An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) (14 page)

“He had planned on going to Cripple Creek, but that’ll be postponed now. Your wedding is more important.”

“Thank you.”

“You must be tired from your journey,” remarked Jane. “Traveling by wagon is exhausting.”

“It is,” agreed Clarissa. “What an adventure.”

“We’ve all gone through it,” said Fanny. “I wouldn’t want to do it again.”

The ease with which the conversation flowed put my mind to rest. Whatever air of superiority and condescension Elizabeth had displayed earlier was gone now. She was cordial and pleasant and as kind as any friend in my acquaintance. Brandon’s talk with his sister had changed everything, and I was grateful to him for intervening. The meeting was productive, as we made plans to visit the mercantile to see about dresses. My sister would talk to the florist, and Fanny would arrange for the cake. I was thrilled that the plans were taking shape readily, but…I hated that I would not see Brandon later today or tonight. I prayed that he returned to me as fast as possible.

Chapter Fifteen

A day after I had decided on a wedding dress, Elizabeth and I were seated in the parlor, enjoying a cup of tea. Rosalind slept, and Clarissa had gone to town with Jane, the two having become fast friends. Clarissa had been introduced to Jane’s husband, Ryan, yesterday. His Native American looks had shocked her at first, but it was clear that she was fascinated. She had been warm and welcoming all the same.

“I’m flabbergasted,” said Elizabeth, who was teasing good-naturedly. “I can’t believe she did that.”

“She liked the dress,” I said.

“What’s happening to us?” she laughed. “Clarissa wouldn’t really wear it, would she?”

“It’s a lovely calico. Very functional.”

“Yes, but…oh, goodness. This place has had an effect. The sooner we leave, the better.” Her smile was playful. “There might be no hope for us now.”

“The material is hardy enough to withstand the elements and dirt and things. Stains are well hidden, and they’re easy to clean and dry. It’s the ideal fabric for these parts.”

“If you say so.”

“I’d love to wear your clothes. They’re all so pretty.”

“And difficult to clean. Everything has to be ironed. It’s a complete nuisance.”

“You never need do that with calico.”

“No, I assumed not.” She placed the cup on its saucer. “Speaking of dresses, yours is divine. What a lovely color. Peaches and cream they called it. The seamstress will be busy all day raising the hem, no doubt.”

“It’s very pretty and very expensive.”

“Bosh, Brandon can afford it.”

“I’m expecting him to return soon.”

“You’ve missed him?”

“Yes, I have.” I’d been miserable at night without his company, as we enjoyed sitting by the fire. “There are so many things we need to talk about.”

“Such as?”

“Where we’ll live once we’re married. Will we have a honeymoon? Things of that nature.”

“He seems to want to stay here.”

“You’re angry with him for that, aren’t you?”

She sighed. “I don’t know. I was.” A faraway look was on her face. “I never thought he would want to live so far from everything.”

“The railroad’s coming. We won’t be as isolated.”

“That’s true, but…his work. He has interests to mind and I’d be shocked, if he gave them up. He inherited a fortune, you know. I’ve my share of it, but it’s insignificant compared to Brandon’s. Women always get the short end of the stick,” she muttered.

“Maybe you’ll stay too. You turn heads wherever you go. The men around here aren’t used to seeing such refined women. The mayor’s son is said to be quite the catch.”

Her laughter filled the room. “I dare say you’ll have me married by the end of the month, won’t you?”

“I could. The Friday socials are the perfect place to meet eligible bachelors. You’ll have more offers than you can possibly accept.”

“I assume I’d wear my best calico to such an event? With a matching bonnet?”

“You could.”

Amusement lit her eyes. “It’s a darling idea, really.”

“My younger sister, Susanna, attends the dances often. She’s nearing marriage age.”

“That’s the wish of every mother, to see her daughters wed and happy.”

“Yes.”

The door slammed, as a vision in purple swept into the room. “I’ve had several adventures today.” Clarissa untied her bonnet, tossing it to the sofa. “The men here are very vocal about things. I’ve been whistled at three times!”

Elizabeth’s mouth fell open. “How awful. It’s as if they’re calling to their dog.”

