Wilder sat upright. "Oh, I'm sorry if I gave you that impression, ma'am. I don't think that at all. I can tell you are both fine independent young ladies. It's just that most of the Easterners we see out here tend to have notions about living out in Montana that don't exactly match the reality."
"Is that so? And how many of those Easterners have you personally met, Mr. Armstrong?" asked Amelia.
Wilder leaned back. He could tell that he was being grilled. He shouldn't have said those things. He wasn't one to judge. It wasn't his usual habit to do so. It was just that these two women struck him as being a little naive when it came to the harshness of living out West. He'd heard too many stories of women coming to harm. These two didn't deserve such a fate.
"I'm sorry. I appear to have offended you two ladies. It wasn't my business to pry. I'm sure you'll have a fine time in Montana Falls."
Amelia frowned. "You didn't offend us, Mr. Armstrong. Did he, Bethany?"
Bethany shook her head. "Not at all. Miss Hardie taught us never to take offense that easily."
"Miss Hardie sounds like quite a woman," Wilder said.
Bethany nodded. "She is. I'll bet she's excited that we're coming."
Amelia reached over a hand and patted Bethany's arm. "I'm sure she is, Bethany. You know what she's like."
"And what is she like?"Wilder asked. "If you don't mind me asking."
"She ran that finishing school for years all by herself," Bethany explained. "She's had such an amazing influence on so many young ladies. If it hadn't been for her, I don't know what would have become of us all."
"There's more than you and Miss Crawford?" Wilder asked.
Bethany replied. "There's lots of girls who owe everything to Miss Hardie. However, not many of them are thinking of moving out to Montana to marry."
"I think what Bethany is saying is that we have lots of friends who've benefitted from Miss Hardie's assistance. Some of them have fitted into Boston society quite nicely." Amelia looked at Bethany. "Some of them have, what you might describe a more adventurous spirit."
"Adventurous? That's an interesting way of describing it," Wilder said. "If it's adventure you're both looking for, then Montana is the right place to come to."
Bethany looked excited, but Amelia looked less than thrilled.
"Do you have plans to remain for the...adventure, Miss Crawford?"
Again her hand went to her collar and Wilder was sure he saw that same flush of color rise to her cheeks. There was more to Amelia Crawford than she was letting on.
"I believe my place is back in Boston. I merely agreed to assist Bethany. Once she's safely in the hands of Miss Hardie then I intend to make my way back home to Boston."
Wilder couldn't help the twist of disappointment that briefly fluttered in his middle at the prospect of Miss Amelia Crawford heading back to Boston. How could that be? Wilder had only just met the woman, and yet she'd had an unsettling and surprising effect on him.
"I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised at the life you find out in Montana, Miss Crawford."
"Really? Is that so, Mr Armstrong?"
Wilder nodded. "They're fine people out there. Or so I've heard," he added quickly. "Like most folks who've come out West to settle they've got good strong values. They know what's important in life. They value the good, simple things in life."
"And people from Boston don't?" Amelia asked. He could see that he'd offended her. Yet again. It seemed that Amelia was mighty easy to offend, but that didn't make any difference to how much he was compelled to look at her, savor her delicate, fresh appearance.
"That's not what I was suggesting, Miss Crawford. I'm sure that folks back East have all the right values. It just seems to me that things are more complicated back there."
"Have you been to Boston, Mr. Armstrong?" Bethany asked.
"I confess I haven't been any further East than Minneapolis. My parents moved out here a long time ago. They're passed now."
"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"
"No. It's just me."
Amelia gazed at him for a moment. Her eyes seemed to linger on his for a moment. "You're a loner, then."
Wilder was surprised by the forthrightness of the statement. "I wouldn't exactly describe myself as a loner, Miss Crawford. A man has to make a living somehow."
"How long have you been involved with the law?"
Again the conversation was edging into territory that Wilder felt was best left untouched.
"Long enough, ma'am," he said emphasizing the formality of his reply.
"My, you are a man of mystery, Mr. Armstrong," Amelia said slowly. "Isn't that right Bethany?"
