Lucille, A Lucky Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 3) Read online

  Lucille,

  a Lucky Bride

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing

  Augusta, Georgia 2017

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Lucille, a Lucky Bride

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing

  ISBN: 978-1-939356-61-1

  Editor: Scott Moreland

  Cover Artist: Dar Albert

  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

  LUCILLE, A LUCKY 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

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Excerpt from ESTHER, AN EASTER BRIDE

  About the Author

  Other Works by Hildie McQueen

  (In reading order)

  BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Wilhelmina, a Winter Bride

  Aurora, a Romantic Bride

  Lucille, a Lucky Bride

  Esther, an Easter Bride

  BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS – WYOMING

  Christina, a Christmas 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

  Blue Montana Christmas

  THE GENTRYS OF MONTANA

  The Rancher

  The Marshal

  The Outlaw

  Find Hildy McQueen’s books on Amazon

  Chapter One

  Laurel, Montana Territory 1873

  The snow had finally thawed. With each new day came the freshness of crisp weather. Although at night, it remained quite chilly. Lucille Ash was glad to finally be rid of the infuriating frozen slush that made traversing to and fro hard on not just her only pair of shoes, but the bottom of her skirts.

  Trudging now toward the mercantile, she, once again, went over what needed to be purchased for the evening meal while at the same time hoping she’d have enough money left over to buy some fabric. She was in dire need of a new chemise and at least one skirt. Having packed all the clothing she owned, it had only amounted to three dresses and two chemises. Now, as time passed, it became abundantly clear, that for her to find a suitable husband, there was much to do to improve her wardrobe.

  Although she helped her friend, Aurora, with daily housework and such, it felt wrong to charge for her work as she lived in the house rent free. Aurora and her new husband, Doctor Evan Jones, were gracious. They ensured Lucille never felt out of place at the house. But the more they made accommodations for her, the more awkward living with them felt.

  She let out a sigh and scanned the town’s main street. Two men hung a new shingle at the barbershop, while several others unloaded a wagon, carrying crates into the saloon. In front of the newly built hotel, a man leaned on the building, his arms crossed. He was watching a boy run in circles with a small dog.

  Laurel, Montana, although small, was rapidly growing. Hopefully, Esther, her friend and Aurora’s cousin back in Philadelphia, had received the letter in which Lucille urged her to come to Laurel and open a seamstress shop. Since Esther’s husband had died recently, there was nothing to keep her in Philadelphia.

  It would be the perfect arrangement. She and Esther could open the shop, live upstairs from it and Lucille could finally earn money to afford to live on her own until she married.

  “Good morning, Lucille,” greeted Gemina Johnston. The mercantile owner waved from atop a ladder. “Let me know if there is anything you need.”

  Lucille tilted her head to the side as an idea came to mind. “Gemina, could you use some help around the store? I need fabric for a dress and a chemise and have very little money. I’m a hard worker.”

  The woman climbed down from the ladder and hurried toward Lucille. “This is perfect timing. As a matter of fact, Howard and I were just discussing how nice it would be to travel to Billings together to buy more stock.”

  Excited at the prospect of working, Lucille smiled broadly. “I can do it. Handle things here so you can go without worry.”

  “I’ll need you to come for a few afternoons, paid of course, so I can fill you in on everything you’ll need to know.” Gemina frowned. “The only thing I worry about is you being here alone, unescorted. If men come in and you’re alone, it could prove dangerous.”

  Lucille waved away Gemina’s words. “The sheriff’s office is right across the way. I can ask him and Deputy Brown to keep an eye out.”

  “True,” Gemina said, sounding less than convinced.

  Once she purchased what was needed for the evening meal, Lucille made her way back to the Jones’ with a lighter heart. Since moving out west from Philadelphia, things had gone relatively well. The move had proven to be a good choice for Aurora, who’d met and married a handsome doctor. And Lucille was finding she enjoyed a life away from servitude. Her entire life, Lucille had worked as a maid for Aurora’s wealthy family and she’d convinced herself to never expect more. Everyone had a lot in life and it was obvious once a servant, always one until the death for most.

  A horse galloped down the main street. The large, muscular rider reminded her of the outlaws she’d read about in romance novels. The animal was beautiful. Its black mane contrasted with the reddish-brown body. Both rider and horse made for a magnificent combination.

