She wanted to know everything that had happened in Boston since she last left in February to come out to Brad. Especially about what Charley had written about her finances. What did he mean that there was something the lawyer had found? She was sure that all things would come in due time. Things went at their own pace in Lamar she had found out. People did not go a mile a minute like they did back East. She was grateful for that and there were times she missed it. Then there were days that there was not enough time in the day to get everything done, especially with the winter upon them.
Elizabeth had learned how to calm down here, with Brad and the little ones. She was often too busy with changing diapers, chasing after Wyatt and making sure that food was on the table to worry about time now. She heard the train before she saw it. Her heart leaped as she clung to Brad tighter. He placed his arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head. Sure they could have waited inside and looking back on the time, Elizabeth wondered if they should have.
Everything was ready for her friends to stay out with them on the farm, though Mrs. Evens did offer to let Charley and Sarah stay in town as well. Elizabeth had worked with Maria to make sure the upstairs was ready for the company. They had moved Wyatt in the small room that had been built for Maria while she stayed with them. Eventually that would be his room. Elizabeth knew that it was going to be crowded, she did not mind.
Brad had made it clear he would go get a tree when Charley arrived. He and Evan would take Charley out and show them the lay of the land as Brad stated. Elizabeth hoped that Charley and Brad would become friends. It would mean the world to her. She watched as the train came to a halt in front of the station and waited anxiously for sight of Sarah and Charley. She caught sight of a bright green dress and smiled. She knew that was Sarah. Letting go of Brad, Elizabeth started to wave and called out to her.
Sarah turned and looked to see Elizabeth there and smiled brightly. Behind her stood Charley as he looked around. Taking Sarah by the hand he began to walk over to Brad and Elizabeth. Holding out his hand, he shook Brad’s hand and nodded. Picking up Elizabeth, he gave her a big hug and laughed. Elizabeth hugged Sarah and then took a step back. Sarah had gained a bit of weight since Elizabeth last saw her.
“Charley and Sarah, this is my husband Brad.” Elizabeth started, “Brad, Charley and Sarah.”
“Very nice to meet you both.” Brad stated, “Beth, we best be getting to Mrs. Evens, the twins are going to wake soon for food.”
“Twins?” Charley asked as he waited for the luggage to be unloaded from the train.
“Yes, two bundles at one time.” Elizabeth laughed, “Who would have ever thought it?”
“Indeed.” Charley grabbed the luggage with Brad as they walked towards the wagon. “Well, Sarah and I are not far behind.”
Elizabeth gasped and then blushed. That explained why Sarah was larger. There was so much to ask yet she held back. Everyone got into the wagon and headed to the house of the Evens’ as their teeth chattered from the cold. As they approached the house, Evan was waiting to help Brad put up the team. Elizabeth led Charley and Sarah to the house.
“Leave your bags, we are only having dinner here.” Elizabeth instructed, “We are out of town about 5 miles.”
“Oh wow, really that far out?” Sarah finally spoke up.
“Yes and it is not that far Sarah.” Elizabeth smiled. “Now come on before we all freeze to death.”
As they walked in, Mrs. Evens met them at the door taking their coats. She motioned for them to follow her to the dining room. The table had been set up and the food was already prepared as everyone looked around. Elizabeth excused herself to take care of the twins and Wyatt toddled after her. Mrs. Evens showed Charley and Sarah to the washroom to wash up for supper as Brad and Evan came in to join everyone.
“Looks like we got a storm coming in.” Brad stated to Mr. Evens who nodded.
“Yep, you got enough supplies at the farm?” Mr. Evens responded.
“I am sure we can stock up before we leave.” Brad chuckled knowing that Elizabeth’s gift was in the stock.
“Sounds like a plan.” Mr. Evens said as he looked at Charley when he came out of the washroom. “And you must be the Charley that Elizabeth talks of so fondly.”
“That is a comfort to hear.” Charley laughed as he sat down. “Normally I was a pain in her butt back home.”
