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

by Hildie McQueen

  Marcus stood straight, his gaze moving to her face every so often as if reassuring himself she’d not disappeared. Although outwardly calm, a muscle on his jawline continuously flexed.

  Once the pastor proclaimed them husband and wife and announced Marcus should kiss her, Wilhelmina held her breath. Marcus leaned close and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. In spite of the circumstances and it being expected, a heated flush rushed to her face and she wanted to squeeze her eyes shut in mortification at being so juvenile.

  Marcus took her hand and led her to where sweet wine was served in small flutes. He pressed her right hand between both of his and whispered into her ear. “I’m nervous, too.”

  “Really?”

  “Of course.”

  A simple meal of bread, cheese and apples was served along with the sweet wine. The woman, Ann Logan, who’d attended to serve as witness neared and hugged her. “You are the most lovely young lady. I wish you a wonderful life here in Laurel.”

  “I appreciate you coming without notice to do this.” It was nice to meet the friendly woman. “I hope you didn’t have to travel too far.”

  “It is our pleasure. John and I live just around the corner directly behind the chapel. I clean the church and John does any repairs needed. We don’t have much to do with our time now that our children have started life on their own. We don’t want to be a nuisance and constantly be underfoot.”

  While she spoke to the woman, her new husband talked with Pastor Ward and Ann’s husband. Relaxed and smiling, she noticed he wore the same clothes as the day before. At least he’d shaved and, from the yellowing replacing the purple, his eye and lip had healed considerably in a short time.

  Marcus had not unloaded her belongings from the cart, so all she had to do was to fetch her carpetbag. Soon it would be time to leave and head to her new home.

  She drank the sweet wine and considered a second drink. Deciding it was best since she’d be out in the cold, Wilhelmina refilled her glass.

  Isabel entered the room with a small plate and made a beeline for her. “Nancy and I made a small cake.” She lifted the plate. “I hope it’s good.”

  Once the cake was cut and eaten, time had finally arrived to leave.

  “Where is your bag? I’ll take it outside.” Marcus spoke softly, the deep timbre of his voice sent a pulse through her.

  “It’s in the guest bedroom on the bed,” Wilhelmina replied, shyness taking over at his intense scrutiny. “Thank you.”

  Once goodbyes and hugs were exchanged, Marcus assisted her onto the wagon.

  He ensured she was settled, bundled in blankets. He even asked if she’d prefer to sit in the back where she’d be blocked from the wind.

  “I think I’ll be fine next to you on the bench,” Wilhelmina replied, studying the wagon and not sure either place would offer much warmth. Although the front did have overhead protection from rainfall, it was still open to the elements.

  Once seated with wrapped warm bricks at her feet, Wilhelmina was comfortable enough.

  As they continued on the road, Wilhelmina stole glances at her new husband every so often. When both looked to each other at the same time, he gave her a crooked grin, which exposed a chipped tooth on the upper right side. She couldn’t help but smile in return in finding at least one thing not perfect about his attractiveness. She was beginning to think the man wasn’t real.

  “Why do you fight?”

  At the question, both of eyebrows disappeared under his hat. “I suppose it’s an easy way to settle an argument. Not the best way, but when it comes to the way of life here, sometimes, it’s often expected.”

  “What was this particular argument about?” Wilhelmina figured he wouldn’t answer, but was curious to see how he handled the question.

  A soft blush colored his cheeks and he swallowed visibly. “I’d rather not tell you of conversations that transpire in such a place.”

  It was much too entertaining to allow the subject to drop, so Wilhelmina nudged him. “I know you were in such a place when coming to see about me.”

  He slid a look toward her. “I apologize again for my recklessness. Al and I fought over his treatment of one of the girls.”

  “Did you protest out of chivalry or jealousy?”

  This time he turned to her, mouth open. “You don’t mince words. I protested because no one should mistreat a woman no matter what she does for a living.”

  It was a good reply, so she let the subject drop. “It’s beautiful out here.”

