Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) Read online

  “Aunt Eunice, there you are,” a young woman said, approaching. “We’ve been looking for you. Papa saved you a seat with us.”

  The woman, who sat next to Judith, looked up scowling at her niece. “I expected you to wait for me at the platform,” she snapped allowing the young girl to help her collect her things. The young woman seemed unparsed by the older woman’s retort, probably used to the woman’s contrary nature. As they walked away, the woman continued to complain. Judith felt bad for the bitter woman’s family, but relieved she’d not be forced to be in her company for so many days.

  With the new space open now, Judith moved over next to the window, smiling. This was a boon. She had the entire bench to herself and could lie down across it to nap. From her bag, she pulled out a small quilt and placed it carefully over her lap.

  Once again she read over the letter from John Wilkins. It was not as descriptive as she hoped. The rancher assured her she’d be well taken care of and provided for. His description of the house they’d live in only said it was spacious. The depiction of her new home became lost with counts of cattle and the land. She smiled at how much more time he’d spent on describing a cow than himself or his home. Men, of course, were more interested in such things.

  Bent Pass, a small township near Casper, Wyoming would be her new home. That she knew of, a couple of the women from the factory would be relatively near, one in Montana. But admittedly, life in Wyoming was to be a new start with no one to call family other than the Wilkins, which she knew very little about.

  “Ma’am?” Jostling woke her and she jumped at a man peering down at her. “Your ticket please.”

  “Oh…yes, of course.” Judith dug in her small reticule and pulled out the ticket.

  The conductor touched the rim of his hat. “First stop. We’ll be here for an hour, if you wish to stretch your legs. Although…” he hesitated scanning the empty bench ascertaining she was alone. “Unless you have someone to watch your things, I wouldn’t leave.”

  “Thank you.” Judith straightened her arms to pull the kinks out and, after a few moments, stood. She peered out the window to the platform where people hustled away from the train and others toward it.

  There would be many more stops like this one before they reached Wyoming. Longer stretches between stations would also come once they got to the Midwest.

  The days turned into a routine of sleeping, eating and taking short walks inside the train. She met a young family heading west to live with the man’s brother who’d settled in Wyoming. The husband, Walter, and wife, Martha, had two girls. Grateful for the company, she and Martha spent long spells of time talking and sewing together and she helped mind the children when the parents walked about, which gave her something to do.

  At the end of the eighth day, Judith went to the lavatory to wash her face and freshen up. In spite of the cramped quarters and limited space to move about, she was nervous about leaving the safety of the train. Soon she’d emerge from it into an unknown place and uncertain future. She took a shuddering breath when the train came to a stop.

  She’d arrived to her new home.

  After a steeling breath and blinking back nervous tears, Judith lifted her chin and returned to where she’d been sitting. The family who she had befriended hugged her and the husband assisted everyone with the unloading. It was all a blur as she ensured to have all her belongings and bags with her. After goodbyes and promises of visits, the family and new friends left.

  An hour later, Judith remained at the station. No one came to greet her. Finding herself alone and unsure what to do, she went to the box office and knocked on the small glass window when no one appeared to be in the small space. An older man came from around the side of the building and gave her a quizzical look. “You missed the train young lady. I’m afraid the next one won’t be by for another week.”

  “I just arrived,” she told him her voice breaking. “Do you know John Wilkins? He is supposed to come for me.”

  His eyes widened. “Oh, goodness.”

  It was a moment before he recovered enough to continue. “John Wilkins died a couple days ago.”

  Now Judith could not find words. She took a step back, her hand flat on her chest. “You must be mistaken.”

  “No ma’am. It was a darn shame, too. John was thrown from his horse. Hit his head on a boulder.”

  “Oh, no,” Judith stuttered. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes ma’am. I wouldn’t lie about somethin’ like that.” The man looked to her baggage. “Know anyone else in town?”

  She could only shake her head, her throat constricting as she battled to keep from crying.

  What was she to do now?

  Chapter Two

  Bent Pass, Wyoming (Near Casper)

  Sean Montgomery wiped at the sweat trickling from his brow. He’d made enough horseshoes for the day although he was still behind in the amount he needed for a local rancher who’d requested he come and shoe several dozen horses.

  Thankful for the job, lately he was overburdened with work. His apprentice had quit just a couple weeks earlier and he’d yet to hire someone.

  Dogs barked nearby and he looked to see what caused the ruckus. His nephew, Albert, a serious, young boy of ten rushed in and stood for a moment looking into the fire. “Uncle Sean, Mr. Walker said he needs you to come to the train station right away.”

  “You go tell him I’m busy. Don’t have time to go see about his horse right now. If he’s in a hurry, then he can bring it here to me. Go on now.”

  The boy tore his gaze from the fire and looked at him. “This ain’t about no horse. He said to tell you to come fetch a woman who’s gonna help care for Bethany.”

  A caregiver? Interesting that it would come now, just as he was about to give up hope. His sister, Eloise, watched his daughter for him during the day. It was a burden as she had four children of her own, Albert being the eldest.

  “Caregiver?” He went to a barrel of water and hurried through washing his arms and then dunked his head into the water. “Did you see who it is?”

