Grooms with Honor Series, Books 4-6

by Linda K. Hubalek

  “I…I guess so,” Seth answered Mr. Connely. Lily was sure her face was turning red now.

  “Then I’ll put her on the payroll,” Mr. Connely said. “I hope she advised you which stallions to buy at the Chicago sale, Seth.”

  Seth looked down at the floor rather than meet her or Mr. Connely’s eyes. “Um, yes she did pick out most of the horses we brought home. You’ll have to come over and see them soon.”

  “I’ll do that. I won’t take more of your time today, as you have more family members to meet. Again, welcome to our community, Lily. We’re glad Seth found you.”

  It was both enjoyable and overwhelming to be welcomed into the family fold today. She’d never had that tight bond with her family in Sweden growing up, or on the Haas Farm.

  Seth faded away from her side after their conversation with Mr. Connely, letting his mother and the Swedish women take over her time at the gathering. He ate with his brothers instead of joining her for the meal, also.

  Everyone left as the sun started to drop in the sky. The air temperature was cold, but there was no wind, so she was warm in her coat and boots.

  The Hamner family turned off to head over the hill to return home to the Bar E Ranch. Reagans and anyone else who lived in town, or further south, waved goodbye to Seth and Lily as they started down the road to the Straight Arrow homestead.

  “I enjoyed meeting your neighbors today, Seth. Everyone was so nice,” Lily said, trying to break the silence which was their companion on the drive home.

  Seth nodded but didn’t say anything, causing Lily to worry about what was going on in his mind.

  “Did I do something wrong, Seth? I wasn’t expecting you to disappear from my side.”

  “You were fine with the Swedes. I’m sure you enjoyed spending the evening talking in your native language again.”

  “Yes, I did. They are a wonderful group of people.”

  “Do you want to go down to the Swedish settlement to live, or are there enough Swedes here to satisfy you?”

  Lily recoiled at Seth’s words, surprised at his tone and his question. What caused his remark?

  It took several seconds for Lily to find her voice. “What do you mean?”

  “You came to Kansas to live with the Swedes,” Seth finally looked at Lily with sad eyes.

  “Yes, but…”

  “Or did you marry me, so you could work with horses…and have a place to live?”

  So, he was upset because she omitted the status of the farm where she had worked. It didn’t matter to her their horses were famous, it was a place she had to work.

  Another thought dawned on Lily. Seth knew about Mans, and her yearning to marry the owner’s son. Did Seth think she trapped him into marriage for the same reason? She had mentioned, probably more than once, that Seth must be a rich man to buy her things and to buy so many expensive pedigreed horses in Chicago.

  And maybe you didn’t tell Seth about the Haas Farm because you wanted him to love you for yourself, not for your knowledge of horses.

  Yes, she did want Seth to love her because Lily was falling in love with him.

  So how could she convince—or show him—she wanted their marriage to be real, and forever? But at the same time, if Seth really didn’t want her as his wife, so be it. Lily was never going to be the peasant girl, or the saloon singer, who was forced to do something she had no say in again. She loved horses and loved to sing, but she’d give up both for the freedom to live safely on her own terms.

  Maybe Seth was right. Perhaps she should move to the Swedish settlement and start over again. America was the Land of Opportunity, and Lily hadn’t explored what she could do here. She had waited for Mans to arrive to take care of her, and she had expected Seth to do the same.

  Lily glanced at Seth, and he turned his head in the opposite direction, so he didn’t have to meet her eyes. Fine. She’d take up Mr. Connely’s offer to pay her for training these new horses, then she could pay Seth back for her horse and clothing, then start her new life—without the man Lily now knew she loved.

  ***

  Lily stiffened her back after their conversation on the way home from the Cross C on Saturday, and her body hadn’t relaxed since. She was polite, answered his questions if he asked something, and had prepared their simple meals. But she’d brushed her own hair each night, and slept upstairs—and darn it, the cat took sides and joined her—so Seth didn’t have his foot warmer in bed either.

