Lucille thought back to Tobias. “To be honest, he didn’t have much of a reaction. When I returned from assisting Elias, he was gone. I am not sure he understood how insulted I was.”
“Well, he will know for sure next time I see him,” Aurora huffed and looked to Evan who seemed overly interested in his dinner. “What do you think of this, dear?”
“Err…well, I find it interesting. My brother told me yesterday he plans to pursue a relationship with you, Lucille.” Evan looked to Aurora. “I planned to tell you tonight.”
The day had just become stranger, having gone from seeking out a husband to two prospects. To top it off, their names were even similar. Considering both were of good standing socially and both were equally handsome, although very different in appearance. Elias was tall, wide-shouldered, with expressive eyes and an elegant air about him.
On the other hand, Tobias was taller, more muscular with brown hair and green eyes. He was ruggedly handsome with a square jaw and had a serious disposition.
“I am not sure what to think,” Lucille admitted. “I’ve been considering that I should marry. However, after writing Esther about a seamstress shop, I had hoped to not do anything about it until after we establish a business.”
“There is no hurry whatsoever,” Aurora replied, reaching forward and squeezing her hand. “Don’t feel rushed on our account.”
Lucille sniffed. “You are such a dear friend. Thank you.” She looked to Evan. “I appreciate all you have done for me. Providing a place to live and such.”
When Aurora sniffed, Lucille squeezed her hand. “It’s such a gift that you found each other. A blessing for me, too.”
The morning of the Laurel Festival began overcast but, luckily, by midday clouds made way for the sun to shine and warm up the coolness. It was much too cold to be outdoors in Lucille’s opinion, although the hardy townspeople barely seemed to notice as they hurried to and fro, setting up tables. On the makeshift stage, which had been built during the week, musicians set up.
Promise and gaiety filled the air. Lucille hurried toward the mercantile to fetch sugar for a cake she planned to bake. But she had to hesitate for a moment and take in the scene.
“Miss Lucille, you’re out and about early I see.” The sheriff approached. Sheriff Blake shook his head. “Not sure why they plan this so early in the year. Quite a bit of snow was still on the ground last year. At least, this time, it’s a bit thawed.”
“I think it’s because everyone is hungry for company after being trapped indoors for the winter.”
“You have a point there,” Blake replied and then frowned when a bearded man hurried toward them. “Sheriff, there’s a dead man over behind the saloon. You’d best come take a look.”
“Ma’am,” the man touched his hat and glanced at Lucille.
“Oh my goodness.” Lucille wondered if she should go as well. Curiosity was one of her biggest faults and she’d never seen a dead person before.
The sheriff and man rushed away. After hesitating just enough so as not to be noticed by them right away, she hurried after them.
In amongst discarded waste from the saloon, a man lay on the ground. His beaten face and bloody hands told of a fistfight. It looked like whoever killed him must have done it with their hands since he didn’t seem to be shot.
Sheriff Blake felt for a pulse then shook his head. “He’s dead all right.”
Lucille neared and peered down, garnering a scowl from both the men and the saloon girls lingering at the doorway. “I think he fell and hit his head on the corner of the steps.” Excited, Lucille walked around studying the ground. “Oh look, here’s a clue.” She pointed at a bloody piece of cloth on the ground. “I bet the killer used this to wipe the blood from his knuckles.”
The sheriff neared and looked down at her. “Should I deputize you, Miss Lucille? You can investigate and help bring the murderer to justice.”
Although she knew he was kidding, it was hard not to smile up at him. “No, thank you. I have a cake to bake. Good luck.” With one last glance at the poor dead man, Lucille went back toward the mercantile. Today, a family would receive bad news. She sighed and continued on her way.
The smell of spices mixed with leather wafted through the mercantile doorway as Lucille approached. She turned to see a large coach arriving at the edge of town. The stagecoach pulled by four enormous horses came to a stop. The animals’ breaths steamed out, creating a surreal atmosphere as people hurried to greet whoever had arrived.