“Well,” Clarissa sank to the sofa, “he was quite the ruffian on horseback. There is something appealing about a man who wears a wide-brimmed hat and wears denim. It’s a look you don’t see too often in the city. There’s a wildness here in everything. The lack of manners, the coarse language, the way they stare.” Her grin betrayed the fact that she wasn’t offended in the least. “They are a hardy bunch.”

“Of drunkards,” added Elizabeth. “You can hear them at the saloon every night.”

“Only the ones who don’t have a wife to keep them in line.”

“You’d have a better time trying to herd cats.”

I laughed at that. “Oh, that’s true, but I must tell you something. The women in the Hoffman family all married these sorts of men, and things have turned out rather well. Hannah’s husband was a scoundrel, if you must know, but he’s walking the straight and narrow now. He’s wonderful. My sister married a half-breed, but he’s entirely devoted to her. They have a baby, who’s adorable.”

“You think all babies are adorable,” said Elizabeth.

“I do.”

“I know what you’re saying. We’re judging everyone based on their appearance. It’s shallow; it is. I’m guilty as charged.” She eyed Clarissa. “For Pete’s sake, woman. What’s the smile all about? You’re grinning like a Cheshire cat.”

“I…just would like to…oh, never mind.”

I had a sense I knew what she was thinking. “There’s a social tomorrow night. I’ll introduce you, if you want. I’ll ask Megan if she’ll watch Rosalind, and we can have a laugh and a dance.”

“You’ll be busy with Brandon. He’s due to return any second.”

“I hope.”

Elizabeth took a sip of tea, looking thoughtful. “I might join you.”

“I hope you would,” said Clarissa. “I’m certainly not going alone.”

“Susanna and Jane might come as well. Perhaps even Annie. She’s Louisa’s stepdaughter.”

“A night on the town is just what we need.” Clarissa beamed. “We’ve accomplished everything we set out to do this week. Everything’s ready for the wedding. We can take a night and amuse ourselves.”

“All that’s missing is the groom,” said Elizabeth.

“Yes, we need him. I mean, I need him.”

Laughter filled the room.

By Friday, all my things were laid out: the shoes I was going to wear had been polished, the stockings washed, and my hat adorned with pretty peach ribbons. I’d had a bath, while reposing before the fire, and Clarissa had patiently combed through my hair. Then she had taken scissors to it, shortening the strands around my face in preparation for curling. I was excited by all of these events, yet increasingly worried about Brandon, who I had not seen in days. He was supposed to arrive by now. The wedding was tomorrow.

I stood by the window that evening, after the dinner dishes had been taken away, staring out into the street, which teemed with carriages and horses. Men lounged before the saloon, laughing and smoking, while boisterous piano music played in the background.

“Do you see him yet?” asked a voice behind me.

I turned to face Elizabeth, who was dressed in her nightclothes and robe. She had taken to sleeping with us, using Brandon’s room. “No.”

“Gracious, something’s not right.”

This was the first time she had voiced this opinion. “I agree.”

“He was supposed to be home today. He knows the wedding’s tomorrow. He wouldn’t miss that; trust me. He’s most eager to marry you.”

“I’m worried.”

“Perhaps, he was delayed. I’m sure he’ll come in the middle of the night or early tomorrow. He’ll be exhausted, but he would never miss his own wedding.”

“What if he doesn’t arrive in time?”

“Then something’s happened. The wedding will be postponed for a few days, and the children can eat the cake.” She smiled. “Won’t they be happy about that?”

“I’m glad you’re here, Beth.” We had become friends over the last three days, and she had asked that I call her Beth.

Her look was sympathetic, yet concerned. “What will we do?”

“I’ve family who can help. If Brandon fails to materialize, I’ll speak to Jack. He’ll know what to do.”

“That’s a relief to know. We had snow yesterday. I imagine it was worse in the mountains.”

“Yes. They get a great deal more than we do.”

“Perhaps, he’s stuck in it. He’s been delayed; that’s all.”

“I’m sure that’s what it is.”

“Then let’s not worry anymore. He’ll arrive shortly, and all our fretting will have been for naught.”

“I’ve some reading to do.” Beth had brought books with her, and I had borrowed one, which I was thoroughly enjoying.

“I might need a bedtime brandy.”

“I’ll join you.”

She reached for a decanter. “Excellent.”

