“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to cause you distress. I never start things off right it seems.” Gerard studied her face, concern etched across his. “Would you please forgive my lack of manners?”
When her aunt didn’t appear, Amelia decided it was best to get the conversation over and done with. Hear the explanation for why he would not pursue more than friendship. That way, when her aunt came outside brandishing disapproval, it wouldn’t matter.
“I understand, Gerard. The circumstances as they were led you to think and act rashly. You spoke without thinking things through. There is no need to apologize.”
When he chuckled, her mouth fell open. “I don’t think this is a time for amusement.”
“What I am amused about is that I really need to work on my communication abilities.” Gerard took her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “Amelia Fields. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“What?” Her eyes threatened to fall out of her head. When she tugged her hand away, Gerard did not release it.
He met her widened gaze. “I find that I cannot stop thinking of you and want you with me, all day, every single day.”
“I.” Saying anything past one syllable became impossible.
Interesting that Gerard didn’t seem to mind. “Will you marry me, Amelia?”
“Marry?” she finally said, her mind not quite allowing the ability to form a sentence.
Gerard leaned forward, his gaze intent on hers. Amelia’s entire body went soft as she tipped her face up to him.
“What is the meaning of this public display?” Her aunt chose to make an appearance. Hand splayed across her chest, she shot glares at Gerard.
“Release my niece’s hand at once.”
“Aunt Camilla. Gerard has asked me to marry him.” Amelia jumped to her feet.
“Oh.” It seemed her aunt was struck by the ability to not say more than one syllable as well.
Harriett’s face appeared in the window, her flushed cheeks and wide eyes making for a comical look. “Did I hear that right?”
Slowly, Amelia turned to Gerard. “I should have waited and allowed you to speak to my uncle...or something, before telling my aunt.”
“That’s true. He should have inquired with Bernard before asking you,” her aunt said with a huff. “Times have changed since I courted.”
“I’d say,” Harriett piped in. “Thank goodness.”
This time, Amelia couldn’t keep a giggle from erupting. “Would you like to come inside for a cup of tea?” She hoped Gerard would say no and save himself from whatever his aunt and Harriett would do next.
“Of course he’ll come inside,” her aunt said. “We have questions for you young man.”
“We?” Amelia asked her.
Her aunt waved her question away. “Yes, of course, your uncle and I.”
She didn’t point out that her uncle was not there. Instead, she stood and waited for Gerard to do the same.
When he cringed from the movement, she held out both hands. “Are you feeling unstable?”
Gerard shook his head. “No. Sometimes, I forget about my ribs and move too fast. I’m fine.”
Aunt Camilla eyed his midsection. “Did the doctor prescribe some plaster? If not, Harriett will whip some up. I will have you right as rain before too long. You don’t want to be limping on your wedding day.”
She walked ahead of them to the back door.
“I wasn’t limping,” Gerard mumbled under his breath.
Chapter 12
The sheriff, Elliott Weston, leaned back against a pole in front of the jailhouse and studied the group of men who continued talking.
The sun fell, casting long shadows over Ranchester. Several men gathered at the far corner of town pretending to be curious about whatever the other spoke of while casting looks toward the hill where the saloon sat perched on a hill. It seemed a silly idea to put the saloon on the edge of town and then place it on high ground.
Two carriages had arrived earlier that day bringing women and a couple of men. The profession of the women was easy to guess by the way the women dressed and painted their lips.
Although they’d ridden directly through the town not stopping, glimpses were easy to catch as the women hung out the windows, their curious looks matching the residents’.
Things were about to change in Ranchester. Temptation would soon be available to the single men. Money would be emptied from pockets of the hard working ranchers. Not that they’d protest much.
The newly-arrived men were, no doubt, the women’s protectors and bartenders. The men would be able to walk about town without scorn, unlike the women who’d probably send a maid or such to do their shopping and errands.