  “I only saw a pretty, city lady.” The boy hopped from one foot to the other. “Mama says to come get supper.” So that was the reason Albert was out and about. His sister, Eloise, lived on the opposite side of town, nowhere near the train station. Obviously at seeing the train approach, Albert had diverted there to gather with the other boys who always rushed to greet trains and make a few coins by offering to carry luggage and load up wagons and such. He ruffled his nephew’s hair. “You get any money today?”

  “No sir. They say I’m too small and won’t let me do much,” Albert replied glumly.

  With his nephew in tow, they reached the train station just minutes later. Sean neared the box office and peered around. Just outside on a bench, a young woman sat. Her back straight, she seemed to be looking out to the distance. Since she wore a bonnet, he could not see her face, but she was slender, wearing a blue dress with a cream shawl over her shoulders. In her hands, she held a reticule and at her feet were a trunk with an overfilled flowered carpetbag atop it. Upon nearing her, he leaned forward to speak only to stop when seeing her eyes were closed.

  Was she asleep? She was pretty, with auburn, wavy hair, creamy skin, a sprinkling of freckles across her pert nose and a bud-like mouth with plump lips. He cleared his throat and wide, dark brown eyes met his. She regarded him without speaking and he reached up to tip his hat only to realize he’d not worn it.

  “Ah, there you are Sean,” Mr. Walker hurried over. “I am glad you came so quickly. Can’t have Miss Murphy sitting here much longer. She’s already exhausted and hungry I’m sure.” The older man smiled broadly and looked from one to the other. “Miss, this here’s Sean Montgomery.”

  The woman remained quiet, her eyes moving from him to Mr. Walker.

  “Hello, Miss. Are you the woman who is interested in being a caretaker for my daughter?” Sean asked, not sure why he suddenly felt nervous.

  As if needing con
firmation, she looked to Mr. Walker first. “Yes. I need work. Is your wife unable to care for your daughter?”

  “I’m not married.” He cleared his throat. “My daughter’s mother died giving birth.” He watched her eyes widen before compassion filled them.

  The pretty woman let out a breath. Obviously she was uncertain to what to do. It was certainly not proper for a single woman to live with a man regardless of the circumstances. He tried to come up with something to say to her, but was at a loss. As much as he’d hoped for a caretaker for Bethany, he wasn’t sure what or how it would come about.

  He’d hoped to find an older woman to care for Bethany, so he’d not have to worry about such things. Since his mind was already heading in many improper directions, he was sure living in close quarters with such an attractive woman would not be a good idea. “I certainly understand if you decide against coming to live at my house. I have no alternative. My home is not spacious as I’ve always lived alone, however it does have two separate bedrooms.”

  “I see.” She stood up and frowned at Albert. “Is this your son?”

  “No, this is Albert, my nephew.”

  “Hello, Albert.” She smiled at the boy who beamed in return. “Mr. Montgomery, I will come with you. I have no alternative at the moment and appreciate your offer.” She lifted her carpetbag, but Albert hurried to take it from her. Judith’s chin lifted just a notch when she looked to the other man. “Thank you, Mr. Walker.” She looked to Sean when he lifted the trunk. “It’s heavy.”

  Sean motioned with his head for her to come alongside. “It’s not a long walk to my house.”

  “If you’re sure,” Judith replied her eyes on the trunk. “I can help.”

  “I’ve got it,” he replied then lifted it higher to prove his point.

  Mr. Walker chuckled and called out. “Seems you have yourself a caretaker and, with luck, soon a wife.”

  Sean cleared his suddenly clogged throat and continued walking, the woman Judith walking primly beside him keeping her eyes straight ahead. When his nephew lingered behind, Sean called out over his shoulder. “Come on, Albert.”

  Half an hour later, the young woman walked around Sean’s small kitchen and studied the rest of the main living area. “You could use a housekeeper.” She came to the table when he poured coffee and put leftover cornbread on plates for them. He’d eaten all the chili from the night before. “I need to see about getting some food.”

  “I can see about it. If you could give me a list I can go tomorrow. I’m afraid I need a few hours rest before I can be helpful at this point.” Indeed he noticed dark circles under her eyes and he felt bad at not having a more suitable space for her.

  “As you may realize, I didn’t expect you. So I am not prepared for anyone to live here. My sister, Eloise, keeps my daughter until suppertime. I get her after going there for supper most days.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I am going there to get her in a bit and have supper. Would you like to accompany me?”

  Judith shook her head and nibbled cornbread. “No, thank you. I really just ask to lay down for a bit.”

  * * *

  “A woman is at your house?” Eloise’s wide eyes were accompanied by a sly smile. “You don’t say.” She rocked back and forth with her youngest over her shoulder. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

  He glanced down at his sleeping daughter; the cherubic bundled baby lay in a blanket on the floor atop a second folded blanket. “I don’t know how it happened that she’s here. Mr. Walker sent…” He looked at a wide-eyed Albert and realized the boy would get in trouble if he told his sister the boy had been over at the train station. “Mr. Walker sent word that there was a woman looking to help care for a child. She’s tired from the travel, so I didn’t get an opportunity to talk to her about how it came to be that she’s here.”