  Although most of the trees had lost their leaves, the contrast of them with the evergreens made for a beautiful landscape. Wilhelmina yawned, hoping she’d be able to stay awake for the rest of the journey to her new home.

  “This is where my family’s land begins.” There was pride in Marcus’ voice as he spoke. “Several generations have lived here.”

  Wilhelmina jerked upright at the sound of his voice, realizing she’d dozed off on his shoulder.

  Her eyes widened at seeing the beautiful surroundings. Snowcapped mountains flanked the horizon while plush green fields stretched as far as she could see. Tall pine trees reached for the skies, which at the moment were a bright blue and cloudless. The land was flat with a clear winding road along the tree edge.

  There were no buildings as far as she could tell, so she leaned forward and scanned once again. “Where is your home?”

  “Just around the pass there,” he said motioning toward the left. Still, she could not see anything.

  “It’s picturesque here. Very cold.” She shivered and pulled her coat tighter.

  Suddenly awkward at being so close to him, hips touching, she shifted to the right only to be jostled back against him by the motion of the wagon. Giving up, she relaxed and let out a breath.

  They rode in silence for another while before she had to question him again. “Are we still on your lands?”

  “Yes, almost to the house, look.” He pointed to the left and before her was a large clearing. There were herds of cattle grazing and horses in corrals. A large log ranch house sat centered on the property. Just behind it were two other large buildings she guessed were a stable and a bunkhouse. She spotted chickens running loose and pigs in pens.

  Past the house were several men on horseback herding cattle. And just past them, she saw another house.

  “The house up there on the hill is ours,” he told her matter-of-factly. “My brother, Tobias, and ranch hand, Owen Blake, are the two on horseback. Owen lives up a ways, but he spends some nights in the bunkhouse since it guarantees him a hot meal. Mama and Eleanor, my sister, are great cooks.”

  She nodded and her stomach tumbled at the thought of meeting his family. “Is that large house your parents’ home then?”

  “Yes. My sister, Eleanor, brother and James, my brother-in-law, lives there as well. Eleanor and James moved in when Mama got sick.”

  Before she could inquire as to his mother’s health, he continued talking. It was obvious he was excited to share about his family with her. “My brother is also building a house closer to a river that runs behind the tree line.”

  The closer they got to the house, the more nervous she became. “Will we be staying at our house after today?”

  “No. We will be staying at the big house for a week. I’ll take you to our house so you can see it and tell me what you wish made or purchased. I have to get the bed finished and you and Eleanor can stuff the mattress. Back here in the wagon, I’ve put everything that was delivered to the mercantile just a few days ago.”

  Stuffing a mattress? Wilhelmina looked to the large parcels in the back of the wagon and bit her bottom lip. “Don’t you have help to do those kinds of things?”

  “Help?”

  “Yes, people who work for you.”

  His wide shoulders lifted and lowered. “We hire ranch hands during the spring and late summer. Several stay all year round, like Owen. A woman comes and helps around the house when Eleanor sends for her.”

 
Wilhelmina had no idea what he meant. She’d never lived without help. In Philadelphia, maids took care of laundry, sewing and cooking. It would be tedious, but she looked forward to interviewing candidates for her new household.

  Feeling a bit better, she ensured a pleasant expression as they pulled up in front of the house. A woman came out and stood on the porch and waved.

  Just as she lifted her hand to wave back, her husband spoke.

  “I’m sure you’ll be fine handling our household. It’s smaller than this one and you’ll only have to cook and clean for the two of us for now and look after a few animals.”

  Her blood froze.

  “I will be doing all that myself?”

  “Of course.”

  She’d never cooked a meal in her life. Lady Price had not fully explained the expectations. Or had she?

  Wilhelmina fought hard against the sudden urge to get sick.

  Chapter Eight

  Eleanor greeted them, her gaze lingering over Wilhelmina approvingly. Upon reaching the threshold to the family home, Marcus allowed his sister and Wilhelmina to enter before him. It was gratifying to see Tobias’ eyes widen at seeing the breathtaking beauty.

