“They’re miles away and look about the same from the town as you see now. I never grow tired of gazing at them. Haverhill isn’t far from the forest, of course. A lovely creek flows by town.”
“You sound as if you’ve missed your home.”
“Oh, I have. I would never have left in the first place but my sister in Helena sent a wire asking for my help. She broke her leg but she’s walking again now and can live alone. Members of her church promised to look in on her frequently. People out here tend to take care of one another, you know.”
“That’s nice to hear, Mrs. Thompson.”
“I didn’t catch your name, dear. I’m a bit hard of hearing so would you repeat it slowly for me?” The older woman watched Keira’s lips.
“Keira Cameron Ross.”
“Ross… Ross… surely you don’t mean you’re married to Gideon Ross, the blacksmith?”
“I married him by proxy.” She leaned forward to look at the lady’s face. “Why are you frowning? Is there something I should know about the man?”
“I only know him in passing. I’ve heard he’s a kind man for all that he’s frightening to look on. Fought in the war and has a bad facial scar as a result.” She pressed her fingers to her mouth. “Oh, I shouldn’t have spoken that way. Forget I said a word.”
Keira smiled and shook her head. “I can’t unhear your remark. I know about the scar, which he acquired saving my dear cousin and their friend Darren McVie.”
“Well, I’ll swan. I didn’t know how he came by it.”
“Think on him if you will. Besides the scar, what about him is frightening?”
“He’s large. I don’t mean fat.” She held her arms out. “I mean wide and tall. Has to duck to go under some doorways and he fills the space. Still, I doubt there’s an ounce of fat on him.”
Keira relaxed against the back of the seat and smiled. “I’m not elflike myself, as you can tell. Being only an inch under six feet, I tower over most people.”
“True about you being tall, I noticed that when we boarded the stage. You’re nicely proportioned, though. You’re a beauty and I’m sure you’ve turned heads wherever you go.”
“That’s kind of you, but no. Men don’t like women taller than they are, especially if the woman thinks for herself and doesn’t want to do exactly as she’s told.”
Mrs. Thompson chuckled. “Montana women tend to be more independent than those back East. I reckon you’ll fit in right enough. Life out here is hard, although we have it easier in town. People on ranches and farms can be snowed in for weeks at a time in winter.”
“Then, I’m glad I’ll live in town. Not that I mind being alone but being totally isolated might be hard, especially until I get used to Montana Territory.”
“Oh, look, we’re coming into town.”
Keira raised the shade on the window beside her. The buildings appeared like those in many of the towns she’d been through on this trip, especially the final part. The trip was over at last and soon she’d meet her husband.
Her stomach clenched and a vise tightened around her chest. She struggled for breath as the stage stopped. What if she thought he was too frightening? What if he didn’t approve of her?
The door flung open and the men exited, then Mrs. Thompson. Keira forced herself to move, to step out onto the ground. She searched those standing by for her… husband.
Picking him out wasn’t hard. He was a giant compared to others nearby. She stood patiently while her trunk and satchel were unloaded.
She looked into the solemn face of the man she supposed to be her husband. The scar marring his face looked to have been a terrible wound but she didn’t find it fearsome. The rest of him was less satisfactory.
He had on what appeared to be a new shirt but his britches were filthy and his boots unpolished. His hair was far too long and unkempt and his beard needed trimming. She wondered if he’d allow her to trim both.
Hmph, other than his clean shirt, he hadn’t bothered to tidy himself for their meeting. He couldn’t be too poor to have another set of pants or he wouldn’t have sent the train and stage fare. He’d even included a generous amount for meals, though she ate sparingly and had part of the money left in her purse.
Well, after her long trip, she didn’t look her best. Her gray traveling suit was grimy and her white shawl less than pristine. She didn’t have a hat to match the suit so she’d draped her shawl over her head. She carried her winter coat over her arm so she wouldn’t have to waste space in her trunk. Besides, she’d used the coat at night as cover during her travels with her shawl folded as a pillow.
