Montana Sky: Bride's Adventure (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 4) Read online

  Text copyright ©2017 by the Author.

  This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Debra Holland. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original Montana Sky remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Debra Holland, or their affiliates or licensors.

  For more information on Kindle Worlds: http://www.amazon.com/kindleworlds

  Bride’s Adventure

  By

  Caroline Clemmons

  Welcome

  Welcome to Montana Sky Series Kindle World, where authors write books set in my 1880s “world” of Sweetwater Springs and Morgan’s Crossing, Montana. Aside from providing the backdrop of setting and townsfolk, I haven’t contributed to the stories in any way. The authors bring their own unique vision and imagination to the KW books, sometimes tying them into their own series.

  Bride’s Adventure is written by Caroline Clemmons. This book is also connected to her earlier bestselling Montana Sky Kindle World book, Murdoch’s Bride. I met Caroline online in 2012. Although we met only briefly at a Romantic Times Convention in 2015, we are in several of the same Facebook groups and collaborated on a box set titled Courting The West.

  I hope you enjoy reading Bride’s Adventure.

  Debra Holland

  Chapter One

  Sweetwater Springs, Montana 1887

  A cold February breeze pushed against Amelia Douglas and she shivered inside her heaviest clothing.

  Sean Murdoch stood facing her. A long duster covered his black suit and he wore a western hat over his dark hair. What a handsome man and what a good looking trio he, his brother Logan, and their father Kevin made.

  No fresh snow had fallen in the past four days, but evidence of the last storm clothed the landscape. The wind tugged at the black veil draped from her hat. She replaced a hat pin to better anchor the bonnet.

  Sean gestured toward the stage. “We’ll keep your other trunks safe until you return or tell us where to send them.” Usually outgoing, Sean shifted from one foot to the other. “But . . . um, we sure hope you’ll be coming back to Sweetwater Springs.”

  She searched his face for any sign of personal interest in his statement. “I appreciate that. You and your family have been especially kind to us.”

  He glanced at the stage again then back to her. “Hope when you get to Oregon your brother’s all right.”

  His comment snapped her focus to her one remaining family member. Fear clawed at her. “I can’t help being worried. I’m sure Charlie’s been hiding something serious.”

  A twinkle shone from Sean’s eyes. “Maybe you have a sister-in-law and he hasn’t told you. Maybe she’s an Indian or a Chinese or an Eskimo who came down from Alaska.”

  She tried to pretend he’d offended her but she couldn’t resist a smile. “If Charlie loves her, then certainly I will.” Her smile disappeared and she shook her head. “No, I think something else—something bad is wrong.”

  “Are you afraid he’s sick?”

  “Not exactly. I can’t imagine what it is, but I believe he’s in some kind of trouble and he can’t tell me.” She met Sean’s blue-eyed gaze. “He and I have never kept secrets from one another, which is why I think this is something very serious.”

  “I hope you’re wrong. If he’s trying to get a business up and making money in Salem, likely he’s too busy to write the details to you.”

  Amelia had considered that but didn’t tell Sean. What good was discussing a problem until she had all the facts? Only a talk in person with her older brother would satisfy her mind.

  Newlyweds Charity and Logan Murdoch waited with her until time to depart. Kevin, who was Logan and Sean’s father, and their new stepmother, Edwina, were traveling the same route to Portland, Oregon for their honeymoon. Amelia was glad she’d have familiar company on most of her trip.

  Charity hugged Amelia. “I’ll miss you terribly. Even though we haven’t actually know one another long, I feel as if we’ve been lifelong best friends—almost sisters. Promise me you’ll let us know you’re at your brother’s.”

  Amelia smiled at Charity. “I will—I’ll send a wire as soon as I arrive.” Overcome by emotion, she blurted out, “Oh, Charity, if I could have had a sister, I’d want her to be like you. I’ve been pretending we really are sisters.”