  Eleanor spoke first. “Hello, welcome, I’m Eleanor, Marcus’ sister.” She embraced Wilhelmina. “I’m so excited you’re finally here. Please sit down, you must be utterly exhausted.”

  Marcus introduced Tobias, who’d stood upon their entrance. Marcus guided her by the elbow to a sofa just as his parents entered the room. Immediately, his mother looked to his face and scowled. Fortunately, she didn’t question his bruising. Instead, she went to her new daughter-in-law with measured, steady steps.

  “Welcome to the family, darling. I hope the long journey across the country and then from Laurel out here wasn’t too taxing. Thankfully, it’s not snowing. It would’ve taken longer.”

  “I have to admit it has been a long trip. But thankfully, I won’t have to go anywhere for a little while, I hope.”

  After a pointed look from her mother, Eleanor went to the kitchen. “I’ll get some coffee made.”

  They settled into chairs. Immediately, his mother began peppering Wilhelmina with questions about her life back east. “Did you live in the city?”

  “Yes. My family and I own a townhome a few blocks from Logan Square, the largest park in the city center. We often went for carriage rides or walks there during the day.”

  The room was silent for a beat. Eleanor came from the kitchen. “Did you attend many social events?”

  Wilhelmina seemed to ponder how to respond. “My family receives many invitations for parties and balls. Especially during the spring and winter social season.”

  Eleanor sat down, seeming to forget about the coffee. “Please tell me, err…I mean, us, about the latest fashions. What are the women wearing now? The men, do they wear cravats and top hats?”

  Wilhelmina smiled at Eleanor. “Of course they do. My stepsister, stepmother, and I like to sit in the carriage a short distance away upon arriving at social events. Sometimes, we watch for long moments in order to take in the attire of other guests before asking the coachman to go to the front entrance.”

  Marcus’ mother got to her feet and moved toward him. “Excuse me, Wilhelmina, I am going to instruct Marcus and Tobias where your things should go.” She pinched his arm and motioned for him to follow her.

  It was the fastest he’d seen her move in a long time. Both he and Tobias had to rush to catch up with her just as she walked outside to the porch. She covered her mouth with both hands and looked at him. When she removed her hands, she’d paled. “I think we made a huge mistake.”

  “What are you talking about?” Tobias asked and then looked to Marcus who shrugged.

  “Don’t you see?” she said, looking over her shoulder toward the interior. “She’s obviously high society. That poor girl won’t last one year here in Montana before she’ll be demanding to go back home.”

  It was Marcus’ turn to gawk. “What do you mean? I can’t send her back, we’re married.”

  “Oh honey. If she can boil water, I’ll be shocked. She comes from a life of being pampered. A home with maids and coachmen, for goodness’ sake.”

  Tobias laughed and cupped her elbow as if to escort her back inside. “I’m sure you and Eleanor can teach her, Ma. Don’t go getting all upset until you give her a chance.”

  His mother slapped Tobias’ hand away from her arm. “I come from that world, don’t you forget it. I wasn’t the mistress, but a caretaker in a large home. Although I held a paying position in Virginia where I did some manual work, it was still a very difficult transition for me to come west and have to do everything. Learn to make all those things that I could just walk up the street and purchase. I can’t imagine a girl like her, so high born. Oh dear.”

  All three looked to the door when Eleanor came outside and placed her fists on both hips. “What are the three of you doing out here? Wilhelmina is dead on her feet. I suggest you see her to bed, Marcus, and then you three can chat all you want.”

  “See her to bed?” He gulped and then bit back a curse when his face warmed up. “What do you mean?”

  “Oh for goodness’ sake,” his mother laughed and pinned both him and Tobias with a look. “Bring the trunks into Marcus’ room. We’ve cleaned it up and made room for her things.”

