Aurora, A Romantic Bride (Brides for All Seasons Book 2)

by Hildie McQueen

  Something was horribly wrong. He rushed through every room, from the kitchen through each bedroom and even checked the closets.

  Her coat remained hanging from a hook in the bedroom. Why would she go anywhere without a coat? It didn’t make sense.

  It was possible there was a dire emergency at the clinic. Evan raced out the back door and burst into the clinic. Startled from the book he read, Filbert’s wide eyes met his. “Someone hurt, Doc?

  “Have you seen Aurora?”

  The older man shook his head. “It’s been quiet as a tomb. Which brings me to tell you I am well enough to go. As soon as I fetch my horse, I’ll be on my way.”

  “This is not the time to talk about it,” Evan snapped. “Get your coat on, I need your help.”

  With surprising, speed the man limped to the door, grabbing a coat and his rifle. “Where to, Doc?”

  “My wife is missing.”

  “You don’t say.” Filbert hurried to catch up with Evan and they went to the nearest house, which was Gladys’ home.

  Evan pounded on the door and, without waiting, pushed it open to find both Gladys and Lucille jumping to their feet at his alarmed expression.

  “What’s wrong?” Lucille asked, her gaze going past him toward his house. “Where is Aurora?”

  His heart sank at the words. “I hoped she’d come here. When I returned from the telegraph, I found the front door open and her gone.” With each word, he became more anxious. If someone was careless enough to drag Aurora out without any protection from the cold, they intended to cause harm.

  “Oh no.” Lucille’s eyes widened and she covered her mouth with both hands. “They’ve come for her.”

  Gladys pushed past Lucille and stepped onto the porch, seeming oblivious to the cold. “I saw a large sleigh pass by earlier. I thought it odd that someone troubled themselves to come to town, but figured it had to do with a need for supplies or going to the clinic.”

  Lucille hurriedly pulled on her coat and scarf. “It has to be them, either the Middletons or the Jamesons. Lord help us.”

  “Which way,” Evan gritted the words out. “Did you notice where the sleigh headed?”

  He and Filbert fetched horses and rode out in the direction Gladys had last seen the sleigh go. Soon, several others joined them including the sheriff.

  Blake pulled alongside Evan. “Gladys’ and another woman told us what happened. We’re here to help.” The sheriff motioned to the distance. A third group of riders headed toward them. “We’ll find her, Doc.”

  Evan was humbled by not only the support, but also how these men were willing to expose themselves to the frigid temperatures to assist.

  The posse split into three parties, each heading in a different direction with directions to shoot if Aurora’s life was in danger. The sheriff deputized everyone in the party.

  Three men, including a very stern Filbert, joined Evan’s party. The horses seemed content to be out of the stalls for the time being. Soon it would be uncomfortable for them. They rode for a few miles but didn’t notice anything out of the norm.

  All kinds of scenarios played in Evan’s mind. Horrible things could be happening to his wife, while he wasted time riding in circles. What if they turned and went in the opposite direction. Even if men on horseback were faster than a sleigh, it would be impossible to go much farther soon.

  What did Aurora think at the time? Was she terrified or fearful for her life?

  “I see somethin’,” one of the men shouted and pointed.

  “Looks like someone broke down,” Filbert added.

  Evan didn’t take the time to say anything. His breathing labored with rage, he urged his mount toward where they could barely make out some figures moving about. The snow fell with earnest, a constant stream of white making it hard to see.

  Horses whinnied and hooves pounded the ground. Evan figured one of the other search parties had also spotted the sleigh.

  “Help!” Aurora called out and then screamed. The sound cut into Evan’s heart. If whoever took her had touched a hair on her head, he would kill them.

  The driver of the sleigh whipped the horses in an attempt to get away. But with a broken wheel, it wouldn’t budge. The side of the sleigh dug into the ground, holding it fast in place.

  Finally, he was close enough to see clearer. Aurora was bound on the seat, her hair covered in snow. Although they’d thrown a blanket over her, it had slipped and she shook violently.

