Grace

by Cheryl Wright

  Grace

  Brides of Montana

  Book Two

  Cheryl Wright

  Grace

  Brides of Montana – Book Two

  Copyright ©2020

  by Cheryl Wright

  Cover Artist: Black Widow Books

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book

  Thanks

  Thanks to my very dear friends (and authors), Margaret Tanner and Susan Horsnell for their enduring encouragement and friendship.

  Thanks also to Alan, my husband of over 45 years, who has been a relentless supporter of my writing for many years.

  And last, but by no means least, thank you to all my wonderful readers who encourage me to continue writing these stories. It is such a joy to me, knowing so many of you enjoy reading my stories. I love writing them as much as you love reading them.

  Chapter One

  Grand Falls 1880

  Grace Sunderland straightened her back and braced for the jolt as the stage coach came to a sudden stop.

  She glared at the work-weary cowboy sitting opposite. He’d ogled her since he joined them yesterday. She prayed he didn’t alight here as well. She didn’t need that.

  Grand Falls promised to be the opportunity she sought. Business had never really been anything to write home about, but when her shop burned to the ground, it had been the sign she’d been waiting for.

  It was definitely time to move on.

  Grand Falls was said to be the place to be in for an upcoming business. It was expanding at a rapid rate, and Grace wanted to cash in on that.

  She glanced around while the driver removed her trunk. Patrick Harper promised her would meet her here with the keys to her new home.

  It was also her shop. She’d instructed him to build a small residence at the back. That had saved her quite a bit of money. And God only knew she didn’t have much to spare.

  The insurance payout was low. Based on her most recent sales record, they deemed not to pay her as much as she’d expected.

  Thankfully Grace had managed to pull her sewing machine from the fire before it took hold. She also managed to rescue several bolts of fabric, some lace, and unfortunately, her sales records.

  If the latter had perished, she may have received a better payout.

  But it wasn’t to be, and she’d decided to stop admonishing herself for what was done. She had a lot to look forward to, and that was exactly what she planned to do.

  “Miss Sunderland?” The tall young man looked far too young to be her builder, but he held a set of keys in his hands, so she guessed it must be him.

  She slowly turned to face him and planted a false smile on her face. “That is me. Mr Harper? Nice to finally meet you.”

  He stared at the trunk sitting at her feet. “Is this yours?” He snatched it up before she had a chance to answer, and carried it like it was a loaf of bread. She supposed building houses made you strong.

  “Follow me, Miss Sunderland. Your shop is completely ready.”

  Grace nodded. She hadn’t expected the shop to be ready since she’d arrived earlier than anticipated, so was pleasantly surprised.

  “So the residence is fully furnished? Linens, crockery, cutlery...”

  He glanced sideways at her. “Everything you requested is done. My wife assisted with outfitting the house once I was done.”

  His wife. What a pity. Not that she was looking for marriage, because she wasn’t, but in a place like this, most probably the men would be like Patrick Harper – married and unavailable.

  “My tools of trade are in that trunk, Mr Harper. So please be careful when you put it down.”

  His eyebrows rose in surprise. “This is everything? I thought you would have more.”

  “The fire destroyed practically everything,” she said quietly. “I was lucky to get these out.”

  The memory of that day flooded her senses.

  She’d lost everything that meant anything to her, including her constant companion. Her six-year-old cat Grumps, named due to his mood swings, had been in the residence when the fire broke out.

  Grace had never allowed him in the shop – she couldn’t afford to have customers complain about cat fur on their purchases. Sadness suddenly overwhelmed her. She had believed him to be out of the house, and when she discovered he wasn’t, she tried her hardest to get him out. Flames lapped about her, and concerned bystanders held her back.

  She’d fought against them, but by the time she broke free it was far too late. Grumps was gone.

  “Here we are,” he said unexpectedly, pulling her out of her miserable thoughts. He handed over the keys and she unlocked the door.

  Standing in the doorway, she glanced about. It looked good. Empty of course, but well made. She expected nothing less. Patrick Harper had come highly recommended, and she was certain he wouldn’t let her down.

  Clutching her carpetbag, Grace gingerly took a few steps inside. Her eyes took in the shelves around the small room, exactly as she’d requested. The cupboards along the back wall, and the larger room separate from the shop. That was where she would do her work, and it was far larger than the shop itself.

  The shop was merely a display area.

  She’d sent the layout to Patrick – this store was an exact replica of the one she lost.

  It would be some days before she could open the doors. Grace had ordered fabric, as well as models on which to display her wares.

  Her eyes scanned the room as she imagined where everything would go.

  Grace took a deep restorative breath, then slowly let it out. This was the beginning of her new life. A life she hoped would be better than the last one.

  * * *

  Joe Harkley stared out the window of his store.

  His tailor shop stood almost directly opposite the new store Patrick had been building. It wasn’t until the sign had been painted on the window he knew what kind of store it would be.

