Victoria

by Cheryl Wright

  Victoria

  Brides of Montana

  Book Three

  Cheryl Wright

  Victoria

  Brides of Montana – Book Three

  Copyright ©2020

  by Cheryl Wright

  Cover Artist: Black Widow Books

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book

  Thanks

  Thanks to my very dear friends (and authors), Margaret Tanner and Susan Horsnell for their enduring encouragement and friendship.

  Thanks also to Alan, my husband of over 45 years, who has been a relentless supporter of my writing for many years.

  And last, but by no means least, thank you to all my wonderful readers who encourage me to continue writing these stories. It is such a joy to me knowing so many of you enjoy reading my stories. I love writing them as much as you love reading them.

  Chapter One

  Clutching her carpetbag tightly, Victoria Hudson leaned back, then closing her eyes, hoped the long ride would soon be over.

  When she set out to become a teacher, she hadn’t envisaged traveling this far from home. Especially with the promise of only one year at most with each contract she accepted.

  Teaching positions were hard to find, particularly if you happened to be female. She grimaced at the thought.

  Her eyes fluttered open as she heard chuckling.

  “Were you laughing at me,” she asked boldly. She didn’t know this stranger sitting opposite her, and never would. They would go their separate ways along the line, and never lay eyes on each other again.

  He chuckled again. “I was.” He grinned, not even trying to hide his actions. “I’ve been watching you, studying your pretty face.”

  She felt the heat creep up her neck and cheeks.

  “Then suddenly you pulled the most gruesome face.” This time his laughter was less contained.

  Victoria harrumphed. “You are very rude, Mr…”

  “Pendleberry. Jesse Pendleberry, and I don’t think I’m the least bit rude. I’m being honest about the situation.”

  She studied him. The man was well-dressed, she couldn’t deny that, but his chin was covered with dark stubble and his eyes were red.

  Her hands flew to her own face. Were her eyes red from lack of sleep? She didn’t want to make a bad first impression when she arrived in Grand Falls. Oh, and goodness only knew what sort of mess her hair was in. At least she could cover it with her bonnet once she alighted the train.

  She continued to stare, not wanting to add to this bizarre conversation, but the silence finally got to her. “Well Mr Pendleberry, I think you were being rude. A gentleman…”

  He tried to stifle another chuckle, but didn’t quite succeed. “Who says I’m a gentleman, Mrs…?” He paused and she glared at him.

  “I am not married,” she blurted out, then wanted to take back her words but it was too late. She did not know this man, and had no idea what he was capable of. “I am Miss Victoria Hudson.” She pursed her lips as she studied him further, then suddenly relaxed them. Mother always told her it made her look like a matronly old maid when she did that.

  Besides, it encouraged wrinkles, Mother said it did. She certainly did not want wrinkles at the age of twenty-four.

  She watched as he glanced at her left hand. Did he not believe her? The cheek of the man! “Mr Pendleberry,” she said gruffly, “My marital status is none of your business!” She hoped her level of indignation came through loud and clear.

  He grinned again, but this time she noticed the dimples that sat either side of his beautifully formed lips. “I beg to differ, Miss Hudson,” he said, continuing to grin.

  Was he trying to goad her now?

  “I might like to spend more time with you. After all, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve seen for a very long time.”

  She smiled, but suddenly pulled herself into line. This man could be the worst of the worst. The type of person her mother had warned her about.

  Victoria began to stand, straightening her skirts as she did so. She clutched her carpetbag even tighter to her chest, having decided to take a short stroll along the corridor to stretch her legs. Also to get away from the captivating man sitting opposite.

  Mr Pendleberry also stood. Did he intend to follow her? Her heart began to beat hard, making her feel light-headed.

  The train jerked to a stop and she fell…right into Mr Pendleberry’s arms.

  ~*~

  Jesse looked down. He couldn’t believe his luck.

  It wasn’t often beautiful women fell at your feet. Well, okay, she hadn’t fallen at his feet, but she did fall right into his arms.

  And what a woman she was.

  Miss Victoria Hudson was beautiful, and it was all he could do not to reach out and brush his fingers down her cheeks. And her hair – it was golden brown and wayward strands ran loose down her back. Restraint was called for right now, but he didn’t have a lot of it.

  He stared at her – her eyes were wide open in shock. His arms had crept around her in an effort to stop her falling. He’d certainly achieved that.

  She scowled at him. “You can let me go now.” She looked annoyed. Was it his fault the train suddenly jerked to a stop?

  They weren’t at their destination. A glance out the window told him that much. Most likely a group of cows had straddled the tracks.

  He sighed. This was a long enough trip without it being longer. But on the bright side, Miss Hudson’s company made it bearable.

  He grinned.

  “What’s so funny,” she asked gruffly. “Not me, I hope.” She scowled again. He didn’t like it when she scowled. She was far prettier when she smiled.

  “I was just thinking about the odds of such a beauty landing in the arms of the likes of me.”

