“Hi,” Millie said. “You look beautiful. Wes asked me to see if you were ready for dinner. He didn’t want to come up and disturb you before you were ready. In that dress, you need to walk down the stairs and let him see you. He may lose his heart right there in the lobby.”
Delia giggled, “I do hope you’re right.”
“I’m going back down so you can follow and have all of Wes’ attention,” Millie called over her shoulder as she hurried down the hall.
Delia took one more deep breath, left the room, closed the door behind her, and walked to the head of the stairs. She drew on all the training her stepmother drummed into her for years but decided she was no longer a flirty debutant, she was a married woman and would carry herself with dignity. She didn’t need to flirt with Wes, not here in public. Maybe later a little flirting might be beneficial.
Delia stopped at the head of the stairs and caught Wes’ eye. He stared at her with an expression she couldn’t place. Wes seemed at a loss, a condition she doubted he understood. She smiled and walked down the stairs.
Wes met her at the bottom and stammered, “You’re beautiful. You took my breath away. No one will doubt why I married you.”
“Thank you, I think. People marry for more than appearances.”
“Of course,” Wes agreed. “I just meant. I’m not sure what I meant. You’re gorgeous. That’s all, and I’m hungry. Ready for supper?”
Wes offered his arm and Delia slipped her arm through his, and they walked into the dining room to smiles and applause. Delia saw Millie in the corner of the room and realized she must have spread the news quickly. Delia did her best to smile, but the deception was going to be harder to pull off than she thought. Maybe this was all a mistake. She thought about sharing her feelings with Wes when she saw Mercy standing just outside the window throwing kisses. Mercy seemed happy. If she was her guardian angel, who was Delia to ignore Mercy’s obvious approval of the marriage?
Once they were seated, Wes asked, “Where did you get the gown?”
“It’s for the Christmas ball back home.”
“It doesn’t look like the ones you used to wear. This one is simple but elegant. No ruffles, no lace, no interesting neckline,” Wes said. “I completely approve.”
“It’s because this one didn’t have my stepmother’s input. She was home ill when I had the appointment, and I made the decisions. Addie always wanted me to wear what she thought would attract the right gentleman. Not right for me but one with the right bank account. I chose this dress because it suits me.”
“Well, you are stunning. Every man here is jealous, I’m sure of that.”
Delia blushed again, “I hope not. If they are their wives will hate me.”
Wes took her hand and said, “No one could ever hate you, Dee.”
Delia shrugged, “Maybe not, but Addie comes close; however, I assume today she thinks I’m acceptable. I know her plans with Steffen are ruined, but my marriage to you will push her up several rungs on society’s ladder. She’s most likely thrilled by the telegram at least until my father arrives home with the information you sent.”
“I did send detailed information. It was a bit lengthy, but I am sure he’ll have a word or two with Addie tonight. He didn’t return a telegram, but my father did. He’s happy and sends his best. He also promised to tell Little Bit she can plan a grand reception.”
Delia’s frown told Wes he’d said something wrong. “What is it?”
“Nettie will never get to host that reception, and her heart will break. I think this was a mistake. Too many people are going to get hurt,” Delia confessed even as she saw Mercy shaking her head back and forth in an effort to stop her.
Chapter Nine
Wes stared at Delia across the table, not exactly sure how to comment on her last remark. Was she serious? Did she truly feel marrying him was a mistake? Maybe if he told her how he really felt she would understand but it might not be the best idea after all. He told her he married her to keep her safe and if he told her the truth now, he might lose her friendship. If he couldn't have her heart, he’d settle for friendship.
“Did you really mean what you just said?” Wes asked.
“Maybe, I'm not sure. Everything is so uncertain right now, and I'm worried that everything could go wrong. What exactly happens when the truth comes out,” Delia whispered.
