Wild Montana Sky (The Montana Sky Series)

by Debra Holland

  Genia sighed in frustration, and Elizabeth knew she'd better get Mr. Sanders out of the house before her sister-in-law said or did anything even more ill-mannered. Knowing Genia, she might even go so far as to rescind the invitation. "Let me see you to the door, Mr. Sanders."

  He inclined his head toward Genia. "Good day, ma'am."

  Genia gave him a stiff parting nod.

  To make up for Genia's coolness, Elizabeth tucked her hand around his upper arm.

  He flexed his elbow in response, leading her to the door.

  The feel of the hard muscle moving under her hand brought a flush of heat to her body. Did all the men in Montana have...? Elizabeth pulled back her thoughts. She obviously wasn't accustomed to such an outdoors type of man.

  They walked into the entryway; their footsteps tapped on the tile floor.

  "I must apologize for my sister-in-law's treatment of you, Mr. Sanders." She hesitated. "She's new to Boston, and is perhaps still unsettled by the changes in her life."

  Understanding shone in his eyes. "There's no need to apologize, Miss Hamilton," he said, his tone quiet. "It must be difficult for you, her bein' here." He briefly touched the hand she'd laid on his arm. "Thank you for welcoming me."

  Elizabeth's throat closed. There'd been so little kindness in her life lately. She lifted her chin, determined to bid him a composed good-bye. When the door had shut behind him, she sagged against the doorframe, tipping her head against the smooth wood. She shut her eyes, letting the unfamiliar feelings of caring and hope seep into the frozen places of her heart.

  Like one of the heroes in the dime novels of the West, Mr. Nick Sanders had ridden into her life, offering to rescue her from her unhappy situation. In just a few minutes, his admiration, kindness, and handsome presence had lightened the bleakness of her days.

  Should I consider his offer?

  #

  Nick strode away from the Hamilton mansion mentally berating himself. Crossing the cobblestone street, he dodged a slow-moving buggy. What did he know about fancy Boston parties? He'd be as out of place as a trout in the horse pasture.

  But I’ve given my word.

  He'd just have to bite the bullet and get through the evening as best he could. If he stayed quiet and carefully watched everyone else, he shouldn't make too many social blunders. Besides, he didn't care what Genia Hamilton thought of him. Only Elizabeth's opinion mattered.

  Ever since he'd seen her portrait, Nick had dreamed about meeting Elizabeth Hamilton. But the reality had been more wonderful and awful than any of his imaginings. When he'd looked into her lovely blue eyes, his throat had constricted, and he'd experienced the strangest sensation of not being able to utter a sound. If it had been up to him, he would have stood and stared at her all afternoon.

  Although he'd resisted an instinctive ducking of his head and shuffling of his feet--remnants of the shyness that had plagued him since his family had died--he hadn't been able to prevent the heat rising in his face. Hopefully she hadn't noticed.

  At the memory, his face flushed again, and he inhaled a deep breath of the sea-scented air. Thankfully, no one was around to see him acting like a boy in puppy love. If the ranch hands saw him now, he'd never hear the end of their teasing. But then again, if he persuaded Elizabeth to come to Montana, when the men caught sight of her, they'd probably have a similar lasso-around-the-tongue response.

  #

  Inside the safety of her room, Elizabeth sank into the chair by her dressing table. She traced a finger over her name written on the envelope in Pamela's careful penmanship.

  As debutants, Pamela had been the one everyone thought would end up an old maid, not popular Elizabeth. Then John Carter, an older rancher from Montana, had traveled from the West on business and to find a wife. He had been canny enough to see Pamela's loving heart beneath her plain exterior. With the good wishes of Pamela's relieved family, he'd conducted a whirlwind courtship. The new Mrs. Carter returned home with her husband when he finished his time in Boston. Elizabeth missed her dearly.

  In Pamela's letters, she wrote about the many ways her husband continued to cherish her and how she loved her life in Montana. Pamela had three children now: nine-year-old Mark, seven-year-old Sara, and three-year-old Lizzy, Elizabeth's godchild.

  She always eagerly awaited news of them. It wasn't the same as knowing them herself, but the letters brought them closer.

  With sudden impatience, she tore open Pamela's letter. The words of commiseration in the first sentences caused her to release the breath she hadn't even been aware she'd been holding.