  She pulled out of his arms and straightened up. “I guess I should thank you for saving me.” He glanced down as she tried to straighten the creases out of her skirts. But it was far too late for that.

  He gave a little mock bow. “You are very welcome, Miss Hudson.”

  She grinned and began to walk away. He followed her, since he had previously intended to stretch his legs.

  She glanced back over her shoulder, then turned to the front again. They hadn’t gone far when the whistle of the train blew and the train jerked for a second time.

  The alluring Miss Hudson was thrown into his arms again. “We have to stop meeting like this,” he said. He laughed but she did not.

  “Blasted trains,” she huffed, then took off down the corridor. He stood staring after her.

  ~*~

  Victoria returned to her seat and waited, but Mr Pendleberry did not return. She wondered where he had gone.

  The protocol was to return to your allocated seat once you’d sat there, and most people abided by the rule.

  Not Mr Pendleberry apparently – he was nowhere in sight. She worried he was hurt somewhere.

  She stared out the soot-covered window. They surely must be arriving soon. She’d been on this rickety contraption for days now.

  She hated trains. Despised them even more than the stage coach. She’d endured both over the past few years when attending her various posts.

  She really wished women were offered the same teaching conditions as men. So far, none of her teaching appointments had lasted more than six months. In the majority of cases, she was deemed a visiting teacher, filling in until a male teacher could be found.

  It really irked her.

  “Grand Falls, G
rand Falls.” The conductor glanced down at her. “Grand Falls is the next stop, Miss,” he said. “You can collect your luggage on the main platform.”

  “Thank you,” she said, and handed him a gold coin. He’d been most helpful during the long trip, and she greatly appreciated it. “Oh,” she said suddenly. “Do you know if Mr Pendleberry is alright? I haven’t seen him for awhile.”

  He nodded. “He’s safely tucked up in the next carriage, Miss. Got talking to a gent up there.” He moved away before she could ask him anything more.

  She hadn’t thought about it much before, but now wondered where he was heading. She had no idea about this man who had caught her attention, and now she never would.

  If she was truthful with herself, Victoria had enjoyed being held in his arms. Had enjoyed their short chatter, and had most certainly enjoyed looking at him.

  Jesse Pendleberry was a ruggedly handsome young man, especially with the whiskers currently showing on his chin.

  The train whistle blew, and she waited on her seat for the train to stop. She was not going to risk being thrown about again. There was plenty of time since the train was scheduled to stop here at Grand Falls for twenty minutes before proceeding to the next town.

  She played with her hair and pulled it into a chignon, then tucked it up into her bonnet, which she fastened under her chin. Victoria hated to think what she looked like – she was sure to be a complete and utter mess.

  Why did she agree to travel so far from home? She was more than happy in Buffalo, Wyoming, but admittedly, the work for a lady teacher simply wasn’t there.

  She took a deep breath. Victoria had been over this scenario so many times before. Her life would be so much different had she been born male. But she hadn’t, and she had to accept the fact.

  As the train jerked to a halt, despite her best efforts she was thrown from her seat again. She landed on the floor this time, since the elusive Mr Pendleberry was nowhere to be seen.

  The conductor came scurrying to her aid, helping her back onto her seat. Victoria wondered would he have been so helpful had she not lined his hand with a gold coin.

  Stop it, Victoria! she told herself. That is just horrid.

  She looked up into his face. “Thank you. I appreciate it,” she said as he helped her back onto her seat.

  “Oh my dear Miss Hudson!” It was her former traveling companion this time. “I do apologize. I should have stayed and ensured your safety.”

  She glared at him. “I am not your responsibility,” she said gruffly, then watched as he shook his head, and sat opposite her.

  Why did men think they could rule over women? She’d only known this man a day or two at most. She’d totally lost track of time and had no idea when, or even where, he’d boarded.

  “It was nice meeting you,” she said equally as gruffly, then still clutching her carpetbag, left the carriage.

  ~*~

  Jesse stood on the platform checking his supplies. He’d brought several large boxes with him, and once settled, would make additional orders as necessary.

  The trip had been made more pleasant by the company of the charming Miss Hudson, but he’d probably never see her again.

  She’d stormed off in a huff after the train had completely stopped, most likely moved to another carriage far from where she’d originally sat. Far away from him.

  For some reason she’d taken a dislike to him. He shrugged his shoulders – there was nothing he could do about it even though he wished he could.

  As he went through the manifest, he worried about the contents. Many items were made of glass, and trains were so unpredictable, and as he’d seen first-hand, often unsteady. He hoped none had smashed on the journey.

  Grand Falls was the last place he’d had in mind for his new venture, but it was fast-growing, and his research had shown it to have a lot of prospects for his type of business.

  It was also fairly isolated, which meant customers would not have other local options. Yes, this was a good decision.

  At least he hoped it was.

  “Mr Pendleberry?” He glanced up. The porter stared at him.