Bethany nodded and looked looked at Wilder as if he were the most mysterious and glamorous stranger she'd ever seen.
Amelia noticed her friends eager expression. "Bethany has always loved to read those accounts of life out West."
"The dime novels?" Wilder asked, surprised.
"If that's what you can call them," Amelia said dismissively.
"But they are so exciting," Bethany exclaimed. "Have you ever met any of those characters in the course of your work Mr. Armstrong?"
Wilder knew just what Bethany was talking about. He also knew that the reality of the robbers and gunslingers and heroic cowboys was a far cry from the way they were described in those fictions. He couldn't read that stuff himself. He knew the true nature of the men who were idealized in the stories. There was nothing charming or exciting about chasing down good-for-nothings whose only mission in life was to cause as much suffering to good folks who were trying to live by decent values.
"I haven't met Billy The Kid, if that's what you mean, Bethany. Nor have I met any of the Earp men."
"So they actually exist?" Bethany said, a tone of incredulity in her voice.
"I guess they do," Wilder said.
He looked at Amelia and saw that she was yet again having one of her disapproving moments. It seemed that Wilder couldn't do anything but find ways to annoy the pretty woman who sat immediately opposite him.
Wilder looked out at the rolling flatlands. This was a fine country and no mistaking. It was beautiful, but full of dangers. It seemed almost crazy that someone would give up all the benefits of living back East and trade them in for an uncertain future in a place like Montana Falls. From what he'd already heard about the place, it wasn't the worst town for Bethany to consider settling down in. And, with the help of the woman they'd described to him, Wilder was sure that Bethany might just have a chance at some kind of happy life. But it would all depend on the kind of man she found.
Wilder already knew that there were men in Montana Falls who might not fit the description of fine upstanding individuals. Wasn't that why he was going there in the first place? To look into something that had come to his attention in the course of his job as a lawman?
He glanced across at the two women and momentarily feared for their safety. If he was going to Montana Falls, then it might be a good idea to make sure that these two women would remain safe. They deserved it. Even if they were a bit naive, they deserved to be safe at least.
Wilder glanced at Amelia and saw that she had noticed him looking at her. She jutted her elegantly proportioned chin a few degrees upwards. There was nothing naive about Miss Amelia Crawford, though. There was more to her than met the eye. Wilder could tell that there was a feisty quality to her that lay in marked contrast to Bethany. Miss Crawford had been through a lot in life. Wilder could tell that the defensive manner was a shield to protect her as much as to take care of Bethany.
Wilder saw Amelia's eyes widen enquiringly. She'd seen the way he was looking at her, and he wasn't sure she appreciated the scrutiny.
Never mind that.
Wilder Armstrong felt like he had been struck by lightning since he'd made the acquaintance of Miss Amelia Crawford and he, for one, wasn't complaining. There was something about this woman that had simply taken hold of him. And, Wilder was sure of one thing.
For
the duration of his visit to Montana Falls, he was going to do whatever it took to spend as much time in the company of Amelia Crawford.
CHAPTER FOUR
The train drew into the station and juddered to a halt with a scrape of metal wheels and the noisy gush of steam. The doors were flung open and passengers started to disembark.
"We're here at last," Bethany exclaimed looking out the window at the rapidly filling platform. "Where's Miss Hardie?"
Amelia craned her neck and tried to see out onto the platform. There were just so many people and she suddenly recalled that Miss Hardie was shorter than most and would probably be hidden for the moment amongst the crowd.
Amelia glanced over and watched Wilder Armstrong lift his hat away from his face and open his eyes. The tall lawman had been sleeping for the last hour. His long legs had been stretching all the way between the opposing seats. Once or twice during his nap he'd shifted and kicked out, murmuring in his sleep. Bethany had found it amusing to watch what she called a real life cowboy sleeping, but Amelia had been less than impressed by the man's lack of manners. Didn't he know that it was rude for someone to stretch out their body in such a course and obvious fashion?
Wilder smiled as he noticed Amelia watching him. "I take it we've arrived," he said glancing out at the platform.
"Indeed we have," Amelia replied, trying not to sound too censorious.