The townsfolk were, for the most part, good people. There was rarely a time when he was needed to arrest anyone. Sure, there were times when arguments led to fistfights but, for the most part, it was something that was resolved then and there.
Elliott wondered how that would soon change. Alcohol combined with loose women could only spell trouble.
Currently, whiskey was purchased on the sly at an old miner’s place. The man made corn whiskey behind his cabin, much to his wife’s consternation.
After serving as deputy sheriff for ten years, Elliott was now the town’s sheriff since Sheriff Holcomb moved to Montana. He wondered if it was time for him to retire. His family’s ranch outside of town was huge and a portion was his to do what he wished.
Then again, at thirty-two, he often wondered what more he could expect out of life. His brother, Everett, had been by a week earlier to tell him about writing for a mail order bride. Now, he wondered if perhaps it would be a good idea to do the same.
He looked away from the men and the brothel on the hill to the jailhouse. In his opinion, he had little to offer a woman.
Gerard had proposed out of sheer fear. When noting that Amelia caught him talking to the prostitute, he’d cut the conversation about the woman’s warped carriage wheel abruptly to rush after Amelia.
Although it was interesting she’d not commented on it, it was obvious she’d been upset. Hopefully, she wasn’t the overly judgmental type. He considered the woman, Clara, to be no better or no less than anyone else. Whatever she did for a profession was between her and the Lord.
Now, as he sat in the parlor, Gerard was glad to have proposed. A sort of weight had lifted off his shoulders upon doing that. Although he’d not planned to ask yet, it was said and done. Now, he hoped she’d accept.
Now with tea and saucer in hand, both Amelia’s aunt and the cook looked to him as if waiting for something. He cleared his throat, deciding not to touch the tea they’d served him since his hands were moist from nerves.
“So tell me, Mr. Cullen, why ever did you propose to Amelia?”
Amelia gasped. “Aunt Camilla?”
The woman leaned forward. “That I know of, you haven’t courted my niece. A man doesn’t just propose out of the blue.”
“We became acquainted when traveling to deliver the items for those in need. I’ve seen Amelia often about town. You are correct, Mrs. Fields. It is quite precipitous of me. However, in the few times I’ve spoken with Amelia, I have become fond of her.”
Both sets of eyes slid from him to Amelia, who blushed. “I am also fond of Ger...Mr. Cullen.”
The door opened and two dogs rushed in with happy barks and furious tail wagging.
Tea sloshed over the sides of Mrs. Fields’ cup as she tried to turn away from an overly-excited dog. She glared at her husband. “How many times do I have to emphasize how improper it is for you to bring those incorrigible beasts through the front door?”
Unlike her, both Harriett and Amelia seemed as happy to see the dogs as the animals.
The town banker, Bernard Fields ignored his wife and looked to Gerard. “Good afternoon, Gerard. How are your ribs healing?”
“Well, thank you.” Gerard stood. “I must speak with you, sir.”
“Sir? Must be seriou
s.” The banker chuckled and motioned to a door. “Looks like we get to talk in the kitchen.”
“Bernard, wouldn’t the dining room be better?” Mrs. Fields protested.
“No dear, you just said you want the hounds out of the parlor. If I go to the kitchen, they will follow.” He smiled at his wife. “Come on, boys,” he then said and the four of them went to the kitchen.
“Does my wife know Amelia visited you while you were ill?” Bernard asked while parceling meat to the dogs that he’d dug out of the pot and cooled.
“I don't suspect she does,” Gerard answered carefully. “Should I tell her?”
The man’s eyes widened. “Definitely not.”
“Amelia told you?”
“Heavens, no. I heard about it from Otis. He heard from Doc.”
It seemed the men had a more efficient form of passing information than the women in town did. Then again, Amelia had told him when visiting that her aunt was out of favor with the townswomen.
The banker was a contradiction. He seemed absentminded, usually in a good mood, but he was extraordinarily keen with numbers.