Earlier in the evening, we had attended a social with Clarissa and my younger sister, Susanna. We had danced and laughed, enjoying ourselves, but I had not been able to shake the feeling that something was wrong. Now, as bedtime drew near, the sentiment had grown. I hated to dwell on negative musings, but I knew the wedding would have to be postponed, and, after I said my prayers and slid beneath the covers, I struggled to sleep, tossing and turning all night long.

Upon waking, I laid in bed listening to talking in the hallway.

“Where on earth is he?” asked Clarissa. “He’s supposed to be married today.”

“I fear he’s met up with some sort of delay. When Mary wakes, we need to discuss what we’ll do.”

“What if he arrives in time? He’d be angry, if we cancelled the wedding. He might draw up to the church with only a few minutes to spare.”

“You’re the eternal optimist.”

“I would hate to see her special day ruined.”

“Not ruined, only delayed.”

“How I dislike that word. The poor girl’s been preparing all week. She’s been looking forward to being Mrs. Brandon Carlyle.”

“And she shall, but we must brace ourselves for trouble.”

“Let’s not talk here. People are sleeping.”

They had moved to the parlor, yet I remained in bed, staring at the ceiling, while Rosalind slept. The cat was with me, curled up by my side. It was a comfort having Paws near, but nothing could take away the anxiety that had gripped me. And, as each hour went by that morning, the stress of not knowing where Brandon was had taken its toll. Fanny, Jane, and Susanna arrived an hour later to help me with the preparations, but once they realized Brandon was not in town, their expressions dropped.

“Where exactly did he say he was going?” asked Fanny.

We were in the parlor, while I remained by the window, gazing down into the street. “Georgetown.”

I glanced at Fanny, as she bit her lip; her expression was grave. “If he fails to appear for the wedding, something’s wrong.”

“Or he needed longer to finish his business. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that he won’t be here today. We should’ve planned another week. He underestimated how long it would take to go there and back. With weather in the mix, traveling in poor conditions slows things down even more.”

She approached, hugging me from behind. “You’re taking this rather well, but he might just be here in time.”

“Then we go to the church and wait.”

“Everything’s in place for the reception. Paulina’s husband has made his famous baked pig.” Samuel typically roasted one every weekend for brunch, and he had done so a day early for the wedding. “We can still celebrate, if you want.”

“I suppose. I’m sure the children are looking forward to the cake.”

“I’ve had to hide it to keep it away from prying fingers.”

“I had a feeling things were too good to be true,” I murmured.

“No, don’t say that.” Her grip on me tightened. “You have every right to expect happiness, Mary. You’ve met a wonderful man, who adores you. I’ll never have to worry about you on that score. He’s shockingly rich too. You’ve done quite well for yourself.”

“I’m not married to him yet. I’ve done nothing.”

“You should put your dress on.”

“I will.”

“We’ll go to the church and wait for him. We have to have faith that he’ll appear.”

Tears were in my eyes. “What if…what if he’s met with—”

“No, don’t say it.”

“What if he’s never coming back?” My throat thickened, as apprehension settled upon me. “Anything could’ve happened, Fanny. You know that. The stagecoach could’ve driven off the road or swerved to avoid an animal or maybe it was bandits. It’s possible—”

“Shush.” She held me closely. “You’ll make yourself sick with worry thinking like that. Get yourself together, and be prepared to leave in a half an hour. We’re going to the church today, and, if God has heard our prayers, your fiancé will arrive soon.”

I was afraid to speak, as tears fell down my face. Time had run out…and Brandon wasn’t here.

Chapter Sixteen

The procession to the church was akin to traveling to a funeral. I did my best to keep my chin up, but, with little reassurance that my fiancé was in town, things looked entirely bleak. I sat with Fanny and Beth, while Clarissa and Susanna were across from me. My sister was gay this morning, chatting amiably on a variety of subjects.

Megan and the children were in the carriage behind us with Jane, who watched over Rosalind. My family had already gathered at the church, as the various wagons parked in the yard indicated. The men loitered on the steps, dressed in their Sunday best with neckties and sack coats with vests beneath.

When I alighted, Hannah strode towards me, her bonnet bouncing with each step. “You look beautiful, Mary.” Her cheeks were pink from the crispness of the air.

“Why aren’t they inside? They shouldn’t see me yet.” I hated that I sounded peevish, but my mood was disturbingly dark.