It was his turn to look at her in confusion. “Who’s Sinead?”
She smiled then turned to start slowly walking again. “She’s one of the other women who came. She married Matthew.”
Laughter erupted from his chest before he could stop it. “The woman who married Matthew is a doctor? I wonder how he’s dealing with that news.”
She stopped again and faced him with her hands on her hips. “Why is that funny? Sinead is more than capable of being a good doctor.”
He realized he may be in a bit of trouble for laughing. “I’m sure she is. And I have nothing against a woman doctor. It’s just that a new wife being a doctor is something that will surely come as a surprise. It isn’t a common career choice for a woman.”
Now she crossed her arms in front of herself, and he was almost sure she’d be tapping her foot if he looked down. He was going to have to work fast to smooth things over. They’d only been married for a few hours, so he really wasn’t prepared to stand in the middle of the street arguing already.
Taking her hand and tucking it into his arm, he started walking. “I didn’t mean that a woman couldn’t be a doctor. In truth, women probably make far better doctors. So I’m looking forward to seeing how Sinead manages here. Some of the doctors here are a bit archaic and are unlikely to welcome a woman doctor with a real degree.”
He peeked over to see if she was still annoyed, and was shocked to see the smile back on her face as she looked all around her. It was as though she’d completely forgotten what she’d been mad about. He let himself have a moment to study her features while she was gasping at how beautiful the mountains were.
Her hair was a light brown, with streaks so light, it reflected the sunlight as she moved her head. She was tall—standing almost as tall as he was. And her skin was as white as the snow in winter, covering a face that seemed almost childlike in appearance.
When she’d arrived, the dress she wore hinted at the possibility she’d come from wealth. However, after she’d changed, the skirt she put on was simple and lacked any of the more expensive-looking materials. He couldn’t quite figure out what her background was.
“So, all I really know about you is what Miss Hazel sent in her letters. I know you grew up in Ottawa, but that’s it. What made you decide to come all this way to marry a stranger?”
They continued walking toward the mercantile, and while he waited for her to reply, the sound of their footsteps crunching over the rocks on the street mingled with the chatter of people talking as they passed. The town was busy, building up to the holiday season with everyone hoping to cure their ailments before Christmas.
He was beginning to wonder if she was going to answer. She was watching straight ahead without saying a word. Finally, she shrugged slightly and stopped to face him. “There’s not really much to tell about me. I never knew who my parents were. When I was just a baby, I was found on the front steps of an orphanage in Ottawa. I spent my early years there, with a mean woman who ran the orphanage. When I was nearly twelve, I had the opportunity to start working as a maid for a wealthy family, and I jumped at the chance to get away from there. I’ve spent the last few years there, becoming close to the daughter who was really the only person I’ve ever had to care about.”
She wasn’t looking him in the eye, and he wondered if she was embarrassed to tell him about her past. He hoped eventually she’d learn he wasn’t the kind of man to judge a person because of their circumstances growing up.
When she finally looked at him, she gave him a sad smile. “My friend, Rose, didn’t like having to follow society rules, so she decided to take her future into her own hands and went out west to marry a Mountie. I helped her to get away, and when her father recently found out I had a hand it in, he fired me.”
Nathaniel could understand why Claire’s friend wanted to get away from the demands of society life. He’d felt exactly the same way many time growing up.
A sudden urge to protect this woman he’d only just met took over him. She’d spent her life alone, except for the one friend she’d made. Then when she was left with no options, she didn’t just give up. She’d taken things into her own hands, traveling hundreds of miles to marry a stranger.
“I didn’t have anyone to go to. I have no family, so I found Miss Hazel and she helped me. That’s how I ended up here.”
She stood in front of him, her hands held in front of her as she told him everything about her past. He didn’t think he’d ever seen a woman so beautiful in all his life.
“Well, you might not have had family before. But you do now.” Stepping closer to her, he took one of her hands in his. “And I want you to know, you can always come to me.”
Chapter 6
She tried to ignore the pain in her head as she looked down, moving the needle through the fabric she’d chosen for the curtains. Over the years, she’d learned to work through the pain, except when Rose would notice and demand she lie down until the pain passed. She’d always suffered with headaches from time to time, but she’d hoped she could have a few weeks here before she had another one.
She was determined to prove to Nathaniel that she would be a good wife and make this place into a home for them, so that meant she couldn’t be lazing around resting when there was work to be done. While they’d been at the mercantile, he’d let her purchase fabric for curtains and tablecloths, as well as ingredients to make a nice stew for dinner.
It was dark outside, but the inside of the cabin was warm and cozy. The fire was low in the fireplace, just enough to keep the chill out of the room. Peering out from under her lashes, she looked over at her husband. He was sitting at the table going over some paperwork he had to fill out before he went back on duty in the morning.
She still couldn’t believe just this morning she came in on a train, and in just a few short hours she’d been married. Now she was sitting in her new home with a man she’d only met today, acting like nothing out of the ordinary had even happened.
A small laugh escaped as she thought about how absurd it really was. Nathaniel lifted his head and raised an eyebrow in her direction.
