Esther, An Easter Bride (Brides for all Seasons Book 4)
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Esther, An Easter Bride
Brides for All Seasons
Hildie McQueen
Contents
ESTHER, AN EASTER BRIDE
Copyright
Other Works by Hildie McQueen
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Untitled
About the Author
ESTHER, AN EASTER BRIDE
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MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS
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USA Today Bestselling Author
Hildie McQueen
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Editor: Scott Moreland
Cover Artist: Dar Albert
Copyright Hildie McQueen 2017
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without written permission.
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.
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This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader.
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If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to your retailer and purchase your own copy.
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Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
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The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
Created with Vellum
Other Works by Hildie McQueen
(In reading order)
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BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS
Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride
Aurura, A Romantic Bride
Lucille, A Lucky Bride
Esther, An Easter Bride
Sarah, A Festive Bride (Summer 2017)
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BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS - WYOMING
Christina, A Christmas Bride (Nov 2017)
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SINGLE TITLES
Beneath a Silver Sky
Under a Silver Moon
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SHADES OF BLUE SERIES
Big Sky Blue
A Different Shade of Blue
The Darkest Blue
Every Blue Moon
Blue Horizon
Montana Blue
Midnight Blue
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THE GENTRYS OF MONTANA
The Rancher
The Marshal
The Outlaw
Chapter 1
Everyone in the elegant parlor knew the reason for Esther Wilmington’s drab clothing. Yet they looked upon her with pursed lips or side glances accompanied by raised eyebrows.
As much as Esther tried to ignore the women, the familiar pang in the pit of her stomach made it impossible. Yes, her dresses were at least two seasons out of style and her shoes were scuffed and resoled, but what did it matter when the gathering of women was for a charitable event? Obviously, grace was not what drove the group of women who’d met to discuss the upcoming clothing collection for the poor.
Esther glanced down at her hands, noticing a broken nail and wondered why she was even there. Although her husband had been quite wealthy, she, along with her household, had suffered because of his miserly ways until his recent death.
Married for seven years to a man almost twice her age had served two main purposes. One was for an elevated status for her sisters. And the second provided knowledge of how horrible the people in her social circle actually were.
“You’re not drinking your tea, dear.” Lady Eugenia Price, a pillar of society, nudged her. “It’s quite good.”
Lady Price was the only one who’d approached each time she’d come to the gathering. Esther smiled at the attractive woman and sipped the now tepid tea. “It is.”
Leaning closer Lady Price whispered. “The air, however, has a bitter aftertaste, wouldn’t you say?”
Despite herself, Esther had to chuckle. It amazed her that the woman with the highest social stature in the group was also the friendliest and most down to earth. “A bit, yes.”
Two hours later, everyone dispersed, having not accomplished much more than scrutiny of each other’s attire and gossip of the latest soiree. Esther gathered her cape and walked out.
“Would you like a ride to your home?” Lady Price stood outside beside a lavish coach. “I do have something to discuss with you.”
Curious about what the woman had to say and also to see the interior of her plush carriage, Esther readily agreed. “I would love it. Thank you so much.”
The interior of the coach was breathtaking. Upholstered in plush rose and gold-toned fabrics with gold pulls and fringed toppers over the windows, it begged for long rides so one could settle back and relax.
“Extraordinary,” Esther whispered in awe. “Beautiful.” She touched the drapery over the windows. “What wonderful taste you have, Lady Price.”
“Please, call me Eugenia. I don’t much care for titles, although the women in there seem to love using it.” She motioned back toward the building they’d just left.
The woman had only recently emerged after a long mourning period after the untimely death of her handsome husband. Heartbroken at losing the love of her life, for over a year, Lady Price ensconced herself in her large home, rarely allowing visitors and never accepting social invitations.
She’d emerged just a few months earlier. It seemed she’d recovered well, although sadness remained in her gaze.
The woman touched Esther’s forearm. “What are your plans now that you’re alone? I hear your deceased husband’s family is taking the vast percentage of the inheritance. Is that true?”
Many had asked the same questions. But it was obvious Lady Price asked out of concern and not for use in fodder for gossip.
“Yes. I have been offered a monthly stipend and his youngest son plans to move into the house. As you might imagine, I can’t possibly remain being that he is not a married man. The entire situation has made me wonder what I am going to do. Where shall I go? My family home, I suppose.”