  “Do something. I will not pay you a cent, you hear me?” A man Evan didn’t recognize cussed and shouted at the driver who seemed to have given up and was now slumped in the front seat, accepting the obvious. The red-faced stranger held up his fists and swung upon hearing the approaching horse.

  Evan jumped down from his horse and ran to the sled. He stopped short at seeing a pistol pointed at him.

  For a moment, both men sized each other up. Evan instantly recognized Milford Jameson, whose eyes narrowed. “Do I know you?”

  “We’ve met.” His hand itched to reach for his gun. Evan looked to Aurora who watched with a wide-eyed expression. “I’m here to fetch my wife.”

  “I don’t know your wife.” Milford looked to Aurora and grinned. “Came far to fetch a woman myself. This one was supposed to marry me.” He motioned to Aurora with his head. “But I don’t marry whores. I’ll just have my fun and return her to Philadelphia.”

  “Put the gun down,” the sheriff called out. “Release Mrs. Jones at once.”

  “Evan—Jones?” Milford finally recalled Evan’s name and he looked to Aurora. “You’re married to him?”

  “Milford. I didn’t want to marry you,” Aurora stuttered, her teeth chattering. “Please, let me go. I have started a new life here. You can return and marry anyone you wish. If anything, I will be the one who will be scorned from society.”

  The man didn’t seem to hear her. Instead, he looked back to Evan. “How long has this been going on? Were the both of you having an affair in Pennsylvania? Was it you that brought her here?” The man waved the gun between them, a snarl on his lips.

  “If you have to shoot anyone, shoot me. Let my wife go.” Evan held his hand out toward the gun.

  Milford shook his head. “No, it’s the whore who is going to die.”

  “There’s no need for bloodshed, but let me make it clear. If you hurt her, you will die.”

  Milford snarled and faced Aurora, the gun pointed at her. “Answer my question. Were you with him the entire time we were engaged?”

  “No.” Aurora cried. “I met him when I arrived.”

  The man leaned forward. “You bitch. I will have my title even if I have to kill you.”

  A shot rang out. Aurora screamed and Milford fell backwards onto the snow.

  Moments later, bundled up and leaning against Evan’s chest, warmth finally began to spread into her body. She still trembled, both from the cold which had seeped into her bones and the horrifying turn of events.

  Heavy like stones, her feet dangled to the side of the horse and Aurora wondered if she’d suffered frostbite. Surely, she’d not been exposed so long that it was a factor. No, her heaviness came from what could have been, the thoughts that had raced in her head. Evan could have been killed because of her. She’d not wished for death, but would have preferred it to him paying such a high price for marrying her.

  Except for the sounds the horses made, it was silent. Every now and then, one of the men would mumble something to one another.

  Aurora wondered how much damage Milford had done. Would she be shunned by the townspeople now? Rumors would run about her ditching a man and coming there only to marry right away. Would she be considered at tart, a woman of loose morals? If it meant harming Evan’s reputation, she wouldn’t forgive herself for it.

  She squeezed her eyes shut, but still tears managed to escape. What to do now? If Evan asked for an annulment, she’d understand. Of course, there was still the issue of Milford.

  He’d kicked and screa
med as men threw him back onto the sleigh. The sheriff and several men had tied him up. After managing to free the horses, they took him to the jailhouse where his wound would be dressed.

  According to Evan, it turned out the shot had gone clean through his right arm. He’d not die, but would be in pain for a few days.

  The entire ride back to town, Evan was silent. At least she’d told him the truth up front before they’d married. Her husband had been fully aware she was scared of someone coming for her. However, she supposed knowing and having it happen were two different things.

  A whore. Milford had called her such horrific things. From the moment he’d taken her from the house, he acted without restraint. He had ordered the driver to take them to Billings even after the man warned traveling so far would be impossible.

  Milford offered the man a large sum of money to try anyway. It would have been horrible for her, as she’d not anything but a light blanket to cover herself with.