  Charity clasped Amelia’s hands in hers. “Then perhaps you’ll come back to Sweetwater Springs. Sisters should be together if possible.”

  Amelia squeezed her friend’s fingers before releasing them. “Perhaps you’re right.”

  Several weeks earlier, snow had frozen a railroad switch and caused the train on which she was a passenger to derail. Two passenger cars had caught fire and Amelia and her fellow travelers rushed to escape the flames. Her new friends Charity Kelso and Charity’s Aunt Edwina Shaw had been among those stranded. They’d been fortunate to find shelter at the Murdoch Ranch an hour’s wagon ride from town.

  Logan Murdoch and Charity had fallen in love and married earlier that day. What a surprise that the complaining Edwina and the taciturn Kevin Murdoch had also become sweethearts and were married in a double wedding with Logan and Charity. Today’s ceremony had been so different from the elaborate one at which Amelia had married her late husband John three years ago.

  His death was still fresh in her mind and heart. John would have wanted her to move on with her life, but doing so was confusing. She’d experienced too many changes in too short a time. Amelia had six trunks of household goods from her parents, her clothes, and supplies for the hats she intended to create as a business, but she was virtually homeless and forced to begrudge every penny’s expense.

  Now Amelia stood with the Murdoch family as her valise and her brown trunk were strapped onto the top of the stage. The train accident had not been cleared yet, but the railroad company had arranged for a stagecoach to transport passengers from the first town east, to stop in Sweetwater Springs, and then travel to the next depot west before the stage reversed the trip. At least she’d only have to be crowded into the stage for a few miles.

  Several of those who’d attended the double wedding lingered with them. John Carter and his wife Pamela remained as well as Darcy Walker and her husband Gideon.

  While Gideon conferred with Logan, elegant Darcy glided to Edwina. “Best wishes on your marriage. I look forward to getting to know you when you and Kevin return from your honeymoon.”

  Happiness had Edwina glowing. “Thank you, Mrs. Walker. I want to be a part of the community, but I’ll be happy with Kevin even if I never get to town.”

  Darcy took Amelia’s hand. “I hope you’ll consider returning to Sweetwater Springs. Ours is a nice community.”

  “You’re kind to invite me back.” Amelia didn’t want to commit herself even though she expected to return.

  After all, who knew what she’d encounter in Oregon? If Charlie didn’t need her, Amelia had decided Sweetwater Springs was the kind of friendly town she’d wished for herself and her business. Look how people had opened their homes when the train wreck occurred.

  Jonah Barrett shook Kevin’s hand. “Lina will be mad she missed a double wedding. Adam is recovering from the croup and we were afraid to take him out in the cold.”

  The driver called, “All that’s going to the train get in the stagecoach. We’re a leavin’ now.”

  Kevin helped his bride up the step to climb inside. He turned to help Amelia but Sean took her hand. />
  “Don’t forget us when you get to Salem.”

  Suddenly her shyness returned and she studied her shoes. “How could I? You and your family have been so kind to me.”

  Sean leaned forward and kissed her cheek. Guilt struck her because she wished he’d given her a real kiss but he was too much a gentleman. What was she thinking? After all, she was still in her black mourning clothes. She climbed inside the stage and took her seat.

  Her life in Chicago seemed an eternity ago. In reality, little more than four weeks had passed since she’d left. On the day of her husband John’s funeral, his parents had told her she was no longer welcome in their home and she had one week to make plans and leave. Still in shock from her husband’s death, she’d wired her brother and he’d immediately answered that she should come to visit him in Salem, Oregon.

  With a sigh, she spread a blanket over her legs and Edwina’s and settled in for their brief ride to where she’d board the train.

  ***

  Sean stood as if frozen to the road’s packed-snow while he watched the stage head west. The gray sky matched his mood. He clenched and unclenched his gloved hands with a sense of loss. What was wrong with him?