  Elizabeth smiled at Pamela's idyllic description of life on the ranch. But the final paragraph jerked her upright, her heart pounding like a kettledrum.

  I’ve been playing matchmaker for you, Beth. The man who owns the bank in Sweetwater Springs, Caleb Cabot Livingston, is handsome and intelligent. He is related to the Boston Cabots and was educated there. He is one of our most eligible bachelors. John and I don’t know him very well, but he has always seemed charming and personable. I’ve mentioned you might visit, and he expressed eagerness to make your acquaintance. I’m sure, my beautiful Beth, you will quite captivate him.

  Elizabeth couldn't believe it--a wealthy bachelor, eastern-educated, and attractive, who just happened to own the bank in Sweetwater Springs, Montana.

  A pang twanged at her heart and pulled down the corners of her mouth. She cupped her locket, opening the case, and touched it to her lips. This man could never be her beloved Richard. She gazed at the picture for a few more minutes before snapping the locket shut.

  But maybe? How lovely it would be to be courted by a Western man of means and breeding. Her heart lifted at the thought.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Elizabeth watched Genia's mother descend the last few stairs to the entryway. Lucinda Simmons had arrived in Boston for the newlyweds' first formal dinner party. For the past two days, Mrs. Simmons had made everyone's life miserable, especially Elizabeth's. After a few hours of her company, Laurence had escaped to his office, and had seldom emerged, leaving the burden of entertaining Mrs. Simmons to Genia and Elizabeth.

  Mrs. Simmons reached the landing. Eying Elizabeth's gown, she said, "Pink, my dear Elizabeth? It's such a youthful color."

  "I agree, dear Mrs. Simmons." Elizabeth matched the older woman's sugary tones. "When I was a debutante, I had so many pink dresses that Laurence teased me when I wore a different color." She held out a fold of her silk-satin Worth gown. "Even now I love the rose colors. So flattering to the complexion; wouldn't you agree?"

  Mrs. Simmons' mottled cheeks flushed a deeper hue. "After a certain age, one shouldn't wear such low-cut dresses." This time her tone had dropped the sugar and held only pure starch.

  Elizabeth straightened her shoulders. She knew she had a womanly bosom. Over the years she had seen enough appreciative male glances slide downward. Not like Genia's meager endowment, or Mrs. Simmons' ample lace-covered pigeon breast, straining above a waist even a tightly laced corset could not make trim.

  "Yes, time does take its toll on a woman's body," Elizabeth agreed. "Thank goodness one can always wear dark colors and use lace to cover up."

  Mrs. Simmons' bosom huffed up even more. Before she could respond, Genia stepped in. "Mama, did I tell you I'm eager for Elizabeth to meet Mr. Lloyd? He'll be quite captivated by her."

  Elizabeth inwardly shrugged. Her thoughts slid to the handsome cowboy she'd rashly invited. If this Lloyd fellow proved to be too much of a bore, she could spend time with Nick Sanders. At least he could tell her more about Pamela and life on the ranch. Maybe he even knew Caleb Livingston....

  A dreamy smile started across her face. But the cross frown leveled at her by Lucinda Simons brought Elizabeth back to the ordeal before her.

  Laurence, elegant in black evening clothes, joined them.

  "You ladies look lovely." He bowed gallantly, bending to kiss Genia's cheek.

  She flushed with apparent pleasure and tucked her hand
in the crook of his arm. Elizabeth had to admit Genia looked her best tonight in purple lace over a lavender silk underdress.

  Laurence seemed to think so. He positively beamed at his wife. "Your first party here, my darling. Are you ready?"

  "Of course, my dear."

  "Yes, my Genia does look beautiful," gushed Mrs. Simmons. "And those diamonds, my dear Laurence, are positively splendid on her." She threw a malicious smirk at Elizabeth.

  Laurence nodded, giving Elizabeth an uncomfortable glance. She sent him a reassuring smile in return, although her heart wasn't in it. Ever since her mother had died, Elizabeth had worn the heirloom Hamilton diamonds on special occasions, and she'd come to think of them as her own. But as the male heir, Laurence was the real owner of the diamonds, so Genia had every right to them now. Elizabeth had kept the less ornate diamond necklace and earrings bequeathed to her by her mother.

  Tonight, however, she wore the pearls her parents had given her for her debutante party. She touched the pearls at her throat and ran her fingers down the silky strand. Wearing them always reminded her of her parents, and tonight she needed the support of their memory.

