A Rumored Engagement

by Lily George

  Together, they strolled down the hallway of Goodwin and out the front porch to the little chapel in the clearing.

  * * *

  Arm in arm with her fiancé, Susannah entered the chapel that his mother had built, and that he had so lovingly restored in her memory. After briefly divesting herself of her cloak and allowing Daniel to clasp the emeralds about her neck, she strolled down the aisle on his arm.

  Her sisters smiled up at her, their faces reflecting their delight at the change in plans. Paul smiled, too, but his was a wan, man-of-the-world type of grin. Poor worldly Paul. Perhaps someday a woman would come along and encourage him to think beyond himself.

  And there was Reverend Kirk, beaming with his kind, round face. He’d traveled all the way from Crich just to make their day more special, and her heart swelled with gratitude. She was so fortunate. What a blessed day this was. She darted a sideways glance at her handsome husband-to-be—he who was already beginning to sport a little darkening around his angular cheeks and chin, though it was still morning.

  How incorrigible he was.

  As Reverend Kirk began the ceremony, she could not stop marveling at the circumstances that had brought her to this very place on this very day. Her parents would be so delighted at this match. They’d always admired Daniel’s mother. Her sisters would be well taken care of. Why, she’d even hired a few of the tenant girls to help out at the shop. Their nimble fingers, so skilled at the sewing bee, would be a great benefit to the Siddons Sisters Millinery Shop. In no time, Nan and Becky would be able to cease their constant toiling and be able to have lives beyond the store.

  ’Twas the last thing she had done for her sisters before releasing her claim on the shop.

  And she would spend the rest of her days with Daniel. Helping Daniel, listening to Daniel, talking to Daniel. They would be partners on this journey to the end of their days. ’Twas a much more delightful, fulfilling prospect than toiling away at her bonnets for the rest of her life. She was trading her needle for Daniel and Goodwin and being a wife.

  But it was also still a little frightening. A little strange. Giving up all she’d ever known to be with the man whom—she now knew—she’d always loved.

  For inasmuch as Daniel needed her, she needed him. She knew that now. Without Daniel, she would have been alone—and lonely, which was even worse. In his company, she blossomed as a rose bloomed in sunshine. She needed him, as he needed her. Why, they had even committed great sacrifices for each other.

  This was no longer a rumored engagement.

  This was the kind of companionship she had craved for years.

  They repeated their vows, and as the ceremony ended, sealed their troth with a kiss that caused her toes to clench within her kid slippers. She was Daniel’s in truth now, the mistress of Goodwin Hall, a Siddons sister by birth but a Hale by name.

  Nan and Becky cheered as Paul clapped his hands heartily. Then Susannah looked at her husband, who clasped her gloved hand and kissed it.

  “Our first voyage together, Susy,” he murmured. “Are you frightened?”

  “A bit,” she admitted. “But there is no one I would rather be brave with than you, Daniel.”

  Daniel tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, in the familiar and comfortable fashion she’d come to love. “Good,” he replied. “Then let’s go home.”

  She cast him a smile and nodded. What she’d said was true. There was no one she would rather embark on such an adventure with than Daniel Hale. Daniel, with his mischievous green eyes, his dark, tousled hair and his teasing ways. Life would never be dull or lonely. No—it would be a bit frightening, and a bit exhilarating, and altogether wonderful.

  Together, they marched up the aisle and out of the chapel, the keen air biting her cheeks. Ahead, the blond stone walls of Goodwin beckoned, as stalwart and strong as a fortress on the moors. And yet, in its windows, she could just pick out the glimmer of the chandeliers, the lamps and the candles, glowing with warm welcome. Goodwin was warmth and strength combined. Just like Daniel.

  She was never so ready to start a journey in her life.

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from FALLING FOR THE RANCHER FATHER by Linda Ford.

  Dear Reader,

  This book marks my first time to write about a family other than the Handleys. New series, new books, new characters. I could have set the story anywhere in England, but Tansley Village holds a special place in my heart. It is a real town in Derbyshire, and while I have never visited Tansley, I hope to go there someday. I’d like to see the moors and the sweeping vistas for myself, and to see the spire of St. Mary’s church in Crich. Did I do the descriptions of these places justice? I hope so. For me, Tansley remains a blessed place, a place for new beginnings—which is quite appropriate for the Siddons family saga, as it marks a new beginning for me as a writer and for them as a family.

  The next book in this series is all about Rebecca Siddons, known as Becky. She is everything Susannah isn’t—romantic, soft, indecisive and sweet. Will she continue as a hopeless romantic, or will life deal her a difficult hand? I am afraid that, like Sophie Handley, Rebecca’s path to true love must involve the development of some maturity. Her girlish ideals will have to go through the wringer a bit, but I have faith that in the end she will be much stronger for it.

