The loading of the wagon and getting Daniel settled into the back took some doing. He was too weak to walk yet but fought and argued the entire time anyway. Finally Trevor barked for him to shut up.
Corporal Smith rushed over with a huge tray laden with wrapped parcels and a basket also filled to the rim. “Do you have a trunk we can put all this in?” he asked, peering into the back where Daniel was settled.
“Yes.” Ruby pointed to a wooden trunk. Hank dragged the small trunk to the edge of the wagon and they placed everything into it. Any overflow was left in the basket.
“Cookie said Doc can bring the basket back next time he has to come out,” the soldier explained.
Ruby hugged him. “I will have to come back with him. I know I’ll want to see you and Cookie.”
Corporal Smith blushed, a wide smile splitting his face. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Trevor watching them silently.
He’d greeted her with a sullen good morning before rushing into explaining that he’d spent the night giving instructions for the remaining patients and ensuring the men would be well taken care of.
Finally, Hank assisted Ruby to the back of the wagon while Trevor busied himself with the horses.
Sitting near the front next to a sleeping sick man, Ruby settled in for what would be a long day of travel. Trevor refused Hank’s offer to drive the horses and Ruby shook her head. So, her husband was stubborn. Funny, she was often accused of the same thing.
Several hours later, she and Daniel talked about trivial things. She didn’t wish to say the wrong thing to him knowing he’d been through so many horrible ordeals in his life. The amputation only being the latest. Instead she concentrated on asking about his career, what he’d done in the Cavalry and his food preferences.
She found him to be very nice, his deep voice almost identical to Trevor’s. Although he was still weak, he didn’t seem to be in too much pain. They’d padded his left limb with swaddling and blankets had been placed around it to keep from further injury.
Finally Ruby had to ask him. “How did you feel at finding out Trevor was your brother?”
His brows lowered as he considered the answer. The man was handsome, taller than Trevor.
“I suppose after the shock, I was happy. In my gut, I knew he was someone I’d known. When I heard his voice, it resonated in my head. I was unable to speak and ask questions, but the more he spoke to me, the surer I was that he was my brother.”
The entire idea of two long lost brothers finding each other after being apart most of their lives absolutely fascinated her. Ruby leaned forward, enthralled by his story. “You must have been nervous to broach the subject.”
He nodded. “I was. It all seemed incredulous.”
“What was his reaction?”
The sick man gave this response more thought. He didn’t seem at all surprised that she didn’t have this information from Trevor, which was good. She didn’t want to have to explain anything. She wasn’t sure yet what would happen between her and Trevor once they had the time to finally sit and talk.
Daniel cleared his throat. “At first, he was shocked. Walked away for a couple hours. When he returned, he asked many questions. We both had questions about what had happened after we were separated. I am happy to know that although he grew up in an orphanage, Trevor’s life was devoid of hardship. He wasn’t forced to fight for every morsel of food.”
She had little idea of Daniel’s life. However by his reply, he’d had a hard childhood.
“Did you live with your parents?”, Ruby asked.
For the next couple hours, Daniel regaled Ruby with stories of his growing up on the streets. Some of his accounts were sad, with others quite comical. The trip gave her an opportunity to know him better. He seemed a good man.
When he spoke of his late wife and child, both having died as casualties of the civil war, he only skimmed the account and she didn’t pry further.
The wagon came to a stop. A few moments later, Trevor’s bruised face came into view. “Stopping for a bit to rest the horses and allow for us to stretch and such.”
His gaze lighted on Ruby briefly before going to his brother. “I came to help you down so you can relieve yourself.”
Daniel chuckled. “I was about to pound on the backboard.”
With Hank’s help, they helped a wobbly Daniel to stand. The stubborn man insisted he was able to function with only Hank to help. Ruby suspected he wanted to give her and Trevor privacy.
“I’ll walk with you,” Trevor motioned with his right hand to some trees in a different direction than where his brother and Hank went.
After both took a few moments of private time, Trevor joined Ruby who adjusted her skirts ensuring they didn’t drag on the ground.
“How are you feeling?” His words were tentative, halting.
She tilted her head to look at him. “I should be asking you. I feel fine, my ire ebbs just a bit when I’m not around you.”
There was slight movement at the corners of his lips, as if he fought not to smile. He had a delightful smile, but at the moment Ruby was not in the mood to see it.
“We will have time to talk once we return. I will do anything in my power to prove to you how sorry I am for doubting you. I hope you are able to forgive me.”
Too soon. Ruby forced her heart not to give in so easily. If she forgave to quickly, her husband would think he could get away with treating her badly. Besides, she was still angry and very hurt. Even just recalling the way he’d spoken to her caused tears to at once spill over. No one had ever spoken to her like that.
“Don’t cry.” Trevor swallowed, his eyes locked to her face. “I promise to make things up to you. I will make you happy Ruby. I swear it.”
She nodded, not ready to speak.
“We best be on our way.” Fat flakes were beginning to fall, and they had another few hours before arriving in Angel Creek.