Wes thought for a moment before he answered honestly, “I’m not sure, but right now you’re safe. The people in town know about us and will help you if Steffen comes around when I’m not with you. You need help. Don’t forget your stepmother’s cruelty. I think Steffen will be worse. When the time comes for truth, we will tell everyone together, and I will take the blame.”
“I can’t let you do that,” Delia insisted.
“Let’s not worry about it tonight. We’re about to have our wedding supper, and people will expect us to be happy.” He winked at Delia and made her smile for just a moment. He wished he could make her smile that way all the time.
Wes ordered steak and Delia ordered baked chicken. When their food arrived, Delia told Wes to eat his fill because she doubted her abilities in the kitchen.
“We don’t have any food at the house for you to ruin, remember,” Wes’ mischievous smile made Delia smile again.
“The order is supposed to arrive early tomorrow morning, and I suppose you’ll want something to eat. I’ll do my best not to burn it,” Delia teased, and then a grim smile crossed her face.
“What’s wrong?”
“Our cook at home gave me some basic lessons, and I think I’ll do all right, but the butcher delivered the meat. Wes, I can’t and won’t kill a chicken. I’ve never gathered eggs either. They came with the grocery delivery. We may have to live on bread and canned vegetables,” Delia admitted.
Wes shook his head slowly before looking back at Delia, “That’s a small problem. I’ll make sure we have fresh eggs and meat. Now, finish your meal so we can get home before dark. I don’t want to walk down that road in the dark with the snow making it slippery. We’ll worry about the rest of it later.”
Delia nodded and lifted a forkful of chicken to her lips. It was good. Much better than anything she could cook. Maybe Wes wouldn’t mind eating at the Hearth and Home or the café occasionally or quite often.
As they were finishing their meal, Millie came out with a small cake and two clean plates. “You can’t have a wedding supper without a cake,” she told them as she cut them each a slice.
“Thank you,” Delia said as Wes just smiled as he chewed his big bite of cake.
“Do you think you’ll need a second slice,” Millie asked Wes. He shook his head, and she told Delia she would pack the rest in a basket for them to take home.
Millie returned in a few minutes with a basket and said, “The cake, a small loaf of bread, and a jar of strawberry jam is in here so you won’t starve tomorrow morning, Wes.”
Wes mumbled an embarrassed thank you and Delia giggled and said, “Thank you, Millie. I was a bit worried about feeding Wes in the morning before our supplies arrive.”
Wes paid the bill and left a generous tip before following Delia to her room. “Are you packed?”
“Almost, I didn’t want to wear this dress out in the snow. I need to change.”
“If I stand in the hall, people will wonder about us. I will turn my back, and I promise not to look until you’re changed,” Wes assured Delia.
“All right,” Delia responded in a quiet yet understanding voice.
Wes turned and stared at the wall. He could hear the rustling of fabric and asked, “Do you need any help?”
“No, I can do this alone. Besides, if you help you have to turn around and look. You promised, remember,” Delia couldn’t help but giggle at Wes’ thinking.
“That’s true. Maybe another time.”
“Maybe,” Delia answered as she finished buttoning her bodice. “I’m ready.”
Wes turned, and Delia was once again dressed in the pr
etty blue dress she wore in church. “You know, you look just as lovely in that dress as the other. It isn’t the dress that makes you beautiful, it’s your smile and your heart.”
It took all of Delia’s strength not to launch herself into Wes’ arms. She turned quickly to fold her ball gown before he could read her thoughts which she was sure were written across her face.
Delia slipped her coat on, and Wes picked up her two bags. “You carried these by yourself?” Wes wondered aloud.
“Yes, but there are a few books in them now. Are they too heavy for you? I can carry one.”
Wes laughed, “Dee, you are delightful. No, they’re not too heavy for me. I wondered how you managed it all.”
“I manage quite nicely, thank you,” Delia answered and curtsied.
Wes opened the door, “Come along wife, let’s go home.”
