you go across the street, have a drink, and calm down.”

  He snorted. “That bastard doesn’t deserve your protection. Let me in with him for just a few minutes.”

  The sheriff was just as tall as he, wide shouldered and stocky. They were evenly matched, however Emmett had the advantage of rage.

  Nevertheless, he was smart enough to know that unless Blake opened the cell, he could not reach the idiot locked in it.

  “I’ve held him here since last night. Other than that, there’s not much else I can do.”

  “There should be,” Emmett gritted out. “He should be whipped and dragged behind a horse.”

  A throat clearing came from the cell as the man must have heard him. Emmett caught sight of the man’s rounded eyes watching them. He narrowed his and growled.

  “Come on.” Blake half dragged him outside. “I agree with you, he deserves to be beaten worse than what he did to his wife. Unfortunately, it’s the way things are. The woman will probably go back home once she recovers. They’ve got children together.”

  Emmett let his shoulders fall and snorted. “Said she might go home to Virginia and take the children.” He ran his hand through his too long hair. “Sometimes I don’t know why I do this.”

  As town doctor for almost a year after taking over his brother Evan’s clinic, Emmett was still learning the nuances of the townspeople.

  Although he’d lived there a few years before moving to Billings, he’d been gone almost as long. Truth be told, things were probably worse in Billings, however being that Laurel was so much smaller, he knew the people and everything felt more personal there.

  Blake shook his head. “Your brother always said the same thing. He came here a couple times, just like you now, bent on beating someone for what they’d done to a wife or child. Each time I agreed with him.”

  “The woman won�
�t be able to use her left arm properly again. She’s already got a limp from an old break.” Emmett spoke without expecting a response. Instead it helped just to get it out.

  Just then two men tumbled out of the saloon, fists flying. One rolled over the other as they threw punches and dust floated up around them.

  “Aren’t you going to break it up?” Emmett asked Blake, who watched intently but didn’t move.

  One of the men stood up only to fall when the other tackled him back to the ground.

  “Nope, not right away,” Blake replied. “Once they get a bit tired out, it will be easier to get them to cooperate.”

  Emmett had to chuckle when the men began to slow down, barely able to lift a hand to strike out.

  Out of nowhere a woman rushed to a trough with a bucket. She filled it, then neared the men and tossed the entire contents over the fighters. “Get your self back home Jeffrey!” she screamed, pointing down the street.

  “Hmm,” Blake said. “Now that’s the best kind of punishment. An angry wife with a bucket of cold water.”

  Jeffrey stood, blood trickling from his nose. “What are you doing here Earlene? This is man business.”

  Earlene yanked him forward by the torn shirt. “Making sure you don’t go and drink away all our money.”

  A meek Jeffrey followed his wife away while the man on the ground looked around as if expecting his wife to appear as well.

  “Now let’s talk about the current situation,” Blake said, looking up at the sky. “What do you expect can be done legally to ensure this man never touches his wife again?”

  Emmett grunted in reply. There wasn’t anything that could be done, since the couple was legally husband and wife, other than help the woman if she decided to leave. However, there were children involved and she had no way to support herself.