The Brides of Golden Valley Box Set 1

by Jaclyn Hardy

  Madeline’s face lit up. “You’ll build it? Do you have the supplies?”

  “I have a lot of supplies, but we’ll have to see if I have what we need.” Nathaniel nodded at the clouds in the distance. “Those clouds are my only worry. The longer I wait, the less likely I’ll be able to get them done.”

  “I didn’t realize it’d be so cold by October.” Madeline unwrapped her blanket and slid closer so she could slip it around Nathaniel.

  He gladly took it from her, even though it made steering the wagon more awkward. “It depends on the year. I predict we’ll have snow by the end of the month.”

  Madeline placed her hand over his and squeezed. “You go out and work. I have helped my father with plans before. If you can draw the basic shape of the harvester, I can possibly come up with parts that we need.”

  “What does your father do exactly?”

  “He’s a merchant. But he often had to fix his wagons or rebuild machinery so that he could sell it. I helped him up until he and Mother decided that it was unbecoming for a lady to have axle grease on her hands and cheeks when suitors came to call.” Madeline’s cheeks turned pink.

  Nathaniel chuckled. “No wonder you had no qualms going out into the field to help me. You’re not afraid to get dirty.”

  Madeline grinned. “And now you know why I remained single for so long.”

  “I’m glad you did. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be sitting here freezing on the wagon next to me.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it.

  “It’s amazing what life has in store for us even when we don’t realize it.” Madeline gasped and pointed. “Your barn.”

  Nathaniel glanced ahead and time seemed to stand still. His barn was on fire. All those cattle . . . He urged Lucky into a gallop. “Hold on.”

  Madeline grabbed tightly to Nathaniel’s arm as they flew over the last mile to the ranch. Nathaniel didn’t wait for Lucky to stop before shoving the reins into Madeline’s hands to jump off. He hit the ground running and jumped over any obstacle in his way. The barn would be a loss, but he had to get the animals out of there.

  Many had already escaped, but thankfully they were still contained in the fence that was attached to the barn. Nathaniel ignored the flames and ran inside, opening each stall as he ran. He had to remain close to the wall so he wouldn’t get trampled. Finally the last door was open, and the last cow ran past him and out into freedom. Nathaniel ran behind her and into the pasture where he dropped to the ground, coughing from inhaling the smoke.

  Shouts erupted around him as neighbors arrived to do what they could for the fire. Nathaniel waved to them as a coughing fit overtook him and darkness closed in.

  ***

  Nathaniel opened his eyes and immediately rolled over to cough over a bucket. A week. He’d been stuck in bed for a week while the weather grew colder and the potatoes continued to sit in the ground.

  The smoke in his lungs had turned to pneumonia on the second night and it was all he could do to keep food down. Nathaniel moved the cloth that had been placed over his eyes. Madeline jumped up from her seat and climbed onto the bed next to him. She felt his forehead and cheeks.

  “You seem to be doing a little better today.” Her normally rosy cheeks were pale, and her eyes were filled with worry. “How do you feel?”

  “Like I could get up and go to work.” He laughed, but it came out as a cough.

  Madeline smoothed his hair and brushed it out of his face. “You could really use a shave.”

  Nathaniel smiled. “What I could really use is some food.”

  “Oh. I’ll go get you some.” Madeline stood and picked up two wooden posts that had been leaning against the wall.

  “Where’d you get crutches from?” He must have slept more than he thought he had.

  Madeline beamed. “Aren’t they wonderful? Joshua made them for me when he found out I sprained my ankle. He’s quite amazing.”

  “Yes he is.” Nathaniel struggled to sit up. “I’ll go. Your hands are already full.”

  “Nonsense. You’ve been in bed for days. You’re weak from being sick.” Madeline left the room, moving faster than Nathaniel would have thought possible on crutches.

  Nathaniel threw the covers back and forced himself to stand. He was weak, but strength would come from getting up and moving around. At least that’s what his dad had always told him. But then, that was before he’d lost his dad to the flu a few years back. . . The floor was cold on his bare feet, but walking was wonderful after just lying there.