The tall man approached slowly. Perhaps he was as nervous as she was. “Keira Cameron… Ross?”
Shyness struck her but she managed, “I’m Keira, are you Gideon Ross?”
A look of relief passed across his face. “That I am. Show me your luggage and I’ll carry it to our home.” Had he expected her to flee after traveling so far?
She gestured toward her things that had been tossed onto the dirt. “I’ll take the satchel if you’ll get the trunk and my large case. Are we walking then?”
He gave a jerk of his head. “Aye, the house is just a wee stretch of the legs.” He picked up the trunk as if it weighed no more than her satchel and grabbed the suitcase.
The sky was a magnificent blue with only a few cottony clouds. From here, she saw the forest and mountains beyond the town. Where was the promised creek? Even without the water, the vista was beautiful. After Boston, Haverhill was quiet.
She kept step with him but didn’t know what to say. Theirs was an odd situation so he probably didn’t either. They rounded the corner to a block of residences and the vise constricting her chest released slightly.
If he’d known, Alec hadn’t mentioned living conditions. On the train she’d heard tales of people living for years in sod houses and tents. She’d feared the Wild West might be too wild for her but these were all normal houses.
Her husband—didn’t that term make her think twice?—opened a gate and waited for her to enter. She scanned the surroundings. The wrought iron picket fence made a nice boundary, but flowers were needed to brighten the yard.
The house looked grand after her fears. Looking as if coated in sunshine, walls were pale yellow trimmed in white. A stand of trees rose high so they could offer shade in the heat of summer.
Two rocking chairs sat on the front porch. From them, a person would be able to look at the mountains. The house appeared larger than her home in Scotland or Alec’s in Boston. Relief engulfed her.
She couldn’t keep from smiling as she walked up onto the wide porch. She pictured the two of them sitting there and talking on summer evenings. “This is a grand place.”
“I’m glad to hear you say so.” He set down the trunk and opened the front door. “My sister advised me how to proceed.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her across the threshold.
She gave a surprised squeal before he set her down in the parlor. Dust floated on beams of light through the windows that were wide open. A man and woman hurried in from the next room.
The woman had hair dark as Gideon’s and wore a yellow dress. She was of medium height, so several inches shorter than Keira. The man was an inch or so taller than Keira with brown hair and a face that showed he smiled often.
Gideon gestured to them. “Keira, this is my sister, Orla, and her husband, Darren McVie. Darren is my best friend so he kindly took my troublesome sister off my hands.”
After socking Gideon lightly on the biceps, Orla rushed forward and hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re here, Keira. I’ve longed for a sister to be my friend and to take Gideon in hand.”
Darren kissed her cheek. “Welcome to Haverhill and the Ross home. Gideon has been swamped at work and we were just helping tidy a bit.”
Orla nudged him with her elbow. “We haven’t done much I’m afraid. My brother has been so busy at work that he let himself get way behind in housekeeping chores. I should have k
ept better tabs on him. I’ll come over tomorrow and help you.”
Keira met the other woman’s gaze. “So you don’t live here with Gideon?”
Orla laughed. “Oh, no, although I lived here until Darren and I married two years ago. Darren and I live in the blue house next door.”
“That sounds handy, for now I’ve met two of my neighbors as well as kin.” Keira turned to her husband. “Where is your smithy?”
He gestured behind him. “Through the back yard but facing the next street. Easy to come and go to work in all weather.”
“We should get home.” Orla nudged her husband again. “Keira, I left dinner warming in the oven so you don’t have to cook supper.”
She hugged Keira once more. “Please don’t be discouraged by the state of things. I’ll see you tomorrow and help.”
She stared after the departing couple. Discouraged with this grand house? What did Orla mean?
When they left, Gideon brought in her trunk, suitcase, and satchel. “The bedroom is through here.”
