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

  “Hopefully being jailed will be of some help. She’s going to recover, but will have plenty of scars as a reminder of what happened,” Emmett said.

  Across the street, the man who’d been brawling sat on the sidewalk, head hanging between his legs.

  Blake let out a huff. “I best go see about him. He may need to lie down for a bit in a nice cool cell.” The lawman ambled off while Emmett remained in front of the jailhouse.

  In a way, both of their jobs consisted of seeing people at their worst. Whether because of illness or stupid choices, people rarely came to them for something good.

  It was still early in the day and Emmett had left Gladys, his helper, to remain with the injured woman. Times like these womenfolk didn’t really appreciate having a man about, anyway.

  He considered what to eat when his stomach grumbled. Although Gladys often brought him a portion of whatever she cooked for her family, currently there wasn’t anything to eat at his house.

  Just then a horse galloped down the main street, the rider barely seeming to control the strong animal. Emmett laughed when the man went sideways and clung on for dear life.

  His youngest brother Elias, who loved a challenge, rode the horse that wasn’t quite broken in yet. With a wide grin, Elias, who was no doubt having the time of his life, pulled the animal’s reins back upon spotting Emmett. The animal kicked it’s front legs in the air before coming to a stop.

  When Elias dismounted, the horse seemed to calm.

  “The horse has more sense than you do,” Emmett said. “If you had fallen off on the way to town, it could’ve been hours before someone found you.”

  Once again a wide grin split Elias’ face. “Yep. Not sure how else to get some energy from this brute without letting him run like the devil is chasing him every once in a while.”

  Emmett studied the chestnut horse. “He’s beautiful. Probably meant to be free. If you haven’t tamed him, no one will.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Elias bowed his head. “Came to see about you. Haven’t seen you in two weeks and Esther was worried.”

  Emmett shrugged. “Tell your wife I’m fine. I’ll try to come for supper on Sunday. Had some very ill folks taking all my time lately.”

  “That’s why you should be a rancher instead. You’ve got all that land out there just waiting to be worked.” His brother, a cattle rancher, was always trying to convince Emmett to leave town and move out to the land near his.

  “You got Evan convinced. He’s the one who stuck me with the clinic here in town,” Emmett replied, referring to their other brother. “What else are you in town for?”

  Elias’ grin returned. “Chicken and dumplings at the hotel’s restaurant.”

  They always ate at the hotel whenever Elias came to town. Elias loved chicken and dumplings and even if Esther cooked them often, he never grew tired of them.

  His brother pulled the unruly horse behind them as they went left toward where the hotel was. There were people waiting on a platform across the street from it, which meant a coach would soon be arriving.

  “You place an ad yet?” Elias asked, his attention toward the group on the platform.

  “I did, but not sure I’m following through.” For months now, his brother had been hounding him to place an ad for a mail order bride, as Emmett was the only one who remained single of the three brothers. He’d considered it and had gone as far as writing it up. For months, the draft sat on his night table. Finally he’d settled on sending the proprietor of the Gazette, a woman by the name of Lady Price, a letter instead.

  As they continued walking, he mused. Life would be simpler with a wife. He missed the intimacy that came with being with a woman. Yet, whenever he considered marriage seriously, events from his past would rear in his mind.

  Although smart enough to realize things didn’t always repeat themselves and that one shouldn’t live life based on past occurrences, it was hard to get away from recalling the aching that followed a deep betrayal.

  Elias elbowed him in the arm. “Don’t go there. Leave the past where it is.”

  Obviously his expression and silence spoke volumes.

  When he met his brother’s worried gaze, Emmett grimaced. “Yeah, you’re right. Not sure why I can’t let it go. I think a good meal will set things right. I haven’t eaten since last night.”

  After Elias tethered the high-strung horse to a post, they entered the dim interior of the hotel to be greeted by the proprietor, John Ellis, who waved them in. “Gentlemen, good to see you. What brings you in today?”

  “Good food,” Elias informed the man, already turning toward the restaurant.

  “Nice to see you John,” Emmett said following after his brother.

  To the left of the lobby was the eating establishment. It was a good-sized room and always clean. There were a total of eight tables, each with four chairs.

  Windows faced the street, which is where Elias headed.

  “I’ll be right with you,” Sharon Ellis called out walking past the table they went to, carrying a pitcher and two glasses to where another couple sat.

  The aroma of food was thick in the air making Emmett’s stomach growl in anticipation.

  Elias sat across from him and looked out the window to where the horse was now drinking from the trough. “I think once the animal settles, he’ll be a good ranch horse.”

  When the animal lifted its head and pawed at the ground, Emmett shook his head. “Somehow I doubt that horse will ever be tame. I do think he’ll be a good challenge for you.”

  Finally Sharon Ellis approached and poured each a glass of water. “I’ve got pot roast and chicken stew. Which would you like?”

  “Chicken and dumplings,” Elias said, obviously not hearing his favorite meal was not being offered that day.

  The woman smiled down at him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t make that today.”

  Elias visibly deflated. “I’ll take the stew then.”

  The woman took pity. “I can whip up some dumplins to throw in, but they won’t be as tasty as the ones who cook in there for longer.