Bethany's head was turning from side to side searching for any sign of Miss Hardie.
"Can you see her, Bethany?" Amelia asked reaching for their bags.
Wilder stood up and Amelia was briefly taken aback by just how tall he was. She saw him stretch and heard him draw in a deep breath. The sheer physical presence of the man suddenly impressed itself upon her.
"Can I help you you with your bags?" he offered.
Amelia reached down and lifted the valise. The two large carpetbags were jammed beneath the seats. "That might be helpful," she replied in spite of the reservations she felt at accepting even more of Wilder's help.
Amelia saw Wilder smile. The corners of his eyes crinkled. There was something about the man that kept calling her attention, drawing her gaze toward him. All through the rest of the journey, when he'd been sleeping, it had taken all her inner resolve to prevent herself from looking at Wilder.
He had such even features, the most regular she'd ever seen on a man. He had a strong jaw and wide forehead. The nose was a straight hard line down the centre of his face, a symmetry matched only by the line of his full mouth There were appealing creases at the corners of his mouth that indicated good humor and a tendency to laughter.
She'd gathered that as much from their conversation. He seemed like a man who was comfortable in his own skin. His dark hair tumbled down from beneath his hat and settled on his broad shoulders.
While sleeping, his strong boned hands had been settled comfortably across his lap. But it was the sheer pent up strength in Wilder's long body that had been most noticeable to Amelia. She had chided herself on more than one occasion for succumbing to such superficial attractions as Wilder's appearance. More than once Bethany had caught Amelia looking at Wilder and had smiled knowingly.
"There she is!" Bethany yelled. "I can see Miss Hardie."
"Bethany. Keep your voice down," Amelia chided.
Bethany froze for a moment, looked at Amelia and nodded. "I'm just so excited to see her, again."
Amelia drew her attention away from Wilder and joined Bethany at the carriage window. She looked out and saw the woman who had had such an impact on her life, standing there on the platform. Amelia rested a hand on Bethany's shoulder and saw that Miss Hardie had noticed them inside the carriage. Suddenly, there was waving and smiles and the rush to get off the carriage was almost too much to bear.
Amelia raced after the excited Bethany. As she stepped out of the carriage Amelia glanced back at Wilder and saw him following them holding both carpetbags. There was a broad smile on his face and Amelia suddenly, inexplicably thought that the smile was one of the most attractive she'd ever seen on a man, let alone on the face of a stranger like Wilder.
Moments later she and Bethany were racing along the platform toward Miss Hardie.
They came to a stop in front of Miss Hardie. Amelia had forgotten just how much authority Miss Hardie exuded. That hadn't changed one bit. Although the elderly woman was short in stature she still carried herself with strength and poise. Her hair was tied back in a neat bun.
"Miss Hardie. It's so wonderful to see you," Bethany said eagerly.
The gray haired, bright-eyed woman leaned closer and hugged Bethany. "And I'm so delighted to see you, Bethany. I do believe you've grown since I last saw you," Miss Hardie said looking her former pupil up and down.
Miss Hardie turned to Amelia. "And Amelia. You haven't changed a bit. Still as fine looking as ever."
Amelia felt her face flush. "Miss Hardie. I'm so happy to see you," she said leaning down and wrapping her arms gently across Miss Hardie's petite shoulders.
Amelia gazed down into Miss Hardie's twinkling eyes. "You look wonderful. Obviously Montana life is agreeing with you."
Miss Hardie nodded. "It certainly is." She gazed along the platform toward the town. "I'm sure you'll find it a most amenable place, Amelia. And you Bethany," she said smiling at Bethany who looked like she was fit to burst with excitement.
Miss Hardie glanced over Amelia's shoulders and raised her brows. "And who is this fine looking gentleman, might I ask?"
Amelia whirled and glanced at Wilder. He looked like he was waiting for an introduction. "This gentleman was most kind to Bethany and I. He came to our rescue in our time of need."
"Really? Is that so?" Miss Hardie queried. "Introduce him to me then, Amelia."
