Melody Read online

  They were served roast chicken and vegetables with coffee to drink. She preferred tea but supposed coffee was more common here. That made something else for her to learn.

  She searched for something clever to say but her brain was a blank. The only thing that came to her mind was learning about the town. The brides who came last year had commented on the sparse population.

  “How many people are in Angel Creek and the surrounding area?”

  “I have no idea of the exact number but I’ll bet the sheriff can tell you accurately. He keeps an eye on everything that happens here.”

  “I guess you know that Sheriff Quinn Cassidy is my friend Sarah’s husband. I’m so happy for her and Becca. They escaped a terrible situation.” She sighed. “I guess each of us mail-order brides did in one way or another.”

  “Quinn is one of my closest friends so I’m aware of Sarah’s predicament. I suspect most of us who have moved here were escaping something. I thought you must have faced a difficult situation or you wouldn’t have ventured so far.”

  “I did but I believe I would have come regardless. You see, there are simply no eligible men left in Charleston. Those who lived to come home after the war found they had no home and left to go west. I didn’t want to remain a spinster.”

  “I understand Charleston was hard hit. My home of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania was also ravaged. Like the men you mentioned, I wanted to leave the war behind.”

  The waitress refilled their cups.

  He gazed at Melody. “Let us abandon all mention of the war and talk of more pleasant things. How was your trip?”

  She smiled, excited to speak of something pleasant. “I’ve always wanted to travel but had never been outside South Carolina. I was excited to travel on the train and steamboat.”

  She grimaced. “The stagecoach was not my favorite part of the trip although I enjoyed the scenery. I suppose you arrived the same way.”

  He chuckled and gestured to his suit. “In the middle of summer and wearing this black suit, which was tan by the time I arrived. The dust coming in the stagecoach window left me wondering if any dirt was left on the landscape.”

  She joined him in laughter and looked down at her clothes. “I understand. On the other hand, I love the deep blue of the sky. Having so many pines keeps a nice green available. Montana is beautiful.”

  “I agree and am happy to hear you say so. I have a small buggy that seats two. When I need to call on a patient outside of town you’ll get a closer look at the countryside.”

  “I’ll look forward to that. Have you completed your expansion at your clinic?”

  He nodded. “The result is what I’d hoped. One of the reasons I selected Angel Creek is the house and clinic set up. I don’t have to work in rooms at the house.”

  “I’m certain your arrangement is more practical and gives you some privacy when you’re at home.”

  “Of course many doctors work from the front rooms of their homes, especially in small practices. I prefer the separation.”

  “You said you arrived in summer. You’re still a newcomer, aren’t you?”

  “Definitely.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice, “Privately, I am terribly tired of hearing how great my predecessor was. I know he’s a good doctor, but I’d like people to consider me their physician and not constantly sing Dr. Collins’ praises.”

  His frankness so soon after meeting her came as a surprise. “Replacing someone popular takes a long time. The minister at the church I attended had the same battle. He’s a very good young preacher who gives good sermons and calls on the sick and elderly of the congregation. His wife works to help others also. He replaced a popular older man. I know he felt he was swimming against the tide at times.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “You mean I’m not the only one?”

  Melody chuckled. “What do you enjoy in your free time?”

  “Reading, playing cards or dominoes with the sheriff and a couple of others, and gardening. I haven’t done much of the latter yet, but I have plans for the spring.” He took another bite of the chicken followed by a swallow of coffee.

  “I like gardening and reading. I can play a few card games, chess, and checkers. Do you have any fiction books or is your library limited to medical texts?”

  “I have a few novels. I trade with some of the others in Angel Creek. Did you bring any books in one of those trunks?”

  “Except for a couple I’d hidden with the family Bible, my books were burned. I’ve been longing for new reading material. Have my trunks arrived?”

  “They came Tuesday and are waiting for you at our home.”

  “Thank goodness. Getting away was difficult. My family land was seized for taxes and I was afraid I would be searched. The house burned but I was able to salvage a few things.”

  He tilted his head, his eyes sparkling. “And you had others buried?”

  She didn’t know if he was teasing or resented her actions. He was a Yankee, after all. She composed her face to hide her emotions. “Do you blame me?”

  He gave a shake of his head. “Not at all. Two trunks aren’t much to represent twenty-three years.”

  She exhaled her relief he wasn’t judging her. “Longer than that because my family had lived in that house since 1760. They were engaged in shipping.”

  He frowned slightly. “Did they broker for others or ship for themselves?”

  She didn’t want him to think her family was in the slave trade. Charleston was a hub for that business.

  “They shipped for others to England and France. For themselves they exported deerskins to England. Those were made into britches, gloves, and so forth after they reached London. On their return, they filled the ship with beautiful fabrics, tea, spices, and that sort of thing.”

  His frown disappeared and his facial muscles relaxed. “Let’s have dessert. They serve mouth-watering peach cobbler here.”

  “The meal was delicious and filling but I can never resist sweets.”

  Nick signaled the waitress and gave the order.

  When the cobbler arrived, it had been warmed and topped with cream. “This is wonderful. I haven’t had dessert in a long time.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I lived alone the past few months. Supplies were difficult to find. I didn’t want to waste the little money I had on something that was not essential.”

