The Blacksmith's Reluctant Bride

by Cheryl Wright

  “After I clean up,” she said, but didn’t look too happy about it.

  Had she guessed what he had planned? It wasn’t too big an ask, to learn about his new wife. Was it?

  He stood and helped clear the table, but she glared at him. “Is something wrong?”

  “It’s my job to clear the table,” she said, rounding on him. “That’s what I’m here for, isn’t it?”

  His heart sank. Did she think she was here as a servant?

  She was pushing herself to the limit, and now he knew why.

  “Yes.” The word was out before he could stop it. She stiffened and her lips pulled into a tight line. This was not going well, and was far from what he’d planned.

  “No. That’s not why you’re here,” he said, backtracking on his previous answer.

  He retreated to the sitting room before he said something more to worsen the situation.

  * * *

  Samuel was leaning into the fireplace, stirring up the embers. Winter was setting in, but only a little snow had fallen.

  She watched as his muscles worked their way across his back, and swallowed hard.

  Amelia had never been interested in men. Those she’d been introduced to previously, the ones her father had wanted her to marry, were fools.

  They were like silly little school boys who just wanted a play thing. And she was nobody’s play thing.

  She swallowed again. Her runaway thoughts reminded her of Uncle Cyrus and his shameful intentions.

  “Ah, there you are,” he said, and turned to stand up. The fire wasn’t quite roaring yet, but she could feel the heat coming from it.

  “The warmth is nice,” she said, taking a step closer.

  She rubbed her hands up her arms. It was more chilly than she’d realized. It was relatively warm in the kitchen with the wood stove burning all day.

  He frowned. He stepped closer and ran his hands down her arms, something she was sure he wouldn’t have done a week ago. “You’re freezing. Go and put on a wrap.”

  He pulled her to him and enveloped her in a big hug. His warmth felt nice. Good. And she didn’t want him to move.

  And then he stepped back. The chill crept in once more.

  Their eyes locked and she couldn’t pull her gaze away.

  Then she took stock of what she was doing, nodded and left the room. She returned wearing her thick overcoat.

  He stared at her, his gaze questioning.

  “It’s all I have,” she said softly, staring down at the floor. At that moment she felt totally ashamed. Having to admit such a thing made her feel humiliated.

  Amelia had never wanted for anything in her life. Since her parent’s deaths she’d been left in poverty, not possessing even the most basic of clothing.

  She straightened her back, and flicked her chin up, just like her mother had taught her. “What did you want to discuss?”

  He would never know the truth if she could help it.

  By now the fire was roaring, and she moved closer to it. He joined her there, but she wished he’d go and sit down. Far away from her.

  She felt things when he was close, and that would never do.

  He reached across and took both her hands, holding them between his own.

  “What happened? Why are you here, Amelia?” She could see the pity in his eyes, and that would never do.

  She swallowed hard, then licked her lips. “Both my parents were killed in an accident,” she said. “I was left with nothing. My uncle got everything.”

  It wasn’t a lie. She hadn’t said anything that wasn’t true. She’d left out vital information, but she hadn’t lied.

  He let go of her hands and pulled her into him. “I’m sorry,” he said gently into her ear.

  She liked it when he held her like this. Amelia wasn’t sure if it was his quiet strength, or simply the warmth he gave her. But she could get used to it very quickly.

  She let herself sink into him, and rested her head on his shoulder. “What happened to all your clothes?”

  She pulled back suddenly. Why did he have to keep asking questions? Especially questions she didn’t want to answer.

  He stared into her face. “You can tell me anything, Amelia,” he said. “I’m your husband. No one will hear it from me.”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.” Her face hurt, she’d stiffened so much.

  Then he did something she didn’t expect. He leaned into her again and rubbed his hands over her back.

  Why did he have to go and do that? It made her feel like she was important to him, and she knew that wasn’t true.

  She was just the housemaid.

  “I’m sorry you’ve been through so much,” he said, continuing to comfort her. “We’ll organise clothes for you. And whatever else you need.”

  No one had ever been so kind to her. Not even her parents. To them it was all about appearances. It was never about her.

  Amelia had been merely an accessory.

  Without warning, tears slid down her face. She tried to pull away, but he held her tighter.

  She stared into his face. He was so caring. After their rocky start, she was finally beginning to see the man beneath the rough exterior.

  Chapter Thirteen

  It was nearly three weeks since Amelia had arrived at the tiny township of Dayton Falls.

  She’d gotten to know the people, had learned to cook, and had practically scrubbed the house from top to bottom.

  But she and Samuel still hadn’t consummated their marriage.

  The subject hadn’t come up, but she knew eventually it was something that would have to happen. Samuel was a man after all.

  Tonight there was a dance at the church hall. Everyone had to take food to share.

  As always, she was wrapped in Samuel’s arms when she woke up. Safe and comfortable, the way she liked it.

  Despite the problems they’d endured along the way, she felt they were beginning to feel like a real married couple.