“I am glad to hear that you and Amelia have decided to marry. Being you were both out there overnight would have brought the women of town to consider her to be soiled...or ruined...whatever it is women call it.”
Gerard coughed. “We never...I didn’t touch her. I swear it.”
The man waved his concerns away. “I am sure of that. You are an honorable man.”
“She’s not replied yet. We were interrupted by your wife.”
The man shook his head. “Camilla is easily flummoxed. Let’s go back and get the girl’s answer then. Hate to keep you in suspense.”
Heart hammering against his breastbone, Gerard followed Bernard out of the kitchen. The dogs were left behind with bones so the walk back seemed unusually quiet.
Amelia’s shy smile, along with her gaze locking to his, made Gerard feel somewhat calmer.
He remained standing with her uncle to his left.
“Amelia,” Bernard started. “This young man has asked for your hand in marriage. What is your reply?”
Color surfaced to her cheeks, a flattering blush covering across her face. “I accept.” Her eyes remained locked on his. “I will marry you, Gerard Cullen.”
Chapter 13
Amelia’s breathing hitched as she looked out the window once again. Gerard and she would spend the afternoon together. He’d made arrangements to stop by and take her for a ride. She’d prepared a picnic and now paced, unable to sit for long.
He’d healed over the weeks since they’d become engaged and had made it a habit of calling on her as much as possible. If it were up to them, they’d see each other daily, but her aunt insisted they maintain decorum until the wedding.
Amelia could care less what people thought as she enjoyed afternoons with Gerard. Most of the time they’d walk and talk or sit in the garden and spend time with her cat, which she’d decided to name Sunny.
It was as if they never ran out of things to share, talk about or experience. Just a few days earlier, he’d kissed her neck and it had sent chills up and down her body in the most delightful of ways.
Now, as she prepared to go for an afternoon ride, excitement at the prospect of time alone made it hard to not appear anxious.
“I am not sure I find it acceptable for a single woman to go traipsing about out there alone with a man.” Her aunt peered toward the door as if Gerard would magically appear and spirit her away. “Times have certainly changed.”
“Thank goodness,” Harriett quipped from the kitchen and Amelia giggled. When her aunt scowled at her, she turned to the window.
“There he is now.” Before anyone could stop her, she lifted the picnic basket and dashed out the front door.
“She didn’t wait for him to come to the door,” her aunt said as she closed the door behind Amelia.
Gerard had climbed down from the wagon. His lips twitched upon seeing her scurry down the step toward the conveyance. He then looked to the front of the house. “So your aunt is in residence this afternoon.”
“Yes.” Amelia handed him the basket. “Yes, she is.”
Once she was settled on the bench, Gerard climbed up and set the horses to a slow trot. “I want to show you some land I own. I’m thinking, perhaps, once we save up more money, we can build a house and get some livestock.”
Her heart quickened when stealing a glance at the handsome man who’d be her husband. “I didn’t know you had land outside of town.”
“It’s not much, about ten acres. But enough to have a nice house and a bit of land for animals and such.”
“Such?” she teased him.
It was adorable when his cheeks colored. “I’d like to continue to work as a blacksmith. I know being out of town means I’d have fewer customers, but I want to make more intricate things. Like gates.”
“What a fabulous idea. People will adorn their fences by using your gates. The way the town is growing, you will have plenty of work.”
His shocked look with a slack mouth and wide eyes made Amelia hesitate. “You think it’s a good idea?” His eyes warmed. “Thank you.”
“Of course. It’s a fabulous idea.” She nudged his shoulder with hers.
They continued on for another hour before he brought the horse to a stop. “This is it.”
It was the perfect piece of land. Tall trees with leaves that turned orange and dark hues of yellow surrounded an open space. There was a small shack on the property and, behind it, a corral. She imagined a larger house with a wide porch with Sunny enjoying the afternoon sun on it.
