She accepted his hand and winced at his strength, then jerked her hand away.
The smile left his face. “I’m sorry, Ma’am. I don’t know my own strength sometimes.” He leaned down and picked up the luggage at her feet.
“Once we have all your luggage, we’ll head to the church. The preacher is waiting.”
She felt the heat creep up her neck and into her cheeks. She averted her eyes. “That’s all my luggage,” she said, fully embarrassed. “Things have been rather difficult.”
And they had. Since her parents had died she was lucky to have survived. With no known family, she was plucked off the streets by Cody’s parents. That was how they met.
What she would have done otherwise, she’d never know. The mere thought of Cody had her emotions high, and her eyes filled with tears.
She turned away so her potential husband would not discover her weakness.
He didn’t look happy, but put his arm around her shoulders and led her away from the small group milling around the stage coach. Was it only to stop his own embarrassment?
Once out of sight, he reached into his pocket and handed her his kerchief. She glanced up at him. “I’m sorry,” she said. “It’s been a very emotional few weeks.” She wiped at the tears that wouldn’t stop falling.
He raised an eyebrow. “No need to apologize,” he said gently, then led her toward a large building not far away. He shoved the door open and guided her inside.
“Mrs Francis,” he called to an unseen woman. She scurried at his voice.
She glanced across at Millie but didn’t comment on her presence. “Can you organise a strong coffee for Millie, please?”
He sat her down, and placed the luggage behind her desk. “When you feel up to it, we’ll head over to the church.”
She nodded and accepted the coffee. “Thank you,” she said meekly and took a sip, then upon finding it wasn’t glaringly hot, took a larger mouthful.
Millie stared at her future husband over the mug. He’d pulled a chair from behind the large mahogany desk to sit opposite her.
That was surely better than glaring at her from behind the big desk. “Feeling better?” He looked genuinely concerned, but also seemed somewhat impatient. He likely had things to attend to, and Millie was impeding his plans.
She nodded, which had him smiling. “Mrs Francis,” he called again. “Please show Millie where she can get cleaned up.” He stood and Millie took it as being her cue to also stand.
She followed the indefinable Mrs Francis out to a back room. She couldn’t wait to get clean water on her face. She might finally feel normal again.
Daniel watched as Millie followed Mrs Francis out to the back room. He was aware she’d been in difficult circumstances recently, but nothing more.
He didn’t however expect her to be in such a depressive state. He wondered if they should put the wedding off until she felt better able to cope?
He’d applied for a mail-order bride some time ago, but he’d not found anyone suitable to date. When an urgent telegraph arrived from the agency, he knew it was time he stopped dilly-dallying around.
The poor woman needed help, and needed it quickly. He was more than willing to help, as it would assist them both.
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Sometimes he was his own worst enemy.
Daniel glanced up as she entered the room again. With her face cleaned and her blonde hair tied back, she looked far more presentable than when he’d collected her from the stagecoach.
He stared at her, then grinned. “You look far happier now,” he said. “A good clean up can do wonders.”
“I do feel better,” she said. “I’m ready when you are.”
Mrs Francis glanced across at him quizzically. He hadn’t told the woman his plans – it was none of her business – but conceded he would have to tell her sometime.
“I’ll be back later,” he told her, daring her to question him. As predicted, she said not a word, but closed the door quietly behind them.
Daniel offered his arm to the beautiful woman standing beside him. She took it graciously.
Now that he could see her face more clearly, he noticed she had a glow about her. More likely than not it was exhaustion. The poor girl had been in that wretched stagecoach for days.
“Oh,” she said suddenly, reaching for her reticule. “I have your leftover money. I did appreciate it very much,” she said quietly. “I don’t know what I would have done otherwise.
He waved her away. “You keep it. Use it to buy something for yourself.”
“But...”
“Honestly, keep it.” Did she really think he was desperate for the few coins that would still be available?
She nodded. He could see she was lost. It was almost as though her brain was in a haze, and he belatedly wondered if a nap might do her some good.
“Ah, here we are at the church. The preacher may have given up on us by now.” He grinned, then winked at her, trying to lighten the mood a little, but it didn’t seem to help her demeanor at all.
When they reached the front of the church, she stopped suddenly and closed her eyes. If he didn’t know better he’d think she was having second thoughts.
“Millie?” She didn’t answer and he tried again. “Millie? Is everything alright?”
At the sound of her name she opened her eyes and glanced at him. “I’m fine, thank you,” she answered, but it was very obvious she was not alright.
“Shall we sit at the back of the church for a moment or two? Give you a chance to compose yourself?”
She glared at him briefly, then her face softened. Did she understand he was trying to help her?
He reached for the door, but it was opened for him. Preacher Angus Devon stood before them, a grin on his face.
“Welcome, welcome!” he said, more than a little animated. He’d told Daniel how pleased he was that he was finally getting hitched. “And this must be the happy bride?”
He stepped back and realization was written all over his face. “Come my dear,” he said gently. “You wait here, Daniel, while Millie and I have a little talk.”
