Nathan’s Montana Bride (Sweet Historical Mail Order Bride Romance) (Montana Ranchers Brides series)

by Maya Stirling

  There was a long silence and then Nathan reached over and briefly touched her hand. His touch sent a shock through her, prompting Abby to raise her head quickly, her eyes widening.

  "Please do not touch me. It is not seemly," she stated firmly.

  Nathan withdrew his hand. "I apologize if I offended you," he said softly.

  Abby searched the room for any sign that Florence and Emma might be returning. She wanted this conversation, this entire meeting to finish as soon as possible.

  "Mr. Grantly. You must appreciate the difficulty you have placed me in. I receive a card from you informing me that you have arrived in Boston for the purpose of meeting with me to discuss our impending matrimony. An arrangement which I was under the impression was no longer possible. Against my better judgement I agreed to meet with you, accompanied by my loving sister Florence, acting as my chaperone. Upon our meeting you present me with the fact that you already have a daughter, whose existence you saw fit to conceal from me. Now you have the audacity to ask me to be your mail order bride and go and live with you on your, no doubt extensive ranch in Montana. You can see how all of this could place me in a very awkward position, not to mention the discomfort it causes me."

  Abby finished her quiet summary and gazed directly into Nathan's eyes. He merely nodded slowly. "So will you come to Montana and be my wife?" he asked with a quirk of his eyebrow.

  "Oh!" Abby ejaculated with a gasp. "You are being extremely difficult about all of this," she complained.

  "I don't think I am. You gave me your word. One way or another I won't be denied."

  Abby was transfixed for a moment by the bald simplicity of that last statement. What did he mean?

  "I am telling you I cannot become your wife," Abby declared.

  Once again the papers rustled around them. Abby had the sudden desire to be out of the hotel. Looking up she was relieved to see Florence and Emma reappear.

  Abby stood up. "I have given you my answer Mr. Grantly. I hope you have the decency to accept it."

  Nathan looked up at her and cocked his head to one side. For a moment Abby felt very conscious of his gaze as she stood in front of him. Then she drew herself up and walked away from Nathan Grantly toward her sister.

  Within moments Abby and Florence had said their hasty goodbyes in as polite a manner as possible under the circumstances.

  It was with the greatest relief in her life that Abby took Florence's arm and headed out of the hotel. She did not look back toward Nathan and Emma, even though she knew that that was the thing she most wanted to do.

  Nathan stood with Emma and watched Abby and Florence walk out of the door to the hotel.

  He had tried his best and he had failed. From the moment he had boarded the train in Montana he had suspected that this would prove to be a fruitless errand. And indeed it had turned out to be so.

  But what a beautiful woman Abby Long was! She had taken his breath away. She was so elegant and refined. He worried that even if she had agreed to be his wife on the ranch in Montana she would find it hard to fit in to such a life.

  But Nathan had seen evidence of the strength which had attracted him during their correspondence. She was a feisty and strong young woman who would make a perfect mother for Emma.

  Nathan had tried his best and he had failed. There was nothing else he could do. He had hoped to persuade Abby in person. Indeed he had noticed she didn't exactly find him repulsive. In fact he was sure that on more than one occasion she'd had to restrain her emotions.

  Nathan had tried reason and it had failed to persuade Abby.

  "When are we going to see Abby again Papa?" Emma asked, looking straight up into her father's eyes.

  Nathan smiled and laid his hand on Emma's soft hair. "Maybe soon, darling. You never know."

  Emma's eyes glistened and Nathan was suddenly sure that his daughter was going to cry. He didn't want that. Not again. Not here.

  He crouched down and took his daughter's face in his hands. "There now Emma. Let's have none of that."

  Emma rolled her eyes and swallowed. "She's so beautiful Papa. Isn't she?"

  Nathan nodded. "She sure is Emma. Almost as beautiful as your mama."

  Emma smiled gently at the mention of her mother. "No-one is as lovely as my mama was," she said.

