Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 1)

by Hildie McQueen

  Wilhelmina,

  A Winter Bride

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing

  Augusta, Georgia 2015

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride

  Bestselling Author

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing

  ISBN-13: 978-1-939356-55-0

  Editor: Scott Moreland

  Cover Artist: Dar Albert

  Copyright © Hildie McQueen 2017

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without written permission.

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

  This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader.

  If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to your retailer and purchase your own copy.

  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Table of Contents

  WILHELMINA, A WINTER BRIDE

  Copyright

  Other Works by Hildie McQueen

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  More Stories by Hildy McQueen

  About the Author

  Excerpt from AURORA, A ROMANTIC BRIDE

  Other Works by Hildie McQueen

  (In reading order)

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Christina, A Bride for Christmas

  Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride

  Aurora, A Romantic Bride

  Lucille, A Lucky Bride

  More to come!

  SINGLE TITLES

  Beneath a Silver Sky

  Under a Silver Moon

  HEADING WEST SERIES

  Where the Four Winds Collide

  Westbound Awakening

  Where the River Flows

  SHADES OF BLUE SERIES

  Big Sky Blue

  A Different Shade of Blue

  The Darkest Blue

  Every Blue Moon

  Blue Horizon

  Montana Blue

  Midnight Blue

  THE GENTRYS OF MONTANA

  (Sensual)

  The Rancher

  The Marshal

  The Outlaw

  Find Hildie McQueen’s books at Amazon

  Chapter One

  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1872

  The carriage rocked side to side as Wilhelmina Wilkins and her family rode to the first ball of proper society’s winter season. It was not as enchanting an evening as one would think. Wilhelmina let out a sigh, wishing to be back home in the privacy of her bedroom and not having to share space with her stepmother and stepsister.

  As usual, her father managed to keep a measured distance although occupying the same cramped space. If there were a trait she wished to get from him, it would have to be the ability to not be so present in every moment.

  Her lips curved at noting his eyes swept the interior of the carriage and then quickly turned back to the book he held. Dim as it was in the carriage, he could not make out a single word, of that Wilhelmina was sure. However, the act of pretending to read did deliver the perfect silent statement of not wanting to be disturbed.

  “Now Wilhelmina, ensure that you keep a distance between yourself and Gilda. She has to make an entrance.” Laverne Wilkins’ narrowed eyes met Wilhelmina’s over the ever-present fan in her hand.

  Wilhelmina’s stepmother continued, “It is her coming out night after all.”

  Why it was Gilda’s night again wasn’t exactly clear to Wilhelmina. But since she couldn’t care less, all she gave the woman seated across the plush carriage was a one-shouldered shrug. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of taking attention away from Gilda.”

  Her stepsister and stepmother exchanged looks, the disdain for Wilhelmina obvious. “Yes, well, ensure you remain behind me,” Laverne finished then peered out the carriage window. “Oh look, Gilda! How grand the Jamesons’ house looks tonight.”

  Despite her sour mood, Wilhelmina looked out and, indeed, the great mansion was splendid. Lanterns swung from low tree branches and paper banners flew in the cool breeze. The first of many balls of the winter season meant the hosts would put every effort into setting the bar high.

  The Jamesons were an established Philadelphia family, the elite class, which only old money could attain.

  Every year since she could remember, their party was the one to attend. The members of their social circle held their breaths waiting for an invitation to the affair.

  The patriarch, Milford Jameson III, was heir to millions and his wife, Pearl Worthington Jameson, had a pedigree to match. They had one married daughter and two sons, both deemed to be the most eligible bachelors in the state. Every family hoped their daughters would catch the eye of Milford, the eldest son, or Ernest, the second born. Neither appealed to Wilhelmina since both were known rakes.

  Ernest, the more handsome of the two, was a devilish rogue. And Milford, the first born, was well known for his affinity for visiting houses of ill repute. It was whispered both tended to enjoy rather dark tastes when it came to the bedroom. That alone should warn the overanxious parents off in Wilhelmina’s estimation.

  Wilhelmina had met both and cared for neither. What she looked most forward to this night was seeing her childhood friend, Aurora, with whom she could spend time people watching and discussing what everyone wore. The new debutantes would keep them entertained with their antics at attempting to get the attention of the single men present.

  Neither she nor Aurora aspired to marriage. Not for some time yet and both held on to the notion that when they did marry, it would be when falling desperately in love with an astonishingly handsome man. Their future husbands would be honorable men who would concede to their every whim.

  The thought brought a chuckle, earning her a glare from her stepmother.

