Adelaide_Bride of Maryland

by Ciara Knight

  “I’ll be with the men if you need something.” Billy set the two cups by the bowl of water.

  Stella followed her husband from the room. “And I'll be in the kitchen. Holler if ya need me.” She gave a wink then closed the door behind her.

  “So, we were talking about you and what you did before you arrived here. I find it difficult to believe you weren’t already married.” He paused in his analysis of her hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to presume… Are you a widow?”

  She shook her head. “No, I’ve never been married before.”

  He pressed the damp cloth to her palm and she flinched, biting her lower lip to keep from crying out.

  “Sorry. It’s gonna sting.” He leaned in and blew on her skin. His breath caressed her skin, cooling the sting. He was close, close enough for his lips to touch her hand. She hadn’t been that close to a man, besides her father. And Horst, the night he pushed her against the wall of her room and threatened her if she spoke without his permission.

  She knew already John would never do that. She'd spoken harshly to him, within earshot of his men, yet he hadn't rebuked her.

  His tender touch and soft speech when he was around her made her feel at ease. She lay back in the bed and the spasm in her back released. The men were talking outside, but she couldn’t make out their words. The dog on the front porch barked and chairs scooted against the wood flooring out in the dining room.

  “If you don’t want to tell me what happened to make you come out here, I can respect that. I haven’t answered your question yet either.”

  “Which question?”

  “Why I agreed to marry you. I don’t think I knew the answer, not until Stella hit me upside the head and told me you were nothing like her.”

  Adelaide tensed at the thought of another woman. “You were married?”

  “No.” He chuckled. “I’m referring to my sister. I let her down, and I guess I didn’t want to be responsible for another woman. But I knew I couldn’t let you go home with Salter.” His voice took on the guttural tone of hatred. “I couldn’t do that to you.”

  “I see.” She held her breath and braced herself as he pressed the cloth to her hand once more then blew over the blisters.

  “No, I don’t think you do. I have to admit something to you…and to myself. If one of those other women that got off the train was swept up by Salter, I wouldn’t have intervened. I feel like a horrible person for saying that, but I probably would have turned my back and walked away, thinking it wasn’t my business.”

  “But you couldn’t do that to me? Why?” Hope flooded through Adelaide, hope that he might have felt something for her, something that led him to want to marry her on the spot.

  He dipped the rag into the water again, tinting it a dark pink from her blood. “I could say it was because I felt obligated, because Stella and Billy sent that letter on my behalf. Without my knowledge, but still that wasn't your fault.”

  Adelaide inhaled a long breath of disappointment.

  “But that wouldn’t be the entire truth,” he continued. “I could say I married you on the spot to finally beat Salter at something, but that would be a lie.” He pressed the cloth to her palm and cleaned dirt and blood from her broken skin.

  “Then why?” she asked.

  He looked down at her for a moment then fixed his eyes on his task once again. “I think I saw something in you the moment you stepped onto that platform. I can’t explain it right now, ’cause I don’t really understand it myself. ” He quirked his head and touched his fingers to her wrist. “Does it still hurt? Your pulse is charging like a herd of buffalo.”

  She cleared her throat and steadied her breathing. “I’m fine.”

  He dipped the rag and attended to her other hand. Silence filled the room, making her feel more and more guilty. Here he was being open and honest with her, but she hadn’t given him anything. The least she could do was tell him something about herself.

  “I left Boston when I lost my job. The factory where I was working burned down.”

  He shifted on the bed and edge a little closer. “So you needed money and someone to take care of you?”

  “No.” Adelaide sighed. “That wouldn’t have been a problem for me.”

  He nodded. “I’d suspected you were from money. I mean, you’re well spoken and your clothes are of a finer quality than the ones worn by women here.” John dropped the rag on the table and tore some strips of clean dry linen. “Keep these bandages on your hands until the blisters scab over.” Securing the last strip around her hand, he picked up a bowl of stew. “I think I should feed you. You’re not going to be able to hold anything for a few days.”

