Esther, An Easter Bride (Brides for all Seasons Book 4) Read online

  Having grown up with two brothers and a sister in a city home back east, he’d lived with constant banter and lively conversations over dinner until moving west. His parents were deeply involved in the social scene and ensconced in the ways of society. They rarely had dinner at home.

  Attending one social event after another, they left the siblings to dine alone together. The four had formed a tradition of their own by telling stories and picking on one another.

  “Come in. Goodness, you must be frozen.” Aurora, his brother’s pretty wife, motioned for him to enter the clinic. She often worked alongside Evan when they had injured or ill patients. Today, the space was empty.

  “We just finished tidying up the place. What do you think?” Aurora motioned to the room with two beds, each with a tall table beside it, upon which a tray with instruments and bottles of antiseptic were placed. Everything was clean and fresh.

  “Hope I don’t bleed on anything.”

  “What?” Evan entered from the side door and rushed to him. “Are you hurt?

  Elias enjoyed annoying his brother. “I might just bleed profusely from my severed toes.” He looked to his right foot. “I cut them off with an ax.”

  His brother’s brow crinkled. He grabbed Elias, threw him over his shoulder and grunted as he made his way to one of the beds. Meanwhile, Elias winked at his sister-in-law who rolled her eyes.

  “How did you manage to put a boot on?” Evan was all business, grabbing a menacing pair of scissors. “I’ll have to try and cut it off.”

  “Hell no, you won’t.” Elias yanked his foot away. He jerked around to look at Aurora. “I apologize for my language.”

  Aurora laughed. “Evan, he’s making it up. There is nothing wrong with his foot.”

  His brother’s narrowed eyes met his. “You’re not funny.”

  “Yeah. I am.”

  Evan punched him in the shoulder. Unfortunately, it was the left one which jostled his arm and he grimaced.

  “Ouch.” He held up his left arm ensuring to keep his wrist straight. “I think I sprained my wrist.”

  Both Evan and Aurora looked to him with raised eyebrows and flat lips. Evan spoke first. “No, you didn’t.”

  “I did.”

  “You’re an idiot.” Evan took his left hand and lifted it just a bit.

  Elias bit back a curse. “That really hurt.”

  “Hmmm,” Evan began prodding and poking, making him move his hand in different directions. All kidding aside, he became the ultimate professional as Aurora looked on. “Tenderness, bruising, some swelling. Any tingling or numbing of the fingers? Say yes or no when I press on each one.”

  Evan finished his examination. “I’d say you twisted it pretty bad, but it’s not broken,” he pronounced, which meant nothing to Elias. “You’ll wear a splint for a couple weeks. You’ll stay here overnight. I’ll give you something for pain...” Evan continued, seeming to talk more to himself than to his brother. So Elias closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of the room and care of his brother.

  * * *

  “Elias?” Aurora woke him up and he blinked up at her. “Get up. We’re about to have dinner. Oh, and you have a telegram.”

  He’d been covered up with a thick blanket. There was a splint fastened from his hand to his elbow on his left arm.

  She handed him the telegram and walked out. “See you at the house.”

  After he sat up, he managed to tear the envelope open with his teeth. The letter was short, but it made him fall back onto the bed.

  * * *

  Mr. Jones. A mail order bride, Esther Wilmington, has agreed to a marriage proposal. A letter of introduction from her will be forthcoming. However, it is imperative that she travels soon. You may inquire to Aurora Jones about her, as it seems they are related.

  Lady Eugenia Price.

  Chapter 3

  Aurora’s bright eyes met Elias’ over her teacup. “This is all so hard to believe. You and Esther. Goodness, how very interesting.”

  Evan listened as Elias told them about the ad he’d placed in the Matrimonial Gazette followed by the reply he’d just gotten. Evan remained quiet. But his questioning gaze moved from his wife to Elias.

  “What can you tell me about her?” He’d waited, hoping Aurora would come forth with information, but she seemed reluctant.

