Grace tugged at his hand. “You stopped walking. Are you all right? You look deep in thought.”
“You’re beautiful,” is all he could stammer.
Grace smiled and whispered, “Thank you.”
Clay shook his head and came back to his senses, “There’s a bench under the Cottonwood tree by the pond. We can sit there and talk. I think we have a lot to talk about.”
Grace sat on the bench looking out at the small pond. “This is a lovely spot. I can see why you added a bench.”
“Actually, my pa built the first bench for my ma shortly after they were married. We’ve had to rebuild it several times because of the harsh weather, but I’ll always make sure there is a bench here. Not just to remember ma, but to make you smile. You have a beautiful smile.”
Clay knew he was rambling and sounding like an idiot, but he couldn’t help it. “Umm, would you mind if I kissed you? I know we shared that tiny peck at the church, but we’re married, and I thought we could start this friendship or relationship or whatever we’re doing with a kiss.” Yes, he thought, I sound like an idiot. Why am I rambling on?
Grace blushed and smiled. Her deep brown eyes stared straight into his and Clay felt as if she could look straight into his heart and soul.
He gently cradled her face in his hands and leaned forward placing a chaste kiss on her lips. She leaned closer, his hands slipped to her shoulders, and he deepened the kiss. He could feel her arms slide around his middle aa he continued to kiss his beautiful wife. When he finally pulled back, they were both breathing a bit heavily, and Grace laid her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, and they sat quietly for several minutes.
Clay whispered, “I’m sorry your father died, and your brother and sister-in-law treated you like a servant, but in a way, I’m happy because your situation brought you here to me.”
“I’m happy, too. Your need for a bride was well-timed. In another two and a half months, I would have dismissed Mason’s offer.”
“Why?” Clay asked wondering if he was a second choice.
“When I turn twenty-one, I will begin to receive an allowance from my father’s estate. My brother inherited the bookstore, but my father assumed I would continue to live and work there. My sister-in-law preferred the fast money a sale would bring rather than the earnings from book sales and my brother sold the store. I had no choice but to live with them. I planned to leave the day I received my first allowance draft.”
Clay straightened his spine and cleared his throat. Was he going to lose his wife before they were a real family? He could understand her need to run away, and he decided to offer her freedom before she just walked away.
“I understand. We don’t know each other, and you may not wish to stay here once you turn twenty-one. After you arrange to receive your allowance, we can have this marriage annulled. I am sure the judge will grant one. After all, a proxy marriage is unusual. You are welcome to stay in the guest room until then. I am sure my grandpa won’t mind.”
Grace wrapped her arms around her waist biting her lip to keep from crying. She wasn’t successful, and a few tears slipped down her cheeks. “You want me to leave?”
Clay stood and began to pace back and forth in front of her. “No, I didn’t say that. I didn’t know about your situation. I want you to know that I understand why you would choose a proxy marriage. It was a legal way to leave your brother’s house. It all makes sense.”
Anger pushed away Grace’s sadness. She stood and faced him. “Clay Hutchison, yes I was able to leave my brother’s home before I planned because of this proxy marriage, but you forget we were married in church this morning, too. I took those vows in front of God and the preacher. Did you think I did that so I could annul this marriage in a few months? Are you having second thoughts because your grandfather isn’t really dying?”
“Oh, no, not at all. I only thought that I would offer you a way out if you wanted it.”
Grace stepped closer and whispered, “Stop thinking and kiss me again.”
Clay smiled, “Yes, ma’am. A man should listen to his wife.” He slipped his arms around her and pulled her tightly against his chest. He kissed her for long moments and then pulled back and whispered, “They can see us from the house.”
Grace blushed again and buried her head in his shoulder. “Maybe we should walk.”
Clay agreed and took her hand. They walked around the small pond and stared back at the house. Clay slipped his arm around Grace’s shoulders, and she snuggled close to him.