  She shifted higher in the bed. The tomato-y smell of the gravy made her stomach growl. “Aren’t you going to ask why I came if I didn't need money, or why I was working in a factory?”

  “As I said, I won’t push. You can share what you want. I hope you’ll eventually trust me enough to tell me everything, but I must admit my imagination is probably more frightening than reality.” He held out a spoonful of stew for her. The hearty flavor tasted amazingly fresh.

  She swallowed and smiled. “That’s really good.”

  “Yup. You’ll meet Cook tomorrow.” He held another spoonful to her lips, but she didn’t take it this time. “I left because I didn’t want to marry the man I was promised to.”

  John held the spoon perfectly still, not giving any indication of his thoughts.

  “I―”

  “Don’t need to explain,” he finished for her. “Now eat.” He shoved the spoonful into her mouth. “I’m glad you didn’t marry him.” He set her bowl down and took a few bites of his own. Horses neighed outside the window. “I’ll have Stella get you a bath so you can clean up. Do you have another dress?”

  She nodded. “I have one other.”

  “If you’d like, and if you feel up to it, perhaps we can take a walk together after supper. There’s a great spot to watch the sunset.” He took a cloth, dipped it in water, and wiped her cheeks and chin. “That’s a little better. I’ll let Stella do the rest for now.”

  The way he said for now made her belly flutter in anticipation.

  He dabbed at the corner of her mouth. “I’m not good at saying what I mean, but I can say this with certainty. You are beautiful.”

  Wanting to connect with her husband, to make him understand that she wouldn’t run from him, that she wanted to give them a chance, she shot forward. Ignoring the pain between her shoulder blades, she pressed her lips to his cheek.

  Chapter Six

  The workday had never gone so slowly. The memory of Adelaide’s dress, falling to the floor last night, robbed his mind of clear thoughts. He’d nearly fallen off his horse twice and almost hammered his hand to a fence post.

  John shook his head. He needed to remain focused on work. He’d already had to cut a cow out of Salter’s devil wire twirled around the poles bordering their lands. The blasted fence Salter installed choked his land, threatening to lose him his cattle deal with Randall from Texas.

  He dismounted then passed the reins of his horse to Noah and headed for the house. Usually, he’d be ready to collapse into bed after supper, but not today. At the first sight of Adelaide in a pale green dress standing on the front porch, a jolt of energy reinvigorated him. He neared the house, his eyes drawn to her full, pink lips. He’d like to feel them against his. The quick sweep of their softness against his cheek had only made him want more.

  How’d he get so lucky, being wed to such a beautiful woman?

  The sight of the bandages on her hands made him shudder. The perfect softness had been marred from hard labor, labor she’d chosen to do on her own. Maybe it was time to accept that not all women wanted to live the easy life. His sister’d had a rough life, so he couldn’t blame her, but she’d never taken to chores or hard work. Stella was right. Adelaide was unique.

  He brushed the dirt from his pants, deciding he needed to look proper tonight. He
approached Adelaide with the friendliest smile he could conjure, but it felt awkward, tight. “I’m gonna clean up and then I’ll be back for supper. If you’re still up for that walk, we can head out after that.”

  “I’d like that,” she said with a light tone.

  “How’s your hands?” He checked one, lifting the bandage and peeking under it, then the other, though more so he’d have an excuse to touch her again than to check her wounds.

  “They're much better, thank you. I’ll be ready to work tomorrow.”

  “That’s not happening. Those hands need a week or so before you’ll be able to do much with them.”

  She sighed and stuck out her bottom lip like a petulant child. Stomping her foot, she said, “I’ll go insane if I have to sit still that long.”

  He leaned in and whispered, “Then we’ll have to find something to occupy your time.” He pressed his lips to her earlobe. The smell of roses covered her face and hair, tantalizing his senses.

  She gasped.

