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

  She patted her belly. “I must be hungry. My stomach is talking to me.”

  Everyone settled into chairs, Evan at one end with Aurora on his right and Tobias on the left. Lucille hesitated, not sure if she should sit next to her friend or Tobias as she usually sat at Evan’s left side. Finally, she sat next to Tobias since she already stood on that side.

  “Tobias was telling me he is planning to visit my brother, Elias, sometime soon. It made me think that perhaps you and Lucille would enjoy going out there. He has a beautiful spread of land and a very nice home,” Evan said, while waiting for Aurora to fill his bowl. “I bet you’d like it, Lucille.”

  The obvious point of Evan’s comment caught Lucille off guard and she choked on her water. Tobias scowled at her and proceeded to pound on her back a bit too hard.

  She leaned away. “I’m fine. Thank you.” With a smile toward her best friend’s husband, Lucille wasn’t sure how to respond. “I am sure it’s wonderful. I would very much like to see the land.”

  “It’s still too cold for the women to venture so far,” Tobias said, surprising Lucille that he cared about her and Aurora’s welfare. However, at his next statement, she narrowed her eyes at his profile. “They can’t stand elements as well as men.”

  “Tobias,” Aurora said, giving Lucille a warning look to not say something rash. “We are not as fragile as we may seem. Although I find the current temperature still quite frigid, it is not unbearable. And it’s not much further than your own home.”

  Lucille groaned, gaining Evan’s attention. “Is something wrong?”

  “Not at all. I was just thinking how much I admire forward thinking men such as you, Evan.”

  The doctor chuckled and nodded. “I do feel women are not given enough credit. Although, I have to agree with Tobias, care should be taken when exposing anyone to the elements. We will wait a couple of weeks before visiting Elias.”

  Tobias lifted a brow in her direction and Lucille fought not to elbow him in the side. “Tell us, Tobias, what have you sketched lately? Flowers?”

  Evan burst out laughing while Aurora’s wide gaze met hers for a moment before she, too, succumbed.

  The only one who did not break a smile was Tobias. He lifted a shoulder. “No, I have been sketching wolves and bears. I don’t believe I’ve ever drawn a flower.”

  “Mmm hmm,” Lucille murmured, taking a dainty bite from her biscuit.

  Chapter Three

  A shrill whistle sounded and Tobias urged his horse to a gallop. The herd was reluctant to move, even at the promise of better grazing.

  His brother, Marcus, looked to him. “Lazy animals. At this rate, we won’t be home until well after dark.”

  His stomach grumbled in protest. “I hope not. Whoa!” He leaned sideways to hit the nearest cow on the rump with his rope. “Go on, now!”

  Collars lifted and backs hunched, Tobias wondered if perhaps they should have waited a bit longer to allow the older cattle out to graze. The animals had been restless, ready to roam, but it didn’t mean with the snap of the cold weather the timing was right yet.

  Once again, his stomach rumbled and he let out an exasperated huff. “Get those stragglers to your right. I’ll get these few over on the hill.” He rode off toward the cows that did not seem one bit alarmed at his charging horse.

  Turned out Marcus was right. It was well after dark when they finally finished brushing down and feeding their horses. Tobias trudged toward the family home with a herding dog at his heel. “Sure am tired, I’m not certain I have the energy to eat.”

  Both went to a barrel filled with rainwater and Tobias waited for Marcus to wash up, so he could do the same. Finally, faces, hands and necks scrubbed, the men made it to the porch where their sister waited.

  “Take off those clothes. You’re not stepping foot in the clean house with those boots, either.”

  She waited with both hands on her hips. It was then Tobias noted two buckets with washrags and a bar of soap. “Wash up, the water’s hot. There are clean shirts and underpants there on the rockers.”

  Although her expression was stern, there was warmth in her gaze when meeting his. “My poor darling, you look exhausted. Come on, I’ll help you.”

  “What about me?” Marcus complained. “I’m tired, too.”