  She guessed that was a good thing.

  She slowly slid toward the edge of the bed, and out of her husband’s arms. She needed to make breakfast, and then prepare food for the dance tonight.

  Nothing fancy, Samuel had told her. Something nice to share.

  Her new gowns were hanging in the wardrobe, and she needed to decide what she would wear tonight, but right now, she had to go to the kitchen and get the wood stove warmed up.

  “Where are you going,” a sleepy voice asked.

  She turned and stared into his face. She really could get used to seeing that face every morning. In fact she had gotten used to it.

  He was a sweet man with a very handsome face. He reached out and grabbed her around the waist. “I miss you when you’re not here,” he said, trying to make her pity him.

  She laughed. “I have to make breakfast, then something for the dance. Time to get up sleepyhead.” She ruffled his jet black hair with her hands.

  His eyes flew open, and he stared at her with intent, and grabbed her wrists.

  Amelia swallowed. She knew that look, and quickly pulled out of his grip, then exited the bedroom, grabbing her robe as she went.

  Samuel crept up behind her as she prepared breakfast. “Where did you go?”

  His hands slid around her waist and he leaned in and kissed her neck gently.

  He’d been the ultimate gentleman since she’d arrived. And she’d surely pushed him to the limit.

  They’d slept in the same bed night after night, and he’d held her tight, but had never tried to do anything more.

  She’d appreciated that.

  But he was no longer a stranger.

  He turned her in his arms and kissed her lips lightly, his eyes never leaving her face. A zing went through her.

  She’d never been kissed by a man before, and she liked it.

  “I’m falling in love with you, Mrs Thomas,” he said, gazing into her eyes.

  What did she say to his declaration of love? That she felt the same? That sh
e’d never felt so loved, so cared for in her life?

  “I have to finish making breakfast,” she said instead, pushing him away. “Then I have to make something for the dance. What will everyone say say if we turn up with nothing?”

  He pulled her closer and kissed her again. “I don’t care,” he whispered.

  “Well I do. Besides,” she said. “You have to go to work.”

  She pushed him aside again and finished what she was doing.

  The kettle boiled and she made his coffee, placing it on the table.

  “Drink your coffee,” she said.

  He cupped her face with his hands. “I have more important things to do,” he said softly.

  She stared into his eyes. His need was evident, but she wasn’t ready.

  “Breakfast is ready,” she said forcefully. “Sit down and eat it.”

  He looked deflated, but complied. “You’re a hard woman, Amelia Thomas,” he said, and a grin crept across his face.

  She laughed and sat opposite him.

  “I’ll finish work a little earlier today,” he said. “To get ready for the dance.”

  He glanced up at her. She was nervous about going, and had told her husband.

  He reached across the table and covered her hand with his own.

  Warmth flooded her, and she didn’t want him to remove it. Ever.

  She stared down at their entwined hands. She wished he didn’t have to work today, but knew he had a lot of orders to fill.

  That was important, of course, but she longed for him to spend more time with her.

  She sighed.

  At least tonight at the dance they might have time together?

  She sure hoped so.

  The day progressed like any other day. She still had all her regular chores to do, meals to cook, but she also had to make something for the dance supper.

  After flicking through the cookbook she decided to make a pound cake. It wasn’t hard, but it would take a long time to cook.

  She’d just finished cleaning up the mess from the cooking when she felt eyes burning into her back.

  She quickly turned to see Samuel standing in the doorway, his eyes trained on her.

  She straightened her skirts and touched the bun in her hair to ensure it was in place. She wanted to look nice for her husband.

  “Luncheon will only be a moment. Sit down,” she told him, then made his coffee and placed it on the table.

  She had bacon and eggs cooking on the stove, but instead of sitting, he made his way purposely toward her.

  She ignored him and pulled a plate out of the cupboard, ready for his food.

  Her back to him, he came up behind her, and took the plate out of her hand.

  She spun around. “I need that,” she said, annoyed.

  He held tight to it, and ignored her words.

  “Amelia,” he said, almost breathless. “I’ve waited so long for you.”

  He dropped the plate on the table and reached up and touched her hair, pulling out the clips.

  He stared as her hair cascaded around her shoulders and down her back.

  She reached up, but he grabbed her hands. “Leave it. I like it this way.”

  He ran his fingers through her hair, and Amelia stood mesmerized, not sure what to do next.

  His face softened, his eyes transfixed on her lips. His fingers were suddenly touching her cheeks, caressing them.

  Was he going to kiss her again? She had enjoyed his kiss this morning.

  She stood watching him, her gaze on his face.

  The sizzle of the frying pan alerted her to the fact the food was in jeopardy, and she snatched up the plate from the table.

  She could see the disappointment on his face, and truth be told, she was equally disappointed.

  “Sit,” she told him again, and this time he did.

  Chapter Fourteen

  This was Amelia’s first dance since she’d arrived, and she had no idea what to expect.