“The new school teacher is set to arrive soon. I wonder if she’s on that coach.” Gemina came out to stand next to Lucille. “I hear they are providing her a nice cottage and very good pay.”
“Should we go greet her?” Once again curious, Lucille lifted to her toes in an attempt to catch a better glimpse of whoever had arrived.
“We should wait.” Gemina took her arm and guided Lucille into the store. “I have to tell you, the store has never looked so well organized. It’s marvelous how much better your display talents are than mine….” The woman continued to talk, not giving Lucille a chance to tell her about the dead man or to search out whoever arrived in the coach.
By the afternoon, the festival was in full swing. So far, neither of her suitors had come for Lucille.
Lucille baked the cake and then promptly went to the clinic to help clean and see about the day’s horrible find. Evan had been called to see about the dead man. Now, the body had been relocated to the clinic since no one had any idea who the poor man was.
After leaving the clinic, she returned to the house and swept the entire place.
She wore a kerchief around her head and a smudged apron around her waist. The only part of the festivities she caught were the glimpses of people walking by on their way to join the celebration.
Perhaps after cleaning, she’d spend time reading. It wasn’t that she wasn’t in the mood for gaiety, but it was much too cold to be outdoors for longer than a few minutes.
“Lucille,” Aurora called out entering from the clinic. “You must change immediately and fetch your coat. We are going to the town festival, if only for a few moments.” Aurora shuddered.
“It’s still a bit cold for outdoor activities in my opinion. Evan insists the bonfire helps, but I don’t quite believe it.”
Three pounds on the door announced a visitor and Aurora’s gaze shined with excitement. “Now which of your suitors do you think that is?”
“By the pounding, I’ll guess Tobias. If it’s him, I refuse to be accompanied by the lout.”
Aurora chuckled and went to the door. Lucille rushed to her bedroom to change.
As expected, when Lucille returned to the front room, Tobias Hamilton’s presence filled the space. His bright gaze met hers and, as usual, the ever present scowl remained. “Miss Lucille, I came to accompany you to the festival.”
It was then she noticed Evan and Aurora were mysteriously absent. “I’m not sure if I wish to go. It’s quite cold.”
He looked to the door. “There is a bonfire.”
“Tell me, Tobias,” Lucille said as she walked over to him. “Why do you wish to accompany me? I find it curious, for you don’t seem to like me.”
“Why would you say that? I asked you to marry me.” Frowning, he studied her face. “You didn’t reply by the way.”
“Yes, I did.” Lucille lifted her chin. “And you did not ask me. You informed me, which is very different. I believe I said no.”
“I don’t think you said no.” He lifted both brows in challenge. “You were surprised.”
Were they really having this discussion? At a loss for words, Lucille went to the coat rack and lifted her coat, which was immediately taken by Tobias. He assisted her into the garment. His proximity had an unwanted effect. Her cheeks flushed and she held her breath. This was not a good thing. Not at all.
Taking her elbow, Tobias guided her toward the door as she fought for something to say. They went down the porch steps and he guided her h
and to the crook of his arm. Lucille had to admit, it was nice.
“I expected Elias Jones to be here.” She purposely brought up the man to annoy Tobias.
“I told him you were already spoken for.”
“What?” Lucille stumbled on the boarded walkway and once again he took her elbow. She snatched her arm away. “Why would you do such a thing?”
“It’s the truth.”
“No, it’s not.” She let out a huff and nodded at a group of ladies she attended bible study with. For some reason, when their smiles brightened at Tobias’ greeting, it annoyed her even more than the man taking over her life at the present.
Despite the mostly silent company, Lucille enjoyed her afternoon a lot more than she expected. The festive mood left no room for sullen thoughts. The musicians played a lively jig and several people danced in front of the stage. A proper good way to stay warm Lucille thought, smiling when a group of children joined in and skipped in a circle.