  Then he’d smiled.

  Finally a storekeeper he could work with.

  Graceful Bonnets

  Proprietor G. Sunderland

  He’d watched as the words had been added in gold paint. Clearly this would be good for them both. He would give Mr Sunderland time to settle in, then would wander over and introduce himself.

  At the very least they could recommend each other’s services. At best, they could work in unison and ensure their customers had a completely co-ordinated outfit.

  Yes, Joe liked the thought of that. Things had been a little slow lately, but business was picking up. With the influx of families, orders were starting to roll in more regularly. The ladies in particular graced his store most often. Men’s suits were rather expensive these days, so the men of the town often made do with what they had.

  Of course there would always be customers who preferred to buy off the shelf at the Mercantile.

  That thought sparked an idea. Perhaps he should have some ready-made outfits – both men’s and women’s – and have them on display should a customer come looking.

  That would have to be the best idea he’d had for a long time. Perhaps Mr Sunderland would make some bonnets to match. That way they would both win.

  He nodded his head in satisfaction then turned back to his current project.

  * * *

  Grace pulled her best gown from the wardrobe.

  She hadn’t brought much with her, because most of her belongings perished in the fire. She decided to wait until she got to Grand Falls before replacing them.

&nbs
p; She’d had the best sleep last night, and would be forever grateful for Patrick and his wife Emily for ensuring her home was fully equipped and furnished.

  She dressed then sat at the dresser brushing her long gold drenched hair. On workdays, she pulled it up into a chiffon, but other times she liked it to hang down over her shoulder.

  Today she tied it up in a ponytail, with much of it hanging loose.

  Her heart fluttered at the thought of her first time at the Grand Falls church. She knew no-one here except Patrick Harper. She wasn’t much good with people she didn’t know, but hoped she would soon settle in.

  She sat at the small table in her kitchen and sipped the weak tea she’d made. Grace had never been one for coffee – couldn’t stand the bitter taste. Even adding sugar hadn’t helped.

  Her parents had never approved of her line of business, stating it was fraught with danger. Mostly the danger of not having customers. Not that she would ever admit it, but they were right.

  She didn’t know if it was where she’d decided to open her store, or the nature of the business. Little Rock was far too small; she’d realized after a few months of opening there, but by then it was too late.

  She’d put most of her savings into not only moving there, but establishing the store itself.

  The insurance payout from the fire helped to establish this place, but would not carry her for long. If Grand Falls didn’t work out, Grace had no idea what she would do.

  At least she had a home, and the work Patrick had done was fully paid, so she would survive the next few weeks at least. Thankfully her fabric orders were paid as well.

  Perhaps she was better off than she realized.

  Grace carried her cup to the sink then rinsed and dried it.

  It was past time she left for church. She didn’t want to be late her first time there. The last thing she wanted was for people to see her as tardy.

  That could leave her with a reputation as a poor business woman, and she was far from that.

  She snatched up her bonnet and placed it on her head, glancing in the mirror to ensure it was on straight.

  Grace stepped out of the door to her residence, and breathed in the fresh air. What she’d seen of Grand Falls so far was lovely. The air was clean, and it was quiet here.

  She loved that part already. Now to meet the people; she hoped they were equally nice.

  She wandered down Main Street, glancing at the variety of stores. Everything was closed, being Sunday, but later she would have a good look around.

  Tomorrow she would open the door to her new store for the first time. But for now, she would head toward the church. She hoped it would become a place of refuge for her. Somewhere she could go and feel... safe.

  Not that she was in danger, but her heart had taken a big hit when she’d lost Grumps. He had been her constant companion, and she missed him dearly.

  Lost in her thoughts, Grace almost collided with a gent who was also walking toward the church. She smiled at him, but neither of them said a word.

  Not immediately at least.

  “You’re new here,” he said, startling her.

  She looked him up and down. He was very well dressed, and his suit was of the highest standard. Probably the best she’d ever seen.

  Being a seamstress herself, she could see the quality of the garment. “I am,” she said gracefully. “I arrived a few days ago.”

  He reached out his hand and Grace accepted it. “I’m Joe,” he said, his eyes rolling over her gown. She wondered if he was doing it in spite because of her own leisurely examination.

  “Grace.” She tripped on a crack in the path, and he grabbed her arm to stop her falling.

  He held tight until they reached the bottom. “Are you alright?” he asked, concern in his voice.

  She was shaken, but not hurt, and nodded to tell him so. She took a restorative breath. “Thank you,” she said. “I would have looked a muddle turning up to my first day at the Grand Falls church in a soiled gown.”

  He grinned and a tingle shot down her spine. He had seemed quite stern until that moment, and she wished he would smile more.

  He probably thought the same of her.

  Joe guided her toward the hallowed building, but she really didn’t need his guidance. She could see the steeple from way back, and would follow her instincts.

