Lily wished she could be more like her middle sister. But even without an injured hip, she didn’t have Sophia’s self-confidence and dramatic beauty, the affects of which blazed forth when Sophia swept on stage or into a drawing room. From babyhood, Sophia had possessed that magical sparkle and had adoring fans by the time she could toddle.
Wishing for her two sisters made Lily feel a pang of homesickness. If Sophia were here, she’d draw all the attention, leaving Lily safely in her shadow. And the youngest, Emma, would cosset and support her—the role she’d taken on ever since Lily’s accident.
She tried to take a deep breath to bolster her courage, but the constricting lacings of her corset stymied the attempt. Another thing she hated about dressing up—tying her corset tighter.
With a sigh, Lily picked up a lace-edged handkerchief scented with lavender and tucked the wisp of material in her cuff. With no further excuse to linger, she forced herself to open the door and move into the other room, doing her best to walk evenly.
Mrs. Pendell stood next to her husband at the hearth, her hand tucked into Habakkuk’s arm. Both wore black, Habakkuk in a homemade suit and Mrs. Pendell in imposing cashmere. Aaron and Hank stood off to the side of the settee, wearing clean, starched shirts under striped vests. They carried their hats in hand, their hair slicked back.
Oliver and his father wore matching gray shirts, although Tyler also had on a black suit. Lily had a sudden urge to paint them together.
At her entrance, everyone turned to look. To her relief, she saw only kindness on their faces. Except for Tyler. He had an admiring look in his eyes that Lily had never seen directed her way, although she’d witnessed the like all too often when Sophia made an appearance in front of males of any age.
A glow rushed through Lily’s body, sending heat into her cheeks. A wave of feminine power swept through her, making her feel beautiful. She took a step forward, forgetting to be careful of her leg. The resulting dip in her stride snuffed out the warmth and settled a knot in her stomach. Once again, she was awkward, afflicted Lily.
Tyler extended his arm. “You look lovely, Lily.”
When she didn’t respond, he glanced around at the other men. “Doesn’t she, gentlemen?”
They all nodded.
Habakkuk cleared his throat. “Reminds me of my dear wife.” His seamed face creased in a smile. He patted Mrs. Pendell’s hand. “When we were courting. Although you’re just as beautiful now, my dear.”
Color sailed into Mrs. Pendell’s cheeks. She gave her husband a flirtatious sweep of her eyelashes and squeezed his arm.
Lily doubted, with the woman’s wooly hair and bulldog chin, that Mrs. Pendell had ever been beautiful. But in her husband’s eyes she was. And isn’t that what matters? She felt a stir of envy.
I won’t have a lifetime, but I have this week. Lily resolved to enjoy every single minute—to make memories that she could hug to herself in the lonely days and nights to come.
Beginning now.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Tyler carefully escorted Lily up the steps into the schoolhouse. Knowing he’d be the envy of many men tonight, a sense of pride in his pretty companion made him straighten his shoulders and hold his head high.
Perhaps it was too early in the year for ice cream, but after a Montana winter, the citizens of Sweetwater Springs needed an excuse for entertainment. And in the spring, they still had plenty of ice. Dairy farmers, such as Erik Muth and Paul Mead contributed the cream, and many housewives had donated the berry sauces to go on top. For the first time in ages, Tyler looked forward to socializing.
Once inside, everyone shed their outer gear, throwing them on the pegs bored into the back wall, already piled with coats. Lanterns hanging on hooks in the ceiling beams cast a soft light on the people, many holding bowls of ice cream. The smell of sugar and vanilla filled the air. The sounds of conversations and grinding from the ice cream makers mixed in a pleasant buzz. Most of the tables the students used as desks had been removed to make space for everyone to stand. Some benches lined the right side of the room and those near the stove had already filled with the elderly needing to keep their bones warm.
Oliver immediately ran off with his friends. Mrs. Pendell towed Habakkuk over to a corner where some of the men turned the handles of the ice-cream makers set on the remaining tables. Nearby, several women dished the frozen treat into bowls and handed them out to a line of waiting people.