  You can learn more about my upcoming releases by following me on Facebook at facebook.com/LilyGeorgeAuthor, on Twitter as @lilygeorge2, or on my website at www.lilygeorge.com. Thank you, my dear readers, for staying in touch with me. I sincerely appreciate every opportunity to interact with you.

  Blessings,

  Lily George

  Questions for Discussion

  Susannah has a difficult time moving forward with any kind of friendship with Daniel because she feels he betrayed her, and she cannot forgive him. What advice would you have given Susannah for learning to forgive and moving on?

  Daniel feels like a failure because he shirked responsibility when he was a young lad. What advice would you give him about learning from the past and moving forward?

  Paul is often a bad influence on Daniel, provoking him to drink and gamble. How would you deal with a friendship that, over time, seemed to cause more harm than good?

  Susannah is determined to be independent in an age when women were not encouraged to make their own living. What do you think this says about her character? Is it an admirable trait?

  Daniel begins rebuilding his mother’s chapel as a way to honor her memory. Have you ever created a memorial to a loved one? If so, did it help you with the grieving process?

  When the truth comes out about Susannah and Daniel’s engagement, some of the townspeople begin snubbing Susannah. Why do you think they behave in this manner? And what could Susannah do to change their minds?

  When this does happen, Susannah reacts by breaking off her friendship with Daniel. Was that the right way to handle the situation? Could she have allowed their friendship to continue, even if it meant standing up to the gossip?

  The Siddons family is very tight-knit, whereas the Hale family was not. How do you think this affected Susannah and Daniel’s relationship?

  Susannah helps Daniel when he is at his lowest point, and Daniel tried to help Susannah when she was at hers. Then they finally admit they will be scared but brave together. What do you think this says about how their marriage will progress? Are they up to the challenge?

  Daniel goes to Reverend Kirk because he feels as if he’s too empty inside to marry Susannah. How would his spiritual development change the void he’s always tried to fill with alcohol?

 
Becky finally tells Susannah that it is all right for her to get married, which relieves Susannah of all the guilt she’s felt in raising her sisters. In what ways can “letting go and letting God” help a person like Susannah?

  Should Daniel be held responsible for his actions when he was a boy, or was he too young to know any better?

  Susannah wants to make the lives of the tenants better at Goodwin Hall. Is her plan to work with the tenants to make new clothing a good one? Is breaking away from tradition the right call for both Daniel and Susannah as they embark on their new lives?

  In the Siddons family, Nan is the practical one, Becky is the dreamer and Susannah is the doer. In your family, does each family member fill a special “role,” or do you find that people’s roles overlap?

  Susannah’s faith has always seen her through her difficulties. How can she encourage Daniel to grow in his faith so that he can become the man he feels he should be?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.

  You find illumination in days gone by. Love Inspired Historical stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on family.

  Enjoy four new stories from Love Inspired Historical every month!

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  Chapter One

  Eden Valley Ranch, Alberta, Canada

  Fall 1882

  She was gone.

  His heart slammed against his ribs. He scanned the entire clearing again just to make sure but she wasn’t there.

  “Allie.” Abel Borgard yelled his daughter’s name. One minute ago the nine-year-old sat on the chair by the cabin. He’d warned her to stay there while he unloaded the supplies, but now she’d disappeared. “It’s not like her,” he complained aloud. Ladd, her twin brother, was a different matter. He’d set off exploring the moment they’d alighted from the wagon. Abel had warned him to stay nearby, but it didn’t worry him when Ladd got out of sight. The boy had learned at a young age to be self-reliant. Allie, on the other hand, needed rest and protection. The doctor’s warning reverberated through Abel’s brain. “She’s extremely fortunate to have survived scarlet fever, especially under the circumstances.”

  “Allie.” He didn’t bother calling this time, just muttered the word under his breath. He again turned full circle, studying his surroundings. The tiny cabin would provide temporary shelter until he could erect a larger one, which he had to do before winter. The chill in the air reminded him time was short.

  The trees, a nice mix of spruce and aspen, were far enough from the buildings to allow plenty of sunshine to reach the living quarters yet provide protection and privacy. The mountains rose to the west in all their fall majesty.

  He completed his inspection of the surroundings but saw no little girl. Not so much as a hint of the blue dress she wore.

  Abel understood the doctor’s warning. Abel had come home from a three-month absence as he sought work to discover his wife had left days before, abandoning the then eight-year-olds to care for themselves. He’d found them huddled together, hungry and afraid. According to what he could get from the children, Allie had been sick even before Ruby left. Though in all fairness, Ruby likely hadn’t known at that point it was anything more than a chill. Perhaps she hadn’t even meant to leave them for more than a night but she’d fallen into the river and drowned. He liked to believe it had simply been misfortune, but he guessed she’d spent too much time in the back room of the saloon sharing drinks.

  He strained to catch any sound of the children. Wasn’t there a thud to his right...like distant horse hooves? Every nerve in his body tensed. An intruder? Were the children in danger?