“Not to hear her talk about you.” Mr. Evens stated, “You may be stuck here for a bit depending upon that storm.”
“Oh?” Charley asked.
“Yep, train won’t run if it gets too bad.” Mr. Evens commented as everyone came into the dining room to eat.
Elizabeth put Wyatt in his chair and then sat beside him. She looked at Sarah, pregnancy had given her a beautiful glow. As they ate, they talked about the difference of weather in Lamar compared to Boston. Mr. Evens explained how bitter cold it got in Lamar and they would need better coats than what they came with, along with gloves and scarves to keep warm. Charley and Sarah listened with wonder.
“I have them in stock, we will just send them when you leave tonight.” Mr. Evens stated, “Consider it a holiday gift.”
“That is very nice of you Mr. Evens.” Sarah said. “Thank you. It is a different cold here than in Boston.”
As soon as dinner was over Brad noted that he and Evan were going to load up the wagon and then they could head out before the storm hit. Elizabeth and Sarah followed Mrs. Evens to the sitting room to have tea before they left.
“When are you due Sarah?” Mrs. Evens asked.
“Oh, a few months.” Sarah laughed, “Feels like forever.”
“Yeah, wait until he or she comes.” Elizabeth stated, “Then the real fun begins.”
“I know, Charley is so excited.” Sarah commented. “We had to come see you before the birth. Who knows when we would be able to make it out again after.”
Elizabeth had not thought about travel with the children and how much harder it would be. Sarah’s words hit home. She had wanted to go to Boston in the spring, she knew that it would be time to plant and the animals would be getting ready to calve or be breed. It seemed impossible that she would ever see Boston again. Lost in her own thoughts she did not hear Brad come in.
“Okay, wagons loaded.” Brad stated. “Come on we best be going.”
As they said their goodbyes, Mr. Evens gave Sarah and Charley their new outer wear. The temperature had dropped quite a bit as they all rode back out to the farm. Maria had stayed behind to make sure everything was ready for the guest. Once they were to the cabin Sarah looked at it and shook her head. This was not what she was expecting. She was not sure what she was expecting, just not a small cabin.
Getting comfortable
Sarah, Maria and Elizabeth worked together on the dinner meal as Brad, Charley and Evan set up the tree. They were going to decorate it after Wyatt went to bed. Though the space in the house was tight, everyone was getting along. Brad wondered how long that would stay the same as the winter closed in. There was a reason it was called cabin fever. Brad and Evan had set up a rope from the barn to the house so that you could find your way incase extreme weather came in.
As the ladies sat up the table for dinner, Elizabeth and Sarah talked. Sarah wanted to know how different it was to live in Lamar than Boston. Was Elizabeth truly happy? How did she deal with the isolation? Was she happy? Elizabeth answered each question with patience. Elizabeth knew Sarah was used to the social life in Boston, so life in Lamar might seem a bit strange to her. As everyone sat down, Charley made a toast with some wine he had brought from Boston.
“I am glad to see Elizabeth so happy.” He started. “Brad you are a good man for her. And the children are quite wonderful.”
“Thank you Charley.” Brad commented as they toasted. “Elizabeth makes me happy as well.”
Elizabeth blushed as Sarah listened and nodded her head. Maria and Evan sat quietly, they were not sure of the people from Boston. They had very different
ideas from what they were used to.
“I did need to discuss something with Elizabeth.” Charley sat down as the food was passed around. “If it is okay, I think that we should do that soon.”
“Well we can talk now.” Elizabeth commented as she passed the potatoes to Brad.
“Are you sure?” Charley questioned, “It is what I wrote you about.”
“I have no secrets Charley.” Elizabeth stated. “Everyone at this table knows my life history and I don’t wish to hide anything now.”
“All right.” Charley took a deep breath. “Well as I told you in the letter. You are not as penniless as once we thought.”
“How so?” Elizabeth looked at him and waited.
“Well it seems that your father place bonds in your name since you were born.” He stated. “Some of them have come to maturity. Others have a few years. Regardless, you can cash in a few if you like.”