  The pretty woman pursed her lips. “Her story is one she should tell, but I supposed I can share some things. She’s a bit taller than me, blonde and quite pretty. When we were of age, her dance card was always filled. I remember, once, she’d mistakenly accepted to dance with two gentlemen, which caused quite a stir...”

  The reminder of the life he’d left behind made him cringe. As much as he wanted to learn about his future wife, he didn’t need all the details about balls. Not wanting to be rude, he waited until Aurora took a breath between details of gown colors and such. “Is she agreeable in nature?”

  “Oh. I did prattle on, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, you did, dear,” Evan told her with a warm smile. “Do you think she and my brother will make a good pairing?”

  Aurora studied Elias for a moment. “From what I’ve seen of you, I do think you will be good together. She is of a good gentle nature, likes to keep busy and is gifted in sewing and such. Lucille and I had written her to ask that she consider opening a seamstress shop. She’d agreed, until Lucille married, and then hesitated, not sure she wanted to come and impose on either of us.”

  Elias noted that she’d yet to speak of the woman’s status. “Why would she want to come here and marry me?”

  There was a long silence and, finally, Aurora let out a breath. “She is a widow. Married quite young to a much older man who...who died.”

  “Hence why she’s a widow?” Evan prompted and Aurora playfully smacked his hand.

  “I’m trying to be delicate and not share too much.” She gave Elias a warm smile. “Her parents, my uncle and aunt, and her sisters live outside the city. Esther belongs to a charity group that is collecting clothing for the less fortunate.”

  The brothers exchanged looks and Evan gave Elias an understanding nod. “Darling, does Esther have children resulting from her marriage? How long was she married?”

  “Hmmm,” Aurora said as she tapped her chin. “Seven years, I’d say. Not happily, I will add that much. You’ll have to ask her more about that,” she finished, looking at Elias. “Oh, and there are no children.”

  Fast knocks sounded at the door announcing the possibility of an ill or injured person. Evan hurried to the door.

  “My husband fell from the roof, he was shoveling snow you see. He won’t come to. Please help me,” a frantic woman cried out, her voice hitching with emotion.

  Evan looked over his shoulder to Aurora, who’d already rushed to where her coat hung.

  “Make yourself at home, please, Elias,” his sister-in-law said as they left.

  He sat back and lifted his cup of coffee, going over the few things he’d learned from Aurora. One stark fact stuck out in his mind. Esther had been married seven years and did not have a child. Could she be barren?

  Lacking a cohesive family life since moving to Montana, he’d always yearned to be a good father. He wanted to raise children who were appreciated and knew he cared for them. Many times while out on his land, he pictured sharing his knowledge of ranching with a son or two.

  Unsure what to think, he looked around the room. Evan and Aurora were already expecting their first child. They’d only been married a few months.

  Not sure how to broach the subject, he needed to ask Aurora if his future wife could not have children. There was the fact of a much older husband. Perhaps that was the reason.

  One thing was for sure. No matter the circumstances, he wasn’t sure he could marry a woman who could not bear children. Above all, he wanted a family.

  Now he had to figure out what to do. Had he made a huge mistake in sending for a mail order bride?

  Chapter 4

  The ai
r was thick with disdain. Although Esther did not feel inclined to, she maintained a pleasant expression in the solicitor’s office. All those gathered, listened to the solicitor, who explained the conditions of her husband’s estate and inheritance thereof.

  It seemed she would get only a bit more than expected. Even with Lady Price’s assistance, she’d not gained much. However, she wasn’t overly disappointed. Every step toward independence helped and, for that, Esther was grateful.

  Instead of a monthly stipend, she was to receive a lump sum as well as a sum of money to help her settle in a new residence. Esther wanted to laugh at the amount. If she weren’t going west, she’d have to settle for living in a hovel, if that.

  The meeting dispersed and Esther placed the envelope with the money from her husband’s inheritance into her satchel.