  Seth’s ma did the same “polite” thing to his da when she was upset with her husband. And Ma rarely told Da what was wrong when he asked; he had to figure it out for himself.

  Welcome to married life, Seth. You’re in trouble in the first week of your marriage.

  Seth introduced Lily to more people at Sunday’s church service, keeping a hand on her elbow as he squired her around. She was pleased to meet more people, but he could tell she was being polite, not asking earnest questions like a person who wants to know someone better. Could it be because she didn’t plan to stay in the Clear Creek area?

  They stayed in town after church to have Sunday dinner with Seth’s family. He knew his parents were watching their interaction—or lack of it, but they didn’t pull him aside and give him any advice.

  Isaac Connely visited the Straight Arrow on Monday afternoon, and Seth felt like a third wheel when Isaac and Lily talked about horse breeding and the Haas Farm. Lily asked Isaac if he was serious about paying her for working with the horses and they agreed on an amount and what she was to do, which was to acclimate the horses to the ranch, but also to be sure they were all trained to ride. Which was what Seth did with each horse they bought for the ranch. Seth had deferred to her role for the new horses and worked around the ranch, checking fences, or other winter projects.

  Today was two days before Thanksgiving. The Reagans always had a big family dinner at his parents’ home on Thanksgiving Day, but he thought he needed to talk to Lily about this holiday, as well as Christmas. Did she plan to remain here, or was he going to be alone? It was time to talk about their future.

  “Thank you for supper, Lily. I like your stew,” Seth said as he finished scraping the last spoonful out of his bowl. He set the bowl aside and put his elbows on the table, clasping his hands together, wishing he could reach out to touch Lily’s hands. “Is this a Swedish recipe?”

  “No, something I put together with what was on hand. Which, now that I think of it, was how my moder cooked for our meals. Whatever we had to eat, moder would stretch it by making it in a stew or soup.”

  All Seth could do was nod, because she’d told him about her family’s meager life.

  “My family will celebrate Thanksgiving with a big family get-together, and everyone brings a dish to contribute to the meal. Do you have any suggestions for what we might bring to the meal?”

  Lily looked at her hands a bit before meeting his eyes. “I don’t think I’ll go with you on Thursday. It’s not a Swedish holiday. I’ll do something by myself.”

  Seth was floored because he wanted to spend the special day with her and his family. “Even the Swedes in Kansas celebrate Thanksgiving now.”

  “Mr. Connely gave me some advance money, so I’m going to take the train to Lindsborg and spend a few days there. I don’t think he’d mind my taking a holiday and weekend off to see the Swedish community. I’ll be back to finish working with the horses because I still need to pay you back for my horse and clothes,” Lily put up her hand to keep Seth from talking. “I need to see what jobs and boarding houses may be available in the town.”

  “I told you those were gifts, you don’t have to pay me back,” Seth shook his head and wished he could shake some sense into Lily. Where was the woman who talked and laughed with him for hours during their first days together? Seth hadn’t heard her sing to the animals since Saturday either—and she was ignoring her mare, too.

  “Are you unhappy here, Lily?” He hoped by asking her point blank, they’d talk about what was bothering her.
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  “No...Yes…I can’t get attached to anything here because it’s not permanent. It was a marriage of convenience, and it’s time I move on, so I’m not a burden to you.”

  “I don’t feel that way at all Lily. In fact, I’d like to talk to you about changing our arrangement into a real marriage,” Seth said as he reached across the table, wanting to hold her hand.

  Someone pounding on the front door made Seth pause in what he had planned to say next.

  “Reagan! You in there? I need help!”

  Seth quickly stepped to the door to open it for his neighbor, Gerald Squires.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Betty’s having problems with her birthing, so her ma said to get Doctor Pansy! Can you go to town for me, so I can get back to Betty?”

  “Of course! Head back home, and I’ll go get my sister-in-law,” Seth said as he shut the door behind his neighbor and headed toward the back door. He stuck his stocking feet in his boots, which were sitting by the back door, then grabbed his coat off the hook on the rear wall.