  Nathan stroked Emma's cheek. "I know that darling. I know."

  "Are we going home soon?"

  Nathan nodded. "Look's like we are."

  "She might change her mind."

  Nathan stood and took Emma's hand and started to head toward the stairwell. "Let's just wait and see. Shall we?"

  CHAPTER THREE

  "You can't be serious Abby," Florence said. They were back home in Abby's room in their family's townhouse which faced onto a square in the centre of which was a large garden. Carriages drove by in the late afternoon sun. The windows were open and the air coming in from outside made the room cool and fresh.

  The two sisters lay on the bed, side by side.

  "I am serious. He asked me to go to Montana with him," Abby said.

  Florence sighed. "That must be exciting," she said with a dreamy tone of voice.

  Abby looked askance at Florence. "What! Florence Long. What has gotten into you."

  Florence smiled. "Think of how wonderful it must be to live out there. No rules. No horrible men preying on us at parties. You'd have everything you need. He looks like he has money," she said.

  Abby shrugged. "I've no doubt he has. But there is more to life than money."

  "You'd be surrounded by a beautiful land."

  "And no doubt the smells of a ranch!" Abby replied.

  Florence laughed. "He's a fine looking man," she said quietly.

  Abby gave her sister a stern look. "It's not just about looks. There's more to being married than looks," she stated firmly.

  Florence was right. Nathan Grantly was a fine looking man. He was tall, wide shouldered, with powerful legs that looked like they'd know how to tame a horse. His dark hair was lustrous and thick and his eyes seemed to always have a shine in them, in spite of the sadness and hardship he'd had to endure with the passing of his wife. Yes. If she was really pushed, Abby would have to admit that he was a handsome gentleman.

  But she could not marry him! That was simply not going to happen. No matter how fine looking he was; no matter how appealing it was to live out in Montana; no matter how wealthy he was with the ranch and all. She couldn't see herself as the wife of a rancher. Not with the darkness that clung at her soul. The past and the truth couldn't be ignored. There was the reality of the truth she had discovered and it would not go away.

  Until that moment had arrived, until the shattering truth about herself had been revealed to her, the prospect of life in Montana had had strong appeal. There were too many boring and terrible young men hovering around the Long sisters, hoping for some social advantage from a marriage to a family whose father was a man of influence in Boston.

  No. There were too many truly odious men on the social scene. This year in particular had been the worst. Abby thought about the parties she'd had to endure. Yes. That was the word. Endure.

  The men at those social gatherings were from some of the middling types in Boston society. They were from families that aspired to greater things. And one of those things was marrying their useless sons off to Abby or Florence Long.

  Abby sighed in disgust when she thought of one in particular. Carlton Fisker.

  Abby felt her stomach turn at the thought of him. It wasn't that he was particularly unpleasant looking, or that he was terribly boring to be with. It was more to do with the fact that she had heard the most awful things about his private life.

  Whispers in the corners at social functions had told of secret trysts, visits to unsavory places and associations with the lower sorts of female companion.

  It all added up to the fact that Carlton Fisker was not the sort of man that Abby would ever associate with.

  Florence interrupted Abby's thoug
hts. "Papa wants to speak to us. We'd best be getting downstairs."

  "What does he want this time," Abby said, rising up off the bed. She did love her father, although he could be rather strict at times. He was rather too fond of making speeches and making announcements. Abby wondered what it would be this time.

  They made their way down to the parlor. Their father, Lucius Long, was seated on his favorite chair, in front of the fire, with a book in his lap. Despite it being a fine summer's day, her father insisted on keeping himself warm. He was always a man who preferred caution to risk.

  Abby's mother was seated at the window table, knitting. The only sounds were the clicking of her mother's knitting needles and the deep, slow tick of the clock.

  "Ah, girls," her father said. "Please have a seat. I have an announcement to make."