“Bonds?” Elizabeth questioned.
“Yes, bonds.” Charley took a big breath. “The lawyers wanted to take them from you to pay for expenses and I had a discussion with them about that. Since the reality is they were already paid by my family. The bonds were just a fluke Elizabeth.”
“So how much do I have right now?” Elizabeth asked.
“About $5,000 if you cashed in the ones you can right now.” Elizabeth’s face dropped.
“Wow.” She looked at Brad. “We could build the extension on the house Brad. This means Maria could have her own room.”
Brad remained quiet. That was a great deal of money that could be used for many things on the farm. He also knew that they could reinvest it for the children. His head was spinning, it was not something he was expecting. He nodded to Elizabeth and remained quiet. Evan and Maria quietly sat and waited for someone to talk.
“Well you could do that yes.” Charley said. “I am just glad that your dad did that for you, it was an unexpected surprise.”
“Indeed Charley.” Elizabeth stammered. “Thank you so much. I hope that is not the only reason you came to see me.”
“No, no not really.” Charley cleared his throat. “I have been doing some discussions around Boston. Lamar needs a good banker from what we have found. I mean I am not saying your banker here is not doing their job, however as the population increases, he is going to need help.”
“And?” Elizabeth questioned.
“And I think we are here to stay.” Charley finally said as Sarah hung her head. “We wanted to see Lamar at the worst time of year to see if we could handle it. And to see how much we liked the town.”
“Okay.” Elizabeth waited to hear more.
“I know that is not what you were expecting to hear Elizabeth.” Charley stated, “So as you see, it was important for Sarah and I to come out.”
“Well Mr. Montrose will be surprised.” Elizabeth stated. “I am sure that Evan can take you into town when he goes so you can meet him.”
“And Mr. Montrose is?” Charley asked as Maria started to clean the table.
“Oh he is the town banker.” Elizabeth chuckled. “He does seem to run that bank pretty much by himself.”
“Well then see, he needs the help.” Charley tipped his glass of wine.
“Well I do hope we can live in town Charley.” Sarah finally said. “I mean your home is lovely Elizabeth, I just don’t know if I could live this far away from town.”
“I understand Sarah.” Elizabeth could empathize. “I was surprised how much I love it out here. However, in town might be better for you because you like to be around people.”
“That is true.” Sarah agreed.
“Well I am sure Mrs. Evens can help you with that.” Elizabeth stated. “She knows everything about Lamar. She will know what houses are available or you and Charley could build your own and stay with us until it is built.”
“That sounds wonderful. I think I will go in with Charley when he goes.” Sarah finally said as she looked at Charley and smiled. “I am tired, I think I am going to go to bed.”
“Okay my love.” Charley said as she kissed him on the cheek. “I will be up in a minute.”
“Well it seems that Lamar is going to be bringing a lot of people from Boston at this rate.” Brad joked. “Will be good to have you Charley. Evan will be going in tomorrow first light.”
“Well then, I best join my wife for bed.” Charley stated as he kissed Elizabeth on the cheek and shook Brad’s hand. “Excellent meal Elizabeth, much better than your first meal.”
Elizabeth laughed as she helped Maria clean up the dining area. Her mind thought about the bonds Charley had told her about. Brad could build the extension they had been talking about. They would build it together. Brad came behind her and placed his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck. Soon everyone was gone out of the common area and Brad and Elizabeth were alone.
“Well Beth, what are you thinking?” Brad asked.
“We can build onto the house.” She smiled as she led him to the bedroom. “We can save money for the children.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” He smiled and wrapped his arms around her and started walking towards the bed.
“Brad, we have company.” She blushed.
“So we will be quiet.” He answered kissing her neck.
Holiday Bliss
The house was quiet as Brad started to undress Elizabeth as he kissed her neck and made her sigh. His hands traced down her back. His hands moved back up to her hair and pulled out the pins that held her long hair, letting it down her back. Her hands ran across his body as she removed his shirt and undid his pants. He pushed her down on the bed, his hands moving between her thighs as he dipped a finger inside her. She sighed and gasped as he began to probe further.