  “You have a wife,” Wilhelmina, Marcus’ wife, said as she walked out to Marcus with a welcoming smile. But she kept her distance. “Oh my goodness, I’m not so sure my stomach can take it.”

  Tobias was content to strip and allow Eleanor to pour warm water over him after soaping up. It reminded him of when they were children and she did the same. Being the youngest had its privileges.

  Wilhelmina and Eleanor left so they could remove their underpants and finish washing up. Tobias yanked the rest of his clothes off and briskly washed up. “So glad we don’t have to do this tomorrow.”

  “Yep, the cattle will be fine where they are for a few days. Just have to check on them and make sure we don’t lose any,” Marcus replied.

  Tobias nodded. “The corrals don’t keep the damn predators out. But it’s enough of a deterrence to help some.”

  Once inside the house, the aroma of food, combined with being clean, gave Tobias a boost of energy. He sat at the table and ate until he had to lean back.

  His father walked in from outside and sat at the table. He lifted a pipe to his lips and held it between his teeth. He didn’t smoke in the house, but seemed to like keeping the pipe with him at all times.

  Jacob Hamilton was still relatively young. Other than a few wisps of gray in his moustache, he looked to be just a bit older than Tobias and Marcus. “I’m glad you and Wilhelmina decided to stay here for the last couple days,” their father said to Marcus.

  Marcus nodded. “With all the work to be done, I knew the days would be long. We’ll go back home in the morning.”

  Marcus and Wilhelmina lived just a few minutes away in a house Marcus had built for them. Tobias and his father, along with James and Eleanor, lived in the larger home. There was another house on the property, which was where Eleanor and her husband, James, had lived until his mother got sick. At that point, his sister moved back to the family home to help care for their mother and also ensure all of them were fed and the house taken care of.

  In current times, what his sister had done was expected. Yet Tobias felt he and his father, heck the entire family, owed Eleanor a great deal.

  “You’ve decided to stay here, Pa?” Marcus asked between bites.

  “Yes. For now. I figure Tobias can move into James and Eleanor’s house once he finds a wife.”

  A huff of annoyance escaped Tobias. “I don’t plan to get married. Get the idea out of your heads. It’s a waste of time.”

  His brother and father exchanged looks. Finally Marcus’ lips curved. “What about Lucille? She’s quite fetching.”

  The woman was, indeed, fine looking and her beauty had not escaped his notice. With bright red hair and sparkling green eyes that seemed to challenge his every action, she was more than fetching. Enticing would be the word he’d use to describe her.

  “She doesn’t like me.”

  “What makes you say that?” Wilhelmina piped up from the chair in the other room.

  Two sets of eyes focused on him, waiting for the answer. “I can tell, that’s all. Seems to bristle at my presence and when I say something, she challenges me and then tries to make me look like I’m not a forward thinker.”

  “What’s that?” Marcus asked. “You think about the future all the time. Heck, just today, you said something about going to Billings in the spring.”

  “That’s not what she means,” Wilhelmina replied with a chuckle. “A forward thinker is someone who believes in the betterment of certain things.”

  “Well, you got me there,” Jacob stood. “I’ll be on the porch thinking about forward things and boy’” he directed a pointed look toward Tobias, “whether it’s Lucille or another lady, you will be getting married.
Family is important, the best thing you’ll ever do for yourself.”

  When their father walked out, Marcus chuckled. “No pressure, Brother, take your time. But it better be soon.”

  How could everyone be so callous? Moving forward so quickly as if their lives had not been devastated? Tobias stared up at the ceiling. “I sometimes wish I could move on as quickly as everyone else. Other times, I hate you for it.”

  When Marcus reached for his shoulder, Tobias wanted to lean away. Instead, he allowed his brother’s touch. “Everyone grieves differently, Tobias. I worry how hard you’re taking Ma’s death. Sometimes, your melancholy is so heavy, it’s a wonder you can go on day to day. Our mother passed on and, even though everyone says she’s in a better place, I can’t help but think the best place for her is here with us.”

