Romance: Luther's Property (15 page)

Dear Christopher,

I don’t know where to start? So much has happened since I
received your letter and money. I will never tire of telling you thank you no
matter what happens or doesn’t between us. You would not believe the powers of
medicine. Mama is up and about although she still tires easily, but the doctor
said that soon, that will be a thing of the past.

Thank you so much. That sounds so inadequate. There are no
words to express my gratitude to you. Nobody has ever shown me such kindness.
Mama passes her gratitude too and she wishes she could express it in person.
Yesterday she even cooked us a meal, the first time in so many months. Her skin
has gotten its color back, and she’s able to converse as she used to.

I’m overwhelmed by joy. You told me in your last letter to
tell you a little about myself. Well, first of all, I can hardly describe
myself as pretty. I’m a bit on the heavy side as I had the misfortune of
inheriting my father’s big bones. I have brown hair that never listens to my
instructions on how I want it to stay.

Looks aside, I believe that I have a kind heart and a good
disposition. I believe that people who disagree should seat down and talk out
their problems. There’s nothing that cannot be resolved when two people are
willing to compromise. My parents had a good solid marriage, founded on love
and kindness and that is what I wish for myself.

I wouldn’t describe myself as talkative, but as you can see,
I do have a tendency to go on when I do open my mouth. So I’ll stop there and
await your reply.

With gratitude,

Elsa

Reading Elsa’s letter confirmed Christopher’s instincts.
This was the woman he wanted to marry. Unlike Mathew, his attraction for the
fairer sex did not come from physical attributes, though he did like a woman
with some curves on her. Rather, he looked at character first. He knew that a
woman could be as beautiful as Cleopatra, yet with a weak and nasty character.

He compared Elsa’s letters to her sister’s. Amanda had never
once mentioned her sister or that her mother was sick. Her expectations of the
ranch were also unrealistic. That’s not how people here lived. Amanda expected
to have servants at her back and call. She expected parties and going to
theatres and that kind of life. She would be perfect for Mathew, Christopher
thought with a chuckle.

His mind made up, he got prepared to pen down a reply. This
was the big one. The letter where he would invite her to the ranch. With a
sinking heart, Christopher knew that he would have to write to Amanda as well.
It would not be fair to just drop her like hot coal, without telling her.
Already from her letter, he could tell that she was a woman of a volatile
temperament. He imagined her green eyes dark with rage and shrugged.

The choice was his and as far as he was concerned, there was
no competition. Elsa would be perfect for him.

Elsa sat at the steps of the front door and opened her
letter. Two tickets and some money fell out. One was a train ticket and the
other for a stage coach. She read the letter in disbelief. He had picked her.
Christopher was inviting her to Montana. Elsa finished reading the letter and
hugged it to her chest. She felt happier than she had in a long time.

It seemed so unreal, that somebody actually wanted to marry
her. She felt a panicky feeling coming on. What if Christopher got disappointed
when he saw her? Then she remembered that she had tried to describe herself
fully. That and he had seen a photograph of Amanda. Yet he wanted her, Elsa!
She read the letter again to be sure that she wasn’t imagining things.

“Elsa?” her mother’s voice called out.

“I’m here mama.” Elsa replied.

Her mother came out and sat down on the steps next to her.

“Mama, Christopher has invited me to Montana. He wants to
marry me.” Elsa cried.

“Oh child that is so wonderful. You deserve it, you really
do.” She said and ran her hand down Elsa’s cheek.

“I’m so excited.” Elsa said.

A sad shadow crossed her mother’s face.

“What is it mama, are you unwell?” Elsa said, knowing that
she had become paranoid.

Every time her mother as much as yawned, she looked at her sharply,
or asked if she was OK.

“I’m well Elsa, don’t fret. I’ve never been better. I’m just
happy and sad. I want to see you go off and make a new life for yourself. But
we’ll miss you so much. You’ve held this family together during those trying
times when I was ill. How will we get by?”

Amanda was so angry; she could feel her blood boiling. She
paced the length of their room and seethed with anger. How could he? He had led
her to believe that she was his choice. Elsa was plain looking, why would a man
choose her over Amanda? She had not hidden her anger from Elsa and their mother
and now she felt a little bad at showing them.

Now Elsa would think that she had won, when really, he
wasn’t a prize worth writing home about. He was perfect for Elsa. Why hadn’t
she seen him for what he was?

Slowly her anger dissipated and she dismissed Christopher.
The truth was that he wasn’t the type of man who made her world light up. As
far as she was concerned, he was a regular farmer who expected a farmer’s wife
and that was one thing that Amanda was not. She was a lady and she needed a man
who would recognize that and ensure she had all the trappings of her station.
She even managed to feel sorry for Elsa.