Their kisses became more passionate while their hands explored each other’s bodies. She traced her hand across his hardness, her body aching to have him inside her. They had not been intimate since everyone had arrived to the house. Her hips jutted up from his touches, his mouth traced down her neck to her breast as she moaned softly. She moved her hand up and down his shaft faster and faster. Her wetness dripped down, he slowly moved inside her and began to rock back and forth. Wrapping her legs around him, she pulled him in deeper.
His hips moved faster, her moans were quiet as she met her hips to meet his. Her nails raced down his back, her nails digging into his skin as waves came over her body. He covered her mouth as she cried out. His tongue thrust into her mouth. Their tongues tangled together as his hip movements became faster. The welling in her body was almost unbearable. Brad pulled her hips to his, her nails dug in deep.
Her body arched, feeling him deep inside her. She loved how he felt inside her, how he would take her. She craved his touch. Her kisses became forceful as her body exploded. Her walls wrapping around his shaft as he exploded inside her. His groans were covered by the kisses they shared as he pulled her to him to lay on the bed. As they crawled under the covers, he kissed her forehead and chuckled.
“I love you Beth.” He commented as he dozed off to sleep.
“I love you too Brad.” She laid her head on his chest and heard his heartbeat. “Thank you for everything.”
The morning came quickly and Brad was up with the sun to help Evan load the wagon. He would return in the evening with Charley and Sarah, it would be wonderful to hear what happened in town. Elizabeth helped Maria make breakfast and tended to the children. Sarah watched, she was not sure she was so ready for this life. Soon Evan was headed to town with Sarah and Charley. Elizabeth worked with Maria to take care of the tree for the holiday morning and Brad went to tend to the cattle.
The day passed by quickly as Maria and Elizabeth decorated the tree with popcorn and cranberries. Elizabeth had a few decorations from Boston she hung and also placed a skirt around the tree. Wyatt toddled behind her in all the excitement. Elizabeth had already collected the gifts for everyone before Charley and Sarah had come in on the train. Maria had helped her wrap them earlier in the
week.
“Well, shall we put the gifts under the tree Maria?” Elizabeth asked.
“I think that would be good.” Maria agreed as they went upstairs to her room.
Elizabeth always loved the holidays and could not wait to see everyone’s faces when they opened their gifts, especially Brad and Maria. She had made arrangements that Maria would be living with them from here on out since her family was no longer with her. She had gotten Brad a watch that he had been saying he needed. Charley had gotten a new wallet and she found a rabbit furred muff for Sarah. Wyatt was getting toys and a new bed.
She had saved all year for the gifts that she had gotten. Though she did not know Charley and Sarah were coming out, she had planned on sending them to Boston. Excitement welled inside her as they placed the gifts under the tree. She had already gotten her gift from everyone. Brad had welcomed Charley and Sarah and Charley had already given her a gift with the bonds.
“We should start on the holiday dinner soon.” Maria commented. “We are eating it tonight right?”
“Yes, actually we are and then we will open gifts.” Brad walked in and shook off the snow.
He placed logs on the fire and looked at Maria and Elizabeth running around the kitchen getting everything ready. He walked over to the tree and placed a small box on one of the branches and then went to change his clothes. Evan, Charley and Sarah walked in soon after. Sarah hung her coat and fluffed up her hair. She went to wash her hands and asked Elizabeth how she could help.
Soon everyone was sitting around the table and Elizabeth looked at the spread that Sarah, Maria and she had made. There was excitement in the air as Wyatt bounced in his chair and the twins were fast asleep.
“Well?” Elizabeth could not wait any longer.
“We will be back in the spring.” Charley said. “I can start with Mr. Montrose then and Sarah will have had the baby by then.”
“Mrs. Evens said that there is a house being built on Main Street that has not been bought.” Sarah added rubbing her belly.
The Duke and The Duchess Page 7