  His brother laid a hand on Sean’s shoulder. “You should have told her how you feel.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You sent calf-eyes at her all the time she was at our house. Why didn’t you let her know you cared? Might mean the difference in whether or not she comes back to Sweetwater Springs.”

  Sean cast a glance toward where Charity chatted with several other women. “Look who’s talking. You almost let Charity ride out of your life.”

  “That was my stubborn pride, but I didn’t let her go, did I? Now I repeat, why didn’t you say anything to Amelia to let her know you’re sweet on her?”

  He tugged his duster closed against the wind. “Aw, I couldn’t. Too soon since her husband died, plus she needs to check on her brother.”

  “You could have gone with her like Pa’s doing with Edwina. Would have made a nice honeymoon.”

  “Are you nuts? Honeymoon with my father and new stepmother?” Sean grimaced. “No thank you.”

  Once again, he shifted his weight from one booted foot to the other. “Besides, the situation is not the same. Reckon Edwina hasn’t been a widow long either but her husband was a rat. Amelia loved her man. Be some time before she’s ready to replace him.”

  “You’re just gonna pine away here while you hope she returns?”

  “I’m not ‘pining’ after her.” Sean’s words came out sharper than he intended, but he didn’t want anyone’s pity.

  “That why you stood like a statue and watched the stage until it was out of sight? I think you care more than you’re willing to admit.”

  “Maybe.” He pivoted to face his brother. “Hey, aren’t you and your bride supposed to be heading to the ranch? I’ll be along later, but I’ll bunk with the hands for a couple of days.”

  “Thanks, Little Brother. I appreciate the privacy. I expect Jenny will keep to herself.”

  “But her room isn’t next to yours. Hope you’ll get on to building that new wing right away. I don’t cotton to having to listen to you two every night.”

  Logan laid a hand on Sean’s shoulder. “You’re just wishing you had the same situation. But, yeah, I want us to have our own part of the house as soon as possible. Maybe between storms we can get the foundation down and the walls up.”

  “We’ll manage.” He hoped he spoke the truth. Having the newlyweds next door would be a painful reminder Amelia had gone.

  “We ought to go ahead and do the same for you soon as we get the wing for Charity and me. Pa wants us to all live in the same house, but with some privacy.”

  “I like the idea. Now, get your bride home.”

  Sean watched the buggy leave. White ribbons decorated the horses and the vehicle. Charity beamed with happiness.

  As happy as he was for Logan, Sean couldn’t help envying his brother. Would Amelia return to Sweetwater Springs? If so, would she let him court her?

  ***

  A silvery-gray sky greeted Amelia when left the train in Salem. She spotted her brother’s tall form and hair the same blond shade as her own. She waved and a big smile split his face as he hurried toward her. Charlie looked good until he was closer and she became aware of lines furrowing his forehead and at the corners of his blue eyes.

  His hug lifted her off her feet. “You look even prettier than I remembered.”

  She laughed with joy and the relief of seeing him again, “You’re as silver-tongued as ever. I’m so glad to see you. Even though I’m a Douglas now, we’re all that’s left of the Baxter family and I want us to always remain close.”

  “We will, Sis.” He squeezed her shoulders and gestured to a man beside him. “This is Tony Ward. He and I work together and share a house, but there’s plenty of room for you. Tony, this is my sister, Mrs. Amelia Douglas.”

  The handsome man was tall and well-dressed. His dark hair and brown eyes were a contrast to her brother as he bowed slightly. “My pleasure, Mrs. Douglas. Charlie has spoken of you often.” His accent reminded her of Chicago, but not quite—maybe further east.

  She linked her arm with that of her brother. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Ward. I’m excited to finally be here.”

  The man nodded at the valise she’d set at her feet. “If you give me your check, I’ll get the rest of your luggage.”

  She fished the claim ticket from her purse. “How kind of you, Mr. Ward. Mine is a brown trunk. While you do that, I need to send a wire.”

  As his friend claimed her trunk, Charlie stuck by her side to the telegraph operator’s desk. She sent a telegram to Charity letting her know she’d arrived.