Delia wanted to tease Wes back and call him husband but worried her voice might break when she said the word. “Coming,” was all she could say before following him downstairs and out of the hotel.
As they walked to their new home, Wes asked, “If we’re going to make our home here and I’m no longer working at the mine, I think we need to do something to help the people of Creede. What do you think the town needs?”
Delia bit the side of her lip as she thought, “I’m not sure.”
“What is one thing you miss from home that you wish you could see or visit?”
“Besides the chocolatier shop, I suppose I’d say the library. I miss wandering the rows of books, looking at maps and globes, and having reading groups with my friends.”
Wes stopped and guided Delia around a slushy puddle before continuing their walk toward the house. “A library. We could do that. I know Mister Redfern has the small one in his shop, but what if we built one? A large one.”
Delia’s excitement showed when she gushed, “It could have two floors. One for books and the other for research books, maps, maybe a room for teachers to bring children to study from the large books they never allow you to remove from the library. Maybe discussion groups and a room with paintings.”
Wes laughed, “You sound excited. I suppose it’s something we should do for the town and our friends. It’s too late to start building. The ground is near frozen, but we could use an empty shop to start and ask Mister Redfern to help. After the spring thaw, I’ll hire builders, and we can start the new library.”
“I suppose we should speak to the mayor or someone. I doubt they’d have any reason to say no, but wouldn’t we need permission to erect a large building?” Delia asked.
“I think so. I doubt anyone would say no. Those rooms you spoke of for classes could also be used by the town for meetings. It would be a good thing to see the town grow,” Wes answered as they approached the front door of their house.
Wes set Delia’s bags down and pushed the door open, he then lifted her in his arms and carried her over the threshold despite her squealing that he’d drop her.
Wes held her for a moment longer than he should have before lowering her to her feet and staring down into her brown eyes. “That was just in case someone was watching. It’s expected that I carry you over the threshold on our wedding day.”
Before Delia could respond, Wes grabbed her two bags and carried them into her room. When he returned, he said, “I’ll start a fire in the fireplace and then one in the small stove in your room. I don’t think it’ll take long to warm the house. It seems solid.”
Once Wes had started a fire in her room, Delia went in and lit a lamp. She hung up most of her clothes and placed the rest in the dresser. Returning to the parlor, she saw Wes had a nice big fire burning in the fireplace. She walked over to warm her hands.
“What about your things? You didn’t bring them along.”
“They’re in my room. I brought them over this afternoon while you were resting.”
Delia nodded and then covered her mouth to hide a yawn.
“You’re tired. It has been a long day,” Wes said as he sat on one of the chairs. “You should get some sleep. I’ll be in the other bedroom so don’t worry about Steffen or anyone else bothering you.”
“All right, I am tired,” Delia said as she stifled another yawn. “Sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Delia hurried to her room and closed the door. What a day it had been. Married to the man she loved, and he was spending their wedding night in another room.
Chapter Ten
Delia woke to sunshine streaming across the room. For a moment she didn’t remember where she was. Delia stretched and gazed out the window. This was the first morning of her married life, and she wondered what to expect.
Sitting up and placing her feet on the floor she sniffed the air. Coffee and bacon? How could she smell coffee or bacon when they didn’t have any supplies on hand?
Delia stood and looked out the window and realized the sun was higher in the sky than it usually was when she woke in the morning.
“Oh my, I must’ve slept late. Wes is going to wonder what kind of wife I’m going to be.”
She frowned and thought it probably wouldn’t matter because their marriage was one of convenience. Yet, she supposed convenience or not she needed to at least show that she could be a good wife and what if someone dropped in and found her sleeping instead of cooking breakfast for her husband.
Delia dressed quickly and wandered into the kitchen. Wes was standing at the stove frying bacon.
“Good morning, did you sleep well? The supplies were dropped off early, and I thought I would start breakfast. We have bacon and eggs and the bread and jam that Millie sent home with us last night. How many eggs would you like?”