She spotted Evan and Aurora, who stood with Marcus and Wilhelmina. The foursome were talking and laughing near the huge bonfire. Lucille had to admit that the heat of the fire, which was corralled by large stones, did keep the chill at bay.
It was a wonderful celebration of life, which she decided had to be done. Especially given someone had died so recently, it made the social activity even more special.
“You’re deep in thought.” Tobias glanced to her and then back to the fire. “Is something wrong?”
So many things, but she refrained from pointing out his faults at the moment. “I was speaking to Sheriff Blake earlier when he was notified of a dead man behind the saloon. The body is at the clinic now. No one knows who he is.”
“How was he killed?” The green eyes searched hers and Lucille swallowed and looked away.
“I believe he fell during a fistfight and hit his head.”
Tobias let out a long breath. “Unfortunately, fistfights happen more than not here in Laurel. Men have nothing to do with their spare time. Most rent rooms or live in bunkhouses instead of a proper home.”
There was something peculiar about his countenance. Immediately, Lucille recalled his brother’s comment about how hard Tobias was taking their mother’s death. It had probably been a mistake to bring up the dead man.
“Would you like to dance?” She held out her hand.
He looked at it for a long time, something like panic in his expression. Slowly, he lifted his hand and took hers. “I am not a good dancer.”
“I will teach you an easy one then.”
After a few moments of awkwardness, they danced in a circle with the other couples. Lucille forgot her earlier annoyance and smiled as Tobias, a quick learner and good dancer it turned out, guided her round and round.
Chapter Five
The ride to Elias’ ranch was pleasant. Aurora and Lucille, who were equally excited to see outside the town, asked questions while Evan did his best to answer. Although the surrounding landscapes were breathtaking, the huge unpopulated expanses of wilderness worried Lucille.
Whatever would happen if people found themselves stranded and alone? They’d yet to pass another group or lone rider for that matter. It was just over two hour’s ride to the ranch. She imagined it would be three times as long on foot.
If she married someone, perhaps it would be best to remain in town. Lucille considered the men from town. Sheriff Blake was single as were the banker and the man who ran the saloon. The latter was not an option in her opinion.
Tobias lived a bit closer to town than Elias. Although there were several homes within proximity of each other out by the Hamilton ranch, she still could not decipher her feelings toward the man.
On one hand, her physical reaction to him was quite unsettling. However, it was obvious he did not fancy the notion of romance or of marrying her. On the other hand, there had to be a reason why he sought her out. Lucille let out a breath. “Evan, am I the only single woman in town at the moment?”
The doctor looked heavenward in thought. “I believe Isabel, the pastor’s daughter, is the only other woman who is of marrying age. Although I hear the school teacher who will be arriving soon is also without a husband.”
She’d met Isabel at bible study. The feisty young woman was beautiful and quite outspoken. “I wonder why Isabel remains single.”
Evan laughed. “Not for lack of the local men trying. I believe she has her mind set on a certain gentleman and until he comes around, she won’t accept anyone else.”
“How exciting,” Aurora said with a bright smile. “Who do you think it is?”
Evan shook his head. “I’m not sure. Pastor Ward told me once he wants her to get married soon.”
“Why did you ask?” Aurora looked at Lucille. “Is something bothering you?”
“I am wondering why Tobias asked me….er, told me, he’d marry me. I think it’s because I’m the only available single woman in town.”
“Oh, I’m sure it’s more than that,” Aurora argued. “The way his gaze follows you when in the same room and he beamed when you entered the room the day of the festival.”
Surely, Aurora was wrong. She’d never noticed Tobias to “beam” about anything.
“As far as your brother.” Lucille turned her attention to Evan. “I find it interesting he suddenly took an interest in me. He’s been to the house several times and barely spared me a glance.”
“Could be he’s shy,” Aurora suggested.
Evan lifted and lowered his shoulders. “It was just the other day he brought up the subject to me. I am not sure what his feelings are, except to say that every man in town has his eye on you, Lucille. Most of them want a wife.”
