An Unexpected Widow (The Colorado Brides Series) (15 page)

Maria had been in the kitchen, because the fire was on in the stove and bread rose under a cloth on the table. I snatched a biscuit, popping it into my mouth, and then I hurried to the door, wanting to catch Nathan before he went into the fields. Without a shawl, the chill of morning seeped through the material of the dress. I hurried across grass and dirt, reaching the bunkhouse, while my heart hammered in my chest. I was about to confess the way I felt, and I knew Nathan would be thrilled with what he was going to hear. Knocking on the door, I waited for a manly voice to acknowledge me.

“Nathan!” I pushed on the door, the hinges creaking. Peeking inside the darkened space, I noted bunk beds with messy blankets and pillows. There was no one in the room. “Oh, drat.” He must have gone to the fields already. When I turned toward the house, Jerry stood before me. “Goodness! You scared me.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Clark.”

“Where’s Nathan? I have to talk to him.”

“He’s gone, ma’am.”

“Which field is he working?”

“None. The harvest is finished.”

“Did he go to the privy?”

His look was contemplative. “He went to Denver City.”

My mouth fell open. “Why’d he do that?” The wagon was where we had left it; he hadn’t taken it. “When will he be back?”

“He says he’s mining for a spell. He won’t be back for a long time.”

It felt like the bottom had dropped out from beneath me. “No! I have to talk to him. He can’t leave just yet. Gosh, darnit!” I began to panic, feeling a desperate sense of urgency. “I have to stop him. Get the wagon ready for me, please, Jerry.” We had more than one horse, as I assumed Nathan took the stallion. “Get the harness on Penny. I’ll get my things.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

When I was seated, the reins firmly in hand, I realized I would be making this trip alone. It was time I exerted some independence, as Jerry had work to do. Maria came to stand on the front porch, her apron lifting with the breeze.

She waved to me. “Be safe, Mrs. Clark.”

I nodded towards her. “Oh, I will. Yaw!”

I yelled, spurring the horse into motion. With a determination I hadn’t felt since we had made the trip out west, I gazed down the lane, seeing the rutted road that would lead me to the city and the man I loved. An hour later, I had arrived in town, the bustle of morning traffic surrounding me. Freight had arrived; a large wagon was stationed outside the post office. After tying the horse to the hitching post, I strolled down the boardwalk towards the saloon, expecting to find Nathan nursing a morning cocktail.

Never having been inside the establishment, I braced myself for censure, knowing that women did not frequent such places. Pushing against the duel wooden doors, which swung inwards and out, I entered. The room was spotted with customers, some sat at tables, while others were on stools at the bar. There was a row of spittoons on the floor, while the stale smell of whiskey mixed with tobacco. Two men, playing cards, stopped to look at me.

“What can I get you, little lady?” asked a tall, thin man behind the bar.

I approached him, clearing my throat. “I’m looking for Nathan Weaver. Have you seen him?”

“This mornin’, before he left.”

“Where is he?”

“I reckon he went with them miners.”

“Where are they?”

“Long gone by now. They’re heading for Pike’s Peak, ma’am.”

My face betrayed the distress I felt. “Maybe I can catch him still?”

“It was more than three hours ago. I doubt it. You got a fast horse?”

Such a task would be impossible. My shoulders slumped. “When did he say he would be back?”

“Them miners are gone for weeks at a time. I’m guessing he won’t be back before Thanksgiving.”

“Hey, pretty lady,” shouted a grizzled-looking man, sitting at the other end of the bar. “I’ll keep ya company, if ya want. Yer sure are purty.”

Cringing inwardly, I ignored him. “Thank you.”

“You’re that Clark woman, eh?”

I glared at him. “I’m Mrs. Hannah Clark, sir.”

“Sorry about your husband. Damn shame.”

“Thank you.”

“You gonna take up with Nathan?”

“That’s none of your business.” I bristled at being spoken to in such a casual manner.

“He’s mentioned you. I suspect he’s sweet on ya.”