  Standing in front of the mercantile with her basket on her arm, Lucille stood still, not daring to move lest she get trampled by the reckless man.

  The rider brought the horse to a stop and frowned down at her. He touched the brim of his hat and lifted it just enough to acknowledge Lucille. Tobias Hamilton, more handsome than words could convey and with the personality of a doorknob, met her gaze before dismounting.

  “Miss Lucille.” His words were curt, almost giving the impression it was a bother.

>   “Mr. Hamilton. You should take greater care when galloping down the center of town. There are children about.”

  After a shrug, he dismounted and, holding the reins, walked towards her.

  Although Tobias now stood and was not atop the horse, the man was so tall he towered over her. Well over six feet, with shoulders almost as wide as the horse and broad of chest, he could easily intimidate. His eyes were a beautiful shade of green with flecks of gold. Although she’d never seen him smile, his lips made a woman think of things best left unsaid.

  Tobias Hamilton was the embodiment of what women expected when moving west. A handsome, surreal hero to save a damsel in distress. This man, however, was no hero. If anything, he seemed bothered by life in general. The ever-present frown on his face and the soft curl on his upper lip were clear signals he preferred to be anywhere but with whoever was present.

  It was strange to Lucille that someone would be so bothered with life. However, every time she’d seen him, he’d not acted any differently. Just then, Tobias looked across the street and noticed the young boy and his dog. It was the first time she’d witnessed his expression softening.

  “I will be more careful,” he said. Lucille pressed her lips together to keep from saying anything further on the subject. Instead, she smiled up at him.

  “Have a good day.” She turned away just as he spoke.

  “My sister-in-law asked that I come and invite you, Aurora and Evan to supper tomorrow.”

  As much as she enjoyed visiting the Hamilton ranch, it meant spending more time around the sullen man, who, for some reason, took her notice. Of course, it was natural for a single woman like herself to be affected by a man so handsome. However, at the moment, she needed to find a suitable husband and it was abundantly clear Tobias Hamilton was not in any way, shape, or form husband material.

  “I would convey the message, but then you will not have an answer to return with. I suggest you stop by the clinic. Both Aurora and Evan were there when I left.” She lifted her chin. “Aren’t you and Evan close friends? I would think you’d be glad to see him.”

  His eyes narrowed and he let out a breath. “I will stop by there.” After raising his right hand to his hat, he entered the mercantile.

  From inside, Gemina’s voice sounded. “Good morning, Tobias.”

  Lucille shook her head. If anyone needed a dose of Gemina’s sunshine it was Tobias Hamilton. Whatever burdened the man had to be serious.

  Wilhelmina, his sister-in-law, insisted he’d not recovered from the death of his mother. Being the youngest in the family, it was understandable. Although she doubted he’d ever been the life of any gathering.

  With a chuckle, she headed home. As she walked, she considered if she’d attend supper at the Hamiltons the following day. It would be a break from daily humdrum but, once again, she’d feel the outsider in a family setting.

  No, it would be a good day to get some cleaning done and indulge in reading.

  A wagon rumbled down the road. A couple sat in the front seat. The woman waved and she recognized her as one of the participants in her bible study.

  Lucille sighed. Once she married, she and her husband would ride into town like that couple did for sundries and, perhaps, a meal.

  Chapter Two

  “You may want to stay the night,” Evan told Tobias, following him outside from the clinic. “Looks like it’s about to storm.”

  Both men looked to the sky. Gray clouds gathered in the distance and the rumble of thunder sounded. Although the ride to his ranch was just a couple hours, Tobias doubted he’d beat the storm. “Moving fast.”

  “Got plenty of room.”

  Up until recently, Tobias or his brother, Marcus, regularly slept at their friend’s house. The doctor owned a large home and claimed to enjoy their company. Since Evan had recently married, his new wife, Aurora, and her friend, Lucille, also lived in the house. It felt different now.

  “I’ll get a room at the hotel.” Tobias frowned in the direction of the recently added establishment.

  “You will do no such thing.” Aurora, Evan’s beautiful wife, stood at the doorway with hands on her hips. “There is a spare bedroom always available for you here.” She turned on her heel and headed back inside without waiting for him to reply.