Amelia paused and looked at Bethany. Her friends eyes were wide with interest. Wilder was smiling at Miss Hardie.
Wilder preempted any introductions. "Wilder Armstrong, ma'am." Wilder lifted his hat. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Is there some kind of drama that I should know about?" Miss Hardie said glancing at Amelia and Bethany.
Both women looked at each other. Amelia spoke first. "Perhaps we can tell you later. It wasn't much, really."
"Wasn't much?" Bethany blurted. "Wilder only put himself in harms way for our benefit. I hardly think that was nothing."
Amelia looked at Miss. Hardie. "I...uh...I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. Wilder kindly intervened when someone stole my valise."
"It was nothing ma'am," Wilder said looking at Miss Hardie. "I was just doing my job."
"And your job is what?" Miss Hardie asked starting to look genuinely intrigued.
"I'm a lawman. Kind of, you might say."
"That does sound intriguing," Miss Hardie said. "You must come and visit us and tell us more about your interesting profession."
Amelia gasped. Surely Miss Hardie wasn't inviting Wilder to her house. Why, that was just plain unseemly. It was even most unlike the Miss Hardie Amelia had known. Back in Boston no man would have received an invite immediately upon a first introduction.
"I'm sure Mr. Armstrong is going to be too busy to have time for anything like that. Isn't that right, Mr. Armstrong?"
Amelia saw Wilder's brows rise. He shook his head. "I hardly think I should turn down such a kind invite." He looked at Miss Hardie. "I'd be delighted to call on you m'am. Just let me know when is convenient."
Amelia looked at Miss Hardie and saw a smile of approval. "I'll let you know."
Miss Hardie turned to Bethany. "But first there's the issue of you young lady, and the handsome suitor I have found for you."
Bethany's face turned as red as a beetroot. "Miss Hardie!" she exclaimed. "Don't talk about that here," she said turning and looking at the rapidly thinning group of passengers who were making their way out of the station.
"Why shouldn't I talk about it, Bethany? It's why you're here, after all. Isn't that right, Amelia. And you were so kind to accompany Bethany on what I'm
sure will be an exciting adventure. Her new life in Montana."
Amelia looked at Wilder and saw he was just about containing the urge to say something. "We already talked about adventures on the train," Amelia said. "Didn't we, Mr Armstrong?" she asked glancing expectedly at him.
Wilder smiled. "We sure did. I have to say I admire these two ladies, coming out here like this. It takes a whole load of gumption."
Amelia saw Miss Hardie frown slightly. "My girls have more than a little of what you so amusingly call "gumption", Mr. Wilder."
Wilder looked like he knew he was being chastised. Amelia knew there was only going to be one winner in this exchange. And that was Miss Hardie.
"I...uh...didn't mean to..."
Miss. Hardie waved a hand and smiled at Wilder. "I know what you meant. And you're right. Just that gumption isn't what I spent years instilling in these two. I think there was a bit more than just that involved. Wouldn't you agree Amelia?"
Amelia nodded. "Of course, Miss Hardie. Bethany and I are so grateful for everything you did for us. Isn't that right, Bethany?"
Bethany's attention was somewhere else. Not much surprising about that, Amelia thought.
Her friend was looking along the platform at the distant town buildings. Amelia thought the town looked small and very basic. She could see the main street that ran off into the distance. There were people on the boardwalks on either side going about their business. Riders on horseback and some carriages took up the dirt road that wound its way up to the bend that took it out of sight. It didn't look anything like what she was used to back East.
But, Amelia was still determined to look on the bright side. She was here for Bethany. Once her job was done and Bethany was safely married, Amelia would make her way home and resume her life back East, albeit with one friend less with whom she could pass her days.
"Bethany? Are you alright?"
Bethany turned and looked at Miss Hardie. "I was just looking at the town. It's different from what I imagined," Bethany said.
Miss Hardie took one of Bethany's arms in her own. "Never you mind about that. Once you get to know the people who live here, you'll see it's the loveliest town in these parts. In fact I think it's the nicest little town in Montana."
Amelia's Montana Wedding (Love In Montana Falls Book 1) Page 3