  “That’s fine. I’ll take dumplins anyway you fix ‘em.” Elias straightened and beamed at the woman.

  Just then, a man shuffled outside the window and Emmett sat up straighter following his progress. “I’ll be right back.” He looked at Mrs. Ellis. “I’ll take the roast please.”

  He strode out of the eating area and advanced through the lobby intent on following the man who’d just been released from the jail. As soon as he walked outside, Sheriff Blake called out to him.

  “He’s not going to the clinic. I told him to go home and see about his children since they’re alone. He’s going to the stables and then heading home.” The lawman caught up with Emmett as he continued walking. “He knows his wife isn’t recovered. Seems remorseful.”

  “Cowards always are,” Emmett mumbled.

  True to his word, the man headed toward the stables after looking over his shoulder and seeing they watched.

  Emmett returned to the restaurant just as the meals were placed on the table. Unable to keep from it, he began to eat without speaking. The food was delicious. Even the knowledge of a wife beater being free didn’t deter him from enjoying the meal.

  “Why are you considering not going through with getting married? Something happen?” Elias pressed the subject again.

  “Nope, nothing. I’m glad to see you and Evan settled and happy. You came here because I wanted to get away. I’ve felt guilty about taking you both from the life we had. Now seeing how things turned out, I suppose I wouldn’t change anything.

  “Hmm,” Elias replied his brows drawn together. “Nah, we gotta get you married.”

  “Eat and be quiet.” Emmett shoved a piece of bread into his brother’s mouth.

  After spending the rest of the day in the clinic, Emmett was finally able to go home. It was evening and the sun sat low on the horizon.

  With a cup of coffee in hand, he sat befor
e the fireplace and let out a long sigh. It was much too quiet and yet, solitude was good.

  “I prefer it this way,” he said to the empty room.

  The words sounded hollow.

  Chapter Three

  Sorrowful sobs echoed in the large hall during Desmond Franklin’s funeral. Scarlett watched from a distance as her father’s wife, Rose Franklin, torn apart by grief, could barely stand. Scarlett’s stepsisters and stepbrother walked beside the sorrow filled woman to the open casket. Thankfully, her stepbrother managed to keep the poor woman upright.

  Once there, wails erupted, sending tears to sting Scarlett’s eyes. She blinked them away. There were quite a few people in attendance, none of which she knew. Although not part of society, her stepfather, an actuary, had been well regarded and held in high esteem by some of the wealthy families of Philadelphia.

  There were representatives of his client’s families along with family friends and his colleagues.

  No one cried except for his immediate family.

  Scarlett found she couldn’t cry either. A deep sorrow weighed over her like a sodden blanket. Although she’d barely known her father for a year, it still hurt to lose him so soon.

  Finally they were instructed to exit through a side door and out to the graveyard followed by the guests. Scarlett followed behind the family. None seemed to notice her presence.

  She’d had little interaction with the grieving woman since her father’s death just three days earlier. Once her stepsiblings arrived, they made it crystal clear she was not considered part of the family.

  Lady Price appeared at her elbow and weaved her arm through hers. “How are you holding up dear?”

  Scarlett wanted to lean on the woman in relief. Finally she had someone to speak to. “I’m well. Thank you so much for coming.”

  “Of course I came. I heard just yesterday afternoon. I’m terribly sorry Scarlett. So soon after losing your mother, to have to go through this is horrible.”

  Scarlett could barely muster a nod. “Mother passed just a little over a year ago. Now both are gone.” She gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do or how to act now.”

  Taking her elbow, Lady Price guided Scarlett to a nearby bench where they could sit and watch the proceedings from the shade of a large elm.

  “What do you mean? Have things changed between you and Rose?”

  For a long moment they remained silent as Rose and her children were escorted to chairs under an awning. No one looked for Scarlett and she realized for the most part, she’d not been introduced to most of the people there. Only a couple women knew of her existence and they barely spared her a glance.

  “I have not had the opportunity to speak to her. My stepsisters and stepbrother arrived just before father died. They have remained by her side to comfort her since. I--I’ve been...”

  “Ostracized?” Lady Price provided.

  Scarlett gasped softly. “No... of course not. It’s just a horrible time and I’m sure they are not leaving me out of things on purpose.”

  They were excluding her, but Scarlett refused to harbor ill will toward them. They’d only met once since she’d arrived. Her father had introduced her to them as a distant cousin.

  That she was a product of her father’s infidelity was kept a secret.

  Upon arriving in Philadelphia, Rose, her father’s wife, had pulled her aside to inform Scarlett she was aware of how she came to be. She was a kind woman, who upon learning of her mother’s death, had insisted she come to live there.

  “Besides,” Scarlett whispered. “They think me to be a long lost cousin, not a sibling.”

  Lady Price didn’t say anything. Instead she remained sitting beside Scarlett as prayers were said and the casket lowered into the earth. People milled for only a few moments, but once having said their condolences, they left promising to stay in touch as people often did on occasions like this.

  Her family walked by and once again, none looked toward were she now stood.