  Abby was surprised to see how happy Lucius was. He normally wasn't this happy, except if there was the prospect of some financial advantage to be had. Although he wasn't a parsimonious man, he knew the value of money and always tried to instil that appreciation in his two beloved daughters.

  Abby and Florence took their place on the divan which faced the fireplace. Abby felt the warmth of the room and loosened the collar of her gown.

  Lucius looked at Abby. "My dear. How are you today?"

  "I'm fine father."

  "You were out this morning with Florence. Did you have a pleasant time?"

  "Indeed we did father."

  Lucius had an expression on his face which Abby had seen many times before. It was an expression that told her he was about to present her with a surprise. She'd seen that glint in his eye whenever birthday gifts were about to be revealed. But today was no-one's birthday.

  Lucius looked directly at Abby and cleared his throat. "My dear. As your father, you know that I always have your best interests at heart. Everything I have ever done has been to ensure that you have a secure and bright future ahead of you," he said.

  Abby smiled. "And I have always been very grateful to you for everything you have done for me."

  Lucius nodded. "As a part of ensuring your future you are aware that I have had to refuse the advances of some entirely unsuitable young Bostonian men. On your behalf of course."

  Abby felt her cheeks color. It was suddenly even hotter in the room. She hesitated before speaking. "I wasn't...aware...that you had done that on my behalf, father," she muttered shyly.

  "In fact I have come to the conclusion that young Bostonian men are thoroughly unsuitable for either of my daughters," he said.

  "What do you mean?" Abby asked.

  "I mean they are not suitable as husbands. The present generation's morals are the lowest I have ever seen. And it is my duty to protect you and Florence from that," he stated.

  "As you know I have come to believe that the great move West has been beneficial for our nation. Some of our best young men have gone out there." He tapped the book on his lap. "I have done extensive research and am convinced that the future of our nation lies there."

  Abby looked at Florence and frowned. What on earth was he talking about?

  Abby's mother, Elizabeth, coughed and put down her knitting. "I think you best be getting to the point Lucius. I can see the girls are wondering where you are going with all this," she said in a quiet, steady voice.

  "Indeed I shall," said Lucius. "It comes down to this, Abigail. I have recently received representations from a very fine young man, who has significant holdings out West. I have made my enquiries and I am assured that he is a man of unimpeachable character. He has in recent years made the move out West and has made his fortune in the ranching business. This is a business which I believe represents the best of our nation. And the men in that business are the solid core of our country"

  Abby felt as if a stone had settled in her stomach. It couldn't be! Could it? It was simply too much of a coincidence.

  "What are you saying father? I'm not sure I understand."

  Lucius Long leaned forward and looked at his daughter. "I'm saying I have found the perfect man who I believe is most suitable to be your husband."

  Florence let out a squeal next to her and Abby felt her body suddenly become very heavy. Abby's breath left her in a gasp and she gripped the fabric of her gown.

  "You have found me a husband? A rancher from out West?"

  Lucius grinned. "Indeed I have."

  "And have you met this man?" Abby asked, barely able to speak.

  "I have. I would hardly suggest this man to you if I hadn't first met him, would I?"

  Abby glanced at her mother. Surely this must be some sort of parlor room game they were playing.

  Elizabeth smiled reassuringly at Abby. "He's a very charming young man. As your father says, he has all the finest qualities we could hope for in a husband for you Abigail," she said.

  "He has offered to bring you West and make you his bride. I think I speak for your mother when I say that we think it is a most wonderful idea," Lucius said with a nod to his wife.

  This cannot be happening, Abby said to herself. She could barely bring myself to ask this man's name, because she already knew who they were speaking of. But she asked the question that was burning her lips.

  "I also believe that certain promises were made and subsequently broken. Now you know what I think about giving your word, Abby," Lucius said, giving his daughter a stern look.

  He must know something, she said to herself. He knows I gave my word to someone. And that I broke my promise. But he doesn't know why. He can't know why I did that. She had to know who he was talking about, although deep down she knew there was only one person it could be.

