Sarah, A Festive Bride Read online

  Sarah, A Festive Bride

  Brides for All Seasons, Wyoming

  Hildie McQueen

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  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

  Excerpt from Beneath a Silver Sky

  About the Author

  Pink Door Publishing

  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.

  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

  BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS - WYOMING

  Sarah, A Festive Bride (Novella)

  Christina, A Christmas Bride (Nov 2017)

  Lilah, A Scholarly Bride (Early 2018)

  SINGLE TITLES

  Beneath a Silver Sky

  Under a Silver Moon

  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

  Chapter 1

  Laurel, Montana 1873

  Even after a week of the generous hospitality in Laurel, Sarah Michaels lost all enthusiasm when considering that in another day or two, she’d be spending two days traveling to Wyoming.

  Despite a dull headache, she’d managed to maintain a happy disposition a soapy cloth in her hand and wiped the kitchen work area clean.

  To thank her hosts, Evan and Aurora Jones, for allowing her to remain there for a week, she cleaned the home and made dinner for her hosts. Aurora gave up on reassuring Sarah was a guest and did not have to work to earn her keep instead praising her with enthusiasm.

  Just one more full day in Laurel and the stagecoach was due to arrive. At that point, she’d have no choice but to continue on her trek to meet the man she’d corresponded with and would marry.

  What had begun as a great adventure, a way to escape the life of servitude, had become rather intimidating. Since arriving in Montana, Sarah battled constantly with the fear of what awaited her in Wyoming and the man she’d spend her life with.

  Back home in Philadelphia, she’d run into Esther, an acquaintance, who was on her way to meet Lady Eugenia Price and decided on the spot to join her and move to the west. It turned out Lady Price ran a rather successful mail order bride operation.

  After years serving as a companion for a rather cranky woman, Sarah felt it was the perfect way to finally marry and have a family of her own.

  Good marriage prospects at her level in Philadelphia were scarce. Since her mother and father both worked for a family as cook and coach driver, where they lived, Sarah didn’t have a home where she could live. Going west made perfect sense at the time.

  In her mind, she’d finally found a way to leave the life of servitude.

  From her pocket, Sarah withdrew the paper Lady Price had given her. The ad and picture of Robert Fields, a banker by trade in Ranchester, Wyoming.

  Although in the picture he’d seemed rather plain of face, nothing about him standing out, something about Robert Fields attracted her instantly. Not only did he seem like a safe bet, but he also promised to provide for a comfortable lifestyle.

  His ad’s wording had been simple.

  In search of wife, prefer a woman over twenty who is hardworking, a good cook and of pleasant nature.

  Funny, that upon sending her the money for her train fare and necessities, he’d only written two lines in his letter.

  Please inform me immediately of when you will arrive.

  Safe travels.

  Either he was conservative and shy in nature, or a reserved man who didn’t speak much. Sarah shivered. What would she do if the man were a bore? Could she live with someone who rarely spoke?

  He’d not inquired to her well-being, nor given her any personal information about himself.

  In response, she’d hastily written a letter back informing him she’d be traveling and would arrive within the month. Sarah considered sending a telegram, but decided against it. Stagecoach schedules in the small western towns were sporadic at best. It was July now and the time had come for her to meet him.

  Aurora and Evan Jones, who she’d not met prior to arriving in Montana with her friend, Esther, had been most generous in offering her a room until the stagecoach arrived.

  Her friend Esther had married Elias Jones just a couple days after arriving and had gone to live with him at his ranch outside of town. Although not a love match, in Sarah’s opinion, they seemed suited for one another.

  The house was quiet as she put the cover on a pot and sat down with a cup of tea. Head bent, Sarah took a long breath and prayed. She needed all the help God had to spare at the moment.

  Three quick knocks on the front door made her jump.

  Who could it be coming directly to the house?

  Usually, people who came to the Jones’ went straight to the clinic as both Aurora and Evan spent the majority of their day there.

  Aurora opened the door to a young red-faced boy. Wide-eyed, the messenger looked up with a gapped-tooth grin. “Ma’am, the stagecoach is here. Driver said they leave in two hours.”

  “Stay and help me. Let me just go inform the Jones’.”

  The boy nodded.

  Sarah grabbed her shawl and raced to the clinic. Once she informed her hosts of her departure, she’d gather her belongings and head to Wyoming.

  Without time to think more about the situation, she burst through the clinic door.

  “I’m leaving.”

  Chapter 2

  Ranchester, north of Casper, Wyoming

  One could never plan anything for certain. Life had many turns. No matter how carefully plans were laid, things could change in a moment.