“It’s absolutely perfect,” Amelia said, turning to Gerard. She pointed to the trees. “Look how absolutely stunning the trees are. I love autumn and the colors it brings. So beautiful.”
He took her shoulders, his eyes locked to hers. “You are perfect and beautiful. Nothing can compare to you.” His mouth covered hers, his lips traveling over hers in the most reverent of ways.
Amelia’s eyes fluttered shut and she touched his jaw, not wanting him to ever stop. When his hands slid down her shoulder and around her back to pull her closer, she willingly allowed it.
Flush against his hard chest, her heartbeats matched his and Amelia marveled at how perfectly they fit against one another.
When he trailed his lips from her mouth to the side of her neck, she lifted her face to give him more access. Gerard’s breath hitched, the heat of it fanning across her skin.
“Mmmm.” Amelia wanted more. She couldn’t wait for their wedding night to come and go so she could enjoy what came from the intimacy they would share.
The wagon moved and she yelped in surprise as Gerard grabbed the reins he’d released.
They both laughed when the horse looked over its shoulder at them.
“I think he wants to be unhitched,” Gerard said between chuckles.
Amelia wondered if the animal was smarter than they were and was ensuring things didn’t go too far before it was appropriate. She also mused that, perhaps, in this, her aunt was right. It would be hard to keep from one another while out there alone.
While Gerard unhitched the horse, she walked for a bit to the edge of a small pond. Tall grass surrounded the water and she approached it with caution not wanting to be surprised by a snake that may have made its home there.
Fortunately, nothing slithered out as she continued walking and imagining what her future home would be like.
Once they were married, she’d inform Gerard of her rather large dowry. Money she’d planned to use to live off of when growing old. It was more than enough to build a house and there would still be plenty left to purchase livestock.
Her parents had been modestly wealthy and, upon their deaths, she’d not only inherited the funds from their bank accounts, but also the money from the sale of her townhouse in Boston.
How differently things were now than what she’d planned. And although a small part of her did conside
r nothing was guaranteed, she was at peace and thankful for each day she could spend with Gerard.
For the first time in her life, she was in love and it was the most wonderful of feelings.
Gerard came to her, immediately drawing her into his arms and placing a kiss on her temple. “You seem deep in thought.”
“I was imagining our home.”
His chest lifted and lowered when he sighed. “It will be a few years yet. I have some savings, but we’ll have to save a bit more to have enough to build and have money for necessities before moving here.”
“I know,” she replied, laying her head on his chest. “As long as we’re together, time doesn’t matter.”
When he pushed her back, she looked up at him. His face was no longer relaxed. Instead, she’d describe it as tense, a thin line between his brows.
“Amelia, I have to say this. You are the best thing to happen to me. I feel like, for the first time in my life, I know why a man should wait for the perfect woman. I want you to know I will do everything in my power to make you happy. I don’t have a lot of money, not like your family. But what I have is yours.”
She blinked to keep tears at bay, but then gave up. “I love you, Gerard Cullen, even if you are a pauper.”
His eyes widened until he realized she was teasing. “I lay my meager life at your feet.”
Amelia laughed and reached for him. “Kiss me.”
Weeks later, Sarah entered Amelia’s house with a bright smile. On every surface of the parlor room’s furniture there were tulle, flowers, shawls and reticules.
“I can’t believe it,” Sarah exclaimed. “Your wedding day is here and I can’t stop crying with happiness. I feel like an absolute ninny.”
Harriett gave Sarah an incredulous look. “Just so we can move on and you not take all the attention from the bride, I will have to say this...”
Sarah gasped. “What do you mean? I don’t want to take any attention from Amelia.”
Amelia laughed. “She’s fine, Harriett. Sarah is just happy for me.”
Her aunt and Harriett exchanged amused looks. Camilla let out a long breath. “Oh for Pete’s sake, tell the girl already, Harriett.”
Amelia, An Autumn Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 7) Page 9