“Two please, but I can make them,” Delia offered.
‘No, please sit down. I can make breakfast, and you can make lunch. Besides,” Wes said gesturing his arm widely at the table and counter. “Look at all the supplies. You’re going to be busy this morning putting them all away, and you might as well have a good breakfast.”
“Are you implying we would not have a good breakfast if I cooked,” Delia asked indignantly and crossed her arms.
Wes laughed. Oh, how Delia loved that laugh. Her worries from yesterday crept back into her thoughts. How was she going to act married to the man who stole her heart and then walk away?
“I’m not implying anything,” Wes assured. “I just want to be sure that my wife doesn’t pass out from lack of strength while she’s working here today getting the house in order. Wouldn’t it be a terrible thing if I had to run for the doctor because you had worked too hard without a proper meal? What kind of husband would that make me?”
The stricken look on Wes’ face made Delia smile. “Goodness, we couldn’t have that, now could we? I suppose I will eat your bacon and eggs and some bread and jam before I tackle putting the supplies away and whatever chores are needed around the house. Do you have plans for today?”
Wes nodded and said, “I don’t need to go out to the mine because Syd told me he would tell them that since I was married yesterday, I wouldn’t be there today. I do have to go out at some point and tell the boss I will no longer be working for them. I should go see the mayor and Tobias Redfern about the plans for the new library.”
“Did you know that Mister Redfern recently married?” Delia asked. “His wife, Louisa, is a lovely woman. If he’s going to be involved with the new library, I’m sure she’ll want to help. We should invite them to supper some evening.”
Wes raised his eyebrows and glanced out of the corner of his eye at Delia.
She saw him and responded, “What? Are you afraid I’m such a bad cook that I might poison them?”
“No, not at all. I just don’t want you to overdo it.”
“Good try Mr. Satterfield, but that’s not going to work. I’m able-bodied, and you know it. If you expect me to clean this house and arrange your supplies, I can certainly prepare supper for our friends. The only thing I’ll need is for you to bring me a chicken for dinner th
at night and not a live one. I need it plucked and the head removed. Remember I told you I don’t kill chickens.”
Wes laughed, “Yes, ma’am. I remember. When you need a chicken, I will bring one properly plucked and beheaded.”
Wes placed a plate with fried eggs and bacon in front of Delia. She picked up her fork and cut a small piece of the fried egg and tasted it. She squinted at Wes wondering if it was just the first bite that tasted good because she was hungry but then tried another bigger bite.
“You surprise me, these eggs are good. Where did you learn to cook?”
“You weren’t the only one who liked to hang around the kitchen. Our cook believed that every boy should learn how to cook and with each lesson she rewarded me with two cookies. I would have gone to the kitchen five days a week for a lesson just to get the cookies, but she said once a week would be enough for me to learn the basic skills. She wanted me to learn so I wouldn’t starve in case I never married or married a woman who didn’t know how to cook.”
The serious look on his face made Delia smile.
“I wanted to tell her that I was going to work with my father and I would always be able to have a cook in the house, but that would’ve ended the lessons and the cookies,” Wes confided. “I only learned because of the cookies.
Delia laughed, “I remember Nettie telling me something about you getting more cookies than her from your cook. Now I know your secret. I think I should tell Nettie in the next letter I write.”
“No, please don’t. Mother still has the same cook, and I’m not sure that Mrs. Higginbotham would appreciate her secrets being told.”
“All right, I won’t tell Nettie but only because you’re my husband and I’m supposed to listen to you,” Delia said while doing her best not to giggle out loud.
Wes shook his head. “I knew there was going to be a problem with this marriage. I thought it was going to be Steffen nosing around again, but it seems that I have a wife that thinks obeying her husband is funny.”
Delia finished her bite of egg and leaned forward responding, “If this is a marriage of convenience, then do I really need to obey you?”
Trusting the Tycoon: Cowboys and Angels, #29 Page 5