Lady Price nodded in understanding. “I am so sorry. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. And yet, you come to this gathering to see about helping others.”
Feeling embarrassed at her outburst, Esther let out a breath. “I thought they could use a seamstress. I planned to help in that way. But their plans don’t seem solid in the least.”
With a bitter laugh, Lady Price looked to the roof of the carriage and back to Esther. “They don’t have any kind of plan in place nor will they. It’s all for show and a reason to leave their houses for an afternoon. Personally, I won’t return.”
Emboldened by Lady Price’s announcement, Esther decided she could disclose a secret. “My choices are to return to live with my parents or join my cousin, Aurora, in Montana and become a seamstress. I could open a shop. Aurora s
ays there isn’t one there in Laurel.”
Esther continued talking as Lady Price listened. “She told me of your business venture, of the Matrimonial Gazette.” Her cheeks burned, but she decided it was best to speak as the chance had afforded itself.
“I can, of course, go there and open a seamstress shop, but it can be quite dangerous to go alone as a single woman. I understand the men are quite untamed.” Esther took a breath and met the woman’s gaze. “If I may be so bold to ask. What do you think I should do?”
Lady Price seemed to sparkle with excitement. “What a grand idea to go west. However, I do believe you should go there with the ready protection of a husband. It will have to be someone of forward thought, so that you can be independent. If you want to work and earn money, you should marry a man who won’t be threatened by it.”
It was hard to fathom such a man existed, much less in the west. But Esther did not comment on it.
After a couple taps on the carriage front panel, the driver’s face appeared through an opening. “Yes, Madam?”
“Take us to my house, please, Richard,” Lady Price instructed then turned to Esther. “You don’t mind do you? I want to show you several men who I think would be perfect for you. They live near where Aurora is.”
The news caught her by surprise. Was she really brave enough to do this? She’d written to Lucille, Aurora’s friend, that she would be coming to Montana. But then she retracted and wrote that she’d wait a month or so before traveling. Being that both her cousin and Lucille were now married, she didn’t want to show up and move in with either newly wedded couple.
A mixture of excitement and nerves made her sit straighter. “I am not sure I can afford to pay for your assistance in this matter. I expect it’s quite expensive.”
“I do this as a service for the men out west and to rescue women caught up in unpleasant situations, such as you. Along with a friend of mine, we ensure the bachelors are fully investigated before allowing their ad in our publication. So far, I have helped many a lady find a suitable husband with no complaints whatsoever.”
Lady Price had not stated a price. It was probably too much. However, Esther decided she’d go along with her and not get her hopes up. “I’m curious to know who you think would be a match for me.”
“I have one particular man in mind for you. His post is actually very recent. I do believe his brother recently married and it encouraged him to seek a wife himself.
“Did his brother place an ad?”
The woman shook her head. “No, not that I know of.”
They finally arrived at Lady Price’s home. Esther barely held back from climbing out of the coach instead of waiting for a footman to come to her aid. Walking up to the grand entrance in the spring sunlight, she couldn’t help but hesitate at noticing the worn material of her sleeve.
“Come along, dear.” Lady Price took her upper arm and walked alongside her. “Is something wrong?”
Esther shook her head and waited until they entered to reply. A maid appeared and took their cloaks.
“Bring tea to the sitting room, please, Belinda.”
Lady Price, settled at her home among beauty and extravagance, could never understand her situation. The understated elegance of the room they entered did not distract from the obvious wealth and good taste of the woman that lived there.
“I don’t have much money. My family made it clear that they prefer I don't return home. Not that they don't care for me. It’s just that my parents have settled into a very small home and there isn’t room. I have to admit to feeling adrift.”
“I do understand. You see, no matter how much money one has, hard times strike just as hard. I was not in your position economically, but definitely emotionally. Let me help you. This won’t cost you a thing. All I ask is for you to have an open mind to the possibilities of a totally different future.”
A tear spilled and Esther nodded, swiping at her cheek. “I am lost. My future seems so bleak to me at the moment. There is not much I have to lose at this point. The monthly stipend they are giving me will barely cover my needs. It’s horrible.”
“About that. I will ask my solicitor to look into the matter, with your permission, of course. As a widow, you should have a right to remain at the estate. If not, then you have a right to a stipend that allows you a comfortable life, at least.”
Hope began to flourish. Not just at the possibility of a new life, but also recompense for seven years at the mercy of a miserly husband.