Struck shy again but this time at the mention of a bedroom, she followed him silently. She gasped when she went through the door. Orla’s warning became clear. Other than the neatly made bed, the room was a pig sty.
He set down the luggage and rubbed the back of his neck. “Looks worse than I recalled. I apologize but I’ve been so busy that I’ve only been here long enough to sleep and change clothes. Orla gave me this shirt to wear when we met or I would have had to wear a dirty one.”
She sat on the mattress and stared at her surroundings. “You’ve lived like this? I don’t know whether to use a broom or a shovel.”
He scowled. “Let’s go into the kitchen. I didn’t have lunch and I imagine you’re hungry too.”
The aroma of pot roast beckoned. Wondering if the kitchen would be this bad, she followed him. A crisp cloth covered a table set for two with attractive china.
A large tub on the floor held soapy water loaded with dirty dishes and pans. The sink held soapy water but clean dishes dried on a towel spread on the counter nearby. At least he had plenty of supplies. She wondered if he had plates for twelve or for twenty.
After he grabbed a couple of towels he opened the oven and pulled out a lidded pan he set atop the range. “Orla’s a good cook. Um, Alec said you are too.”
“I’ve had no complaints. Shall I dish up our supper?”
He stepped back and stood with arms crossed and hands tucked into his armpits. “I suppose so. I don’t know exactly what I’m supposed to do since I’ve never been married before.”
She sent him an incredulous glare. “Neither have I, but I do know my way around the kitchen.”
Her voice came out as snappish so she tried to smooth her next words, “Perhaps you could fill glasses with cool water. Since the food is ready there’s no time to make coffee or tea.”
She took clean plates from the table and loaded each one with meat, potatoes, and carrots.
He filled glasses from the pump at the sink. When he’d set them on the table, he took his seat. She set their plates where the napkins and cutlery indicated and sat at his right. He started to cut into his meat but she held up her hand.
“Husband, we should start as we mean to go on. As head of the house, would you say the blessing?”
He sent her a skeptical glance but she saw a twinkle in his eyes. He rested his hands on each side of his plate. After a brief grace, he looked at her. “Now can I eat my food?”
She flicked her napkin across her lap and snapped, “Of course.”
He attacked his food as if ravenous.
“Slow down, husband. You’re not in a contest to see how fast you can finish your meal.”
He stopped with the fork halfway to his mouth. He set it back on the plate and met Keira’s gaze. “As you said, we should start as we mean to go on. I’ll not have you criticizing my every move, wife. Usually, I have better manners but I’ve had little to eat the past couple of days. You can see I’m a large man and require large servings of food.”
She regretted her complaint, especially when they’d barely met. “I didn’t speak to be critical. Your health was on my mind, for I’ve read that eating too fast is bad for the digestion. As your wife, I see part of my responsibility is keeping you healthy and fit.”
His shoulders relaxed. “Aye, I suppose that’s right. No one but my sister has ever been concerned with my health.”
“Oh, not even your parents?”
“Sure, they were but our parents died when I was eight and Orla nearly six. We were sent to live with grandparents near Inverness.”
“I’m sorry you lost your parents so young but at least you had family to care for you.”
“Auch, they saw us as an unwelcome burden and made sure we knew by constantly reminding us we should be grateful. For some reason, their sour attitude didn’t affect Orla’s sweet nature but I resented their treatment. When they died I sold their farm and brought Orla to America.”
His story tugged at her heart. “Did you come to Montana Territory straightaway?”
“We first went to Chicago where we had distant kin. Unfortunately we arrived just in time for the war. I had to leave Orla with those same kinfolks while I served in the Army.” He grinned. “I lied about my age to enlist.”
“That’s where you met Alec, right?”
“And Darren. When the war was over we heard about the free land out west, but I didn’t want a farm. I figured all those farmers would need a blacksmith and I was right.”
She regretted reviving unhappy memories of his childhood. Still, she was now his wife and needed to know these things. “I can’t imagine grandparents not welcoming two young children who’d lost their parents. I could tell your sister is a kind soul with a generous nature. She’s also as good a cook as you promised.”