  The carriage came to a stop but no one moved. The procession of carriages meant it would be a while yet before they arrived at the front of the house and be assisted by footmen to descend.

  Gilda leaned over her mother in an attempt to look out. “Do you see anyone of interest mother?”

  Laverne leaned out to look with a delighted smile. “The Penningtons are about to enter. Oh my. Mary is wearing a dress in the most dreadful shade of green. Goodness, I can’t believe her seamstress didn’t warn her it is most definitely not her color.”

  Wilhelmina looked in the direction of the entrance and had to agree with her stepmother for once.

  Finally, they arrived at the bottom of a wide staircase leading to the front entrance. As directed, Wilhelmina walked at a distance, ensuring not to enter until after her stepsister was practically out of sight.

  No one greeted her upon entering and, immediately, Wilhelmina searched
for her friend. Aurora had either not arrived as yet or was somewhere engaged in a conversation and had not noticed Wilhelmina’s arrival.

  The party had not quite begun. Already, the ballroom, although spacious, was hot and airless.

  The décor was breathtaking. Evenly spaced chandeliers illuminated beautiful, gleaming, tiled floors. Long tables had been set along one wall, each replete with food and punch. Punch that soon would be as unpleasantly warm as the room. Young men dressed in black with crisp white shirts and napkins over their forearms stood at the ready next to the table in case a guest required assistance of some sort. Men wearing the same uniform with coattails strolled about with trays of drinks for the newly arrived.

  Depictions of handsomely dressed Jameson ancestors decorated one long solid wall. On the opposite wall, there were stained glass windows atop a series of French doors, which led to gardens and patios.

  Several stations about the room had been set for guests to place glasses or appetizer plates. Lights reflected from the tall crystal vases and the ornate silver platters.

  The hosts did not stand to greet guests, but mingled to give the illusion of a relaxed atmosphere. Ridiculous, of course, since every single person present wore plastered polite grins as they scanned the room for the opportunity to be one of the first to greet a Jameson.

  Laverne, with Gilda in tow, made a beeline to where several prominent women huddled, sizing each other up under the guise of greetings.

  Not wishing to stand aside while being ignored, Wilhelmina walked past where her stepmother and Gilda were and strolled through a set of open doors out to a patio. Although not quite the proper thing to do while alone, she always enjoyed seeing other people’s gardens and the Jameson’s never disappointed.

  It was early yet, so only one pair of men walked about the labyrinth of bushes and trees. The garden was not as beautiful as in the spring, but it held an allure that only nature could bring this late in the year. Short trees with their golden leaves made up for flowers. Late blooming camellia added a light, sweet fragrance to the air.

  Wilhelmina turned back to the ballroom just as music from the orchestra wafted throughout the large room. Immediately, couples moved to the center to begin a familiar dance. The swaying of multicolored dresses moved in almost identical patterns as women, guided by their dance partners, glided over the pristine tile flooring. Although she had not been in the mood to attend, the music and dancing was delightful to observe.

  Wilhelmina made her way to where her stepmother and Gilda conversed with a woman she didn’t recognize. “This is always the grandest event,” her stepmother exclaimed while she fanned her reddened face. “It is astonishingly warm for so late in the year, is it not?” she asked no one in particular and then turned to her stepdaughter. “Wilhelmina, be a dear and fetch your stepsister and me some punch.”

  A servant walked by with a tray of beverages and Wilhelmina reached for two glasses, passing them to the women.

  Her stepmother had obviously wished to send her away by her droll expression, which Wilhelmina ignored. It was best to remain near them for the time being as she’d yet to see anyone familiar enough to speak to. Ambling about alone could turn rather boring quickly. Not that standing next to her family proved to be entertaining. At least their discomfort did provide amusement of sorts. Wilhelmina remained beside the women and watched the dancers, ensuring a pleasant curve to her lips.

  After a few minutes, when she turned to get a drink for herself, the servant had disappeared. Letting out a sigh, she decided it was best to go in search of something to drink. In the meantime, she’d hopefully locate her friend.

  More people entered through the front entrance, down the stairwell, and she stopped when spotting Aurora escorted by her brother and mother. Finally, she’d not have to mingle about alone or stand idly by ignored by her stepmother and stepsister.

  Just as she took a step toward Aurora, a gentleman approached her friend. Aurora’s lips curved into what Wilhelmina could only describe as a forced smile and she accepted the man’s escort. When he turned toward Wilhelmina, she recognized him as none other than Milford Jameson IV, the eldest son of the hosts.

  This was a surprise. Wilhelmina blinked to make sure she wasn’t seeing wrong. She and Aurora had just spoken earlier in the week and, although Aurora had seemed distracted, her friend had not mentioned any new acquaintance with the Jamesons.