An apprehensive look crossed Lily’s face, and her hand tightened on his arm.
“Everyone’s friendly, darlin’,” Tyler drawled. “I’ll introduce you to some good people.”
Across the room, Samantha Thompson, standing with her rancher husband, saw Tyler, and gestured for him to bring Lily to join the conversation the couple was having with Nick and Elizabeth Sanders.
Tyler touched Lily’s arm to lead her over.
Tall Wyatt Thompson had his arm protectively around Samantha, while Nick Sanders kept his hand on the small of his wife’s back. Blond-haired, blue-eyed Elizabeth Sanders still wore the radiant look she’d possessed ever since her marriage. She carried a little more weight in her face and body from her recent pregnancy, but the extra pounds only added a maternal look to her regal beauty. The couple didn’t have their daughter with them. Tyler wondered if Elizabeth fretted about being parted from her baby, or if, like Laura, she had been eager for time away from a demanding infant.
He introduced the couples to Lily.
Quick to welcome her, Samantha Thompson launched into a discussion about art, obviously seeking to give Lily a comfortable topic of conversation, as well as to help her make a connection with Elizabeth Sanders.
After a few minutes, the two husbands excused themselves to bring their wives some ice cream.
Tyler stepped out of the conversation but stayed close enough to keep an eye on Lily. Not that watching the three most attractive women in Sweetwater Springs was any hardship.
While Lily’s delicate loveliness wasn’t as dramatic as the striking beauty of the other two women, to him she had more appeal. He could have observed her for hours.
With a smile and an invitation to Lily to come visit at her ranch, Mrs. Thompson left the conversation and headed over to her children, who’d joined the line for ice cream.
Sanders returned with two dishes, handed one to his wife and one to Lily, and vanished back into the crowd.
Tyler could see Lily and Mrs. Sanders becoming instant friends, bonding over painting. He enjoyed watching Lily’s apprehensive expression change to one of animation, making her prettier than ever. Satisfied that his guest was in good hands, he drifted away, relieved she’d made a new friend.
Tyler had wanted to acquire one of Nick Sanders’s mares for quite a while, and now might be a good time to talk. He tracked the man through the crowd and cornered him near the teacher’s desk. The two settled into a conversation covering ranching matters. They did some negotiating and struck a deal, shaking hands on the sale of a mare.
With a feeling of satisfaction, Tyler turned from the rancher, searching for Lily. She wasn’t with Mrs. Sanders, and he scanned along the walls, expecting to find her sitting down. Then burley Phineas O’Reilly stepped aside from a group of men in the middle of the room, and he saw her.
Lily held a bowl of ice cream she didn’t have a chance to eat because amorous swains surrounded her, vying for her attention.
Realizing he had rivals, Tyler glowered toward the men around Lily, who sparkled like a jewel in the midst of pebbles. How did things get out of my control?
Jealously stabbed him, and he disliked the feeling. He’d never had that reaction with Laura. But the loss of his wife had taught him a rustler could poach on another’s marital territory, and a wife could forsake her vows and stray. The knowledge made a man more vigilant to protect what was his. Not that Lily’s mine, Tyler hastily assured himself. I have no need of a wife.
But over the past few days, his former resistance had waned. In that m
oment, he realized that perhaps he did want a wife—this particular wife. But thinking about marrying churned an uneasy feeling in his belly.
His thoughts picked up speed. What if Laura left me…us…because I wasn’t enough of a husband to hold her? It wasn’t the first time he’d pondered that question. Probably wouldn’t be the last. But the concern had extra importance now; made him realize that fighting for and winning Lily’s love might cause him more pain in the end. Tyler wasn’t sure whether to back off or lasso the woman to his side.
~ ~ ~
As Lily chatted with Elizabeth, her fear of strangers wore off. She enjoyed talking with the local artist about painting Montana’s beautiful flora, and the women quickly progressed to addressing each other by their first names.
Elizabeth was very sympathetic to Lily’s frustration about the quality of her drawings and encouraging in her belief in Lily’s success. Just talking to someone who understood made Lily feel more positive.