“That is just lovely,” Lucille mumbled under her breath.
When Elias’ ranch came into view, it was what Lucille expected after seeing the man. The land and cabin suited him. Besides a large wood cabin, which could easily house a family of six or more, there were stables and corrals.
Lucille leaned forward, scanning the hillside. Herds of cows grazed on hay bales, their tails swishing back and forth.
Atop horses, a couple of men circled the herd and headed towards them. One was Elias, the other a man Lucille recognized as Filbert, the man who’d suffered gunshot wounds and had just recently gone to work for Elias Jones.
The horsemen neared and Elias smiled broadly at them. “Welcome.” His gaze moved from Aurora to Lucille, who found herself flushing, which annoyed her.
Filbert’s weathered face beamed at them. “Hey there, Doc and ladies. Nice to finally see you out here.”
“Filbert, you look well recovered,” Evan said as he urged the horses toward the cabin. He then brought the wagon to a stop. “I’ll assist you down and release the horses to the corral.” He rounded the wagon to help his wife down. At the same time, Elias neared and lifted a hand to assist Lucille.
When she was finally lowered to the ground, his hand lingered over hers for longer than necessary. Elias’ warm gaze met hers. “I’m glad to see you again Miss Lucille.”
All she could offer was a wan smile. Being the only available woman in town was becoming a chore. The men were not interested in who she was but, more, what she represented.
Thankfully, other than the one time when he touched her hand, Elias maintained his distance throughout the entire visit. As a matter of fact, when they’d settled into chairs after a tour of the house and stables, it was as if he was more excited to spend time with Evan than the women.
A few hours later, it was late afternoon and, although the day was sunny, the wind became cold. Aurora shivered as they went to the wagon and looked to her husband. “Dear, would it be closer to visit Wilhelmina and perhaps stay there than to ride all the way back to town?”
“I believe so, just a bit closer. It’s a good idea. I have some things to discuss with Marcus and Jacob.”
Lucille let out a breath. In actuality, she was looking forward to going home and the silence of her bedroom. Aurora looked to her. �
�You don’t mind do you, Lucille?”
“Of course not. I look forward to visiting with Wilhelmina and Eleanor. As a matter of fact, I can ask Eleanor questions about getting the seamstress shop going. She knows quite a bit about the area and such.”
They arrived at the Hamilton ranch and, immediately, Wilhelmina and Eleanor welcomed them with hugs and warm smiles. The men were all out working, so the women rushed indoors to drink tea and talk, leaving Evan to find something to occupy himself with. He walked off toward the barn looking for something to do.
Long shadows fell across the center of the corral. Tobias leaned on the fence and studied a horse they’d only acquired a short while ago. The animal had given birth within days of arriving and, although she remained untamed, seemed to trust humans for the most part.
On this day, the animal was restless, pawing at the ground and shaking its large head side to side. The horse trotted in a circle then stopped and faced the stables.
His thoughts returned to Lucille. She was indoors at the big family house at the moment. As much as he wished to be indifferent to her, it seemed impossible. No matter how much he reminded himself to concentrate on the uselessness of everyday life, the endless, continuous humdrum day in and day out, she would come into focus.
When the horse neared, its gaze met his and it pawed at the ground. Tobias finally gave in. “I’m trying to give you a break, Mama, and some time alone. I don’t believe you appreciate it.” Tobias chuckled and walked to open the gate. Before he could open it all the way, the horse raced to the stables.
“Damn it.” He rushed after it. Once he reached the stables, he stopped in his tracks. The mare stood just outside the stall where her young one was housed.
She’d been concerned for her offspring. He closed the distance and opened the gate to the stall. Immediately, the mare entered the stall. Although it was a tight fit, there was enough room for both. “Fine, you can stay here with your colt. But tomorrow, once the sun rises, you’re both going out for fresh air.” He patted the animal’s rump. “How about that?”
Lucille, A Lucky Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 3) Page 3