She’d entered the marriage with bright-eyed enthusiasm. Jonathan Wilmington was not just older and sophisticated, but handsome as well. However, he hid a mental illness well until after they married. Constantly paranoid of different things, sometimes they would be locked inside the house for entire weeks. Each year, he became worse, even deciding, at one point, she was poisoning him. A maid was assigned to watch her every move until, finally, the girl pronounced she would not take on such a burden for so little pay and left.
Esther assumed he died at his own hand, unable to handle the constant barrage of voices in his head. One afternoon she’d found him slumped over his desk amidst piles of papers. He’d written endless rambles naming different people and stating they were trying to ruin him.
It turned out that he maintained a very sizeable sum of money in various bank accounts. After his death and the discovery of his wealth, his two sons, who’d rarely visited, suddenly became quite involved.
Now, she was at the point of destitution and, once again, having to marry. At least this time, it would be her choice and on her conditions.
Chapter 2
Snow fell in earnest as Elias Jones urged his horse to a faster pace. It didn’t seem spring would arrive in Laurel, Montana for a while, yet. Although the sun had made an appearance just a couple of days earlier, winter returned with force.
He ducked his head into the collar of his jacket and headed toward town. If it wasn’t for his addiction to coffee first thing in the morning, he’d remain in the warmth of his house. Now, he would go to town and make sure to get enough to last him a while.
The ride to Laurel wasn’t too long. About an hour or so each way. However, today, it would take a bit longer. He’d ensured his cattle were protected and most of the other animals stabled. Thankfully, he’d built an additional covered area for the animals to get out of the weather and keep warm. If he was forced to remain in town, they had access to food and water for a couple of days. Besides Filbert, an older man who he trusted would be around.
In his mind, he went over the different items he needed to pick up while in town. His trip would include seeing his brother, Evan, the town doctor, for what he suspected was a sprained left wrist.
Damn thing smarted something fierce every time he moved it. Although he’d done his best to wrap it tight, something had to be done for the pain. He’d barely slept in two nights now. It was one more reason why the coffee was more of a necessity than a luxury. With spring nearing, there was much to do at the ranch and he didn’t have time for the inconvenience of an injury.
The town came in to view and seeming to sense a warm stable and food, the horse quickened its pace.
Elias chuckled. “I don’t blame you. I’m ready to warm up myself.” He patted the horse’s mane only to grimace when his wrist throbbed. “Damn it.”
The town bustled with activity despite the weather. Women hurried into the mercantile and several groups of men gathered outside buildings.
There was a fire burning in a barrel near the stables where he dismounted. As enticing as it was to warm himself, he wanted to see about the horse first. Guiding the animal to the stables, he greeted the stable owner who walked out to meet him.
The scrawny man took the horse’s reins and pulled the willing animal forward. “Come out of the weather. You must have a good reason for travelin’ from your ranch in weather like this.” The man continued grumbling while rubbing the horse’s legs and ensuring the content animal had plenty of fresh oats. �
��You’ve got a good lookin’ animal here. You breed him?”
“He’s going to be bred soon. Got some beautiful mares for him.”
The man chuckled and looked to the horse. “You hear that? You’re gonna be a lucky horse. Much luckier than some of us.”
Elias shook his head. “The Missus mad at you again?”
“Damned woman made me sleep in the stables.” He frowned up at the ceiling. “I didn’t do anything.” Elias caught sight of the jug of whiskey, which was not well hidden and had an inkling as to why the man had been ostracized from his marital bed.
“Not sure why I want to get married. I suppose I better build a nice extra bedroom in the stables,” Elias said.
The man laughed. “You’re a smart man, Elias Jones. A very smart man.”
Elias made his way down the walkway ensuring to keep his left arm across his body to keep from being bumped too much. The pain had become progressively worse and the last thing he needed was to be jostled.
When his brother’s clinic came in to view, he let out a breath of relief.
“Elias. You’ve got a telegram over at the office. Stop by,” Walker, the telegraph station owner called out from across the street where he’d gathered with several men.
“Can you send it to my brother’s?” he called out.
The man nodded and turned back to his companions. They continued their conversation.
Elias didn’t have anything against living in town. As a matter of fact, sometimes it was a lonely existence to live alone out at his ranch with only cows and horses for companions. Although he saw Filbert most days and had two dogs, that were always underfoot, it did not make up for having someone to talk with at home.