It was difficult to look this man in the eye. “If you happen to see him, please tell him to…come home. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Chapter Fifteen

Nathan had been right about the need for fresh produce in Denver City. As most of the inhabitants were miners and businessmen catering to the mining industry, my crop of corn, wheat, and potatoes was greatly sought after. I’d paid Jerry and Maria, who decided to stay on a while longer. Her children had been delayed in California, and Jerry would come and go, opting to mine for gold further up the Platte River.

I’d purchased a revolver, and Sally had shown me how to use it. We had practiced in the field, aiming at tin cans. I now traveled to and from town by myself, feeling perfectly at ease with this newfound freedom. I’d taken in a dog as well, a big friendly Labrador, who acted as my personal guardian, barking when strangers came near. He sat in the wagon while I shopped, and then he kept me company at night, sleeping at the foot of the bed. I’d named him George.

On Sundays, I went to church with my head held high, refusing to let the judgment of others impact my need to be in communion with God. I found solace from a good sermon, and, although Pastor Bailey wasn’t nearly as talented as Frank had been, I still felt the familiar connection, that peace I needed after a long week of work.

After a service, several weeks later, Adaline approached me; her expression was earnest. “Mrs. Clark. I’d like a word with you, if you don’t mind.”

I turned to face her, wondering what to expect. “Yes?”

“I need to apologize.” She seemed nervous, her eyes furtive. “Join us for tea, if you could be so kind. I have a few things I need to say.”

Not having any reason to rush home, I acquiesced. “Very well.”

Being the banker’s wife, Adaline’s house was tidy, yet impeccably appointed with heavily carved furniture, plush carpets, and shelves brimming with books and knickknacks. A table had been set with dainty cups and saucers, while a maid brought out a teapot.

“Have a seat,” she said, indicating a cushioned chair. “I really need to apologize to you. I’ve been the worst sort of friend.”

“I’m not sure that’s necessary.”

She poured tea into a cup. There was a small sugar bowl with a porcelain creamer. “Yes, it is. I’ve been horrid.”

I sighed. “I’ve not been without fault either. It’s been difficult getting on after Frank’s death. My judgment hasn’t always been good.”

Her hand rested upon mine, her expression sorrowful. “I should’ve taken this into account. You’ve been through so much, my dear. You’re so young. I had a first husband, if you must know. I don’t speak about him often, but I should’ve been more sympathetic to you.”

This was astonishing. “What happened?”

“We’d only been married six months. He woke one day with severe stomach pains. He’d been complaining of a bad tummy for a while, but we thought it might’ve been something he ate. It turned out it was his appendix. It had ruptured, but…it was too late. By the time the surgeon got to him, he was far too infected to recover. He died the next day.”

“I’m so sorry, Adaline. I had no idea.”

“I was a mess after. I went to my parent’s house and didn’t come out for a year.”

“It’s hard to pick up the pieces.”

“I never should have judged you the way I did. I hope you can forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive. Like I said, I’ve made some mistakes too.”

“Are you friends with that Ruby woman now?” This thought seemed to alarm her.

“I consider her an acquaintance. She has a story that’s not dissimilar to our own. It was a mistake to go into that…house…but I wasn’t in my right mind. What I discovered is that she is a solid woman. She’s doing what she needs to survive. She gave me some advice.”

“Good gracious. What did she have to say?”

“She told me a few things about men.”

Adaline leaned in, her ears perking up. “Oh?”

“Yes, especially about one in particular.”

“How’s that?”

“It’s time for me to get on with it. I know I’m supposed to mourn for a year, but…that’s not practical out here. No one will ever be able to replace Frank in my heart. He’ll always hold a special place for me, and I miss him every day. He was the sweetest man, and he spoiled me so.”

“Yes, of course.”

“But…as shocking as this might be to you, I’ve fallen in love again. It’s not something I’m particularly proud of, seeing that my husband’s only been gone a few months, but I can’t help the way I feel.”