  "What is the name of this perfect gentleman rancher?" Abby asked trying to disguise the pain in her voice.

  Lucius looked at Abby. "His name is Nathan Grantly. And I have arranged for him to call on us this evening."

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Nathan settled back in the carriage and rested his arm around Emma's tiny shoulders. He looked out the window at the dimming light of the evening. It was late for Emma to be out and he would have preferred to have made this visit to the residence of Lucius Long during the day, but this would have to do.

  Nathan didn't like the city. He didn't feel at home in the confines of the metropolis. Back at the hotel he had felt sheltered from the madness of the city. And he had been determined to protect Emma from the sights and smells of Boston. He couldn't wait to get back to the ranch; he craved a return to the wilds of Montana where a man's spirit wouldn't be stifled the way it was here.

  But first he had a wife to claim.

  He'd received the message from Lucius that he would be welcome to make a visit. The message also insisted that Nathan bring his daughter, Emma. There would be special cake for her.

  Nathan had known it would come to this. When he had contacted Lucius Long about his proposed marriage to Abby, Lucius had been hesitant and unconvinced. They had arranged to meet at Lucius' office two days before. Nathan had tried to explain his predicament, but Lucius had been more interested in Nathan's credentials and his financial status.

  The whole meeting had had the feeling of an interview for a position.

  Nathan had explained that Lucius' daughter Abigail had secretly answered an announcement Nathan had placed for a mail order bride. The very mention of mail order brides had put Lucius into a state of near apoplexy.

  He calmed down, though, once Nathan explained that Abby had at first said she would marry Nathan. But then, due to some unknown circumstance, she seemed to have changed her mind. Nathan had no idea why she had done that and neither did Lucius.

  Abby's father struck Nathan as someone who understood the traditional values of life. What it was coming down to was that Nathan was asking for Lucius' blessing to make Abigail Long his wife. It seemed unlikely, but Nathan learned during their discussion that Lucius had his own ideas about what was best for Abby.

  "How long 'till we get there," Emma said, interrupting Nathan's recollections of his me
eting with Lucius.

  Nathan glanced out the window. "We'll be there in a few minutes," he said to his daughter. He drew her close to him and she smiled up at him.

  "Will we see Abby?"

  "I sure hope so."

  "Is she gonna be my new mama?"

  Nathan was taken aback by Emma's forthrightness. "I hope so. We'll soon find out."

  "Gee. I hope she says yes," Emma said peering out the window at the passing houses.

  Nathan nodded. "I hope so too Emma. I really do."

  Abby lay flat on her bed in a state of near shock. What was she going to do? Her father had just about arranged a marriage on her behalf. No. That wasn't it at all. Her father had rearranged a marriage Abby had already called off.

  And now she faced the prospect of Nathan Grantly coming to her house and proposing. What was she to do?

  She could do the obvious. Run away. But there was nowhere for her to go. She wouldn't survive on her own. And the shame and worry it would bring to her parents would be unbearable.

  She could simply refuse but the alternatives to Nathan were so disgusting that she could hardly bare to think about it. Carlton Fisker came to mind and she shivered.

  Down in the parlor that afternoon her father had gone on to lecture Abby about what it meant to give your word to someone. She'd heard it so many times from him but now it seemed different. In his estimation a person's life was governed by their word. A promise to marry was a promise which could not broken without the most dire consequences.

  She had tried to say that she hadn't given Nathan a promise to marry, but Lucius had refused to accept that, being in possession of her own letters to Nathan, in which she had agreed to become Nathan's wife.

  The entire situation was unspeakable. But really she only had herself to blame for the whole thing.

  What did she really think of Nathan anyway? Her meeting at the hotel had revealed so much about him. He was very good looking, seemed intelligent and sensitive to the needs of others. He was certainly a good father judging by the relationship he had with Emma. And he was sure handsome. In fact he was probably the finest looking man she had ever been close to.