  Sarah stifled a sniff as she peered out the stagecoach window to the passing landscape. Hot, exhausted and annoyed with her traveling companions, she wasn’t sure how she’d survive yet another day cramped within the tight space.

  Now a loud snore followed by the man’s head once again lolling in her direction was more than she could bear.
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br />   Not able to stop them, she allowed tears to fall, one after another streaming down her cheeks. The handkerchief she used to wipe them was dirty, but it didn’t matter. If only a cool breeze would blow or, better yet, the coachman would decide they needed a break.

  She couldn’t imagine sitting atop the bench was much better. But at least the man had breathing room...and fresh air. Sarah shrugged her left shoulder until the man straightened. He blinked several times and then his mouth fell open, his head rolled back and he began snoring anew.

  A pretty young woman, who’d introduced herself as Lilah Adams, gave Sarah a feeble smile. Hair plastered onto her damp forehead, the teacher let out a sigh. “We should be arriving before nightfall.” Her words, although meant to be reassuring, made Sarah begin crying anew. Too many hours.

  When the man’s head, once again, landed on hers, she leaned away knowing she was now against the woman on her right. She considered apologizing, but decided it was useless as she wasn’t one bit sorry.

  The man’s wife sat across from him, a rather sour-faced, older woman. “Bernard! Wake up. You’re snoring.”

  The sleeping man mumbled something incoherent. He would have fallen asleep again, except his wife leaned forward and poked him in the ribs with her finger. “Wake up.”

  “Ranchester!” The driver called out.

  Pounding on the roof of the stagecoach made Sarah jump. She slid a hand over her sweat-drenched face. She was appalled when her hand came away grimy. “Oh no. I must look a fright.”

  She looked to Lilah, who seemed to have wilted even more. Her cheeks flushed, the schoolteacher shrugged. “Not much we can do about it.”

  Hats and shawls had long ago been discarded. Sarah’s hair was braided and wrapped about her head to keep her neck from overheating. There was no doubt in her mind she presented a horrible sight at the moment.

  While waiting for the other passengers across from her to climb out, Sarah craned her neck to study the people gathered in the center of town. Only a handful stood there. A couple waved at the man who’d snored the entire day and his wife. Another man stood alone, but he didn’t resemble Robert Fields. When the woman she’d leaned against went to him and they embraced, Sarah realized it wasn’t her husband to be.

  Finally, she was able to stand and her wobbly legs barely kept her upright as strong hands assisted her down. Several men had neared to assist with passengers and luggage.

  The horses were already unhitched and being led away. Sarah was glad to see that the poor animals were about to be rested and fed.

  Someone pushed a bundle into her arms and she glanced to find Lilah mirroring her. A bewildered look was on her face as a bag was given to her as well. They were guided across the street to stand in the shade of a building as the rest of the luggage was unloaded.

  “Oh my, I’m not sure what to do next.” The young woman looked around as if searching for someone in particular. Lilah had accepted a teaching position and was to become the town’s teacher since they did not have one at the moment.

  Sarah also scanned the area for whoever her husband to be was. When a young boy neared with one of her suitcases, she got his attention.

  “Do you know Robert Fields?”

  The boy’s smile widely showing a gap where he was missing a front tooth. “Yes, Ma’am. He’s right there,” the boy said, pointing at a man who stood across the street in conversation. He was part of the couple who’d been waiting to greet the snoring man and his wife.

  As if sensing her regard, he looked up and across the street, his eyes narrowing. From where she stood, she could not make out his features clearly, but he was of good stature and did not resemble the picture in the ad at all.

  Although he was quite far away, it was easy to tell he was attractive and not plain of face in the least. He had broad shoulders and a trim waist.

  Her heart skipped when he seemed to be studying her in return.

  Someone approached at that moment, a man stopped in front of her and Lilah. “Welcome to Ranchester, ladies. I am Judge Withers, the town’s mayor.” He looked between them. “Who of you is Miss Adams?”

  Lilah held out her hand. “I am. Please excuse my appearance. The travel here was hot and quite bothersome. Are you also the town judge?”

  “Actually yes, but my first name is Judge. It’s confusing at times.” The mayor took her companion’s hand and looked to Sarah. “Miss.”

  Sarah let out a breath. “I am Sarah Michaels. I’m here to meet Mr. Fields.”

  “Oh yes, of course,” the mayor exclaimed with a broad grin. “He has been most anxious.”