  His brother’s throat clearing made him do the same. Marcus continued. “It’s not that we don’t mourn her loss. Hell, a day doesn’t pass that I don’t look for her. Honestly, I hate coming here sometimes.”

  How selfish he’d been in his sorrow to think that the others were not hurting just as much. Tobias lifted his shoulders. “I’m sorry. Not sure what to do about it.”

  Their sister, who’d remained silent in the background, came up wiping her hands on a dish towel. “We’re all going to the fair. It’s this coming week.” There was a gleam of challenge in the look directed at Tobias.

  Tobias chuckled, shaking his head. “Already planned to attend.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Truly?”

  “Yep, helping the sheriff maintain the peace. Since I’m already deputized, he asked me.”

  “That’s no fun.” Eleanor let out a long sigh. “Marcus, do something about your brother.”

  “He’s your brother, too,” Marcus replied with a chuckle.

  Lucille enjoyed her afternoons at the mercantile. Each day, she’d learned more about how items were purchased and stocked. Her journal was filled with notes which would come to good use when helping Esther open the seamstress shop. Gemina had agreed to help with the purchase of certain fabrics, notions and such. They’d have to invest in a shop they’d have built.

  Her small savings would help with set up. Thankfully, the small amount budgeted for clothing and necessities was going to stretch further since the Johnstons were now paying her for working while they took much needed time to rest.

  A smile stretched across Lucille’s face when a woman walked in with a baby on her hip and a toddler in tow. “Good afternoon. What can I help you with today?”

  The austere woman’s eyes widened. “Is Gemina ill?”

  “No ma’am. She’s taking time away from the store. I’m Lucille. I work here a couple afternoons a week.”

  “Oh,” the woman looked to her baby. “Gemina allows little Henry to sit behind the counter while I shop.” She looked past Lucille. “I suppose you don’t know where she keeps the toys and blanket.”

  Lucille went to the woman and lifted the child from the mother’s arms. “You must be Sarah Marie. Of course, we have a special place for you, Henry.” The baby kicked and gurgled with a gummy, open-mouthed grin. Seemed the child had a better temperament than the mother. After depositing the baby on a blanket with a few wooden blocks, the toddler rushed over and began to play as well.

  The young woman frowned then turned to a shelf. “Of course, you would have no idea where Gemina keeps my favorite powder…”

  Finally, Sarah Marie left just as Elias Jones walked in. The rancher was a taller, broader version of Evan Jones, Aurora’s husband. Although daunting, he was friendly enough without seeming too forward.

  “Good afternoon, Elias,” Lucille called out from atop a ladder. She enjoyed being taller than him, even for a few moments.

  “Miss Lucille,” he said, removing his hat. “Is Howard Johnston about? I have the two cows he purchased.”

  She directed him to go outside and up the stairwell to where the Johnstons lived above the mercantile. The entire time, he studied her as if noticing her features for the first time. It was disconcerting and a bit annoying. They’d met on the several occasions he’d come to visit Evan. Each time, he’d barely spared her more than a glance.

  “My brother tells me you are coming for a visit.” His statement took her by surprise. She’d not considered that, perhaps, this man could be interested in her.

  “Uh…yes, I believe in a few days. I’m looking forward to seeing your ranch. Evan tells us it’s a beautiful landscape.”

  The corner of his lips lifted. “I’m partial, but I agree. Will you be attending the fair?”

  “Good afternoon.” Tobias had walked up and now towered over both of them. She’d forgotten how large of a man he was. Her stomach tumbled and it annoyed Lucille that it had not happened with Elias.

  The air sizzled with tension as the men locked gazes, some sort of challenge between them. Lucille stepped back, unsure if they’d argue or, worse, fight. Instead of waiting for the outcome, she whirled around and went behind the counter. If they had some kind of animosity, she didn’t want to be privy to it.

  Whatever happened between the males was nothing she’d be in the center of. For one thing, given their size, someone caught between them could get seriously hurt. “Unless you two plan to stare at each other much longer, please move from the center aisle,” Lucille called out from behind the counter as the bell over the door jingled.