  He smiled at her as he raised a spoon as if in a toast. “Ah, but sweets are necessary to balance our lives.”

  She grinned at him. “Is that a professional diagnosis or merely a preference?”

  “You caught me. I confess I have a sweet tooth.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. I’m told I’ve become a good cook.”

  “Very good news indeed.”

  Melody dallied over the treat to postpone the time before they went to his home and readied for bed. Butterflies and bees warred in her stomach. Would her husband allow her time to become better acquainted or demand his marital rights tonight?

  Chapter Five

  Relief had swept through Nick when he’d met his bride. She was as beautiful as Sarah had said and appeared well-mannered and intelligent. Her blue eyes sparkled when she spoke about things she enjoyed. He hoped her nursing skills matched her other qualifications.

  As they walked toward his–now their—home he pointed out the other businesses and homes they passed.

  She was silent for a while then glanced at him. “Did you buy the house from Ruby’s husband or does it belong to the town?”

  “I was able to purchase it from Dr. Collins. He even sold me the furnishings, although they’re sparse in some rooms. I decided to enlarge the clinic because there have been times that two beds were needed and it had only one.”

  “As the town grows I imagine that will become even more necessary.”

  “That’s why I’ve added two beds to the one. I hope they’re not needed, but I want to be prepared. In case you’re wondering, I inherited funds from my grandparents th
at allowed me to be so extravagant.”

  “I did wonder, but building on to the clinic is hardly extravagant. You were generous in the money you sent for my fare. I appreciated having enough to pay for meals and buy my boots and a few other things.”

  “You’ll have to buy a warm coat or be stuck inside the house for most of the winter. Soon we’ll have more snow.”

  “I’ll be excited to see that.”

  “By spring, you’ll be tired of snow and ice. We had snow in Pennsylvania, but I think they have more here.”

  “We’ll both have an adventure this winter.”

  “I appreciate your attitude. I hope it continues. Collins said in heavy snow he had nothing to do because people couldn’t get in to see him and he couldn’t get out and visit them. Good thing you play a few games. I wish I’d brought a chess set with me. I keep meaning to get one from the Mercantile.”

  “I haven’t played chess since my grandfather passed away. I loved challenging him to a game. He wasn’t a very gracious loser, but he made me laugh.”

  “Did he let you win?”

  “Never. He made me work for a win. Eventually I won at least half the time. You’ll be happy to learn I have my grandfather’s set in one of the trunks.”

  “Hey, great to hear. I suppose having his board and pieces hold happy memories for you.” He guided her to turn at the house’s walk. “Here we are home, Mrs. Walker.”

  She paused to survey the exterior. “This is a lovely house. I didn’t know what to expect.”

  “I told you it’s a bit plain and needs a woman’s touch. Although they left most of the furniture, apparently they took any decorative items Mrs. Collins had used. Of course, I expected they would. I was grateful to get furniture. Made the move much easier.”

  He set down the valise and opened the front door. Before she could enter, he picked her up in his arms and carried her across the threshold. He felt silly doing so but her laughter rewarded him, ringing like melodious silver bells.

  “That wasn’t necessary but thank you. I feel like a genuine bride now.”

  After retrieving her luggage, he closed and locked the door. “You can hang your cloak on the hall tree. I’ll set your bag in the bedroom.”

  He supposed she was nervous about the approaching night. Other grooms had said they waited thirty days before consummating the marriage. He waffled back and forth about his plans.

  When he returned to the parlor, she stood in front of the fireplace warming her hands. He gestured to one of the two upholstered chairs on either side of the hearth. She sat in the one he’d indicated. When he’d settled in the chair he considered his, he crossed his legs and leaned back.

  “Tell me about your nursing experience. At which hospital did you work?”

  A puzzled expression settled on her lovely face. “I thought Sarah would have explained. I’ve spent several years nursing my grandmother. She was already losing touch with reality when the Yankees burned our home. Seeing her beloved home reduced to embers sent her completely into madness.”

  He couldn’t believe what he’d heard. “Are you saying you have no experience working in a hospital or with a doctor?”

  She shook her head. “I followed the instructions Nana Fraser’s doctor gave. Except, he thought she belonged in an institution and I wouldn’t send her to one. She was a difficult patient at best, but she was my grandmother. Accused me of trying to poison her or drown her.”

  Leaning forward, she met his gaze. “When we knew the Yankees were close, a maid who’d stayed with us helped me get Nana to the creek where there was a huge tree with roots into the water that formed a cave. We hid there until the soldiers had left.”

  She looked at the wall as if seeing something else. “Keeping Nana quiet was difficult. She didn’t like being in the water up to her shoulders, didn’t like being quiet and keeping still, wanted to go home. She said I was trying to drown her. Sadie and I were terrified we’d be discovered because of Nana. The soldiers made so much noise they didn’t hear her complaints or hear me trying to shush her.”

  “After they’d gone, we crept back to the house. It was destroyed but the kitchen, which was separate, still stood. Sadie and I got Nana inside and into a bed that was there. I counted out my money and divided with Sadie. She left to try to find her husband.”