  Her husband’s youngest son leaned from the seat next to her and tapped her upper arm. It was obvious by the lift to his lips, he was quite satisfied with his portion of the estate. “May I ask for a word with you, Esther?”

  “Of course.” No doubt, he wanted to know how soon she would be moving out, so he could swoop in and begin the process of living the life of a city bachelor.

  Thomas Wilmington smiled at her, sending an icy chill down her spine. She’d never felt at ease around the well-known rogue.

  His gaze swept over her and his lips curved. “I will marry you. You can remain in the house and sleep in my bed. This will ensure you can stay in the life you are accustomed to. Therefore, we both gain from it.”

  Unable to formulate words, her mouth hung open as she tried to catch her breath. “Marry you? Why would I do that?”

  It was obvious by his smirk, the conceited man thought she was flustered by his attractiveness. “As I explained, so you will not be reduced to living beneath your means.” He looked over his shoulder to ensure no one overheard. “It goes without saying, our marriage will not be exclusive.”

  Esther decided it was best not to divulge her plans. Something about the entire situation made her uneasy. Not just the rashness of the proposal, but also how he seemed to sit on the edge of his seat as if anxious for her reply.

  “I have to admit to be shocked by your proposition. I will not enter into a marriage knowing my husband plans to seek company elsewhere. Secondly, you have never shown the least bit of interest which leads me to wonder as to the real reason for your offer.”

  “It is a proposal, not a proposition. As my father’s widow, you deserve better treatment than what the testament allowed.”

  “The amount of stipend and payment for my living could easily be changed by you and your brother. That is not a reason to enter into a marriage of...I would say convenience, but I am unsure you would gain anything from it.”

  His gaze raked over her. “I beg to differ.”

  “My body is not for sale, sir.” Keeping her eyes locked on his widened ones, she stood. “Good day. I don't wish to speak of this again. I will be moving out of the house within fourteen days as specified in the will.”

  “Where are you going?” He stood and took her elbow. “Take a few days to decide before giving me a final answer. Think about it. I apologize for the lack of thought in proposing lack of exclusivity.” He did not release her arm when she tugged it. “I have always found you quite desirable, Esther. However, being you were married to my father, I was not in a position to ever make my feelings clear.”

  With a hard pull, she managed to free her arm of his hold. “Very well, I will think upon it. However, I doubt my decision in the matter will change.”

  Outside, the chilly air was welcome on her heated face. The sooner she left the dreadful situation her life had become, the better.

  She’d sent a letter to Elias Jones announcing her arrival date. In five days, she’d head to Montana. Esther pondered if she should leave earlier to avoid Jonathan’s son. Meeting with him again would be a bad idea. It was best if she avoided him.

  First, she had to leave the house. Jonathan’s sons had keys and could enter at any time. She turned toward Lady Price’s house.

  The woman had offered her a place to stay at her brother’s townhome. Lady Price’s brother was rarely in residence as he lived in Massachusetts for the most part.

  “Esther,” a familiar voice called out. Sarah, an acquaintance hurried over. Her dark curls bounced and her pretty cheeks flushed. “I thought to never see you again.” The woman hugged her. “I’m in town for just a few days.”

  Esther smiled broadly and took Sarah’s hand. “I hope you can spare a few moments. I would love to visit with you. Would you like to have tea?”

  They walked to a nearby teashop and settled at a table near the windows. Esther leaned forward. “I heard you may be going abroad.”

  “I don’t plan to but it's a secret for now. The woman I work for is most fickle. She changes her mind constantly and has yet to pick a date. Last night, she announced we’d go to France in a few months and, in the second breath, she considered, perhaps, England would be a better choice as her French was horrid.”

  Sarah’s gay laughter made Esther smile. They’d grown up in the same small town just outside Philadelphia. Although Sarah’s family had been much poorer than hers, they’d seen each other on occasion over the years.

  “It’s quite fortunate that you and I ran into each other. I fear we may never see one another again.” Esther reached for Sarah’s hand. “I’m leaving, moving far away.”