  “Ah, I don’t know you.” A woman eyed Lucille with distrust. “Do you work here? Where is Gemina?”

  It was becoming bothersome to explain every time. Hopefully, in a few weeks, the townspeople would get used to her. “I do work here, ma’am. Gemina is taking time away to rest. What can I get for you?”

  “I need some flour and a bit of sugar, please.”

  Not giving the men, who’d stepped aside, any more thought, she began measuring out what the lady needed. The front door bell rang as another customer entered as Elias ambled outside.

  Tobias neared and watched Lucille finish packing the items for the woman.

  “Tobias Hamilton, how is your sister,” the customer asked with an overly bright smile. “I bet things feel so different without your dear mother.” She placed a hand on his forearm. “I’m sincerely sorry for your great loss.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “Oh, don’t be silly,” the woman giggled, not removing her hand. “Call me Lily Beth.”

  He nodded in silence.

  Lucille got the woman’s attention. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

  As if remembering her presence, the woman slowly turned to Lucille. “No, thank you…well, perhaps, some rock candies.” She glanced back up to Tobias. “I get a sweet tooth sometimes in the evening.”

  Tobias walked away to inspect a shelf. With several over the shoulder glances at Tobias, the woman finally left.

  “Is there something you need?” Lucille remained behind the counter, not sure how she felt about being alone with the silent man.

  He closed the distance between them to stand across the counter from her. “My Pa suggested something and I’m inclined to go through with it. I’ve decided to marry you, Miss Lucille.”

  Chapter Four

  “You…you’re going to mar…marry me?” Lucille stuttered, sure she’d heard wrong.

  “Yes. You need a husband and my family is set on me getting married. I may as well.” His wide shoulders lifted and lowered.

  Stunned silent, all she could do was blink. Of all the nerve. Did he actually think she was so desperate? That all he had to do was walk in and inform her of his decision and she’d fall at his feet in gratitude?

  He continued unabated and, by the pained expression, not at all happy about the situation. “It’s up to you, of course, when. Oh…also, I can escort you to the festivities in town next week if you wish.”

  If there was ever a worse way to propose to a woman, she’d be hard pressed to find it.

  Finally, she was able to form a full sentence. “I
am not so eager that I will accept such a proposal. Secondly, you need to…”

  “Miss Lucille? Do you have a moment?” Elias Jones stood just a few feet behind Tobias and she focused on the frowning man. “Gemina said you had the key to the gate to the pen in the back.”

  “Oh yes, the cows, of course. I’ll meet you out back.” Without sparing Tobias a glance, she whirled and practically raced out the back door.

  Lucille let out a breath and inhaled the fresh air. From the back of the store, the view of open land always beckoned. She often wondered if anyone lived out there with the beautiful mountain background and lush, green fields. It wasn’t farmed, but the land was much too alluring. The area was a perfect place to live.

  After unlocking the gate, the rancher guided the cows, murmuring sounds of encouragement to urge the seemingly unperturbed animals into the pen. She’d never seen cows close up. The animals were huge with brownish fur and large eyes. “Do you have many more?”

  Elias nodded. “A couple hundred or so.”

  “They are quite large.”

  “In small numbers, they are docile animals. But sometimes, in a herd, the critters can get unruly.” Elias pushed back his hat. “I’ll be on my way. Look forward to seeing you in a few days. I plan to return for the town fair.”

  Why were the men so interested in the fair suddenly? Neither Elias nor Tobias seemed the festivity type.

  “I will see you then. I better get back inside.” Lucille pointed over her shoulder. Hopefully, Tobias would be gone when she returned. That way, he couldn’t continue in his rather abrupt and unreasonable marriage request.

  “Oh my,” Aurora said, one hand covering her mouth. “I can’t believe a man would propose in such a manner. And to do so without any type of decorum is rather strange don’t you think?” Her eyes sparkled with mirth. “I would have liked to see the look on his face when you declined.”