Then Elizabeth segued into her lack of time to paint because her baby kept her too busy. From the way the woman proudly beamed when she recounted some of her daughter’s exploits, Lily could tell the new mother didn’t mind the loss of her creative endeavors.
Would I?
Two other women in advanced stages of pregnancy waddled over to them. One was a petite blonde with blue eyes and sharp, pretty features. The other had curly red hair pinned into a bun that was already coming loose.
“Elizabeth” The redhead towed the other woman to her side. “Daisy needs some reassuring,” she said in a Scottish brogue. “I, na having delivered before, canna provide a personal view.”
Elizabeth gave the women a reassuring smile before turning to Lily. “Miss Maxwell, I’d like you to meet our doctor’s wife, Alice Cameron.” She waved at the redhead, who looked to be in her thirties. “And this is Daisy Muth. She and her husband contributed cream from their dairy herd for tonight.”
The blonde tittered. “Hardly a herd. But I insisted we come. Mr. Muth—” she pointed out a big, ruddy man in the midst of a conversation with two others “—was concerned the drive might send me into labor. I replied that I hoped it would. I’d rather have this child in town. The sooner, the better.”
Elizabeth’s brows creased together. “You’ll stay in town then? Isn’t your farm out on the prairie?”
“Yes, we’ll drive home tonight. The baby’s due in two weeks. My husband will bring me to town then, and I’ll stay at Mrs. Murphy’s. He’ll have to return home, of course.” She grimaced. “Can’t be away from the cows.”
“Being here will be good.” Elizabeth touched Mrs. Muth’s arm. “Dr. Cameron is an excellent physician. You can have every confidence in him.”
Mrs. Cameron smiled and patted Mrs. Muth on the shoulder. “See, dearie. Just as I was telling you.” She looked at Elizabeth and Lily. “The lass refuses to speak to my husband about her concerns.”
“No matter that he’s a doctor,” Daisy said fiercely. “He’s a man. Hasn’t been through it himself.”
Mrs. Cameron made a negating gesture with her hand. “My husband has presided over countless births. He’ll take good care of you. No doubt after your confinement, you’ll be reassuring me.”
Daisy Muth cast Lily an uncomfortable glance, and lowered her voice. “But the pain….”
Lily realized the woman wanted to talk more freely about childbirth, but wasn’t about to do so in front of an unmarried lady. With a quick murmur, she excused herself and left them to have the type of married women’s discussion that she could never be a part of.
Lily looked around for Mrs. Pendell, saw her across the room directing the ice cream makers, and began to thread her way through the crowd. But before long, an old man with a long beard seized her arm. Then a man who must be a clerk, judging from his pinched collar, slicked back hair and ink stained fingers joined him. More men crowded her. One tried to hand her a second bowl of ice cream, but she’d had little opportunity to eat the one she already held because everyone was trying to talk to her.
Lily wasn’t sure if she was living out a dream or a nightmare. Never in her life had she been surrounded by a horde of admiring men. Submerged in a flood of introductions, she hadn’t registered any of their names. Overwhelmed by the attention, she juggled a conversation with all of them and tried to eat her ice cream before it melted.
The tall, handsome man with the elegant suit had introduced himself as the banker, while the heavy-set man with the bushy reddish hair and beard was a carpenter. Two younger men with the browned skin and bowlegs of cowboys didn’t say much, and the clerk stood in the shadow of a farmer with meaty shoulders. Another old man about her grandfather’s age joined the first one. They seemed to be familiar foes, given the pot shots they took at each other. Lily had a feeling they vied for her attention more as a competition than because they really wanted to become acquainted.
The banker asked her questions about her life. In no time she felt he had her social status categorized like one of his ledgers. Lily could see she’d moved higher up the page after the mention of her sister the opera star. Turns out he was an aficionado of music, and he’d heard about the “Songbird of Chicago”…had always wanted to attend one of Sophia Maxwell’s performances. No doubt, though, if the banker became aware of Lily’s affliction, she’d end up farther down on the ledger, perhaps even in the minus column.