  “Sorry, I was deep in thought.” He signed the manifest and handed it over. “Can you arrange delivery for me? In say, an hour? That would give me enough time to get settled and ready for all of this to arrive.” He waved his hands across the boxes before him.

  Jesse reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of notes, handing one over. The porter stared in disbelief.

  “Of course, Mr Pendleberry.” He continued to stare at the crumpled two-dollar note in his hand. “I’ll make sure this lot is safely stored until then.”

  “I appreciate it,” Jesse said as he walked away. “Those boxes are very fragile.” Now to collect his luggage.

  He strolled away from the area dedicated to commercial goods, and headed toward the main platform. His heart skipped a beat as he spotted Miss Hudson awaiting her luggage.

  He sidled up beside her. “Nice to see you again.”

  She spun around to face him, her hand to her chest. “Oh! You surprised me.” Then she scowled. “What are you doing here?”

  Did she think she was the only one allowed to alight at Grand Falls? “What are you doing here?” he countered, only he was grinning.

  Things just got interesting.

  “I’m the new…” She suddenly stopped. “I’m new to Grand Falls,” she said gruffly, as though she’d accidentally told him her darkest secret.

  Two could play at that game. “Ah,” he said, but declined to offer further information. Perhaps because he knew it would irritate her?

  A different porter arrived with her luggage. “Here you are, Miss Hudson.” He pushed the trolley toward her. “You’re not going to be able to carry this one,” he said, pointing to the larger of the two valises.

  “I have luggage to collect too,” Jesse said, handing over his ticket. He leaned in to pick up her luggage. “My Lord,” he said. “What on earth is in that largest valise?”

  She glared at him. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

  He liked Miss Victoria Hudson, she was fun. She might not realize it, but she was. He was enjoying their game of cat and mouse.

  For the time being anyway.

  His luggage arrived and was placed on the same trolley. “How much will it cost to have this lot delivered?”

  The porter thought about it momentarily. “One dollar for the four cases.”

  Jesse nodded his acceptance. “What’s your address? I can carry mine from there.”

  Her eyes opened wide. “I’m not…”

  He predicted her answer before she’d even opened her mouth.

  “Miss Hudson?” The voice was loud and clear. “Miss Victoria Hudson?”

  The woman was older and looked very respectable. Trustworthy. Jesse turned to study her. “Your aunt?” he asked.

  Miss Hudson scurried to her. “Mrs Baker? Oh thank you for coming to collect me.”

  Jesse stepped forward. “Mrs Baker,” he said, extending his hand. “I am Jesse Pendleberry, the new apothecarist for Grand Falls.”

  She looked him up and down, then accepted his proffered hand. Then a slow smile came to her face. “We’re getting an apothecary? Oh my goodness. That is wonderful news!”

  “I have just offered to have Miss Hudson’s luggage delivered along with mine to wherever she is staying. I can carry mine from there, but hers is far too heavy to carry.”

  “Really?” The older woman stared at Miss Hudson questioningly.

  “School books,” she said quietly.

  Why couldn’t she have told him that? The woman was simply being difficult. He’d already determined she didn’t like him, and despite that, he still was trying to help her out.

  She was beginning to grate on him.

  Mrs Baker turned to Jesse. “Delivery to the church hall would be far better. That’s where classes will be held.”

  Ah, Miss Hudson was the new schoolmarm. Who would ha
ve guessed?

  He turned to the porter who had been waiting patiently for a resolution. “Here’s a dollar,” he said as the man’s eyes widened. “Do you know where the church hall is?”

  “I sure do,” he said, then took off with the trolley full of luggage and a spring in his step.

  Chapter Two

  Jesse whistled all the way from the church hall to his store.

  He’d had a rather pleasant trip, despite the continued jostling he’d endured. Miss Victoria Hudson was a breath of fresh air, even if she did give him a hard time.

  The thought made him grin. She was rather feisty, which made her entertaining. He’d never in his life refused the offer of enjoyment.

  The look on her face when she’d discovered he’d embarked at Grand Falls was a sight to behold. He wondered how long she would stay here.

  The same question applied to himself. If his business was not fruitful, he would have to move on, despite the expense he’d gone to before he’d even set up shop.

  The store itself had sat empty for some years, and he’d bought it sight unseen. Albeit at a rather discounted price. Rather than pay board elsewhere, he’d had the local carpenter make adjustments to include a small residence at the back.

  It wasn’t uncommon, he’d been told, as several other store owners had a residence at the rear too. Since it was only him, and he had no plan to marry anytime this decade, let alone the near future, it would suit him perfectly.

  So why did Miss Hudson enter his mind? Jesse shook himself. It was time to get his mind on business and set up shop. Most of all, he needed to vanish the new schoolmarm to the deepest depths of his mind.

  He dropped his luggage to the ground and unlocked the door to the residence. He found the bedroom and put his luggage aside, then did a quick walk through. Not that there was much to see. He’d asked Patrick Harper to build a fully furnished residence that included a bedroom, sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. That was exactly what he got.