  Smiling, he left her on the front porch and hurried to clean up. Stella must’ve read his mind because the tub was already filled with warm water and his clothes were laid out on the bed. She’d picked out his nicer shirt and trousers that weren’t stained or had holes in them.

  He managed to clean up faster than a dog chasing a rabbit and returned to the main room. Stella whistled. “Wow, you clean up nice.”

  “You sure do.” Adelaide’s soft voice touched his soul and hope flooded him like he’d not felt in years.

  “Thought it was such a nice night you might enjoy a picnic.” Stella handed him a basket covered with a kitchen cloth. “You know that spot near the watering hole on the corner of our property? That’s a nice, private spot.”

  A blush coated Adelaide’s face and throat. She turned and headed for the door. “I would enjoy the fresh air.”

  They’d have to endure the men hootin’ and hollerin’ at them on the way, but he had a feeling she’d be worth it. The afternoon sun had dipped beyond the hills, leaving the temperature much more pleasant. He led her to the barn where Billy had saddled his most docile horse, Clementine. He helped her up. “You okay?”

  “Yes.”

  He hopped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her thin waist, hooking the basket to the saddle horn. His chest pressed to her back and his arms relished her body so close to his. She stiffened in his embrace.

  “Don’t worry. I won’t let you fall.” He tightened his arms around her and directed the horse out the barn door. As he’d suspected, cackles from the men echoed across the open landscape. “Don’t mind them. It's a bit embarrassing, but they’re harmless.”

  To his delight, she laughed and waved goodbye to the men. The woman was fearless and bold.

  She rested her hands on top of his holding the reins and her finger traced a line from his thumb to the end of his pinky. His skin erupted in bumps at her touch and his heart pounded so hard he was sure she felt it hammering on her back.

  “Thanks for not being angry with me,” Adelaide said softly.

  What? “Why would I be angry with you?”

  She quirked her head to one side and half-shrugged. “Don’t know. I just seem to have that effect on men.”

  He felt the same familiar anger scratching at his insides. “What do you mean?” The view of the open range, with the snowcapped mountains in the distance, didn’t stave his rising anger as they usually did. His attempt at keeping a calm tone failed, and he hoped he hadn’t frightened her. He knew exactly what she meant, though. He’d seen it. Men tended to treat women like property and he couldn’t stand that.

  “It isn’t important right now. I’m just glad you don’t anger easily. Trust me, I can test a man’s patience.”

  He lifted one hand to her chin and nudged it back so he could see her eyes. “I can promise you that I’ll never lay my hand on you out of anger. I fired a man before, ran him off my land when he slapped a young woman in town. My men know I have no tolerance for such behavior.”

  Her eyes smoldered in the muted light and her lips parted slightly. He inhaled her rose scent and cupped the nape of her neck.

  Clementine ambled on the path without much need for guidance, and he was glad. All his attention fell on the woman in front of him, her beautiful, flawless skin and bright eyes. He leaned into her and captured her lips, tasting paradise. The warm, gentle yet hungry stroke of her tongue excited him. She leaned into him, surrendering herself to his attentions. A hunger he’d never felt before engulfed his body in need and he was tempted to stop the horse, throw down the blanket and have her there on the side of the path.

  The stroking of their tongues and the pressure of her lips drove him to madness. When his hand slipped to the side of her neck, she broke from him, her eyes wide and her breathing labored. Her hand shot to her neck, but she winced when she grabbed his wrist.

  “I didn’t mean to push,” he rasped, his body still claimed by passion.

  “It’s not that. I…”

  He waited for her to continue, but she only looked away. “Let’s get to that spot. I did promise you a beautiful sunset and some great food.”

  Almost instantly, he could feel the tension leave her.

  But what had he done to upset her to begin with? This was new territory for her, to be sure, but she'd seemed fine with kissing him. The feel of her body against his, the way she responded to his kiss told him she wanted him, but then why did she pull away? Perhaps something from her past kept her at a distance from men. Like how he kept his distance from the saloon.

  No, he wouldn’t think of someone harming Adelaide. They'd just met, but she was his wife and he’d protect her no matter what.