A cluster of women on the sidelines watched Lily and talked among themselves. Sometimes, they put their heads together and spoke with their hands over their mouths as if telling secrets or not wanting to be overheard.
I wonder if they’re gossiping about me. Uncomfortable, Lily looked away from them, bringing her attention back to her suitors.
One of the old men told a story to which she had only to nod. Lily took a moment to sneak a bite of ice cream and savored the vanilla flavor mingled with raspberry sauce. But then she caught a glimpse of Tyler frowning her way. Whatever is wrong? His expression soured her enjoyment of the moment. She wondered if she should go to him.
In a smooth move, the banker took the bowl out of her hands. “Miss Maxwell, I believe you need a refill.” He handed the dish to one of the cowboys. “See to it,” he ordered.
“Certainly, Mr. Livingston.” The cowboy looked grateful to have a task he could do for her and hurried over to the line.
Ah, Mr. Livingston, that’s his name. Lily made a mental note to remember it.
The banker gazed down at her, his brown eyes alight with interest.
Lily liked his looks—thick brown hair, even features, and smooth hands. But he didn’t stir her interest the way a certain rancher did. She glanced at Tyler, comparing the two. Her host wasn’t tall like the banker, and his tanned features were more rugged. However, she couldn’t deny his appeal.
Tyler crossed his arms, and if anything, he looked more annoyed
Mr. Livingston took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. “I’m sure you could use some air, Miss Maxwell. Let me take you outside for a few minutes to refresh yourself.”
“No, I’m fine, Mr. Livingston. Besides—” she turned her head to look for the cowboy “—You dispatched someone to bring me ice cream.”
“He’ll be here when we return.” The banker eased her toward the door. “We’ll just be right out front. Perfectly proper.”
Lily cast a backwards glance at Tyler, but his attention had been snagged by a thin, black-haired woman with an overdone hairstyle and a brown-checked dress with far too many ruffles. When the woman placed a familiar hand on Tyler’s arm, Lily decided to allow Mr. Livingston to escort her outside.
Before she knew it, they were out the door. She forced him to slow down when they came to the steps, pretending not to be able to see in the dark.
The banker carefully guided Lily down. He led her a few steps away to the dirt street.
The light from the schoolhouse windows blended with the glow from the full moon. The stars in the velvet sky overhead appeared close and l
uminous, unlike the more distant pricks of light she saw in the city.
Lily shivered at the chill beauty of the evening and realized she’d come out here with the wrong man. How soon can I make an excuse and go back inside? She had no experience in dealing with suitors—at least not her own. Five minutes? Ten?
They wandered for a few steps. Lily did her best to hide her limp.
“It’s a beautiful evening.” The banker pointed down the road. “Would you like to take a stroll?”
Although flattered by the man’s attention, Lily certainly did not want to take a stroll with him.
“My house is down the street. I’d like you to see it. From the outside, of course,” he hastily added.
She gave him a polite smile. “I believe I’ll go back inside. It’s chilly out here, and I don’t have my wrap.”
“Tell me where it is. I’ll fetch it for you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Livingston. However, I must return to the party with whom I came.”
Even in the moonlight, she could see the reluctance on his face. “Very well.” He started to lead her back to the school. “I’d like to take you for a drive. Show you around.”
“I’m sorry, but I won’t have time,” Lily said firmly. “I have a deadline to finish my botanical drawings, and then I’ll be leaving this town.”
The door of the schoolhouse opened, sending a shaft of light to illuminate them. A man stood shadowed in the doorway. He stalked down the steps and over to them, his boot heels making thudding sounds. Tyler. She wasn’t sure whether to feel relief or, given his earlier expression, apprehension.
Tyler held out her coat. “I’ve brought this for you, Miss Maxwell. The air’s too chilly for you to be out here without it.”
Thankful for his presence, she abandoned Mr. Livingston’s arm to reach for her coat.
Tyler didn’t release it. Instead he moved to her back, opened the garment for her to place her arms into the sleeves, and tugged the coat over her shoulders. He wrapped the sides around her, and his arms lingered.
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