  Genia had invited twenty guests for dinner. Except for the Lloyds and Nick Sanders, all were friends of Laurence and Elizabeth. Genia had spent several weeks planning the party, never once asking for Elizabeth's assistance.

  Elizabeth had made her own preparations for the evening. She'd spent days accustoming herself to her new role. Inside she felt prepared for the changes in her position; outwardly she determined to look her best. She'd ordered a becoming new dress from her favorite dressmaker, and her upswept curls and interwoven braids had taken Josie an hour to arrange.

  Earlier, she'd checked the place cards on the dining room table, wanting to know in advance where Genia had seated her. When the time came for everyone to move into the room, she wanted no hesitation, no bumbling for her position. No curious eyes must see what Laurence's marriage had cost her.

  The distant sound of the doorknocker prompted the four to hasten into the drawing room, used only for formal occasions. Elizabeth had decorated in sumptuous green and gold. Tasseled gold ropes swagged floor-length emerald velvet curtains, lined with gold silk. Soon, one of the maids would draw the curtains across the windows to shut out the descending night.

  The same velvet covered the two sofas where the older women would sit. The gentlemen preferred the matching green leather armchairs. The less comfortable Hepplewhite chairs rested along the walls, reserved for the latecomers.

  Elizabeth's piano stood in the corner, draped in a gold fabric with green leaves that matched the cushions on the chairs. She usually kept the piano uncovered, but tonight it sat shrouded and silent. Genia had declared she didn't want music after dinner.

  Vice-Admiral Harding arrived first. Long retired from active service, he'd been a close friend of Elizabeth's grandfather, and he was Laurence's godfather. Having been ill for several weeks, he'd not yet met Genia.

  Laurence stepped forward, hand extended. "Uncle Edward, I'm so glad you're feeling better. I'd like you to meet my wife, Genia." Laurence had to raise his voice so the nearly deaf Vice-Admiral would hear him. "And her mother, Mrs. Simmons."

  "Delighted, my dear boy, delighted." He beamed at the ladies. Turning from them, he leaned over to kiss Elizabeth's cheek. "My dear Elizabeth, as pretty as ever. Will I have the pleasure of hearing you play tonight?"

  She smiled fondly at the old man. A true music lover, the Vice-Admiral always sat right next to her piano so he would hear every note.

  "I'm sure you'll enjoy my daughter's playing," interjected Mrs. Simmons. "She has studied under some of the finest teachers in New York."

  "Mama," Genia said in an undertone. "No music, remember?" Louder, she said, "I'm afraid I haven't planned for music tonight, sir."

  He looked disappointed. "Another time, perhaps."

  "Now, Genia," said her mother, "you could play a few songs. You know, those two you do so well."

  Laurence joined in. "Yes, my dear, a little music would be most enjoyable."

  Genia wound her arm through her husband's and smiled at the Vice-Admiral. "Being a newlywed has kept me so very busy, I'm afraid I haven't practiced in weeks. Maybe next time we'll have a musical evening."

  With amusement, Elizabeth watched Mrs. Simmons' subsequent attempts at conversation with the Vice-Admiral. His deafness precluded him hearing most of what she said, but since he nodded amiably, the woman didn't even notice. The Vice-Admiral was a good choice of dinner partner for Mrs. Simmons; she couldn't do much damage to him.

  Genia had also placed her mother beside shy Jacob Culver. If balked at conversation with the Vice-Admiral, Mrs. Simmons would turn her attentions to Mr. Culver, annihilating the poor man.

  Gregory and Sylvia Markham arrived in a flurry. Sylvia, her plump figure encased in seafoam green silk and emeralds dripping from her neck and wrists, headed straight for Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth smiled in welcome.

  "Elizabeth, how are you?" Sylvia clasped Elizabeth's hands, kissed her cheek, then stood back and surveyed her. She said, soto voce, "You're pale. What has that girl been doing to you?"

  A long-time friend of Elizabeth, Sylvia had been the only person to express her opinion of Laurence's hasty marriage. She'd disliked Genia from their first meeting and sympathized with Elizabeth's position.

  "And you've lost weight," Sylvia continued without pausing. "You're too thin. Maybe I should acquire a disagreeable sister-in-law ... although after five children...." She leaned closer, touching her stomach and whispering, "and another on the way."