  “What are you thinking about? You grew so quiet. I didn’t mean to offend you. That kiss was… It took my breath away.” Adelaide leaned into him.

  He pressed his lips to the fragrant hair at the back of her head. “I agree.”

  “Then what troubles you?”

  “You're pretty straightforward, aren't you? Most women speak in riddles. But I like how direct you are.”

  “That’s funny. My directness usually gets me into trouble.” She sighed and rested her head against his shoulder. “The man I was promised to in Boston… I’m afraid I angered him often, yet I couldn’t seem to hold my tongue. There was one time he got upset but it wasn't even for something I'd said. I attended a party with him but had a blemish on my face. He said it embarrassed him that I wasn’t perfect, so he told me if it happened again to not even show up. When I told him he was being ridiculous and I'd go out if I wished, he got angry.”

  “He hit you?” John asked, gritting his teeth.

  “Yes, but it was the first and last time he touched me. I knew my life with him wouldn’t be pleasant. That’s why I left and decided I was better off marrying a stranger. I figured it was worth taking a chance than to marry someone I knew would be horrible to me the rest of my life.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her to his chest. “You’re so brave. Like no other woman I’ve ever known.”

  “I don’t know that I’m brave, I just knew I had to leave. Brave would’ve been telling my family I was leaving, but instead I just sent a letter. I was afraid they’d stop me and force me to marry Horst Chatgonwitz.”

  “And then you get off the train and run into Salter.” John fisted his hands, fighting the urge to race across his land and pummel Salter right then.

  “Yes, I’m not sure which man would’ve been worse to marry.” Adelaide’s voice sounded distant.

  “Well, good thing you married me instead. I can’t make a lot of promises, but I can promise that you're safe here and you always will be. Beyond that, I can only hope you'll grow to like it here.”

  “I already do. I’m glad you were the one I married, John Rivers.”

  Her words poured happiness into the empty void that had been consuming him for several years. For the first time since childhood, he dared to believe in love and f
amily.

  They crested the hill and she gasped. “This is breathtaking. I wish I had my paints. I’ll have to return once my hands heal. If you don’t mind.”

  He hopped down from Clementine and grasped Adelaide’s tiny waist. “Why would I mind?”

  She slid from the horse and stood in front of him, more beautiful than the scenery around them. “I know it’s a waste of time to paint, but I enjoy it.”

  “I’m not sure anything you enjoy doing is a waste of time. It brings you happiness, right?” When she nodded, he continued, "So, how can happiness be a waste of time?"

  He untied the picnic basket from the saddle horn and almost took her hand in his. He longed to stroll hand in hand with Adelaide but knew her palms would still be too painful to touch, so he slid his arm around her waist. To his delight, she returned the gesture.

  Picking a spot on the grassy knoll, he opened the basket and laid the thin blanket down then sat by Adelaide to watch the sun dip below the mountain peaks in the distance. Shadows spread across the rolling hills and rocky valleys, closing them off in their own little world.

  The cloth bandage had pulled loose from around her hand, so he tucked it back in. “I’ll check your wounds in the morning.”

  “It's fine. I’ll tend to them, or have Stella help me.”

  John quirked an eyebrow at her. “I don’t mind.”

  Adelaide shrugged. “I'm sure you have more important things to worry about. Besides, it’ll be ugly, dried skin in the morning.”

  He lifted her hands to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “I don’t care what they look like as long as they don’t cause you pain. And you may be new around here but you're still an important part of this ranch. You could easily put some of my boys out of a job.” He chuckled lightly, but to his surprise tears pooled at the corner of her eyes, tugging at his heart. What had he said? Stella had told him to watch that. “I’m sorry. I warned you I wasn’t good with words.”

  “Your words are perfect.” She blinked her tears away and glanced at the horizon. “I can’t believe there are no buildings to block this view. It feels freeing, like anything is possible.” She tucked her chin to her chest. “That must sound foolish to you.”