Poor thing, she had no idea what awaited her in Montana. Her
life would be no different than it was here, probably worse. She would wake up
before dawn and all the chores would fall on her since there was nobody else to
help out. That issue resolved, Amanda left the bedroom and went to the kitchen
to join her mother and sister.

They looked at her wearily when she entered.

“Congratulations sister, I’m happy for you.” Amanda said
gracefully. “Sorry about my earlier outburst, I wasn’t thinking correctly.”

Elsa smiled unsurely. Their mama glanced from one daughter
to the other and grinned widely.

“The thing is, Christopher was not the right man for me. Are
you sure that you want to go to Montana? Elsa, he has no housekeeper, you’ll
have to do all the work. He’ll expect you to cook, clean and do all the chores
around the ranch. Are you ready for that?” Amanda said.

“I don’t mind hard work. I’ve been working all my life.
Besides it’ll be a partnership. He too will be hard at work in the ranch,
tending to the cattle. I’ll enjoy ensuring the household runs smoothly. Plus I
can’t wait to learn how to ride a horse.” Elsa said.

Amanda made a face and they all laughed. “But horses are
dirty.”

“Not if you don’t fall off.”

“When is your departure date?” Amanda said.

“In two weeks.” Elsa said.

Amanda could see the bubbling excitement in her sister. For
once she did not feel envious of her sister going off to start a new life. To
her surprise, she felt sad about Elsa leaving. They had never been apart from
the time when they were little girls. Amanda realized that she loved her sister
deeply.

“Keep a lookout for a suitable man for me out there in
Montana.” She said her voice shaky with unshed tears.

“I will. One who has a housekeeper.” Elsa said, with a
mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

“I’ll take nothing less than that.” Amanda said.

“We’ll be fine, won’t we Amanda? Besides I know Elsa won’t
let the end of year reach without inviting us.” Their mother said.

She had changed so much in the last month. She had gained
most of her weight back and her cheeks were rosy with health. Amanda knew that
they had Christopher to thank for that. She would forgive him for leading her
on; only because her mother was now back to her old self.

Maybe next summer would be her turn to find her prince, who
would carry her off to a castle in a faraway land. Amanda chuckled to herself.
If only there were princes’ in real life. She would do anything in her power to
snag one, and then she would live in luxury all her life. As it were, the
prospects in New Hampshire were dismal. The men here were weak and none were more
than average in looks and financially.

Amanda sighed. She would not lose hope just yet.

Elsa stepped out of the stage coach and looked around. Her
eyes stopped when they rested on a man standing a few steps away, his eyes
locked on her. Her legs turned to water and her skin broke out into a sweat.
She knew it was Christopher when he took three giant steps towards her. Instead
of shaking her hand, he took it and brought his mouth to it.

He kissed her hand gently, kept holding it and kissed her
cheek. Elsa’s mouth was dry and she felt sure that she had lost all her powers
of speech.

“You are so beautiful.” He said his voice husky and deep.

Elsa smiled unsure of what to say. She couldn’t believe that
the tall handsome man standing in front of her was her fiancé. He had washed
out blond hair and brown skin, tanned by the outdoors and a pearly white smile.
Looking at him, Elsa could tell that this was a man who labored hard. His chest
was muscular and his shirt sleeves bulged from the size of his arms.

He made her want to rest her head on his chest and touch his
chest. Shocked at her thoughts, Elsa felt her face grow hot and she was glad
that he could not read her thoughts.

“I’ve arranged for you to freshen up in a hotel here and we
can get married immediately. Elsa’s eyes grew wide.

A wedding?Already.

“Is that OK, or do you need some time to get used to the
idea?” Christopher asked his eyes full of concern.

Elsa thought for a moment. She was here already; there was
nothing to think about.

“No I don’t need time. I’m sure.” She said firmly.

Christopher retrieved her brown suitcase from the stage
coach, held her hand and guided her out of the station. He helped her into a
buggy and jumped in the driver’s seat.

“The town is not so big but you won’t luck for anything.”
Christopher called out from the front.

He kept up a string of conversation, which Elsa was glad for
because it kept her worries at bay. Soon they packed in front of a smart
looking building.

“This is the hotel where we’ll freshen up and spend the
night.” Christopher said. “I hope that you’ll like it.”

“I’m sure I will.” Elsa said with a smile and more
confidence than she actually felt.

The receptionist was a young man and he politely checked
them in. then he rang for a bellboy, who showed them towards the stairs. Their
room was on the second floor, and once the uniformed bellboy had deposited
Elsa’s case he left them alone. Christopher placed a small bag on the table.

“Welcome to Montana my beautiful bride. I know that we’ll be
very happy together.” He said and took a step towards her.

He kissed her on the cheek and instinctively, Elsa threw her
hands around his chest. Christopher groaned, which dared her to go even
further. Tentatively, she kissed his mouth, and in response he opened his. His
tongue darted out and entered her mouth. Elsa felt the most glorious sensation,
as though she was riding the waves in a sea.