  “See? I’m fine.” Nathaniel grabbed onto the doorway as the world spun for a moment. He staggered over to the kitchen table and sat down. The fog from his sickness was finally able to think. Images from that night came back. “My cattle?”

  “They’re all fine. Joshua and several others were able to save a lot of the barn as well.” Madeline set down the bowl she’d been holding. “Nathaniel, they think this was on purpose.”

  Nathaniel blinked. “What was on purpose?”

  “The fire. They found a torch near the spot where the fire started.” She picked the bowl back up and filled it with soup. “Why would someone do that?”

  Nathaniel got up to find a spoon and took his food from her. “There are a few possibilities. Competition. It’s not a secret that I want to start this business. Or it could be the sheepherders in the area. Or I could have just angered someone in town.”

  “You don’t believe that last one, though.” Madeline scooped up more food and Nathaniel grabbed that one as well.

  “No. I think it was the second one. I had a bad feeling when we left that morning. I should have stuck around instead of just brushing it off.”

  Madeline shook her head. “You didn’t know. You can’t get after yourself for something someone else did. Besides . . . we weren’t the only ones who were attacked. A few other houses have been hit since then. And not just those with cattle.”

  Nathaniel’s eyebrows shot up. “Who else was hit?”

  “There were a few sheepherders and they weren’t quite so lucky.” Madeline’s face was pale. “They actually lost sheep.”

  Nathaniel dropped his spoon into his soup. “Do they know who is doing it?”

  She shook her head. “Joshua thinks someone only went after cattle owners to throw them off the scent. We were just a decoy.”

  Anger burned inside him. Whoever had done this was going to pay dearly once they were caught. Not by him. He would simply rebuild and help his neighbors. But there were others in the town who would not be so tolerant.

  Madeline picked up his spoon and scooped some of the stew. “You need to eat. Let’s talk of other things for now.”

  “I’d prefer that. Now that I’m feeling like myself again, I would like to work on the harvester.” He knew he was still too weak, but that sitting still would drive him crazy.

  She perked up. “About that. When I told Joshua and a few of the other men what you wanted to do, they brought some extra parts that they thought you might need. They’re going to come by in the next few days to see what they can do to help.”

  “Digging my potatoes while I was down would have been nice.” He chuckled. “Between repairing the barn and finishing the harvest, I’m going to have a busy few weeks. I may not be around much.”

  “You know I’ll help where I can. The potatoes weren’t harvested, but you don’t have to worry about the barn.”

  “What do you mean?” Nathaniel’s eyes widened. “Did it get repaired?”

  She nodded. “They finished today. Tomorrow they’re moving on to the next ranch.”

  Relief spread through him. “I’ll help them then. As soon as my cattle have been moved off the land to be ready for slaughter.”

  “All of them?”

  He shook his head. “We’ll keep several for milk. Although, I could probably help in that way instead of barn raising. I’m not up for heavy lifting, but I could take the other cattle with mine.”

  “How will you know whose
cattle is whose then?” Madeline lifted the spoon to Nathaniel’s lips.

  Nathaniel pointed to a symbol that he’d burnt into the wall in the living room. “We all have a different brand. That one is mine.”

  Madeline shoved the spoon into his mouth while he spoke, and the warm broth was just what he needed. She smiled and scooped up another spoonful. “Eat. I’ll ask you more questions later.”

  She patted him on the shoulder and stood to take her dish to the sink. While he ate, she cut a slice of bread for him, then started on the dishes. Nathaniel hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he actually started eating. He had another bowl after that and would have had thirds, but Madeline took his bowl away.

  “You finally have strength, but you haven’t eaten in a few days. Give it some time.” Madeline stroked his hair again. “You really could use a shave. Would you like me to help?”

  Nathaniel nodded. Eating had exhausted him more than he cared to admit, but if he was going to help tomorrow, he wanted to look somewhat presentable. “My shaving cream is up in the cupboard. The razor should be there with it.”