Chapter Thirteen
“He’s settled and seems comfortable,” Trevor said as he walked into the kitchen that night. The house was as they had left it. Mrs. Abernathy had done an incredible job feeding the chickens, which seemed well. There was a bowl with eggs on the counter along with a note telling she exchanged them every couple of days. Next to the bowl was money which she got from selling the extra eggs. She’d taken a portion of it for herself as agreed.
They had plenty of food thanks to Cookie, so none of them were hungry. Hank had hurried off to his house earlier after they’d settled Daniel.
Now she and Trevor were alone in the kitchen in awkward silence. Both turned to each other at the same time. She looked away first.
“This is ridiculous,” Ruby mumbled.
“Come sit down. Please listen to me.” Trevor took her hand leading her to the front room.
“Not now, please,” Ruby pleaded tugging him toward the bedroom. “I’m exhausted. Please let’s get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow.”
He nodded. “Very well.”
Thankfully the water in the basin was fresh, and very cold. Even with the fire blazing in the hearth, every inch of the house took forever to warm.
Unprepared for the chill, Ruby went about undressing and rinsing her face from the day’s travel. Not feeling clean enough to get into bed, she dunked the cloth into the water and hurried closer to the fire to wash off more.
Trevor watched his wife prepare for bed. Her teeth chattered, but she refused to go to bed dirty. She bathed often and washed from head to toe almost nightly before going to bed. He’d grown accustomed to her fresh scent.
After rinsing his face in the frigid water, he removed his clothing, washed himself, and put on clean underwear. If his wife didn’t like going to bed unwashed, she probably didn’t appreciate him laying beside her dirty. So since their second week of marriage, he’d begun doing the same every night.
They slipped under the blankets and she immediately huddled against him. “I am not sure where the heat from the fire is going, but it doe
sn’t seem to be coming into the house.” She shivered.
He nodded in agreement. “It’ll take a bit for the house to warm up. I’ll make sure to add more wood during the night. It will be warm after a bit.” He planned to get up and check on Daniel anyway.
“Good night,” Ruby whispered, her warm breath fanning across his chest.
Thankfully when he put his arms around her and kissed her forehead, she didn’t protest.
Sometime later, Trevor woke. Moans came from outside the room. After carefully settling Ruby away from him, he rushed to see what happened.
Daniel sat on his bed. While he held his left arm, he rocked and let out a low groan. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Within seconds the room was brighter when Trevor lighted a lantern. “What happened?” He didn’t want to touch Daniel’s arm and cause him more pain, but at the same time he would have to.
“I rolled onto it and it jarred me awake. I sat up and went to stand to get water and fell right on top of it.”
It was hard not to flinch knowing how much it had to be hurting. “I’ll get you something for the pain.” He lifted the bedpan out. “Relieve yourself first. Once I sedate you, you’ll be asleep past morning.”
***
“You were right, it is much warmer. How many times did you get up last night?” It was only he and Ruby at breakfast. It had taken quite a bit of laudanum for Daniel to finally sleep. Trevor didn’t expect he’d wake for a couple more hours.
It had been a good night despite having to get up to see about his brother. Each time he’d climbed into bed, Ruby had instantly moved to snuggle against him. Apparently, she’d become used to the cramped small bed back at the army camp. It didn’t bother him in the least to have her soft curvy figure flattened against his.
“Twice. Checked on Daniel and added logs to the fire in both rooms. He needed pain medication. I ensured he can’t roll to his side, so we’ll need to keep an ear out for him.”
Ruby studied her hands for a moment. “About your apology, I accept it. However, you must understand that I will not stand to be spoken to in that matter ever again.”
“I vow never to disrespect you Ruby. Never again will I raise my voice to you.”
In her gaze he saw questions, she was assessing whether he was being truthful or not. She didn’t trust him and Trevor didn’t blame her at the moment. He’d jumped to conclusions refusing to listen to her and instead insulting her by suggesting she was a woman of loose morals.
Now as he took his beautiful wife in, he could not believe how stupid and rash he’d been. Jealousy did that to a man. He’d been jealous.
Shaken by the knowledge of how deep his feelings were for her, his chest constricted. In just a few weeks, he’d lost his heart to Ruby. He’d fallen for the woman and had been too wrapped up in everything else to realize it.
“Ruby I...”
“I am not finished.” Ruby jutted her chin in challenge. He nodded so she’d continue.
“I come from a very close family. My parents have always been loving to each other. Sure, they had disagreements over the years, but never did my father ever speak unkindly to my mother.” She took a shaky breath. “I came to find a husband and a father for my children. I came with their blessing. Understand this Trevor Collins.”
Her gaze was direct, eyes clear as she emphasized what she was about to say. “I have no doubts they will welcome me back into their home if I return. My family is not so pretentious to turn a daughter away for having made a mistake.”
His stomach pitched. “I hope it won’t come to that Ruby. I promise to do my best to keep you here with me. I’ve grown to...care for you a great deal.”
At his declaration her eyes narrowed. “You care for me?”
“I was deranged with jealousy after seeing you fleeing from that idiot. If I’d had known he meant you harm, I probably would have killed him that day. I’m a fool.”