Christopher pulled her body against his and grinded is
pelvis against her. Elsa’s eyes widened when she felt hardness between her
legs. She was not innocent to the ways of men and women, even if she had never
experienced it.

“You’re tempting me, and I don’t think I can control myself
any more. I’ll be downstairs when you’re ready my temptress.” Christopher said.

Elsa grinned to herself when he left.
Who was that daring woman?
She couldn’t believe that she had
behaved that way, but instead of feeling ashamed, she felt excited at what lay
ahead. She washed herself in the adjoining bathroom and unpacked a sheer pink
dress that she had sewn as a just in case. She stretched it out on the bed and
admired it. It would be perfect for the wedding.

The wedding was simple with the preacher, a witness and the
two of them. The church was small and perfect for their intimate ceremony.
Looking at her new husband as they left the church hand in hand, Elsa felt
suddenly shy. Would she know what to do? Sure she had seen animals, but that
seemed so mechanical, nothing like the feelings she had experienced back at the
hotel.

“What would you like to do now?” Christopher said once they
were out in the sunshine. “If you like we can go to the ranch today.”

Elsa knew he was giving her a chance to get used to the idea
of marriage but she wasn’t fearful. There was something solid and good and kind
about Christopher. She felt safe with him.

“No, let’s go back to the hotel.” Elsa said.

Her eyes met with Christopher’s and the intensity in his
eyes made her insides melt. The hotel was only a short walk away. They held
hands and walked silently, each engrossed in their own thoughts. Elsa’s mind
was stuck on the memory of earlier on, when their lips had locked together and
Christopher had pushed his tongue into her mouth.

They went up the stairs and when Christopher locked the door
to their room, they stood and looked at each other. The chemistry in the room
was so strong; Elsa knew she could cut it with a knife. Then Christopher took a
step towards her. He touched her cheek. She stood still unable to move. He brought
his mouth to hers. A shock went through Elsa and she almost gasped.

It amazed her that she could have such a strong reaction to
a man she had only just met in person. Her husband, she reminded herself. Elsa
touched his cheek and then held his neck with both of her hands. Christopher
then did something no one had ever done to her. He gently touched her nipples
through the material of her dress, and then gently cupped her breasts.

Without her knowledge, Elsa groaned. Christopher took her
hand from his neck and guided it to the bulge in his trousers. Elsa snatched
her hand away then slowly returned it there. Gingerly she touched his manhood.
He opened the buttons of his trousers and it sprung out. Elsa was amazed at its
size. She covered it with his hand and Christopher moaned.

Liking his reaction, she moved her hand up and then down. He
groaned and pulled her hand away. He turned her round and proceeded to undo her
dress, all the while planting kisses on her neck. Elsa arched her neck for
more. He managed to undo her dress, which fell to the floor in a heap. She
wasn’t sure what was expected of her so she stood still.

He removed all her clothes until she was left with her
corset and underwear. These too he removed, by which time, Elsa was trembling
with longing. He turned her round and gave an appreciative sound. She had
expected to feel embarrassed at standing naked in front of a man, but she and
Christopher seemed locked in their own private world.

It was her turn to watch as he undressed. His chest was full
of hair and when he was as naked as she was, she stepped to him and ran her
fingers over the hair in his chest. He pulled her to the bed and to his lap
facing him. His mouth was now at level with her chest and he took each of her
nipples into his mouth.

Later, what seemed to be like hours to Elsa, she stirred and
arose from her sleep. She was sprawled across Christopher’s chest. She
remembered what had transpired between them and felt her face burn. If that’s
what happened between married couples, Elsa would be happy to do it over and
over again. She recalled the moment when they had become one; the searing pain,
followed by the rising pleasure.

She had matched Christopher’s movements and then felt
something inside her explode into tiny pieces. These thoughts excited her again
and she felt moistness between her legs. She caressed Christopher’s body,
touching him in secret places that she hadn’t known existed. Still in his
sleep, he groaned and touched her back until finally; he guided her on top of
him and slid her into his manhood.

Elsa found herself moving along to his movements. She
experimented a little, grinding her hips against him, and his reactions told
her that she was doing the right thing. Soon she lost all control, and they
made love again. When it was over, Elsa felt happier than she ever had.

They spent two more nights at the hotel until Christopher
said they had to return otherwise, his workers would worry. Elsa could have
stayed there forever.

“I’m the luckiest man to ever walk on this earth.”
Christopher declared as they were leaving.

Elsa smiled and climbed the buggy. It was time to see her
new home. The ranch was almost an hour’s ride away from the town. The land on
both sides of the road was dotted with cows and sheep, and in some places rows
of corn and wheat. It was hilly land and breathtaking. Everywhere she looked
was green. Montana was fertile.