  Evan chuckled. “What is it about women that even when they’re bossy, it’s adorable?”

  With a resigned sigh, Tobias went to his horse. “I’ll be back in a bit. Gotta get him to the stables.”

  Having grown up in Laurel, he appreciated everyone knowing him on most days. As usual, this day everyone Tobias passed greeted him as he walked by on the way to the stables, which were all the way across town from where Evan lived. Tobias was forced to stop when the town barber, walked up to him.

  “Tobias, looks like you may need to stop by before headin’ anywhere. Your hair needs cuttin’.” The man inspected his shoulder-long hair with a furrowed brow. “Doesn’t Eleanor cut it?”

  “I won’t let her near it since she cut James’ last. Looks like a bird’s nest.”

  The barber shook his head and chuckled. “She needs practice.”

  “I’ll stop by after I leave the horse.”

  What Tobias would prefer at the moment was to ride out into the storm and be alone. He continued walking needing to breathe after the stark reminder his mother would never cut his hair again. Just a few days before dying, she’d demanded he sit on the floor next to the bed so she could give him a haircut. It had been their own quiet time together, when they’d talk about everything from the weather to family matters. The comfort of having a confidant, the only person he felt at ease to speak freely with, was forever gone.

  Although Tobias understood it was the way of things, people came and went from one’s life, he could not shake the emptiness engulfing his chest since she’d died.

  Life at the Hamilton ranch had been steady and predictable and it was all he knew. No matter the season, there were certain expectations of what had to be done and what each day would bring. Although there were variations, changes in the weather, illnesses and such, Tobias never took things for granted. It was what he preferred: the continuity of the expected.

  When Elaine Hamilton died, it was as if some sort of shift happened in his mind. He could not force himself to care much about anything. It didn’t help things when his dog, the animal he’d raised from a puppy, died of old age recently.

  It seemed that the fact life continued on, one day to the next, was not much more than a bother. The relentless passing of one day after another was all such a waste of time. In Tobias’ mind, everyone was passing the time, making his or her mark until the time came to move on.

  More than once since his mother’s death, Tobias questioned the meaning of it all. Before her death, he’d planned to marry, start a family and grow his herds. He’d dreamed of making his mother proud, of being in love and loved in return.

  Now, it all seemed like a colossal waste of time. Why work so hard, wish for so much only for things to end the day he died?

  After depositing his horse at the stable, Tobias headed to the barbershop. It was warm in the space thanks to a wood burning stove. He sat back in the comfortable chair and allowed the barber to cut his hair and shave his face.

  “I tell you, winter was hard on the family. Glad to have people back and around town,” the man spoke as he cut, his eyes meeting Tobias’ in the mirror. “How did your cattle fare?”

  “Well, I designed a shelter under which they could find warmth and, at the same time, move around so different ones could get warm in the center. It took a while to get fencing built surrounding the area but it was worth every bit of work. It keeps most of the bitter wind off the herd.”

  The barber grinned. “Sounds grand. I hear Elias lost a few head. Not just to the weather but predators as well,” the barber said, referring to Evan’s younger brother, a rancher.

  “Oh yeah? I’ll go see him and tell him about our shelter so he can build on
e for next year.”

  * * *

  Lucille placed a tureen of stew in the center of the dining table and moved back, studying the place settings. “Is Evan here yet?” she asked Aurora, who walked out of the kitchen with hot biscuits.

  “He should be here shortly. Oh, and Tobias as well. I just spotted him walking this way through the kitchen window.”

  Unable to help herself, Lucille wrinkled her nose. “The man is so morose. Is he staying the night?”

  Aurora giggled. “Yes, we insisted with the storm brewing. I’m surprised it’s not raining yet. It does look pretty gray out though.”

  “It’s pretty menacing. Gloomy weather and just as dour of a dinner guest. A perfect combination, I dare say.”

  “Oh Lucille, the things you dare say.” Aurora pressed her lips together to keep from laughing when her husband and Tobias walked in.

  The men had washed up. Their shirt sleeves were rolled halfway up their forearms. Lucille looked twice to Tobias, who’d gotten a haircut since she’d last seen him. His green eyes met hers for a scant second. It was nothing more than a cursory glance and, yet, Lucille’s stomach lurched.