  Her brother glanced over his shoulder at Tony. “Play along with whatever I say and don’t divulge any details of your plans. Tony’s always watching and listening but I’ll try to explain later.”

  Her breath caught as a vice clamped around her chest. Her earlier fears were justified. A dozen questions popped into her mind, but Charlie’s expression silenced her.

  He kissed her cheek and whispered. “Don’t be afraid, only extra cautious and act naïve.”

  Hardly reassured, she wondered what had happened to her brother. Whatever the problem, it involved Mr. Ward. She forced a smile for the man as he and a porter approached with her trunk on a cart.

  Charlie indicated a hansom cab waiting nearby. “Normally we take the streetcar or walk, but today I hired a cab.”

  Mr. Ward helped the porter maneuver the trunk onto the vehicle. “Moving across the country, I thought you’d have more luggage.”

  “But, I don’t intend to live with Charlie forever. I only wanted to see him and give myself time to recover and think things through.”

  Mr. Ward responded with a tut-tut. “Forcing you to leave so soon after your husband’s funeral was mean.”

  Her in-law’s decision had stunned her. “I certainly agree. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas were never pleasant people, but I admit their demand caught me by surprise. John and I had already been planning to move to our own house but we hadn’t cemented our arrangements.”

  Charlie patted her hand where it rested on his arm then helped her into the cab. “Now you’re here, you’re in good hands, Sis. You know you’re welcome wherever I live.”

  She settled her skirts and he sat beside her. “Thank you, Charlie. I know I can always count on my older brother. How far are we from your house?”

  “We’ll be there in ten or fifteen minutes.”

  Mr. Ward sat across from them and gestured toward the buildings they passed. “What do you think of our city so far?”

  “Smaller and much cleaner than Chicago. I’m glad your weather is not as cold as there.”

  They drove through the business part of the city to a residential street of modest but neat homes. When the cab stopped, they were in front of a blue frame home with white trim. A gate int
errupted a wrought iron fence, and a concrete walk led to the wide front porch.

  The driver helped Mr. Ward and Charlie remove the trunk and valise, and then he drove off.

  Charlie carried her valise and opened the gate. “Welcome to our home.” He stood aside for her to precede him.

  She went through the opening and gazed backward.

  Mr. Ward picked up the trunk and hoisted it to his shoulders as if it were a sack of flour. He grinned at her.

  She smiled then turned and walked to the door.

  Charlie unlocked the house and let her inside. “Your room is up the stairs and to the left.”

  The entry opened to the stairs ahead or a living room on the left. A glance at that room’s furnishings assured her that her stay here would be comfortable and cozy. She’d examine the kitchen later.

  Conscious of the men behind her, she followed her brother’s directions. The stairs were not steep. Striped wallpaper covered the stairwell wall.

  She opened the door and entered the room her brother had indicated would be where she stayed for the visit. Floral decorations covered an oil lamp beside the bed. There was no coverlet, but what looked like a new blanket covered the sheets. Cabbage roses in several shades of pink decorated pale blue wallpaper.

  Amelia examined the furnishings. “Oh, Charlie, this is a lovely room.”

  He set her valise on the floor and walked to the window and parted the lace panels. “In the distance you can see the Willamette River.”

  Mr. Ward set down the trunk near an armoire. “Sometimes there’s flooding hereabouts but we’re up high enough there’s no reason to worry. Come on, Charlie, let’s give your sister some privacy to get settled.”

  With an apologetic grimace, her brother followed the other man from the room.

  Amelia sat on the bed and clasped her hands to her chest. What was going on here? In the first place, why was a stranger living with Charlie? And, why was he watching whatever Charlie did and telling her brother what to do?

  She couldn’t imagine what kind of situation her brother had become involved in, but she intended to find out. She trusted her brother and knew him to be a fine man of principle. Somehow, he’d become enmeshed in a serious situation and she could not relax until she learned the trouble.