  Madeline found the supplies where he said they’d be, and sat next to him. “You’re going to need more soon.”

  “I forget whenever I’m in town.” Nathaniel rubbed his eyes, then sat still while she applied the shaving cream to his cheeks.

  “Hold still.” She tipped his chin so their eyes met, then gently moved the razor along his skin. Her touch was soft, but sure.

  Nathaniel loved the way she stuck her tongue in her cheek while she concentrated. The way she tilted her face whenever she needed him to move in that direction. “You’ve done this before.”

  “I haven’t. But I watched my mom help my dad often enough. Really I’m just guessing.” She grinned at his raised eyebrows. “I’m kidding. I earned extra money by helping some of the others at the boarding house where I lived. Your face is much easier to work with than the larger, older men I’m used to working with.”

  Nathaniel laughed, and took the towel from her. He wiped his face dry and felt for any missed whiskers. “I think you did a better job than I do.”

  “Like I said, I got paid to do it. I had to do it right. Now, about your hair.” She reached out, but he took her hand in his.

  “I prefer it longer in the winter.”

  Madeline pursed her lips. “It’s just so shaggy. Did you let Lucky cut your hair the last time?”

  “No, he charges too much.” He laughed at her expression. “If you must know, I did it myself. And if you hadn’t noticed, we’re lacking in mirrors in this house.”

  Madeline put away the shaving kit and reached the higher shelf. “There we are.”

  Nathaniel yawned. “Could it just wait until tomorrow?”

  “You’ll say that tomorrow. I won’t take long.” She set the scissors down and added some hot water to the small bucket, then set it on a chair. “Lean back.”

  He did what she said and leaned back against the bucket. She ran the hot water through his hair, adding soap to wash it. She massaged his scalp, the tingle of the soap mixing with the jolts of electricity that ran through him from her touch. He’d have to let her do this more often.

  Once the soap was washed out, she helped him sit up so she could towel off the water. She moved quickly, snipped here and there as chunks of hair fell to the ground around him.

  “Let me guess. You also cut their hair?”

  “My father’s, actually. Mother taught me so I could do that while she finished wrapping the goods that he would be selling.” She moved in front of him and put her hand on his cheeks so she could inspect her work. After a few more snips in front, she left the room and came back with a hand mirror. “Tell me what you think.”

  Nathaniel was shocked by what he saw. His hair hadn’t looked this good since he’d left California. “It’s nice. Shorter than I like for the winter, but you did well.”

  “Thank you.” Madeline set the scissors on the table and took his arm. “Let’s get you to bed. You’re pale.”

  “I think that’s the best thing I’ve heard all night.” Nathaniel pushed himself up and Madeline wrapped her arm around his waist.

  Madeline helped him into his bed and leaned in. “I love you, Nathaniel.”

  Nathaniel pulled her close. “I was wrong. That was the best thing I’ve heard all night. I love you too.”

  It’s been two months since I got here, and I must say, this mail order bride experience has been much better than expected. One wouldn’t think that you could find true love with someone you met through the mail, but I did. What started out as research has ended up being the most wonderful thing that could happen for me. Those who have wondered but haven’t taken the leap, I say do it. Find yourself in the west. You won’t regret it.

  Madeline set the page with the others she’d been writing and hid them all under her pile of paper. She needed a larger envelope to hold everything she’d written for this article, so she’d grab one when they went into town.

  They would be celebrating Thanksgiving that week—something that Nathaniel had only heard of but never participated in. She wished her parents could be there. Even though they hadn’t spoken or responded to her letters in over a year, Thanksgiving had been big for them. She’d sent an invite to them for Christmas, but she wasn’t sure they’d receive the letter in time.

  Madeline checked the bread to see if it was dry for the stuffing. Not quite. She found a flat pan and spread out the pieces to put in the oven so it could finish drying out. With that done, she started on the pies. Even though her family wouldn’t be there, Madeline and Nathaniel would still have guests for Thanksgiving. Several of their neighbors had promised to be there. Friends. Besides Nathaniel, she hadn’t really had friends for years. It was nice knowing that there were people who wanted to spend time with her instead of speaking about her behind her back.