  “We’ll finish this conversation when I get back,” Seth pointed to Lily before opening the door. “You all right here by yourself while I’m gone?”

  “Of course. Help your neighbor.”

  Seth hesitated only a second before stepping back into the kitchen to embrace Lily in a hug and give her a soft kiss. “I’m ready to commit to our marriage, Lily, but you have to weigh what’s best for you, too. We’ll talk this out when I get home.” It was hard to leave Lily when they were about to discuss their future together, but his neighbors needed immediate help.

  ***

  Lily watched out the window until the lantern light went out in the barn. It wasn’t quite dark yet, so she could still see Seth and the horse walk out the barn door. A few seconds later, Seth was in the saddle, and they were loping down the lane.

  Five miles to town and five back to get Doctor Pansy, who hopefully wasn’t attending another patient out of town already. Even though Seth’s return trip would be in the dark and the horse would have to travel slower, he should be back within two hours.

  Lily closed her eyes and touched her lips, remembering Seth’s strong arms around her back and his loving kiss.

  I’m ready to commit to our marriage, Lily…

  Lily would watch the clock until he returned because she wanted a real marriage, too. She loved Seth, the ranch, his family…everything in Kansas and couldn’t wait to tell him she wanted to be his partner in life.

  A knock on the front door startled Lily, and she glanced at the mantel clock. It had only been twenty minutes since Seth left. Was the neighbor back?

  Thinking it was Squires, she opened the door but was surprised who she saw in the table lamp’s shadows.

  “Hello, Mrs. Reagan. We met you on the train last week going to Kansas City. Remember talking to us? Mr. Aldrin and Mr. Humphrey. We said we’d stop by sometime to visit.”

  She remembered their faces but felt uncomfortable inviting them in without Seth home. “Gentleman, we can’t show you the ranch and stock at night. Please come back tomorrow morning when it’s light outside.” Lily started to shut the door, but Aldrin put his palm up to stop its closure.

  “Mrs. Reagan, aren’t you going to invite us in for some refreshments after we traveled all the way out here?” The man stepped into the house causing her to walk back, so she didn’t fall over. Why are they forcing their way in here?

  “No, it’s late, and we’re about to go to bed. Seth…had a long day, and so you need to leave,” Lily tried to keep her voice calm, but it wasn’t working.

  “I believe that was Mr. Reagan riding out not long ago, so that isn’t true, is it?” He stepped closer, causing her to bump into the chair by the fireplace.

  Chills ran down Lily’s spine as panic quickly spread to her limbs. She was cornered and alone, and no weapon within reach, not that it would help with two men in the house.

  “Why are you here?” Lily demanded, trying to keep her voice clear.

  “Mr. Hardesty would like you to come back to the Emporium, so we’re here to escort you safely back to Chicago,” the man shrugged as if it was a simple request.

  “No! I’m married! You can’t make me go with you! I never want to see or talk to Hardesty ever again so you can tell him to leave me alone!” Lily screamed in his face.

  “It would be unfortunate if Mr. Reagan came home to see his house—and barn—on fire, especially with all those prize horses locked inside,” the man said in a mocking voice.

  “Why is Hardesty doing this? He got me to Chicago under false pretenses. Why did he send you all the way out here to kidnap me?” Lily screamed, furious with the maniac who wouldn’t leave her alone.

  Aldrin smiled. “He likes your looks and voice, and wants you back, simple as that. Now you have a choice, Mrs. Reagan. You can enjoy a nice trip back to Chicago with us, or watch every building on this ranch burn,” his eyes gleamed like he’d love to strike a match to everything just to see the little sparks turn into raging infernos.

  Lily lowered her head and squeezed her eyes shut. She had no choice but to go with them and hope she could get away from them later.

  She lifted her chin and stared at the cruel man. “May I get my coat and hat?” Lily asked sarcastically. “If I must go back to Chicago, I’d like to be warm and comfortable at least,” she added.