“It is so beautiful here. I love the vast open land. I can look out and not see buildings blocking the horizon and stand quietly and not hear the sounds of people at all hours of the day and night. It’s peaceful, and I love it here,” she said hoping Clay would understand she wasn’t going to run away.
“It is beautiful. I hope you feel the same in the winter. Winters can be brutal here.”
“We have winter in Chicago, too. I know about cold and snow,” she explained.
“It’s a bit different here out in the open, I’ve heard. I have never been to a large city.”
Grace looked up at him. “I don’t think you’d like it after living here. I never cared for living in the city. It’ll be an adventure, and we’ll face it together. I think our entire lives will be an adventure.”
“I can’t argue with that. Since we seem to decide a life together is more than possible, would you allow me to court you, Mrs. Hutchison?” Clay asked as they walked back to the house holding hands.
“I would like that very much, Mr. Hutchison.”
Chapter Eight
Two days later, the family arrived in town to attend Sunday services. Clay was happy to have everyone meet his new wife, and Wade scowled as usual over his loss of controlling interest in the ranch. Both men helped their wives and Cora from the wagon and left to park the wagon while Grandpa Hutch delighted in having a new granddaughter on each arm.
Grace noticed a stunning pale blonde lady in a yellow dress adorned with tiny white flowers watching her intently. Her bonnet matched her dress, and she clutched her reticule tightly in her hands. Grace smiled, but the young woman did not return her smile.
When Clay walked up to Grace, the young woman strolled over and stood directly in front of Clay ignoring Grace. She lay her hand on Clays’ arm and batted her eyelashes. “I have missed you, sweetheart. Why haven’t you been to town to visit me? I believed what you told me. Don’t you feel the same any longer?”
Clay removed her hand and took a step back. “I never promised you anything, Lucinda. The last time I saw you, I believe I told you to leave me alone.”
“Darling,” Lucinda answered wiping a tear from her eye. “You did no such thing. We love each other. I know your grandfather doesn’t approve, but you said that won’t matter once he no longer runs the ranch. You’ll own it, and we can finally be together.”
Cora stormed over after hearing Lucinda’s statements along with most of the people standing in front of the church. “Young woman get away from my family. If you are here to attend services you’re more than welcome, if not, leave Clay and his wife alone.”
“Wife,” Lucinda screeched. “You married someone else?” In a blink of an eye, she reached up and slapped Clay firmly across his cheek, turned, lifted her skirts, and ran down the boardwalk.
Grace did her best to control her curiosity and growing anxiety but asked, “Who was that woman?”
“She works at the local saloon,” Clay said rubbing his cheek.
Grace gasped, “You offered marriage to a saloon girl and then sent for me. Do you love her?”
“What? No, oh no. I never said a word to her concerning anything personal. She’s trying to cause trouble. I don’t know why,” Clay responded and took a step closer to Grace as she backed away.
“But you…you visit her?”
“Me, no. Lucinda is Wade’s favorite girl. She’s why he spends so many nights in town,” Clay offered without thinking who m
ight hear him. He regretted explaining things to Grace in public when he heard Elizabeth begin to cry.
Grace’s eyes flashed with anger, “You made Elizabeth cry. I don’t wish to speak about this any longer.” She slipped her arm around Elizabeth’s shoulders.
Cora spoke, “It’s time we go inside. We have caused enough commotion for one morning and a Sunday morning no less.”
Grandpa said, “Come along ladies, Clay, Wade. Let’s go inside.”
“What?” Wade sputtered. “I’m not going in there after everyone listened to Clay. I need a drink. I’m going to the saloon and meet you after services.”
Elizabeth began to cry harder.
“Shut up, Elizabeth. You’re embarrassing the family,” Wade spat and headed for the saloon forgetting about his idea of wooing his wife. He needed a beer or maybe a whiskey.
Grandpa Hutch hurried up to Grace and Elizabeth, “Come along. Don’t give those grandsons of mine no mind. Things will work out, and we’ll discuss this on the way home. We don’t want to be late for services, and then we’ll have the finest lunch at the café. It’s Sunday, and they make chicken and dumplings that are even better than Cora’s” He laughed and guided his two new granddaughters to the front pew of the church.