“I didn’t realize sewing could be so amusing.”
She laughed again, and set her sewing onto her lap. “I’m sorry. It just seems so strange with how much has happened today for us to just be sitting here like this.” She didn’t want to admit how nervous she was feeling, knowing it would soon be time for them to go to bed.
From the flickering of the lantern on the table beside him, she watched his lips move into his lopsided smile. “You mean you don’t make a habit of sitting around with strange men you just met every night?”
“No, usually every night I was so tired, my eyes would be closed before I even landed on my bed. So sitting with strange men wasn’t my usual routine.”
Even though she was enjoying the teasing manner and how comfortable she felt with him, her cheeks started to burn as she realized she was talking about something so intimate as her bedtime routine.
Especially with the concerns she had about tonight’s bedtime routine.
He was watching her closely, so she quickly put her eyes back down to her sewing. She cringed as the movement made her head throb once more.
“Well, I’ll admit to being happy to hear I’m the first strange man you’ve spent time with.” She knew he was still teasing, but it didn’t help to calm her nerves. She poked her needle through the fabric, desperately trying to get her mind on something else when she stabbed the sharp end into her finger. Crying out, she brought it up to her lips to ease some of the pain.
Nathaniel pushed his chair back and came over, reaching out to take her hand. He looked down at the blood that was barely visible on the tip of her finger. His eyes lifted and met hers.
“Before you end up bleeding all over our new curtains, I should tell you that even though we’re married, I don’t expect anything more from you than you’re ready to give.” His eyes bore into hers as he continued. “We only met today,
so I’d like to take the time we need to get to know one another better before we make it a true marriage.”
His smile came back to his face as he looked down at her. “However, there’s only one bed in this cabin, and I don’t intend to sleep on the floor. So, you’ll just have to get used to having me next to you.”
Her chest clenched as he said the last few sentences. He gently tugged on her hand, pulling her to her feet. She set her sewing down on the chair she’d sat in.
“You can get yourself ready for bed. I’ll wait until your settled before I come in.”
She was grateful for his understanding. They were married now and technically he could have demanded his rights as a husband. But he was letting her have time to feel comfortable with him and to know him better.
And she had to admit, the thought of having him next to her while she slept was making her heart do strange things.
Quickly, she ran into the room and grabbed her long nightgown. She changed and pulled her brush through her hair as fast as she could, wanting to make sure she was under the blankets before he came in.
She pulled the covers back and climbed in, turning to face the wall. She was certain he’d be able to hear the pounding of her heart in the quiet of the room when he got here, so she clenched her eyes shut and tried to make herself fall asleep.
But she wasn’t quick enough. She heard him come in and move around the room. Keeping her back to him, she held her breath as the bed sunk from him sitting on the edge. When he pulled the covers back and climbed in, she swallowed hard, trying to make her breathing even.
The only light came from the window where the moon shone brightly outside. Everything was silent now, his breathing seeming to fill the room around them. She held herself completely still, afraid to move and bump into him. By morning, she was sure she’d be as stiff as a board, but she didn’t dare let herself relax in case she got too close.
Hearing a slight rumbling sound, she turned her head slightly. Was he laughing?
“I promise I won’t bite. If you try to sleep that close to the edge, I have no doubt I’ll be picking you up off the floor by morning.”
She cringed as she realized how obvious she was being about trying to stay far away from him.
“Actually, I always sleep like this. I like being near the edge.”
When he chuckled low in his throat, she knew he didn’t believe her.
“Good night, Claire.”
Chapter 7
“Oh look, Claire, it’s Rocky.”
Claire looked around, not quite sure what Miss Hazel was talking about now. Sometimes she’d switch subjects in the middle of a conversation so fast it was hard to keep up. They’d been walking around town and meeting some of the residents, enjoying the warmth of the day.
Hazel was pointing to the side of the road that led to Claire’s cabin on the outskirts of town. Finally, Claire saw something standing there watching them. Squinting her eyes, she tried to get a better look. “What is that?”
“Well, Matthew says it’s a reindeer.”
Claire looked at Miss Hazel with suspicion. “A reindeer? Are those even real?”
“Of course they’re real. You’re looking at one right now, aren’t you?”
Claire’s eyes went back to look at the large animal cautiously watching them. “He’s really cute, but he’s not very big. You don’t think he’s lost his family and is all alone, do you?”
They stood on the street, watching the animal against the backdrop of breathtaking mountains behind him. “No, Matthew says there’s a herd of them who stay near Cougar Springs, and this little fella has taken an interest in coming close to town to keep an eye on what’s going on. He says he’s never seen anything like it, and hopes it doesn’t become too friendly, otherwise it’s unlikely to survive in the wild.” Miss Hazel shook her head sadly.
“So, why is it called Rocky?” Claire couldn’t imagine Matthew and the other Mounties would have named the reindeer.
“Every animal needs a name. And when I see this guy, he’s always standing in front of the mountains…so I figure Rocky’s an apt name for him. Hopefully it will help him to grow up strong.”