  "Sylvia!" Her friend's preoccupation with her growing brood of children was legendary. "How wonderful." Elizabeth squeezed her hand. "I had begun to worry," she teased. "The twins are almost three. I was wondering what you would do without babies."

  The two women chatted about Sylvia's children. While one part of Elizabeth's mind engaged in the conversation, another part observed the new arrivals. How strange she felt not standing beside Laurence to greet the guests and welcome them to their home. In spite of Sylvia's efforts to distract her with stories about her oldest son's antics in school, Elizabeth's unsettled feeling grew stronger.

  Maybe when Nick Sanders arrived, he'd help divert her from her unhappiness. "One of Pamela's ranch hands arrived in Boston, and I invited him to join us tonight."

  "Pamela's ranch hand?"

  Elizabeth gave her an impish smile. "Nick Sanders. He's quite handsome, and Genia was nasty to him." She playfully shrugged her shoulders. "You should have seen the look on her face when I invited him."

  Both women laughed.

  "Actually, he was quite kind. I'll introduce you."

  "But of course." Sylvia's eyes twinkled. "It's been a long time since I've seen you look mischievous. Since this cowboy's responsible, I can't wait to meet him."

  Five people unknown to Elizabeth entered the room. "I do believe the Lloyds have arrived," Elizabeth whispered. "They recently moved here from New York. Miss Lloyd is one of Genia's best friends, and she believes Mr. Michael Lloyd will do for me."

  Both women covertly studied Michael Lloyd, a handsome man of medium height. His sandy-colored hair glinted in the glow of the gaslight. Pale blue eyes scrutinized his surroundings with patent condensation.

  "I don't know, Elizabeth," said Sylvia. "I suppose he is attractive, but I know you prefer men with dark hair and eyes."

  "Yes, but haven't you heard? I'm on my last hopes. I should be willing to fall at the feet of any half-way suitable male."

  Sylvia rolled her eyes and shook her head.

  Across the room, Genia beckoned to Elizabeth.

  "I'm being summoned. It's time to meet the man." She lifted an eyebrow at Sylvia in ironic farewell and moved to Genia's side.

  "I want you to meet my dear friends," Genia said, tucking her hand around Elizabeth's elbow in a show of sisterly affection. "Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd, Mr. Michael Lloyd, Miss Harriet Lloyd and Miss Gr
ace Lloyd, this is my new sister, Elizabeth Hamilton."

  "I'm delighted to meet you all," Elizabeth said with her best social smile. "Genia has spoken so highly of you."

  More guests entered the room, and Genia moved forward to greet them. Michael Lloyd remained next to Elizabeth. His gaze dropped to her bosom, before lifting to linger on her face. "I'm very glad to meet you, Miss Hamilton," he said with heavy-handed gallantry. "Genia told me so much about you; however, she didn't do justice to your beauty."

  Elizabeth stifled an inward sigh. What a bore.

  Seeming to sense her displeasure, he switched to a more innocuous subject. "Do you ever visit New York, Miss Hamilton?"

  "It's been several years since I was last there."

  Mrs. Peterson, the wife of one of Laurence's business associates, dodged between them. "Miss Hamilton, how nice to see you again." She directed a curious glance at Mr. Lloyd.

  "Mrs. Peterson, I don't believe you've met Mr. Lloyd," said Elizabeth. "He's one of my sister-in-law's friends. He previously lived in New York."

  "Oh. Do you know..."

  Saved by Mrs. Peterson. She’ll ask him about everyone she knows in New York.

  Elizabeth excused herself and looked around the room for Sylvia.

  "I wonder," said a female voice behind her, full of malice, "how Miss Hamilton is taking her brother's marriage? Probably not at all well. She isn't the high-and-mighty hostess anymore."

  Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder. On the other side of a large potted palm, two wives of Laurence's business associates traded gossip, apparently unaware she stood only four feet away. "The new Mrs. Hamilton is such a dear thing," the other woman said. "I'm sure Miss Hamilton adores her."

  Elizabeth stood rooted to the spot. Adore Genia!

  "Miss Hamilton has become quite the spinster. One didn't notice it so much before, but now... tsk, tsk."

  "It's too bad she never married. Now she's an old maid. But she'll soon be an aunt. After all, that's the next best thing to having one's own children."