  Moving closer, Wilhelmina closed the distance to Aurora, who moved in a stilted, odd fashion. Aurora appeared almost dazed. Finally, her friend saw her and smiled warmly. “Hello, dear Willy,” she said in a breathless voice and kissed her cheek. “I am so happy to see you.”

  Milford stood beside them, waiting politely to be acknowledged. Aurora’s hand was on his arm. Once again, Aurora seemed to force a smile. “Milford, you know my dear friend, Willy, don’t you?”

  “Indeed, I do,” he replied, giving her a curt nod. “Where are your dear mother and sister?”

  Wilhelmina motioned to the far wall. “Over there. They’d love to greet you, of course.”

  “Perhaps after I escort this lovely creature to a dance.”

  Aurora’s high-pitched giggle was most alarming. Wilhelmina gave her a pointed look. Why had Aurora not mentioned a possible assignation with one of the Jamesons?

  Astounded at the unexpected turn of events, Wilhelmina could only look on agog as Aurora allowed Milford to lead her away.

  The couple moved to the center of the dance floor. Immediately, the room was abuzz, every pair of eyes following the couple as they began to dance.

  Aurora’s mother had disappeared into the crowds. So when Wilhelmina spotted Aurora’s cousin, Michael, beside French doors leading to a large patio, she hurried toward him to find out what brought this sudden turn of events. Something seemed wrong about the entire situation.

  She and Aurora had just met for tea early in the week. She’d suspected that Aurora was troubled and questioned her. Wilhelmina had asked if something was wrong but her friend had insisted all was well. What could have possibly happened in the last two days?

  “Michael?” She stepped outside to the cooler temperature. Other people mingled about, obviously also taking a breath of fresh air. The man was nowhere to be found, so she stepped down to the lower garden.

  At the sound of footsteps, she whirled to find Ernest Jameson. He stood with one hand in his pocket and the other to his side. She wanted to chuckle at his pose. It was as if he purposely paused for effect. “Good evening, Mr. Jameson.”

  “May I escort you about the gardens, Miss Wilkins?”

  “Oh,” she replied, looking around in hopes of seeing Michael. Ernest Jameson had never spoken to her before and that had been more than acceptable to her. Taken aback by the request and more than a little perturbed, she attempted at a warm smile.

  She didn’t want to be seen with him, her stepmother and Gilda would have a fit. The topic of conversation all through dinner every day was how wonderful it would be if her stepsister caught one of the Jameson men’s attention. “I appreciate the offer, but I am looking for Michael Middleton. It is imperative that I speak to him about Aurora.”

  “Of course,” Ernest said looking around. “I don’t believe I’ve seen him as yet.”

  He took her arm, his grip leaving no option but to allow him to guide her forward. “I will help you search him out. There is something I must speak to him about as well.”

  Instead of guiding her back to where she came from, he took her arm and turned her away. “He may have joined others over here.”

  She wanted to jerk her arm free of his grasp. However, afraid to offend him, she allowed him to tug her along.

  When it was obvious there was no one about, Wilhelmina pulled back. “I will speak to him later. I don’t hear anyone in this area.”

  He turned to her and leaned closer, his hand snaked about her waist. “You were searching a man out for private time in the garden. Why don’t you tell me what, exactly, you had
planned?” His face was much too close. The smell of whiskey on his breath made her lean way.

  “What are you insinuating, Mr. Jameson? I take offense and demand you release me immediately.” She attempted to pull away and when that failed, she shoved at his chest.

  “Your feeble attempts to play coy are quite enchanting, Miss Wilkins.” The rake pulled her against his chest.

  His lips curved. Handsome as Ernest Jameson was, she felt chills when the smile didn’t reach his flat eyes. “From what your sister Gilda said, you are quite friendly and welcome attention from many gentlemen. I would enjoy a turn Wilhelmina, if that is what you are after. I promise to have you back before anyone notices.”

  His mouth covered hers. No matter how hard she tried to push him away, he was as immobile as a stone wall. Finally she got her wits about her and lifted her leg, kneeing him between his.

  With a loud “Ooof!” Ernest Jameson fell to the ground with his hands cupping his private area.

  “Lout!” Wilhelmina looked down at him for an instant before whirling about and dashing away. She rushed to the house and stopped just outside the doors to ensure her hair was not in too great a state of disarray.

  Just as she took a step, her arm was grabbed, bringing her around. Ernest’s nostrils flared and his upper lip curled up with distaste. “Little bitch! How dare you?”