  His temper climbed. “And that’s it? That’s the only nursing you’ve experience you’ve ever had?”

  “You make it sound as if it’s nothing. Believe me, it was complicated. Plus I treated the odd soldier or other person who came through and needed help and there were quite a few.”

  He stood and paced the room. “I feel I’ve been cheated. I specifically asked for a wife with nursing experience. Sarah must have known what I wanted and so should you. I cannot believe you were dishonest enough to misrepresent yourself.”

  “Dishonest?” She leapt to her feet. “Are you serious? I am not dishonest and neither is Sarah. You didn’t ask for someone with hospital experience. You did not specify what type of nursing experience. If you had, I wouldn’t have come.”

  “Nursing one elderly woman is not the same.”

  She stood with hands braced on her hips. “I’m a fast learner. I can learn whatever you need me to do.”

  “If I had time to teach someone I wouldn’t have specified nursing experience.” He tuned and resumed pacing and cursed under his breath.

  “I heard that.”

  “Your things are in the master bedroom. I’ll sleep in the spare room. Goodnight.” He left the room before he said more. He seldom lost his temper, but when he did he tended to go on and on. Better he keep his bitter words to himself.”

  Melody stared at the departing figure of her supposed husband. Anger, hurt, and surprise warred for dominance inside her. She checked the fireplace to be certain it could be left overnight. She lit a candle then blew out the lamp. Walking down the hallway she discovered three doorways.

  Only one door was closed, so that must be where Nick was going to sleep. One room had no furniture so she went to the third bedroom. It was sizable and nicely appointed.

  The large bed had a lamp stand on either side. A wardrobe set against one wall and a washstand against the other. Near the washstand was a tall chest of drawers. One of her trunks was at the foot of the bed and the other against the wall by the washstand. Her valise was atop the second trunk.

  What a horrible start to her marriage. If it was one—Nick might decide on an immediate annulment. Heartsick, she readied for bed. She yearned for a long, hot bath but settled for sponging with cold water.

  Lying in bed she recalled the past few years and all the difficulties. Chasing Nana when she ran away, feeding her when she accused Melody of poisoning her, holding her when she had crying bouts. Nick could say that wasn’t nursing if he wished but it had been.

  Not only that, it had meant being on guard twenty-four hours a day. She learned to sleep so lightly that the slightest sound or movement awakened her. Only after Nana’s death had she had a full night’s sleep. Even then she awakened easily for fear of looters. She kept a loaded revolver under her pillow.

  Not once did she regret caring for her grandmother. When Nana had been in her right mind, she’d been a wonderful woman and role model, a loving and compassionate soul. Watching the terrible changes age and madness wrought on Nana had been painful. Melody had been helpless to stop Nana’s decline no matter how much she tried.

  She rolled over and fluffed the pillow. If she could avoid doing so, she resolved not to think of Charleston and its problems again. Apparently she had plenty of problems in Angel Creek.

  Melody pulled the cover up to her chin and snuggled into the bed. After so many nights sitting up while she tried to sleep, her body welcomed the chance to stretch out on a mattress. The room was nice, the mattress comfortable. If only Nick hadn’t been so angry.

  She tried not to cry at her husband’s harsh words, but they had sliced her to ribbons. Tears slid from her eyes. So
much for her fresh start.

  Chapter Six

  Nick was unaccountably angry until his normal personality returned. She was correct—he hadn’t specified what type of nursing experience he expected. And, how would Sarah know what he had in mind?

  Of course he realized other small town doctors didn’t have nurses. But, Nick had big plans as Angel Creek grew. Those included for his clinic to become a real hospital with modern equipment. In the meantime, he was fortunate to have Hank, who wanted to become a doctor.

  If he and Melody didn’t consummate the marriage, he could request an annulment. Was that what he wanted? He wanted a wife who could help him with his patients.

  At least Melody could act as receptionist and keep records for him. However, he preferred keeping his own accounts and patient records. Maybe she could file them for him.

  Damn, he’d probably scared her half to death. Her luminous blue eyes had grown round and tears glistened in them. Then, she’d become angry, sparks fairly shooting from her expressive eyes. She hadn’t cried, though she was probably doing so now.

  Jenny would have immediately collapsed on the sofa or a bed, weeping. The woman he thought of as his real wife had worn her heart on her sleeve. He always knew what she was thinking without her having to tell him. Damn, there he went again. He forced himself to push those memories away from his conscious thought.

  He stripped and collapsed onto the small bed and pulled up the covers.

  When he woke the welcome aroma of coffee filled his nostrils. At least he hadn’t waked up from nightmares last night. He’d better warn her so he didn’t frighten her out of her wits some night.

  He slipped into the master bedroom and dressed for the day. Water remained in the pitcher for washing but not enough to shave. Carrying his grooming supplies, he went into the kitchen.

  As if nothing had occurred between them, Melody handed him a cup of coffee.

  However her, “Good morning,” was clipped and spoken without a smile. An apron covered the front of her blue dress. Her stunning auburn hair hung down and a blue ribbon held it away from her face.