  It was obvious the man was too stupid and pampered to know they would not make a four-hour trek to Billings. However, he’d finally agreed with the driver and they’d headed in the direction to the closest town over, Olive Branch, where the driver planned to leave them.

  Milford didn’t care about how cold she was and wouldn’t allow her to talk. Thankfully, she was able to get the gag from her mouth just prior to Evan and the others arriving and call for help.

  At thinking what the men had heard, Aurora began to cry. Milford had yelled out so many horrible things, calling her names that she’d never thought to hear directed at her. How could she face anyone now? Her name would be on everyone’s tongues.

  “Shhh,” Evan said and held her tightly against him. “We’re almost home.”

  They arrived to the house. She was pulled down by several people and carried into the house. Someone offered to take Evan’s horse to the stable and she overheard somebody else say they would fetch Lucille.

  Aurora was placed onto the sofa and the men pushed it closer to the fire.

  “Hey little lady.” A man she didn’t recognize peered down at her. “Don’t you worry about a thing. Everyone in town will keep an eye out and ensure you are safe.”

  “You can go on about town as much as you want once the weather’s better,” another chimed in. “Ain’t nobody botherin’ you again.”

  An older man huffed and blew out a breath. “That coward shows his face anywhere near here, it’ll be the last thing he does.”

  “Th-thank you,” Aurora replied and began crying anew. Mumbling more encouragement, the men shuffled out and she looked around the room. Only Filbert remained. “Where is Evan?”

  “Outside pacin’.” Filbert placed a log onto the fire. “Figure he needs to calm down before coming in.”

  “He must be so angry with me. I don’t blame him.” She sniffed into the blanket.

  “What nonsense are you talking?” Lucille rushed to her. She wrapped her arms around Aurora and the blankets. “I’ve never been so scared. I’m sure he’s not angry with you, but at the situation. How did he find you?”

  “I don’t know. I supposed people had spotted the sleigh.” Aurora sniffed loudly. “I can’t stop shaking.”

  “People here look after each other and notice things,” Filbert said, moving to look out the window. “He’s mighty mad.”

  Lucille lifted Aurora’s face. “Your jaw is bruised. Did that horrible man hit you?” Her voice rose an octave.

  “Yes, he slapped me. My arm is bruised. Will you get me a compress?” Aurora said, holding out her left arm to show a swollen wrist. “I was so scared and so horribly cold,” Aurora stopped speaking when the door opened and Evan stepped in.

  “May I have a moment with Aurora?” There was a hollow calmness to his voice that made her wonder if, perhaps, she should beg Lucille to stay. Instead, she let out a shaky breath. If it ended now, then she’d find a way to get to the Hamilton lands. Best to leave as soon as possible.

  There were whispered words between the three people in the room, which she couldn’t make out. Finally, his footsteps neared and he crouched down to her eye level.

  “Let me see your face.” His brown eyes had turned a darker hue. Without expression, Evan scanned her face. He then lifted her hands, examining her reddened wrists. “Can you take a deep breath?”

  She tried but it caught in a sob. “I’m sorry.”

  His brows lowered. “It’s okay, sweetheart. If you can’t do it, we can wait. Just want to make sure you aren’t bruised and don’t have any fractures.” Evan leaned forward and kissed her brow. He held up a finger. “Follow my finger with your eyes.”

  “What are you doing?” Aurora asked, trying her best to stop crying.

  “I’m examining you. Lucille is drawing a hot bath in the kitchen and, afterwards, you and I are going to eat a small meal and retire early.”

  “You…you’re not going to ask for an annulment?”

  “Why would I do that?” This time, he pressed a gentle kiss to her mouth followed by a second to her bruised cheek.

  “Because. The things Milford said. I’m sure the townspeople think the worst of me.”

  “I doubt it. However, it wouldn’t matter to me. Aurora, life here is simpler. People are not so tied to reputations or rumors.”

  More than anything, she wanted to believe him but his tone was so even, so unlike the way he usually spoke. The icy edge to it made her worry. If he remained with her, it could be because of their vows and only because he was a man of honor. They’d been intimate, after all. For all intents and purposes, their marriage was consummated. God, were things about to take a new unwelcome turn between them?