  “Probably came to get away from someone and was willing to take a chance she’d find work, or a husband.” Eloise frowned. “What if she’s running from someone and they come after her. We don’t want to expose Bethany to any danger.”

  His sister pinned him with a hard stare. “You need to speak to her and find out how and why she’s here.”

  “She came by train,” he explained in a flat tone. “The why is her business. I’m sure she’ll tell me when she’s ready.”

  Eloise, not one to back down, huffed. “There is the matter of a single, young lady living with you. You can’t allow it. Something needs to be done.”

  “What do you propose I do about it? I need someone to care for Bethany. It’s an answer to both of our prayers.” He frowned at the thought that he’d not actually prayed in a long time. If anything, God had forgotten him a long time ago and he wasn’t exactly on speaking terms with Him at the moment.

  “You should marry her, of course. You need a wife and obviously, if she’s desperate enough to come this far, she needs a husband.”

  Sean choked and sputtered. The hard thumps against his breast made him gasp for breath.

  Eloise laughed. “There is no other way. You and I both know it.”

  “What are you up to now woman?” Jack Jacobs, her husband, walked in and picked up one of the toddlers that rushed to him. Sean’s brother-in-law studied his face. “You look a bit green, Sean.”

  “My brother is getting married,” Eloise announced with an innocent smile. “A young woman is at his house now. She’s resting from her journey from out east. I assume we’ll meet her soon.”

  “Is that so?” Jack neared and slapped a still silent Sean on the back. “Congratulations.”

  Chapter Three

  It was dark when Judith woke up. Disoriented and confused, she lay atop the bed still fully dressed and looked up into the dim lit space. In the near distance, she heard an infant’s cry and the stark realization the baby was her charge brought her fully awake.

  What was the baby’s name? She couldn’t remember. At the moment, the only clear picture was of the dark-haired, muscular man who’d come for her at the train station. Had it been that day? How long had she slept?

  Judith waited, listening for the baby’s crying to either continue or stop. She heard the shuffling of feet followed by a low voice. She slipped from the bed and went to the doorway from where she could look into the larger room, a combination of kitchen, dining area and sitting space. In front of the fireplace, Sean Montgomery paced back and forth, the tiny figure of his daughter tucked in his arms. He held a glass bottle to the babe’s mouth and she heard the soft sounds of the baby’s suckling.

  He murmured softly as the child drank, his dark head bent as he watched the baby with interest. It was endearing to see how he awkwardly rocked the baby once she finished eating while yawning and rolling his neck. It must be hard for him to work all day and have to care for the infant who didn’t sleep through the night yet.

  She remembered now. He’d said the baby’s mother had died during childbirth. It seemed strange to her that the woman’s parents had not stepped forward to care for the infant. It was rare for a man to shoulder the responsibility of child rearing. Although he did have his sister, it was still his burden.

  A few moments later, he laid the sleeping child into a cradle next to the fireplace and he sunk down on the wide chair next to it. With one hand on the child’s bed, within seconds, he was snoring.

  Judith crept toward the crib and peered in. The baby was fast asleep, too. She was beautiful, with a head full of dark curls. It was hard not to smile down at the infant. The father was sprawled on the chair, his neck at an odd angle, making her wonder how many times he’d slept like that. Her heart went out to him. Although she wasn’t sure what he did for a living, it had to take a toll to care for his child at night after spending the day working.

  Careful not to wake him, she pulled a blanket over the slumbering man, placed a small, rolled blanket she found beside the crib under his head and then carefully lifting the baby, she returned to her bedroom.

  Within moments, both she and the infant
slumbered.

  “Miss?” The sound of the gruff, deep voice pulled Judith from her sleep. She pried her heavy eyelids open to see her new employer standing in the doorway of her bedroom. With mussed hair and his shirt open, it was impossible not to notice even in this disheveled state how attractive the man was.

  “Good morning,” she mumbled and then peered down at the still slumbering baby. “I hope it’s all right that I brought the baby here. I wanted you to get some rest.”

  His nod was slow as his eyes fell to where his child lay. “If you’re not too tired, can I leave her here with you today?” There was something like anxiousness in his expression when he looked to his daughter again. “Bethany is a good baby. She shouldn’t give you much trouble.”

  “Of course,” Judith replied and, ignoring the lack of propriety, beckoned him closer. “Look at her. She’s awake and has been cooing for the last few minutes.”

  The large man’s face softened as he neared. Then he shocked Judith by leaning over and pressing a soft kiss to his daughter’s brow. “Hey there, pretty girl.” He kissed her again and the child lifted her chubby arms to him.

  He chuckled, the deep rumble sending a strange sensation through Judith. “No, baby girl, I am not going to pick you up.”

  His dark eyes met Judith’s. “Thank you.”

  When he walked out, she let out a breath. This was the most unconventional situation. What was she to do about it? Surely tongues would wag upon learning of their living arrangement. Somehow, she’d have to come up with a solution; perhaps there was another place she could stay. But that would mean that in the evening he’d have to care for the baby and that would not do. Although the child was well cared for, it was not right for a single man to rear a child alone. Not in her opinion anyway.