  Tobias lifted a chest and went inside. Marcus followed and stopped when his mother spoke again. “Once you escort her to your room, take warm water for her to wash up. Then allow her privacy to sleep for a few hours.”

  Wilhelmina smiled awkwardly at Jacob Hamilton. The man drank his coffee and seemed content to not say anything. “I hope I didn’t bring too much. It seems to be taking a long time for them to carry my things in.”

  “They are probably talking about you. Nothing bad, just excited at my eldest having him a wife.”

  “Oh.” Unsure what to think, she drank the overly strong coffee. She wondered what would be expected of her this day. It was early evening. Too early to sleep but, at the same time, she yearned to lie upon a mattress and do just that.

  “I’ll show you to the bedroom.” Marcus appeared suddenly, a strange look on his face as he waited for her to stand.

  He guided her out of the room and down a short hallway. He opened a door on the right side to a compact bedroom. “This is my bedroom. We’ll stay here for a few days until our own bed, table and chairs are done. I’ll get you some hot water to freshen up and you should lie down and rest for a few hours.”

  She wanted to weep with relief. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you so much.”

  When he shifted and didn’t move, Wilhelmina understood. It would awkward, at best, these first few days. She neared and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for everything.”

  His warm smiled made her stomach do funny things. “I appreciate you coming all this way. Let me get that water.”

  The room was well appointed, with a large bed, wardrobe and washbasin stand. There were also a small table and chair next to a window. Wilhelmina was pleasantly surprised to find the décor tasteful and although masculine, the addition of a small landscape sketching over the bed softened the space.

  Once she washed up and donned a fresh shift, Wilhelmina climbed into the freshly made bed and, without a moment’s hesitation, fell into an exhausted slumber.

  A soft sound woke Wilhelmina. With wide eyes, she attempted to see in the dim surroundings. Once again, she heard the snore and turned to her left. Her husband was fast asleep. At least, she assumed it was her husband who slept so soundly.

  The sun had either just set or was rising, it was hard to tell which. Either way, she’d slept much too long. Straining to hear any noise outside, she could not make out any sounds of movement. Perhaps, it was early morning.

  Could it be she’d slept from the late day through the entire night? Unable to stop herself, Wilhelmina turned left and studied her new husband’s face. Marcus was handsome and large, his frame taking up
a fair portion of the bed. He lay, fully dressed, atop the blankets. One hand was under his head, the other rested on his thigh.

  Soon, she’d know him intimately. They’d be husband and wife for the rest of their lives. The idea gave her pause.

  Interesting where fate had led her. Far away from her home, wed to a total stranger and now living with a family she’d otherwise never meet.

  Letting out a sigh, she closed her eyes and allowed the sounds of Marcus’ breathing to lull her back to slumber.

  The next time Wilhelmina awakened, it was to catch a glimpse of Marcus washing up from a basin in the bedroom.

  He’d removed his shirt and used a cloth to perform his morning routine. Humming under his breath, he dipped the washcloth back into the water and ran it over his chest. The man was quite breathtaking.

  It was the first time she’d seen a male up close, bereft of a shirt. And although inappropriate, she kept her breathing even and eyes half-closed so she could keep watching.

  When he hesitated and looked to the bed, she purposely breathed heavier, pretending deep sleep.

  Finally, Marcus finished and pulled on a clean shirt. He moved closer to the bed and reached out to her. His hand was heavy on her shoulder, yet it brought an involuntary shudder.

  “Wilhelmina. It’s time to wake up,” he whispered.

  She opened her eyes and met his darkened hazel ones. “Good morning.”

  He gave her a fast nod. “I’ll give you privacy. There’s fresh water in the pitcher. My sister, Eleanor, has started breakfast.”

  “Will you be in the kitchen?” Wilhelmina did not want to attend breakfast alone without him. “Should I meet you there?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be there.” He walked out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

  Wilhelmina looked up to the ceiling. It would be the first day of her new life. While terrified, a thrill of excitement floated along the edges.