  Her friend’s eyes grew round. “Where?”

  “Out west. To marry,” she whispered. “I have to leave. The situation with Jonathan’s family has become quite alarming.”

  “Marry,” Sarah repeated. “Who are you going to marry?”

  Her cheeks heated and Esther glanced around to ensure no one eavesdropped. The only other patrons were a pair of elderly women. The women paid them no heed, much too engrossed in whatever they conversed about.

  “I answered a mail order bride ad. I’m marrying a man out west. A rancher.”

  “Oh.” Sarah’s mouth formed a perfect circle. Her countenance changed and she let out a long breath. “Well, I can’t very well let you travel alone. I will come with you.”

  For the second time in one afternoon, Esther was beyond words.

  “We can speak to Lady Price. Maybe we can find you a husband, too,” Esther suggested.

  Sarah’s lips lifted into a wide smile. “Do you think she’ll help me find a husband? That would be wonderful.”

  * * *

  Two weeks later, the train carried both women west, toward an uncertain but promising future. Sarah beamed with excitement at having left her life as an unstable woman’s companion to meet her soon to be husband in Wyoming.

  “My traveling west is not quite planned. I sent a telegram to my potential husband, so he should be at the train station to greet me. Hopefully, he won’t be too overwhelmed by my quick decision. He did telegram Lady Price accepting me. This is most unconventional, is it not?”

  “It is,” Esther replied. “Terrifying as well.”

  Sarah looked out the window to the passing terrain. “It’s God’s plan for us. So I expect our future will be just perfect.”

  Her friend’s optimism was contagious. Soon, Esther believed she, too, would finally find the happiness which had eluded her up until then.

  Chapter 5

  Spurs clanked on the well-worn, wooden planks of the train station platform. Cries from a young boy rushing after his mother caused a stir as women whirled to ensure it wasn’t one of theirs.

  The usual group of young men gathered, lined up against the wall like soldiers, waiting for the arrival of the train with eager expressions. The unloading of passengers’ baggage and packages for the mercantile and post office assured extra money would be lining their pockets at the end of the day.

  Elias remained seated on the wagon bench, catching no sight of an approaching train yet. It had been decided Aurora, Wilhelmina and Lucille would all come and join him to greet E
sther. Unfortunately, they’d not arrived as yet and he hoped they’d not miss the woman’s arrival.

  Although anxious to meet his soon-to-be wife, it would be easier for her to first be greeted by familiar faces. At least, that's what he supposed. If it were him, he’d prefer to meet acquaintances first before a complete stranger.

  “Elias,” Owen Blake, the Hamiltons’ ranch hand brought his horse up alongside and looked in the direction of where the train would arrive. “No sign of the train yet.” He stated the obvious before looking over his shoulder. “The women should be arriving shortly. Marcus and Tobias are with them as well.”

  The news settled him some. However, it didn’t stop the nervous tumbling of his stomach. “You escort them here as well?”

  “Yes. About to head over to the mercantile and pick up some sundries. I’m going to be picking up a mail order bride soon myself. She was supposed to come for Tobias, but being he’s already married.” He shrugged.

  Owen didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic at the change his life was about to take. Perhaps it hadn’t sunk in. “How did you come to be the one to take his place? They didn’t ask you to, did they?”

  “I volunteered,” Owen replied, pushing his hat back. “Need a wife. I’m tired of spending my time alone rambling between the bunkhouse and my empty cabin.”

  Although he knew Owen’s brother, the town’s sheriff, pretty well, Elias hadn’t had the opportunity to spend much time with Owen. The man rarely visited town and it was even more rare that he’d stop by at Elias’ land.

  However, from what Elias knew about Owen, he was a hard worker, honorable and a loner. “Your brother know?”

  “I’ll tell him today. They usually do the ceremony the same day the brides arrive. They’re preparing for wedding ceremonies now.” Owen looked toward the town. “Saw the pastor on my way here.”