  The doctor had left Abel with no misconceptions as to the seriousness of Allie’s situation. “I fear she will have damaged her heart. You’ll need to limit her activities for the rest of her life or...” At this point, he’d shaken his head as if expecting the worst.

  Abel had vowed on the spot that Allie would be treated as gently as a fragile china doll. He couldn’t lose her. If anything happened to her he would never forgive himself. Any more than he forgave himself for the fact the children had been abandoned by his wife while he went in search of work. Ruby had never wanted to settle down and from the beginning had found the children a heavy burden, while Abel discovered they gave him reason to leave off being a wastrel. He regretted having started down that wayward path in the first place. The only good thing to come of it was his children and his determination to live a responsible, careful life from now on. He was twenty-nine years old and would devote the rest of his life to the well-being of his children. Never again would he allow his foolish emotions to lead him down the slippery path into the arms of a woman. Any woman. He would not risk his children’s health and happiness by trusting a woman to settle down and be wife and mother.

  Another thud. No mistaking the sound. There was a horse in the nearby clearing. His heart thumped him in his ribs hard enough to cause him to catch his breath.

  He broke into a gallop and headed for the spot.

  If anything happened to either of the twins...

  He saw Allie ahead, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet, her hands clasped together as if she tried to contain some emotion. Already her cheeks had turned rosy—a sure indication of her excited state. A danger sign.

  He raced toward her and scooped her into his arms. He brushed strands of her long blond hair off her face. “Baby, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, Papa. Isn’t she glorious?” She twisted and pointed.

  Abel jerked his gaze from his precious daughter and followed the direction she indicated. His eyes lit on a woman who reminded him of those he’d seen in saloons. Only instead of bright-colored, revealing dresses, she wore a dark red shirt, fringed gloves and riding pants. It wasn’t the clothes that brought those other women to mind—it was the look of sheer abandon on her face. Her mahogany-colored hair rippled down her back, held in place by a small cowboy hat secured under her chin. She sat on a beautiful palomino gelding.

  She waved a hand over her head and the horse reared on its back legs.

  Abel clutched Allie tight. “She’s going to be hurt.”

  “Oh, no.” Allie’s voice was round with awe. “She does it on purpose. She’s a trick rider. She’s going to join a Wild West show.”

  “She is, is she?” The gal made a beautiful picture of horse and rider but she posed a threat to his children if she hung about, filling Allie’s head with admiration.

  The horse returned to all fours and clapping caught Abel’s attention. Ladd stood on the other side of the horse, his eyes round with awe. “Can you show me how to do that?”

  “It’s not hard.” The woman’s voice rang with humor and what he could only explain as love of life.

  That was all well and good. He had no objection to her joining a Wild West show, loving life or doing dangerous things on back of a horse, so long as she stayed away from his kids.

  “Can you show me?” Ladd asked.

  “Sure thing. All you do—”

  Abel crossed the clearing to clamp his hand on Ladd’s shoulder. The boy jerked, surprised, no doubt, at the sudden appearance of his father. Hopefully he was also feeling a little guilty at having brought Allie out to the woods when she was supposed to rest. “Ladd, take your sister back to the cabin. Allie, you know you shouldn’t be here.”

  Allie patted him on the cheek. “I’m okay, Papa. You worry too much.�
�

  “Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t. I only want you both to be safe.” He set his daughter on her feet, patted them both on the back and sent them on their way. He didn’t turn until they were out of sight.

  Sucking in air, he tried to calm the way his insides rolled and bucked at how this woman had intruded on his hope of peace and quiet. He didn’t want to say anything he’d later regret, so he pushed aside his inner turmoil as he slowly faced the woman. “You’re trespassing.”

  She lounged in her saddle as if she meant to spend her entire day there. “I think you are mistaken. This land belongs to Eddie Gardiner. He’s given me permission to be here.”

  “That might have been so at one time, but I’ve rented the cabin and the surrounding land from Mr. Eddie Gardiner.” He planned to raise cows. His ranch would be insignificant compared to the Eden Valley Ranch, but it was all he wanted. Besides— “I want peace and quiet for my children.” At the cold way she studied him, his resolve mounted a protest. “I don’t want them learning reckless ways. Nor do I want my daughter overexcited by witnessing your activities. What you do in your own time and space is your business. But what you do around my children is my business.”

  The grin she wore plainly said she didn’t take him seriously.

  His spine tingled as he held back a desire to tell her exactly what he thought. He mentally counted to ten then widened his stance, narrowed his eyes and gave her his best don’t-mess-with-me look, the one that made the twins jump to obey. “I suggest you leave and don’t come back.”

  She laughed. A cheerful-enough sound, but one that dug talons into his backbone. It reminded him of Ruby and the way she laughed when he suggested she should settle down and be a mother to the children. And it filled him with something hard and cold. But before he could put words to his feelings, she spoke.