He watched as the pair walked down the aisle and sat on the front pew. He could hear mutterings, but nothing discernable, and Millie bowed her head, shaking and nodding now and then.
If anyone could console her it was Preacher Devon. Daniel had known him most of his life. The man had seen him through his desperation when Alison had been killed.
Daniel bowed his head and prayed. He prayed for the Lord to bring peace to his new bride.
When he looked up, the preacher was beckoning for him to join them out the front. He was holding Millie’s hand, patting it as if to comfort her.
She glanced up as he approached. “I’m ready now,” she said softly, and turned toward the front of the church, studying the stained glass window.
The preacher passed her hand over to him.
Her skin was soft and warm, and her hands small. He stared at her profile. He could imagine waking up to her beautiful face for the rest of his life.
“Are you ready, Daniel?”
He turned to Millie and she nodded. “Yes, Preacher Devon,” he said, his voice a little shaky.
“We are gathered here today...”
Daniel heard movement behind him and glanced over his shoulder. Mrs Devon and Mrs Highmont – the regular witnesses – had taken their place on the front pew.
The ceremony was over as quickly as it had started, and all that was left was to sign the marriage certificate.
He turned to Millie. She smiled when she noticed him watching her, but she didn’t seem genuinely happy. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “It’s not too late to back out.”
She refuted his concerns. “I’m perfectly fine,” she said, but he wasn’t convinced.
They thanked the preacher and left.
She hooked her arm through his, and they returned to his office to collect her belongings. He would then escort her home.
It had already been a very long day. He could only hope it got better.
Chapter Three
Millie glanced around trying to get a feel for where everything was.
As she looked back, she spotted the building Daniel had taken her to. In big black letters it told her all she needed to know: Carson Saw Mills.
Her husband owned the saw mill. At least he wasn’t the sheriff. She wouldn’t survive another loss like she’d recently endured.
A shiver went down her spine.
“We’re home.”
His words cut through her thoughts, and she looked at the building standing before her. It wasn’t a mansion, but it certainly wasn’t a cottage either.
She’d been more than happy with the sheriff’s cottage in Little Rock, but what stood before her now was more than she had ever imagined.
But it didn’t feel like home.
Daniel turned the key in the door, then whisked her off her feet and into his arms. She stared at him momentarily, then pressed her face into his shoulder. She could hear his heart beating fast. Every bit as fast as hers.
She breathed deeply trying to get the essence of her husband, but he wasn’t Cody.
For a moment she’d forgotten. Pushed the heartache to the back of her mind. Trying to forget had helped her survive this far, but going forward it wouldn’t work. Millie knew it wouldn’t.
Was it really only weeks since Cody had carried her across the threshold in Little Rock? She stifled a sob.
She felt her new husband stiffen. “Are you alright?” he asked quietly.
She swallowed and lifted her head, planting a false smile on her face. “Perfectly,” she lied.
He stepped into the sitting room and placed her gently on the floor. “Well, this is it,” he said. “Welcome home.”
Home. Was it really?
She looked about. The room was chilly, and she rubbed at her arms.
He watched her every movement, then squatted in front of the fire. “Let me light this,” he said, adding twigs and newspaper to the empty fireplace. “I usually put it on when I get home at night.”
She nodded then went looking for the kitchen. It appeared to be well-equipped, and she could feel the warmth from the wood stove.
Opening the door she discovered it needed topping up. Millie did what was needed, then filled the kettle and placed it back on the stove.
“Would you like coffee,” she asked stiffly, as he entered the kitchen. “I’ve refueled the stove.”
He shook his head. “I have to get back to the office,” he said. “Is that a problem?”
She should have realized. She had caused him enough inconvenience for one day.
“Millie,” he said as he began to leave. “We will eat out tonight – to celebrate our marriage.” He walked back to her and looked as though he wanted to hug her, but held back. They were, after all, total strangers. “I know things are difficult now, but we’ll work it out.”
She stared at him and more than anything, needed to be hugged. She melted into his arms. Pretending he was Cody wasn’t going to help in the long term, but right now it was what she needed. Wanted.
Her arms snaked up around his back, and he gingerly lifted his arms and enveloped her. She wondered how he would feel if he knew what she’d been thinking. She felt terrible about her absolute deception, and let her arms drop to her sides, then stepped back. “Don’t let me keep you,” she said, no longer able to look him in the eye.
He stared down at her, confused. “Explore, put your things away if you feel up to it. Maybe take a nap. You’ve had a big day.”
He hugged her again, briefly this time, then strolled out the door and out of sight.
Millie felt ashamed. How could she do such a thing? Let him think she was hugging him when in her mind it was her dead husband?
Daniel had been nothing but kind to her, and this was how she repaid him. Butterflies churned in her stomach. She ran through the house looking for the bathroom. She found it only moments before her stomach emptied.
Tears flooded her face. What was Daniel going to say? He didn’t sign up for another man’s child.