Cora followed and settled next to Grace. Clay sat on the end feeling dejected and wondering why Lucinda would tell Grace such lies? It had to be Wade’s idea, but surely Grace wouldn’t believe Lucinda. Clay leaned forward to peek at Grace, but she sat straight with her eyes on the preacher. When he tried to reach across Cora to tap Grace’s arm, Cora slapped his hand. She gave him a look that would stop a raging bull and Clay sat back brooding.
The preacher’s sermon on love and faithfulness did nothing to ease Clay’s mind. He was sure Grace would think the preacher meant the words solely for him when it was Wade who ran off to the saloon. This was a fine mess, and he needed to get Grace alone and talk to her.
As soon as the service ended, Clay stood and offered his arm to Grace, but she looked right through him and slipped her arm into Grandpa Hutch’s and allowed him to escort her and Elizabeth outside to speak with the preacher and meet some of the townsfolk.
After introducing his new granddaughters to his fellow church members, Grandpa Hutch escorted them to the café for lunch. Along the short walk, they stopped, and he explained about the shops they passed or introduced them to folks he didn’t see after church.
The café was charming. Red checked tablecloths and curtains adorned the tables and windows. Painting of mountains and prairies hung on the wall. A cheerful waitress smiled at them as they made their way to a table near the side windows. Grandpa escorted his new granddaughters to the table and took a seat between them. Clay and Cora sat on the other side. No one spoke.
Grandpa cleared his throat, “Why is everyone so quiet? Elizabeth, what’s on your mind?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “Isn’t Wade coming to lunch?”
“Might and might not. I never know what that boy’s gonna do. We’ll have a good lunch. I think he might wander back here when he gets hungry. If not, he knows the way home. What about you, Grace? What’s bothering you? I hope it isn’t Lucinda. She and Clay were never anything to one another. Somebody put her up to acting that way.”
Before Grace could ask who would do that, the waitress strolled up to their table. “Good afternoon, everyone. We have chicken and dumplings today, or the cook can cook you up a steak if you’d like.”
“Chicken and dumplings all around, Silvie and coffee or tea if the ladies prefer.”
Silvie smiled and said, “It’ll be right up, and I’ll be back first with your coffee and tea.”
After Silvie disappeared into the kitchen, Grandpa Hutchison leaned a bit forward and looked at Grace. “Were you going to say something, dear?”
“Umm, I wondered who would do that? Why did she lie?” Grace answered without looking at anyone around the table.
Clay stammered, “I don’t know, but it was a lie, Grace. Every word.”
She lifted her head and smiled at Clay. Her heart wanted to believe him, but her head told her to be a bit wary. She decided to take each day as it came until either her heart or head won the confrontation.
The conversation picked up after that, and the family enjoyed their meal. The waitress offered apple pie for dessert, but Cora said there was fresh peach cobbler at home and everyone decided to wait. Clay pushed his chair back from the table.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to run to the mercantile, and I’ll see if I can find Wade,” Clay said before he walked away from the table.
“The mercantile is open on Sunday?” Elizabeth asked.
“Only for two hours after services,” Grandpa explained. “It’s for folks who only get into town once a week for services or maybe only once a month. Some of the ranches are a far piece from town.”
Elizabeth nodded and sipped her tea while the others chatted until Clay returned.
“I don’t know where Wade is?” He told his family and shifted from one foot to another hoping Elizabeth wouldn’t ask him any direct questions. He didn’t find Wade in the saloon, and he didn’t see Lucinda. He knew Wade put Lucinda up to her little act to make Grace jealous and he certainly hoped they weren’t together. He couldn’t explain that to Elizabeth. Grandpa needed to try and do something with Wade before he ruined his entire life.
Grandpa announced, “We’ll head on home. Wade knows where he lives.”
“But,” Elizabeth said, “he came with us in the wagon. How will he get back?”