He smiled when she complimented his sister. “She is that and it’s like her to think of providing supper for us. I’ve told you about myself and now it’s your turn.”
“Ah, well, I grew up in a wee village near Aberdeen. My parents lived just across the road from Alec’s. His mum and mine were sisters. I’m an only child. My parents died last year and I decided to sell the house and farm and come to America. Alec had written and invited me to live with him and Millie and their two bairns, Rory and Catriona.”
“He’s a grand man, Alec. He’s written about the children and sounds proud enough to bust. He doesn’t say much about his wife.”
Hearing this confirmed Keira’s opinion that Alec was not very happy with Millie. “Although she was polite, I could tell she was not thrilled to have me stay there, for their home is small. Until a couple of months ago I worked as a nanny and paid rent to Millie and Alec. I slept on a cot in Robbie and Cat’s room.”
“Doesn’t sound ideal. You haven’t seen the house, but there are three bedrooms. One is for us, one for daughters, and one for sons.”
She wondered if he thought he could order up the children he wanted. “What is Darren’s occupation?”
“He’s the town barber.”
Surprise meant she couldn’t suppress her laughter. “And you looking as you do? Don’t you think that’s bad advertising for him? If his own brother-in-law doesn’t trust him to trim his hair and beard, why should other men?”
Gideon smoothed a hand down his bushy beard. “Guess I hadn’t considered my looks from that aspect. He has business enough counting pulling teeth. Still, Orla nags me to let Darren work on me. She never mentioned I might be a bad reflection on his business.”
“Orla’s coming tomorrow to help me tidy this house.” She held up a staying hand. “I’m not complaining, just telling you about your sister’s kindness. Once the house is in better shape, I’ll keep it clean for you and prepare nourishing meals.”
“I’ll look forward to both.”
Keira cleaned the kitchen from supper and launched into the tub of soaking dishes. The longer she worked, the angrier she grew. The consolation was that she
postponed their going to bed. Worrying about how they’d fit together had her in bits.
Gideon came behind her. For a huge man, he moved quietly. “Keira, you must be tired from your trip. I’m worn out myself. Let the rest go until another day.”
She caught herself before she snapped that there had been more than enough chores in this house left waiting for another day. Exhaustion quieted her reply and she dried her hands.
“I don’t like leaving things half done, but I am aweary.”
“I’ll let you get ready for bed first.”
“Thank you.” She was almost too tired to be nervous about the coming night with her new husband.
Almost.
Chapter Three
Keira had collected dirty clothes and scrubbed what seemed hundreds of dishes when Orla arrived.
The other woman’s dark hair was in a neat chignon and she wore a brown calico dress. After donning the apron she’d brought, her sister-in-law set to putting away the clean dishes. “I suppose you may want to change things around but for now I’ll put them where Gideon keeps them.”
“You’re kind. My goal for now is to get this place clean.”
Orla scanned the room. “You’ve made good headway. I thought you might need to take things easy this morning. Um… did you sleep well?”
Keira knew her sister-in-law probed for details of whether or not Gideon was a considerate lover—as if Keira had any basis for judgment. Besides, the subject was private.
She sent the other woman a mischievous look. “I slept on the floor.”
Orla gasped. “You never, what ever for?”
“I don’t have to tell you that your brother is a large man. He’s used to taking up the entire bed. And, it’s true he fills the space. The third time he pushed me out of bed in his sleep, I grabbed a pillow and a blanket and slept in the place I’d been landing.”
“He pushed you out of bed? I’m so sorry, Keira. I’ll bet Gideon was mortified. What did he say about the situation?”
“He’s a sound sleeper who didn’t wake when I fell and I didn’t tell him. After all, he didn’t intentionally push me. Poor man needs his sleep, for I believe he works hard.”
A Bride For Gideon Page 2