  “We’ll take everything of yours, so it looks like you left on purpose, including the little mare he bought you. In fact, the horse is already saddled and ready to ride. Why don’t we sit down for a minute while Mr. Humphrey gathers your things around the house? I’m sure it won’t take but a few minutes since you haven’t lived here more than a few days,” Aldrin waved his hand toward the settee, meaning she was to sit down.

  “Seth will come after me! I’m his wife!”

  “He gave you a marriage of convenience, which I’m sure he’s regretted offering because of the money and hassle you’ve caused him.”

  Lily squirmed in her seat, knowing she had thought that, too, until Seth’s confession right before he left.

  Humphrey trotted down the steps, with her carpet bag and reticule in his hand. “I got everything. It was all upstairs, so she wasn’t sharing Reagan’s bedroom. Nice cat you got up there. Purred the whole time I packed your things.”

  The dogs! They always barked when strangers came around. Lily shot a look at Aldrin, and he knew she was thinking about the dogs now.

  “The dogs are taking a little nap. Guess those hunks of meat upset their tummies,” Aldrin grinned.

  “How long have you been watching us? You knew when Seth left and was ready to break in as soon as he did.”

  “There are some nice caves in these hills where we can watch a long way with a spyglass. I’d have preferred a hotel bed over a bedroll while we watched this place, but the pay we’ll get to deliver you was worth a few cold nights. Be grateful we didn’t come down here when Reagan was around. He might have gotten hurt.”

  “Now, I’ll be polite and ask if you need to use the chamber pot before we leave? I’m not going to let you go to the outhouse by yourself. It’ll be some hours before you get off your horse again, Mrs. Reagan.”

  Chapter 16

  It was almost eleven o’clock by the time Seth rode his gelding into the barn. It took over an hour to find his sister-in-law, who was making evening house calls. Then Seth decided he should accompany Doctor Pansy to the Squires place, just in case they needed more help. Luckily, Betty Squires had delivered their child with the help of her mother and Gerald, so he and Doctor Pansy found a happy addition to the family instead of a tragedy.

  The house was dark when he entered the back door. He thought Lily would leave a lamp burning low on the kitchen table to guide his way. But it sat cold when he felt around for the lamp and lit a match to it. Seth was hoping Lily was waiting up for him or at least sleeping on the settee when he got into the house, but she must have gone to bed.

  He was
hoping she decided to commit to their marriage and would be sleeping in his bed, but she wasn’t there. There was no use waking her this late to talk, so Seth changed into his nightshirt and crawled into his bed. At least the cat had warmed the bed for him.

  After waiting past the usual time, Seth finally decided to put hay out for the horses in the barn since Lily hadn’t come downstairs yet. She wasn’t one to sleep late, but maybe she had stayed up late last night waiting for him and had fallen back asleep.

  Lily’s horse, Britta wasn’t in her stall. Did Lily take her out for an early morning run? She hadn’t done that before. Seth walked to the tack room and looked at the row of saddles. One saddle was missing, but not the one Lily used on Britta. He’d have to check the saddle over to be sure there wasn’t something wrong with it since she had used a different one.

  After chores, he went in the house and made his own breakfast, expecting her to ride in at any time. Daisy hadn’t been milked yet, so he was surprised Lily was out this long.

  He thought Wally would have gone with her, but the dogs were quietly sleeping in the barn.

  An hour passed, and Seth was worried that something had happened to her or the horse and she was unable to return home. He saddled his horse again and looked for tracks to follow, but there weren’t any. Why? It had rained a good hour early this morning making slippery mud, so hoof prints should have been visible.

  Fear crept up Seth’s spine as he ran to the house. He didn’t bother taking off his muddy boots to take the stairs two at a time. Her bedroom door was open, and a quick look around the room showed it was empty. No brush on the washstand. No clothes on the hooks on the south wall. It looked like she had never been in the room!

  Lily must have left last evening after he took off for the town. That’s why there were no prints to follow and why Manurva was in bed with him last night.

  Why did she go? Because she didn’t want to be married to me?

  Where did she go? Did she ride into town, spend the night somewhere, planning to take the train to Lindsborg? Did she sell her horse to get money to get away from him?