“He can rent a horse at the livery,” Grandpa insisted. “We’ve waited long enough for him.”
He held his arms out for his granddaughters and Grace and Elizabeth slipped their arms through his. A smiling Grandpa Hutchison proudly escorted them back to the wagon.
On the walk back, Cora said to Clay, “What is wrong with your brother? He’s going to ruin a good thing. Elizabeth is an angel, and she’s trying so hard to put up with him.”
Clay shrugged wishing he had an answer to Cora’s question.
Chapter Nine
The afternoon was quiet at the Hutchison household. Grandpa sat in the parlor with the women reading the Bible aloud while they worked on embroidery or knitting. Clay needed to attend to chores even though it was Sunday. They gave the ranch hands Sunday mornings and afternoons off to attend church and personal business. Clay didn’t mind doing what needed to be done, but he tried his best to reign in his anger while he did Wade’s chores, too.
Clay was mumbling to himself about Wade’s inappropriate behavior in front of his wife, the family, and church not to mention the fact that he disappeared into the saloon and was most likely spending the afternoon with Lucinda.
Mason’s voice pulled Clay out of his thoughts. “After what I saw at church this morning, I thought I might find you in jail for shooting Wade.”
Clay tossed another pitchfork full of hay into a stall and turned around. “He’s my brother, and I doubt I would’ve shot him, but I debated laying him out cold right there in front of the church, but grandpa’s look stopped me cold.”
“I’ve seen that look. I don’t understand why Wade would put Lucinda up to lying that way in front of Grace. The town knows about Wade and Lucinda. I never thought she’d do that in public. Is Grace angry?”
“I’m not sure if it’s anger or hurt. Grace doesn’t understand why I sent for her if I had Lucinda and then she wouldn’t talk to me.”
Mason whistled. “You need to fix this. I can tell you care about Grace from the way you look at her. What about Elizabeth? How is she handling this?”
Clay shrugged. “Not sure. Even after Wade took off for the saloon, she was still concerned that he wouldn’t have a way home after he never met us for lunch.”
“She’s a beautiful woman. I don’t understand Wade’s problem. I got to know her a bit on the stage ride to town. I think growing up in an orphanage made her strong, yet she needs to feel as if she belongs. Wade�
��s behavior is inexcusable, but then should we really expect better from him?”
“No, we shouldn’t. I think he planned that Grace would believe Lucinda and leave town leaving him as the only married brother and he’d inherit. The plan backfired at least somewhat. Grace didn’t say she was leaving, and Wade embarrassed himself in front of the family and half the town. We’ll see what he has to say when he gets home,” Clay answered and asked Mason to stay for supper.
“I’d like that. Ma said she and pa were invited to the Wilson’s for supper and I was on my own.”
Clay laughed. “So, you decided to stop over here and get a good meal.”
Wade shrugged. “Why not. Cora is a good cook.”
“That she is, but we had our noon meal at the café. You might get cold ham and biscuits for supper.” Clay said as he threw one last pitchfork of hay into a stall.
“Cora does make a good biscuit,” Mason answered and followed Clay out of the barn.
The two men laughed and talked as they headed toward the house. The family welcomed Mason and Clay was partly right. Cora served cold ham for supper, but Mason had to make do with bread for sandwiches and apple pie for dessert.
After supper, Mason said his goodbyes and Clay asked Grace if she’d take a walk with him. She agreed and took his arm. Neither spoke until they reached the bench near the pond.
“Would you like to sit?” Clay asked.
Grace nodded and sat near the edge of the bench leaving more room than necessary for Clay.
“Did I tell you how pretty you look in that dress? What color is that? It looks purple, but not,” Clay mused.
“The dressmaker in Chicago said it is plum. I suppose it’s the color of a ripe plum,” Grace answered without looking at Clay.
“Whatever it is, you look beautiful. Grace, please look at me. I need to talk to you.”
Grace turned to look at Grace and Clay could see the sadness in her eyes.
A Bride For Clay (The Proxy Brides Book 2) Page 4