Claire smiled to herself. Of course the woman would think the animal deserved a strong name.
“So you girls need to keep any eye on him when I head back home in a few days. Make sure he stays safe.”
As they continued down the street, Claire looked back and smiled. Rocky seemed to be watching them as he slowly walked along behind them.
“We will, Miss Hazel. How much longer are you going to stay in Cougar Springs?” She was going to miss this woman who’d become so dear to her. If it weren’t for her, Claire truly didn’t know where she’d have ended up.
“Well, I’m not going to lie. I’ve been enjoying spending time in those hot springs, but I do miss home. So I’ll only be staying a few more days, then heading home. I just wanted to make sure you girls were all settled in before I left you here.”
Hazel turned to look at her. “So, are you happy with Nathaniel?”
The sounds of the busy town filled the air around them as they slowly strolled down the street. There were fewer automobiles on the streets in Alberta compared to Ottawa now. So the gentle clip-clopping of horse’s hooves pulling carriages around town was strangely soothing to her.
Smiling at Miss Hazel, she nodded. “I am. Nathaniel’s a good man, even if I do sometimes feel like he’s holding part of himself back from me. We’ve been here for a few days already, and I’ve told him all about myself growing up. He hasn’t really shared anything with me.”
“Oh, sometimes it can be hard for a man to open up and let himself trust a woman. Give him time. As long as he treats you well, it’s a perfect way to build a marriage together.”
Claire thought about the first day she’d arrived. He’d told her he was now her family and she could come to him. Her heart warmed as she recalled the first night when he’d been so sensitive to her need to get to know him better. He’d made her smile so many times over the past few days, and she only hoped she was making him happy too.
“I hope I can be a good wife for him. I know I don’t really have much to offer, not like the other girls. But I’ll do my best to make him happy.”
Miss Hazel stopped and turned to look at her, bringing her eyebrows together as she met her stare. “Claire Anderson, what do you mean you don’t have anything to offer? Each one of you girls has something special to bring to your new husbands.”
“I’m married now, Miss Hazel. My name is Claire Clarke, remember?”
Miss Hazel flipped her hand dismissively in front of her face. “Oh, I know that. Now quit changing the subject, Claire. I want to know why you don’t think you have as much to offer your husband.”
She was wishing she hadn’t said anything about her worries. Now Hazel was going to give her a lecture.
“It’s just that, well, Sinead is a strong, beautiful woman and she’s a doctor. And Molly’s so confident, and beautiful too. Not to mention the fact that she’s a midwife and can offer help to so many women who need her.” She looked away from Miss Hazel and watched the bustling of the town around them.
“And Beth is just so kind and perfectly suited to Samuel. They can both recite passages from the Bible backwards if you asked them to.”
“I don’t want to hear any more talk like that, Claire. What you have to offer Nathaniel is just as important as being a doctor or a midwife. I saw what you did with that dress to make it into something beautiful for your wedding. That’s not a skill many people have. And I also noticed you giving the girls tips to help with their cooking when we had the training at my house.
“You’re a kindhearted girl, Claire, but you’re also every bit as strong as any of the other ladies. Don’t ever doubt it. What you’ve been through in your life shows your strength and resilience. I have no doubt Nathaniel can already see just how lucky he is.”
Claire was embarrassed listening to the compl
iments. She’d never been comfortable hearing praise, although to be honest, she hadn’t heard it a great deal—usually just from Rose.
Just then, Nathaniel came up the street toward them. He stood a full head above anyone he passed, and she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He drew attention from everyone he met with his height, and the red jacket that was so bright against the brown of the buildings and town streets.
Claire knew the moment he’d spotted her standing there. He stopped for a brief second and met her gaze, then strode toward her with a smile on his face, never taking his eyes from hers.
Miss Hazel chuckled softly beside her. “Oh, I have no doubt he knows how lucky he is. But I can also see a certain young lady who appears to be just as smitten with her new husband.”
Chapter 8
“I’m telling you, that man is dangerous and I have no doubt he’s involved in counterfeiting money. We need to protect the residents of this town, not to mention the people across the country he’s probably cheated.”
Easton sat across the desk from him, while Matthew and Samuel stood around the room. They were discussing the man he’d seen arriving in town earlier today. Nathaniel had followed him and found out he was staying at the Cougar Springs Health Institute with his wife and two daughters. He’d encountered the Roger Hastings a few years before, and had always been determined to see him behind bars.
“Nathaniel, you know I trust your word, but you need to give us more to go on. How do you know this man is involved in illegal activities? We can’t just go barging in and accusing people because someone suspects something. Besides, we’re already so busy trying to keep Matthew’s new wife safe and finding out if Dr. Jenkins even has a license to practice. We’ve got snake-oil salesmen trying to convince tourists about the miracle healing powers of their medicines. Not to mention the usual trouble we always have to break up over at Sam’s Saloon. So, with everything else going on, you have to understand why I’m a bit hesitant to take the time to arrest a man for no reason.”
RNWMP: Bride for Nathaniel (Mail Order Mounties Book 10) Page 3