Ever so slowly her right hand moved over her chest as she grasped his words. “I have to be thankful that you weren’t aware then. I am sorry for how you must have felt in that moment.”
“Do you know what happens in a couple days?” Trevor diverted the conversation.
Ruby frowned. “No I am not aware. What happens?”
“The Christmas festivities. Everyone in town will be there.”
Immediately her countenance changed and not for the better. Wide eyed, she looked about the house as if hoping something would materialize. “Oh no. I’d planned to make a new dress for the party. Now I’m not sure it can be done.”
He covered her hand with his. “What if I cook and such so you have all day to sew. Do you think it can be done then?”
It was endearing to see her bite her bottom lip in thought. “I believe so. I have the fabric already and if you’ll check to see if my trunks arrived, then I don’t have to make under skirting which would take too long.” She was already heading to the once empty room where she kept her sewing basket and fabric. Soon she’d have items spread over the table and he wouldn’t see her for hours.
Trevor followed her. “After Daniel awakens, I’ll get him settled and go see about your trunks.”
Ruby stopped and turned to face him. Then she shocked him by hurrying to him, wrapping her arms about his neck, and lowering him for a kiss. Although it hurt his split lip, it was the sweetest kiss he’d ever experienced. Pain be damned, he could kiss her all day long. “Thank you so much Trevor. I appreciate you being so understanding about this.”
Now he wanted to puff his chest out. “I understand how important these things are for women.”
Her giggle made him smile. “You have absolutely no understanding of women do you?”
It was true. What he knew about women was based purely on his medical experience. “I will let you know Mrs. Collins that I have learned a great deal by observing you.”
“Thank you for this. I will finish this dress in time for the party. I can’t wait to see everyone. Anna, Charity, Julia and Sarah will all be there. It will be an unforgettable night. We’ll finally be able to share how we’re doing and what all has happened since our wedding day.
She let out a happy sigh and rushed the table.
Ruby did not join him and Daniel for supper. His brother kept stealing glances toward the bedrooms. “I know this is none of my business, but are there problems between you and the Mrs.?”
“We’re working things out. Haven’t known each other long and I am not the smartest when it comes to women,” Trevor replied, garnering a chuckle from his brother.
They continued eating as Trevor told his brother about the wedding, the snowstorm, and the misunderstanding at the army camp. Daniel interjected with comments about his own marriage and understandably agreed that Trevor had been rash in his reaction to the situation with Ruby and Tarvis.
It was like nothing he’d ever known. Having a brother, a family. Trevor’s heart could barely stand it. Each time his brother spoke, he hung on every word as if trying to memorize the sound of Daniel’s voice, the countenance of his sentences, and pacing of the words. Emotions rushed through him and it took will power not to jump from his chair and hug Daniel.
“Where’d you go?” His brother’s question brought him back from his musings.
“I was considering how strange it is to have you here. Talking to you. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to see my brother again. And now here you are.” He couldn’t stop the wide grin. “And giving me advice, just as an older brother should.”
Daniel lowered his gaze, but not before Trevor caught sight of the shine in them. “I often dreamed of a day like this too. I had two arms instead of one though.”
“One and a half,” Trevor jested, glad to hear Daniel chuckle at the joke.
Chapter Fourteen
Every muscle and bone in her arms, neck and shoulders were stiff by the time Ruby finished the dress on the afternoon of the festivities. She caught sight of people out and about down the st
reet.
As if invited, Mother Nature decided to cooperate and grant Angel Creek a sunny day. Although snow remained on the ground, it was sunny and milder than expected. Now that some of the snow had melted, Trevor had let the chickens out to roam in the back yard. Their happy clucks carried into the house making Ruby smile as she watched them scramble about eating the feed he spread for them.
True to his word, Trevor had done everything for the last two days. He’d cooked, cleaned up, made tea and coffee. He’d even managed to visit the clinic to ensure all was prepared in case anyone needed medical attention. Daniel spent most of the time either in his bedroom or sitting in front of the fire. Once in a while he got to his feet and with the help of a cane, took a few steps to look out one of the windows.
According to Trevor, his brother planned to remain in town. Trevor had promised to gather men and help build a house for Daniel, who didn’t wish to remain with them much longer than necessary.
It would be a hard time until Daniel became used to living with only one arm. However, he was young still and strong. Before long he’d do well alone.
She went to the bedroom to try on her new dress and make any necessary alternations. It was a beautiful dress that suited her coloring perfectly.
Thankfully, she’d learned to sew from a friend of her mothers. Her mother had insisted they should be able to make their own dresses. During the war, it had been almost impossible to find a seamstress, so they’d learned to make their own. Ruby actually preferred her own fashions to those made by others.
The dress was made of a fine printed dark green calico. She’d added cream-colored lace down the center of the chest accentuating where the button lapels were. The waist was synched in with lacing at the back. The gathered skirt cascaded over a ruffled petticoat and fell almost to the floor. With care, she pulled the dress down her shoulders wiggling as she had a bit of trouble.
Ruby (Angel Creek Christmas Brides Book 3) Page 11