“Here we are.” Christopher said guiding the buggy away from
the main road to a drive covered in gravel. The buggy made crushing noises as
the wheels connected with the small stones. Her first view of the ranch made
her gasp. It was white with a porch that seemed to circle it and on the front,
large trees that shaded the drive and the porch.

The buggy came to a halt in front of the house and
Christopher helped her down.

“Your home is beautiful.” Elsa said.

“Our home.” Christopher corrected.

She walked to the end of the house from where she could see
the rest of the land. There were smaller buildings dotted near the house and to
her excitement she saw a patch of land that looked like it had once been a
kitchen garden.

“Do you like gardening?” Christopher said, coming to stand
beside her.

“I do, I love working with my hands. I used to milk our only
cow back home.” Elsa said. “I could help with that if you like.”

“Well, my eager wife. Right now I want to show you to your
new home.”

They walked to the front door and Christopher flung it open.
In one fluid movement, he took her into his arms and carried her inside the
house. He only put her down after he kicked the door shut with his leg. Elsa
looked at her surroundings. They were in an airy carpeted hallway. She kicked
off her shoes.

“This is the entrance; you can decorate it however you wish,
or indeed any part of this house. It’s yours now.” Christopher said.

He took her hand and led her to a room on the left. It
turned out to be the living room. Four chairs were arranged round a table and
on the corner was a huge stone fireplace. Elsa imagined snuggling on a rug,
next to a roaring fire on cold winter nights. They went through a door to a
kitchen almost as big as the living room.

It was as neat as anything she had ever seen, and fully
equipped with a modern stove as well as nicely built kitchen counters.

“Now to the bedrooms, are you ready?” Christopher teased.

“I’m ready.” Elsa said demurely and followed him back to the
hallway.

The bedrooms were further along, three in total with a
washroom between them. The master bedroom was at the end of the hallway. Elsa
walked in first and loved the room at first glance. One side of the wall was
occupied by a window, which lit up the room. The king sized bed was in the
middle of the room and on the other side a wardrobe.

Elsa sat on the bed and bounced on it.

“What do you think?” Christopher said.

Elsa was touched to see that he was worried about her
reaction to his home. She stood up and kissed him on the mouth.

“It’s beautiful, better than I could ever imagine. I’m lucky
to be here...”

Her voice got drowned out by Christopher’s mouth on hers.
She had learnt a lot in the last two days. Elsa teased his lips with her tongue
and ran her hands on his back. He capped her in her back and pulled her to him.
Within minutes they were both undressed and on the bed.

“Christopher, anybody home?” a voice called out at the
backyard.

Elsa looked up from the stove where she was spooning two
plates of food into their plates. Christopher stood up and went to open the
kitchen door.

“Where have you been? I came two days ago and you were not
here.” The newcomer said.

He entered the room, and Elsa saw a handsome man, about the
same age as Christopher. He stopped short when he saw her.

“Ah I see. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” He said.

“No its fine. In any case I want you to meet my new wife.
Mathew, this is Elsa. Elsa, this is my good friend Mathew. He owns the ranch
next door, so if you ever have a problem, you can ask for his help.”

“You can ask for more than that.” Mathew drawled making Elsa
break out into giggles.

“Stop flirting with my wife Mathew; get your own.” Christopher
said.

“Please sit down, there’s more than enough lunch for all of
us.” Elsa said.

“Don’t encourage him or he’ll be coming here every day.”
Christopher said.

Elsa saw another side to Christopher. He and Mathew teased
each other during the meal, but they also spoke seriously about their cattle.
She listened intently eager to learn as much as she could about the workings of
the ranch.

“This is lovely, I could get used to it.” Christopher said.
“Is there more?”

“Of course.”
 
Elsa
said beaming at the pleasure Christopher’s compliments gave her.

She poured out more vegetables, biscuits and a beef stew.
All the while her mind was busy with plans for the ranch. She would breed
chicken, that way they wouldn’t have to buy eggs from the store. She thought of
all the things Christopher had bought in town, things she could very well make
at home.
 

“Do you have a sister Elsa?” Mathew said.

Not knowing where he was going with the question, Elsa said
innocently. “Yes I do why?”

“I’m a lonely bachelor and I need a wife.” Mathew said and
Elsa was not sure if he was kidding or not.

She laughed and decided to take it as a joke but the more
she observed Mathew the more she thought he and Amanda would make a fine
couple. After they finished their lunch and washed it down with a cup of tea,
Mathew stood up.

“Thank you so much for the best meal I’ve eaten in years.”
He said.

“You’re welcome anytime.” Elsa said.

The men left, but Christopher lingered behind. When Mathew’s
footsteps faded, he bent and kissed her hard on the mouth.

“I won’t be long.”

“I’ll be waiting.” Elsa said in a low voice.