She took a steadying breath. She could be totally wrong. Perhaps it was the long and rocky trip making her feel ill.
Yes, that was it. Millie smiled, glad she’d settle that.
Millie found the master bedroom and hung her few gowns in the wardrobe there. She’d located an empty draw and added her undergarments.
Then she drew a bath.
It was good to wash the dust and grime away, and to feel clean again. She even managed to wash the grit from her hair.
Her eyes closed, she relished the opportunity to just lay there and not think about the world around her. It felt like she’d soaked in the warm water forever.
There was a quiet tap on the door and her eyes fluttered open. Surely Daniel couldn’t be home already?
“Millie? Are you alright?”
She reached for a fluffy white towel. The water was only lukewarm now anyway. “I’m fine,” she called back. “Thought I’d better clean up.”
She wrapped the soft towel around herself and stood in the bath, not wanting to move, but knew she had to. “How much longer do I have?”
There was no answer. He’d obviously gone, which suited her fine. Millie hadn’t taken the time to think much before, she’d been so exhausted, and just wanted to relax.
The soaking had done her good, and she really enjoyed it, but it would have been nicer with some fragrant bubbles.
She gasped – she’d never thought like that before. Why was she starting now?
Because her new husband was obviously well off? What a terrible thing to think. Now she felt really bad, and vowed not to think like that again.
Once dry, she took her time dressing. First impressions count, and she wanted to give Daniel a good first impression of her.
She’d chosen her favorite gown. It wasn’t expensive, and it wasn’t covered in embroidery like the more fashionable ladies were wearing these days. But it was functional, and it was pretty, even if it was a little threadbare.
She gazed at the garment draped over the chair and had second thoughts. Would this gown embarrass her husband? Would he be annoyed that she’d arrived with few clothes and low-grade ones at that?
“Are you nearly ready, Millie?” His muffled voice came through the thick door.
“Coming.” She opened the door and stood before him, and his eyes opened wide.
“You look beautiful,” he said, his eyes simmering.
She turned around to have her back to him. “Would you mind fastening the gown for me?” It seemed a little forward to ask this so soon in their relationship, but he was her husband, and she couldn’t do it herself.
His hands hovered over her shoulders. For a moment she wasn’t convinced he was going to do it. Almost as though he was afraid to touch her.
Finally he lowered them to her shoulders and leaned in. “You smell like the lavender bush out the front,” he said quietly.
She laughed. “I hope you don’t mind – I threw some lavender buds into the bath. I love the fragrance, and it helps relax me.”
“I don’t mind at all,” he said softly, his lips hovering over her neck.
Millie turned her head slightly to look at him. “Are you going to fasten my gown?” Her request was gentle, not forceful at all. He quirked an eyebrow. “My back is getting cold.”
He laughed, and Millie enjoyed the sound. It was very masculine, and she could get very used to it.
After he’d secured her gown, he turned her around to face him. “You certainly are a beauty, Millie. I’m so lucky to have you as my wife.”
She felt the heat creep up her face.
Until now she’d been apprehensive. She had no idea what sort of man she would end up with. Becoming a mail-order bride was very risky. She’d heard stories of women who had been bashed and abused, some even killed by their husbands.
She was certai
n Daniel was not like that.
“I’ve stoked the fire, so if you’re ready we can go,” he said, hooking her arm through his.
He looked very smart in his suit, and she was proud to call him her husband.
He soon led her outside and they made their way to the diner. Mrs Baker was the owner, he’d told her, and was the best cook in town. Although these days she did have help as not only was she getting older, but Grand Falls was getting bigger. Her business was also growing.
Millie lifted her skirts as they walked up the few steps and onto the side-walk. She’d never lived in such a big town as this.
Or rather, as Daniel had informed her as they headed to the diner, Grand Falls was a city. And one day it would be even bigger, and his business would grow.
New settlers would need timber for their homes and buildings. He was adamant about it.
Of course that meant more money. The one thing she and Cody had lacked was money. The love was there, but they skimped on everything because a sheriff’s wage was very little. Hence the reason they were so grateful to get a house rent-free.
“Here we are,” Daniel said, breaking into her thoughts. She’d been far away and hadn’t heard another word he said.
“Good evening, Daniel.” The older woman greeted him like she knew him well.
“Mrs Baker, I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Millie.” He grinned, indicating he seemed happy about their union. Or perhaps he just liked the thought of it?
“Oooh, I’m very pleased to meet you, Millie.” She reached for Millie’s hands and squeezed them. “The poor girl is freezing, Daniel. What is wrong with you, bringing her out like this?” She scowled at him, and Millie felt the heat creep up her face.
He touched her bare arms. “Millie, I’m sorry. I didn’t think,” he said, removing his jacket and draping it over her shoulders.
“I’ll put you next to the fireplace. Follow me.”
When they were seated and left alone, she tried to apologize. “It’s my fault, not yours,” she said, but he was having none of it.
“You’re new in town, I should have ensured you were probably attired.”
Mail Order Millie Page 2