  Her heart thudded when she saw the holy structure, emotion overwhelming her. It had been a while since she’d been to church, what with the fire then ending up homeless until she was able to get her insurance sorted.

  Thank goodness for her Aunt Mary who had discovered her predicament and taken her in. Finally Grace felt she’d outlived her welcome, or at least she was worried she would, and made plans to leave.

  Once her insurance money arrived, she set her plans in place.

  As she looked around the church, she felt completely at home, and took a seat in the back of the room.

  She reached for a bible, and quietly read the comforting words while she waited for the service to begin. At the first notes of the organ, she glanced up, and saw Patrick Harper and his young family a few pews further down.

  Soon the music stopped and the preacher spoke. “Good morning everyone.” He had a huge smile on his face, and she immediately warmed to him. “I can see at least one unfamiliar face.” Grace felt her cheeks heat. “I am Preacher Angus Devon, and I would like to welcome you to our humble service.”

  There was a pause, and then he spoke again. “Let us begin by bowing our heads in prayer.”

  The more Grace was in this place, the more at home she felt. It was as though she was surrounded by love.

  That was such a silly notion, she admonished herself. She didn’t know these people and they didn’t know her.

  Perhaps in a few weeks that feeling would be justified, but certainly not now.

  She stood when a hymn was introduced, and sang along with the rest of the congregation. The service was ended with The Lord’s Prayer, which she recited along with everyone else.

  Preacher Devon headed to the entrance and spoke to everyone as they left. His face brightened when it was finally her turn. “Good morning! Welcome to our church family,” he said, sounding very happy to see her.”

  “That was a lovely service,” she said. “Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m Grace Sunderland. I moved to Great Falls a few days ago.”

  “Your name seems familiar?” He seemed to study her more closely. “Oh, I think I remember. You’ve opened a new store in town, I think.”

  She grinned. “I have. Tomorrow is opening day, so fingers crossed.”

  “You own Graceful Bonnets?”

  Joe’s voice behind her startled Grace. She turned to face him. “I certainly do. Let’s hope the bonnet business around here is good.”

  “We need to talk.” She frowned at his words, but stood aside and waited.

  She was soon accosted by an older lady. “Welcome my dear,” the woman said. “I am Edna Baker. I own the diner in town.”

  Mrs Baker led Grace to the church hall where they could have a hot beverage and get to know each other, she’d said.

  Grace did not refuse.

  She knew Grand Falls was not a huge town, but it was evolving, and with it would come new customers. That’s what she needed. Little Rock was not expanding, so her business options were very limited.

  As the two woman sat chatting in the back corner of the hall, Grace felt even more at home. Mrs Baker was lovely, and Grace felt as though she’d know her all her life.

  How wonderful would it be to have that sort of bright personality. She was the complete opposite.

  “Good morning, Mrs Baker.” It was Joe – he stood in front of the two of them expectantly. “Might I have a word with Miss Sunderland?”

  “Of course.” Mrs Baker graciously stood, letting Joe take her place. “If you need anything, you come and see me at the diner,” she said, patting Grace’s hand.

  She was quickly on her way and soon chatti
ng with other parishioners.

  Grace took a deep breath. What could this stranger want with her? She turned to him and smiled tentatively.

  “Miss Sunderland,” he said gently. “Let me properly introduce myself – I am Joe Harkley. I had no idea who you were when we met earlier this morning.”

  She was confused. Grace had introduced herself.

  “I was expecting a man,” he continued. “The signage said G. Sunderland, and naturally I assumed a male.”

  She blinked slowly then stared at him. A man? Why would he assume such a thing? “I don’t understand Mr Harkley. Why would you think I am a man?”

  She stood and twirled about. “Do I look like a man to you?” She smiled slyly and he laughed.

  “My dear Miss Sunderland,” he said, a grin on his face. “You are the farthest from a man as I could wish for.”

  “Then...”

  “My tailor shop is opposite yours,” he explained. “I thought perhaps we could work together. Help each other.”

  Her business brain had switched on. “In what way, Mr Harkley?”

  She took a sip of her tea, and stared over her cup at him. She listened very carefully to what Mr Harkley had to say.

  Chapter Two

  Joe stared at Grace over his mug of coffee.

  Mrs Baker had graciously allowed them to discuss their business dealings in her diner. They couldn’t go to his store alone, and the same applied to her store and residence.

  It was quite a dilemma until dear Mrs Baker had spoken up. Joe was sure that woman had the keenest of hearing!

  So here they sat, in the quiet of the diner. It was far too early for the diner crowd to arrive, and the establishment had only just opened for the day.

  The added bonus was the coffee was the best in town.

  “What do you think?” He glanced at Grace, trying not to stare. She was a pretty young woman – far too young to be running a business in his opinion.

  Joe wondered why she hadn’t been married off by now. She seemed like a nice person. But then ambition often got in the way with some of these women folk.