  Samuel had told her everyone would be there. They came from far and wide, and it was the event no one was willing to miss.

  She’d been to dances before, but not at Dayton Falls. Her parents had forced her to attend dozens of dances, all with the sole purpose of meeting a husband.

  Those dances had been very high class. After all, what else would you expect in Westlake, Wyoming?

  The part of town she’d lived in was made up of the crème de la crème – the high end of town. And monthly dances were all the rage.

  Young women of high society attended every dance, and she was no different. But they were all in competition with each other, all vying for the richest men.

  She felt like a piece of meat at the cattle sales, and hated every minute of it.

  Samuel had explained this dance was nothing like those she’d attended in the past. They were casual and laid-back, and no one was going to judge her.

  It was more a social event than anything. A time and place for the town’s people to get together and get to know each other better.

  Dayton Falls was big on community, and this was one of the ways they came together.

  Many lived on the outskirts of town and rarely ventured in, except perhaps every few weeks to make their purchases at the Mercantile.

  She’d been lucky. Once she’d settled into town Amelia had joined the women’s auxiliary at the church. She thoroughly enjoyed it.

  She was in the bedroom trying to choose a gown for the evening when Samuel strolled in. “Oh! You’re early,” she exclaimed, not prepared for his arrival.

  “I said I’d be finishing early.”

  She had water on the stove for his bath, but didn’t expect him quite so soon.

  He leaned into her. “You smell divine. You’ve already had your bath.” Disappointment flooded his voice.

  They’d decided it would be appropriate to bathe tonight, so she’d taken the liberty while he was still at work.

  She stared into his sad face. “I thought it would save time.”

  “I wanted to wash your back,” he said, mischief written all over his face.

  “Not in this lifetime,” she muttered under her breath. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said out loud. “Maybe next time.”

  His face lit up, but she knew it would never happen – she wouldn’t allow such a scandalous thing to occur!

  She pushed past him and he stepped back. “I’ll fill the bath for you.” The water must nearly be ready.

  As nervous as she was, she was looking forward to the evening’s event. She hoped it would be everything Samuel had promised.

  At least she knew those horrible catty women from Westlake wouldn’t be there. That was a huge relief.

  * * *

  It was finally time to leave for the dance.

  Samuel helped her into her warm overcoat. It was freezing outside, and there had even been a little snow.

  Not a lot, but enough to know it had fallen. Amelia couldn’t wait until there was thick snow covering the ground.

  She pulled on her warm gloves, and they headed toward the church hall. It wasn’t far, but in the cold, moist air, it felt like it was further.

  Samuel reached for her hand, and his fingers entwined in hers. She felt safe with him, had almost from the start.

  It was funny, he was a complete stranger when she’d arrived, but there was never any question that he might harm her.

  And yet, with Uncle Cyrus that thought was always at the back of her mind – for as long as she could remember.

  She shook the thought away. He would never find her, and she was safe right where she was.

  They could hear the music coming from the dance even before they turned the corner. The place was lit up, and the sound was that of happiness.

  Suddenly the music stopped and there was applause. Her heart filled with joy.

  She began to almost run, and pulled Samuel along behind her.

  “Steady down,” he said. “The ground is slippery from the snow.”

  She no
dded, but wasn’t sure he could see her in the limited light.

  As they entered the hall, she looked around, taking everything in. This was so different to those dances she’d attended in the past.

  Everyone looked happy to be there, and were talking to others. Unlike the Westlake dances where everything was strained and all the young women were on display.

  She swallowed hard. Amelia was so glad she no longer had to worry about all that nonsense.

  “Amelia, Samuel!” Phoebe called to them from across the room. “I’m so pleased you both came.”

  She certainly seemed genuinely pleased.

  Before she knew it, some of the ladies from the auxiliary surrounded her. Mrs Jensen took the sliced pound cake from her hands, and Mrs Green led her to the kitchen were some of the other women had congregated.

  As she glanced back over her shoulder, Samuel was busy chatting to a few of the men. She didn’t know them all, but she recognized Edward Horvard from the Mercantile, and Angus Doyle who was the town sheriff.

  The music began again, and Amelia found herself tapping her foot in time with the beat. She desperately wanted to dance with her husband, but she was stuck in the kitchen, helping to prepare for the supper later on.

  She needed to be patient.

  As she glanced across the room, she saw Samuel staring in her direction. Was he missing her as much as she was missing him?

  She shook the thought away. He looked as though he was enjoying himself. Goodness knows he worked long hours and didn’t get much chance to spend his time with other men.

  She needed to let him be.

  “What do you think of our little dance?” It was Allie, the barber’s wife. “This is your first one, am I right?”

  Amelia turned to her. They’d only met a few times, but she really liked Allie. She was another mail order bride.

  “Yes, it is, and I adore it. This is so much friendlier than any I’ve attended before.”

  Allie grinned. “Now all you have to do is dance with your handsome husband.”