  The door opened, and Nathaniel walked inside, covered in snow. He shut the door and latched it—the only way to ensure that it would stay closed in this wind. “It smells wonderful in here.”

  “That’s what happens when you cook all day.” She leaned in for a kiss. “Did you finish the chores?”

  “For now. The door to the cellar seems to be holding up.” He leaned over her shoulder and dipped his finger into the boysenberry mixture Madeline was preparing and tasted it. “That’s amazing. We can hide this from the guests, right? Enjoy it for ourselves?”

  Madeline pointed to another pie on the counter. “That one is yours.”

  Nathaniel whipped around and went for the pie. “I knew I kept you around for a reason.”

  “Funny. I thought it was because you loved me.” Madeline laughed. “I’ll be ready to go into town once this one bakes.”

  Nathaniel got a fork out of the drawer. “And I’ll be ready to go once this one is in my stomach.”

  Madeline smiled and shook her head. Typical. Ever since Nathaniel had recovered from his illness, he’d been hungry almost constantly. Not that she minded. Cooking had become something she enjoyed. Seeing his face light up when she put food in front of him probably had something to do with it.

  Part of her didn’t want to send in the article. She enjoyed writing, but there were other papers here in the area. She could give up that job and work for a local paper instead. Right now, all that mattered was starting a family and making sure that their house was in order before Nathaniel came home each day.

  “Have you learned more about the fires?” Madeline took the bread out of the oven so she could put the pie in.

  “No, but another farm was struck last night. Except this time, it didn’t stop with burning down the barn. Several people lost their lives.”

  Madeline’s breath caught. “People died? Over land?”

  “Tempers are high, and others are afraid of when something will happen to them. It will get worse in the spring when the sheepherders take their sheep out to graze.” Nathaniel stood and put his fork in the sink. “I’m sorry
for bringing you into this war.”

  Madeline reached up and caressed his cheek. “I’m not sorry. I’m glad I’m here. But someone needs to stop what’s going on.”

  Nathaniel rested his forehead against hers. “We’re doing our best. It’ll get worse before it gets better, but we have organized lookouts so we can try to stop whoever is doing this.”

  “I’m glad.” Madeline lifted her chin and brought her lips to his. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her.

  A knock at the door shattered their moment. Madeline turned to check on the pie while Nathaniel went to answer the door. A man came inside and brushed the snow off his shoulders.

  “Your meat is in my wagon. I was told to bring it here.” The man clomped over to the fire to warm his hands, his boots leaving snow all over the floor behind him.

  “I’ll pull my wagon out of the barn. We can empty most of it into there and then put the rest in my cellar.” Nathaniel stepped into his boots and grabbed his coat.

  Madeline pulled the pie out of the oven, then cleaned up the snow the man had left all over their floor. She took her coat off the hook and went outside. The snow was almost blinding in the early afternoon sun. Nathaniel turned toward her and she knew he was going to tell her to go inside by the look on his face. She shook her head.

  “I’ll get the wagon. You help him load what we need into the cellar.” Madeline pushed her way through the snow over to the barn. She and Nathaniel had taken turns on the harvester to get the rest of the potatoes done, and Lucky finally trusted her enough to let her hook him up to the wagon.

  By the time she got around to the front, the man and Nathaniel were there waiting for her. The pile in the other wagon was high enough that it didn’t look like they’d even taken anything from it.

  Nathaniel handed her a roast. “Go start this for dinner and we should be done by the time you’re ready to leave for town.”

  Madeline opened her mouth to argue, but stopped at the look on his face. It was okay to assert herself in front of him, but it was better to listen when others were around. She forced a smile, then turned back to the house, grumbling to herself on the way in. She loved Nathaniel for the fact that he didn’t mind when she insisted on doing things her way, but others definitely didn’t see it that way.