  She couldn’t help but frown. The “anxious” Mr. Fields had yet to cross the road to greet her.

  “Is he?” She lifted an eyebrow and looked in the direction where her intended continued conversing.

  The mayor followed her line of thought. “Oh, there he is.” He turned to the boy who’d lingered, eavesdropping. “Teddy, go get Mr. Fields. Tell him Miss Michaels is here.”

  The mayor guided them inside the hotel. “I assume you will be spending the first night here, Miss Michaels.” He turned to her companion. “Miss Adams, you will remain here for a few nights until your cottage is properly prepared. My wife will come and take you to see it tomorrow afternoon after you get a chance to rest.”

  Sarah took one last look to where Robert Fields stood. He was carrying several suitcases to a waiting wagon. Interesting.

  The mayor got her attention. “Ladies, please sit down and have a rest. A hot meal and something cold to drink will help you pass the time until your rooms are prepared.”

  At least this man was very thoughtful. Judge Withers, with graying hair and warm blue eyes instantly made Sarah feel at ease. He informed them his wife, Olive, was otherwise detained at the moment as they made their way to a table for four.

  The dimness of the building helped cool Sarah a bit. She wanted nothing more than to take a bath and go directly to bed. It would be so much better than meeting her soon-to-be husband in her current condition.

  A woman brought them moist cloths to wipe their faces and hands. Sarah returned the now soiled item to her. “That was heavenly. Thank you so very much.”

  “A meal will be brought out right away,” the plump, friendly woman informed them as she poured water into glasses. She placed the pitcher on a table right next to their glasses.

  Over the rim of her glass, Sarah watched as the young boy returned alone. “Mr. Fields said he can’t come right now.” The boy stuck a finger in his nose, dug around and then inspected the tip once he retrieved the offending bit. Not looking at anyone in particular, he continued, “Ma’am, he said to tell you, he’ll be come see ya first thing tomorrow morning.”

  The mayor flushed and looked to her. “I-I suppose he’s detained.”

  Lilah’s stricken expression only made Sarah want to cry once again. This was most distressful and not at all what she expected. Of course, she’d dreamed up a beautiful meeting that did not include a tear-streaked, dirty face.

  The schoolmarm touched Sarah’s forearm and addressed the mayor. “Please allow us time to settle in and have our meal. Do not feel obligated to remain here. It’s best, actually, that we eat and immediately go to our rooms to freshen up and rest.”

  “Yes, yes of course,” the mayor pronounced with obvious relief at someone taking matters in hand. “I will return with my wife in the late morning to give you time to rest.”

  Within minutes, Sarah was settled into a small, but clean room. A bathtub was brought and filled by two boys. One of the boys was Teddy, the one who’d brought the message earlier.

  She tapped the boy’s arm. “Teddy, why did Mr. Fields say he could not come by just now?”

  The boy smiled widely, obviously enjoying the task of messenger. “At first, he said it was the worst timing. Then he said to tell you he’d come by tomorrow.” The boy hurried from the room when someone in the hallway called his name.

  The worst timing?
r />   Her heart sank. If the man was not going to follow through, she wasn’t sure what she’d do. He’d already set the tone by not having the common decency to greet her. To add insult to injury, he’d been standing just across the road from where she’d been. Not only had it been embarrassing, but also most hurtful.

  Sarah lifted her chin and hurried to the window. The group Robert Fields had been with had gone. Scanning from one side of the town to the other, for the first time she took in the quaintness of Ranchester. There were quite a few people about, both men and women, and several shops.

  There would be plenty of time to become familiar with the town.

  With swiftness, Sarah undressed and sunk into the warm water. The water, along with the fragrant soap as she lathered, was most delightful. A long breath left her and she hoped not to fall asleep while bathing. This was not the time to be sleepy. She had to formulate a plan.

  She was not so desperate that she’d marry a man whose first action was to disrespect her. Instead, she’d visit the apothecary across the way and seek a position. If that didn’t work, she’d offer to assist Lilah.

  One of the perks of being a companion to Lady Worthington was that the eccentric woman had insisted she take lessons in mathematics, languages and grammar.

  Although she was a servant more than anything else, she’d been privileged in attending every social event with her employer. Her training and education could yield much in the current situation.

  Never one to linger in melancholy, Sarah’s lips curved with satisfaction as she formulated a perfect plan. When Mr. Fields arrived with the announcement he no longer wished to marry, she’d accept his withdrawal from marriage with grace and return the money he’d sent. Other than the cost of travel, which she’d keep, the rest of the rather generous amount he’d sent was intact.