  “I suppose it’s time to head back. I want to ensure the food is ready for whoever stops by afterward.” Scarlett smoothed her skirts, her gaze moving toward the grave. “I wish to have had more time with him.”

  They continued on toward the front of the house behind guests. “It’s understandable,” Lady Price said. “However, I do not agree to the way you were treated today. Even if just a distant cousin, you should’ve be included.”

  This was not the time to confess she’d been purposely left out of family discussions and such. Just the night before at the dinner table, they’d all stopped talking when she’d entered to eat. After a few nibbles, she excused herself and returned to her room.

  Her stomach knotted in the knowledge that soon she’d be without a place to live. It was only a matter of time before someone approached and asked her to leave. Of that she had little doubt. But where would she go?

  Other than an aunt who lived somewhere in the south, she didn’t have any relatives. Her mother had made only a few friends over the years. Some acquaintances would extend hospitality if she needed it. However, it would be too much to ask that she be allowed to live there indefinitely. Her inheritance left by her mother was barely enough to live off of for more than a few months, if she found a very humble place to live.

  Scarlett had never lived by herself and for the second time in her life, she felt utterly alone.

  The first time was right after her mother died. From her deathbed, her mother had confessed the identity of Scarlett’s father and had given her his address along with a letter from him inviting her to live there.

  She and Lady Price walked through a gate to the front of the building where carriage drivers guided horses to pick up the families. As each departed, it became apparent Scarlett had been left behind.

  She pretended not to notice and walked with Lady Price to the woman’s carriage. “Have a good day Lady Price. Thank you so much for coming.”

  The woman looked over her shoulder. “Do you have a way home?”

  “Yes, of course. The carriage is returning for me momentarily,” she lied. “We couldn’t all fit in one.”

  After a bit of hesitation, Lady Price entered her coach. “If you’re sure. I could ask my driver to drop you by.”

  “No, no, thank you. I’ll wait.” She waved the woman away and watched as the last of the people left. One by one the carriages departed until she stood alone on the side of the road.

  A bitter taste filled her mouth and her chest tightened when absolute and total loneliness engulfed.

  Scarlett began the trek toward the family home. It would take at least an hour for her to arrive as she doubted anyone would note her absence and send for her.

  Others walked as well, although she was sure they lived much closer and had chosen to walk instead of ride to the funeral. Fortunately it wasn’t raining that day and although the wind was cool, the sun helped dispel some of it.

  Whenever footsteps sounded behind her, she gripped her shawl tighter and walked faster. Having lost her reticule just weeks prior made her shiver at the thought of being accosted again.

  Thankfully, a block later, the person who followed her turned a corner and didn’t continue behind.

  She arrived at the modest, but well appointed two-story house. People milled in inside in the parlor, visible through the large front windows. Someone had draped a black cloth on the front door announcing the family’s mourning status.

  Unsure of how to make an entrance, Scarlett hesitated just as a couple arrived.

  “Good afternoon, miss,” the gentleman said tipping his hat. The woman smiled politely. “Are you a friend of the family?”

  “More of an acquaintance really,” Scarlett replied walking up the steps with them. Hopefully the couple was well known by the family and would distract from her entrance.

  The couple was greeted by one of Rose’s sisters and Scarlett skirted around them and headed to a hallway so to take the stairs up to her bedroo
m.

  “Where have you been?” Nancy, one of her stepsisters appeared through a doorway. “We waited a bit before leaving, but you never came.”

  Clearly it was a lie, but Scarlett let it pass. “I apologize. I thought I was right behind you. I had to walk home.”

  Nancy’s gaze roamed over her as if assessing what to say next. “Mother is in her bedroom. She wishes to speak to you.”

  It felt as if a stone sunk in her stomach and Scarlett could only nod. “I will go to her immediately.” Scarlett hurried up the steps only to slow upon reaching the second floor. Every step to Rose’s bedroom echoed in the hard thumps of her heart. What would happen to her now?

  The curtains were drawn and her father’s wife lay on the bed propped up by pillows. She offered a weak smile when Scarlett entered. “Ah, there you are.” She motioned her forward. “Come, I must speak to you.”

  Scarlett sat on the edge of the bed. “How are you feeling?”

  “Sad.” Rose sighed. “I will miss him so.”

  The woman lifted a handkerchief to her eyes. “I’m sure this is frightening for you dear. However, don’t fear. Your father made allowances once realizing how ill he was. There is a small amount put aside for you.”

  “Thank you.” Scarlett suspected her stepsiblings knew nothing about the account set up for her. When hearing the amount, she felt a bit of relief. It would not be enough to live off of for very long, but enough to get established in a small apartment and see about finding work to support herself.

  “What about you? What do you plan to do?” Scarlett hoped to remain there at the house with her stepmother since all of her children were married.

  Her stepmother’s lips lifted. “I don’t wish to remain here alone. I know it’s silly, but I’m scared and a friend of the family has offered a very nice sum for the house. It has been set for a while now. He and Desmond had already discussed it, and the transfer of funds has been made.”

  At mentioning her husband, tears spilled down her stepmother’s cheeks. “I am so utterly sad and worried about your future.”