  That night as Evan’s breathing evened out, Aurora clung to him. Once he’d ensured she was warmed, her husband finally relaxed enough and promptly fell asleep.

  Aurora, however, could not stand to close her eyes. It was evident he wondered if Milford had raped her. For whatever reason, he did not ask if Milford took liberties with her. The question lay dormant, like a huge boulder between them.

  In actuality, when they’d first started out of town, Milford instructed the driver to keep his eyes forward. He’d then gotten under the blanket and attempted to take her. She’d fought so hard. Fortunately, he wasn’t able to and had become so angry he’d pushed off of her and got out from under the blankets.

  The thought of it was so real, tears fell once again. She turned away from Evan and pushed her face into the pillow to stifle any sound.

  “Aurora, what’s wrong? Are you hurting?” Evan stroked her hair and pressed a kiss to the side of her face. “Do you need something?”

  “I need to talk to you. To tell you something.” She pushed to sit up and he got up and lit the lantern.

  She expected he’d stand or sit away from her. Instead, Evan pulled her against his chest and tipped her face up to him. “What’s wrong?”

  “He didn’t rape me. He tried, but wasn’t able to.”

  Evan’s entire body turned to stone, so rigid Aurora held her breath at what would come next.

  His voice was deep and his words were stilted. “He tried to… If I had been aware, that bastard would be dead right now.”

  “I’m sorry. I thought you suspected and that’s why you were so quiet. I don’t want there to be any secrets between us.”

  “I should examine you to ensure he didn’t do anything harmful.”

  When he pushed to get up, Aurora took his arm. “He didn’t. I promise, he couldn’t. The only thing he did was cuss at me when he couldn’t.”

  With a relieved breath, Evan wrapped his arms around her. “I am minding the words I say because I am afraid of saying something that will shock you. I am so angry right now. Please understand.”

  “Prove to me that you still accept me,” Aurora pressed a kiss to his jaw.

  With a soft chuckle, he let out a breath. “I want to, believe me. But you’re hurt and vulnerable. This is not the time for marital relations.”

 
“Please Evan. I need it more than anything right now. I need you.”

  There was hesitation, but he began kissing her, his mouth gentle and soft at first, but soon the kisses became heated. Aurora marveled at how easily her entire being relaxed, melded to his.

  When Evan came over her, his body covering hers completely, tears spilled at the acknowledgement her husband accepted her fully. When they joined, she was free to float into the abyss of passion.

  Chapter Twelve

  Wilhelmina Hamilton paced the length of the cabin’s main room, annoyed at the constantly falling snow outside. Thankfully, her morning sickness finally abated and she could concentrate more on basic household chores. However, everything was so much harder when she was unable to step outside even for a few moments to get fresh air without the frigid temperature sending her back inside.

  She and her sister-in-law, Eleanor, washed the clothes in the kitchen and hung them up to dry throughout the house on lines their husbands, Marcus and James, had set up.

  Currently, Wilhelmina and Marcus lived in the cabin with his father, Jacob, his brother, Tobias, his sister, Eleanor, and her husband, James.

  The one good thing was that Wilhelmina and her sister-in-law could share the cooking duties as well as most of the household chores.

  As winter set in, the men spent more of the days ensuring the livestock was protected from the storm and either chopping wood, whittling or arguing.

  Tempers flared quickly after a month of living in close quarters. Six adults under the same roof included three men too many.

  Wilhelmina looked up as Eleanor came to the doorway between the kitchen and living room and motioned for her to come into the kitchen.

  “Look,” she said pointing out the window toward the back of the house. “Marcus and Tobias are fighting.” Her sister-in-law giggled. “They throw a punch and keep losing their balance.”

  Tobias, the larger brother, swung at her husband. The punch landed on his shoulder sending him stumbling sideways. Marcus then rushed Tobias and both went backward onto the snow. Whatever started the argument was probably inconsequential, as the two seemed to fight over everything.