Her look was sympathetic. “You don’t need to explain anything to me, Hannah. If you’ve found another man, that’s wonderful. It’s the best thing actually. You’re so young, my dear. No one expects you to live as an old widow. You’re in the prime of health, perfect for childbirth. I have every expectation of seeing you with a gaggle of children. Now, who’s the lucky man?”

I sighed. “Well, he’s missing at the moment, but once he comes back, I’m dragging him to the church.”

“I suspect you’re talking about that scoundrel, Nathan Weaver,” she laughed.

“Yes, ma’am. I certainly am.”

When I left Adaline’s house, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. The damage I’d done to my reputation would be repaired in due course, and my relationship with Adaline was on the mend. None of us were perfect all the time, and I had certainly been in the wrong myself, but none of that mattered now. My focus was on the approaching winter and needing to get my house in order. I planned to dry, pickle, and preserve for the next week, while quilting blankets at night.

If that rascal, Nathan, ever returned, I’d give him a piece of my mind for running out on me without even saying one word of goodbye. I’d been hurt after he left, blaming myself, but that had morphed into anger, feeling distinctly jilted and discarded, as if I didn’t matter at all. If he ever darkened my doorway again, he had a lot of explaining to do.

The next day, while I hung laundry, I perceived the sound of a wagon, the jingling of a harness in the distance. I left the damp clothing in the basket, heading for the house. I wasn’t expecting visitors, but it was more than likely Maria, returning from town. On the front porch, I saw the wagon approach, with Maria commandeering the reins, although she wasn’t alone. Nathan was with her!

I ran down the steps, striding towards them. “Where’s my horse?” He’d taken the stallion with him, and I’d not seen it since.

“You haven’t seen me in weeks, and that’s the first thing you say?” He sprang to the ground, his boots looking scuffed. “How about a hello?” His grin was slightly crooked.

“What did you do with my horse, mister?” I glared at him. How dare he! He’d returned looking like the blackguard he was, smiling as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

“I had to sell the horse for mining supplies.”

My mouth fell open, as anger pricked. “That was
my
horse! You had no business selling my property without my permission.”

Maria had gone into the house. She seemed to want to distance herself from this conversation, although she had cast several interested glances our way.

“I know that, but I had no choice. You didn’t pay me, so I had to make due. I’ll buy you another horse.” He stared at me; his expression remained far too jovial. “Is that a pout I see?”

“You just left without saying goodbye.”

“I did. If I had seen you, I wouldn’t have been able to leave.”

“What does that mean?”

“You wouldn’t marry some poor farmer, so I went out to change that.”

“Forget about that. Those things I said…I’ve been thinking about that a lot. I was stupid, Nathan.”

“You have your standards, I understand.”

“Are you back for good now?”

“That depends.”

“I was going to tell you that I loved you. I came out the next morning to tell you, but you were gone.”

Something glimmered in his eyes. “You love me, huh?”

“Yes, even though you’re the wrong sort of man.”

“That’s a strange way of complimenting me,” he laughed.

“I don't care anymore about anything. I’ve been struggling for a while—”

“You lost your husband. That’s to be expected.” He took a step towards me. “Are we gonna keep arguing or are we gonna get married?”

“I want to get married right this minute.”

Humor registered. “Right now?”

“Yes, this very minute. I’ll get my handbag. Turn the wagon around.”

A hand wrapped around my forearm. “Hold up there, honey.” He drew me to him, his face so close I could see the tiny blue flecks in his irises. “I never asked you properly, and I haven’t gotten one thing right yet, so I want to do this proper.”

“Go ahead then. Just hurry.” He laughed, flashing slightly crooked teeth. “If you think I’m spending another night alone, you got another thing coming, mister.”

“All right, but hobble your lip for just a second there, and let me do this.” He thrust a hand into a pocket. “I’ve never in my life gotten down on one knee before. It’s a shame I wasn’t able to ask your father’s permission first.”

“He would’ve said no anyhow.”

His look betrayed annoyance. “You gonna keep quiet, so I can do this?”

“Fine.” It was amusing how nervous he seemed, his expression suddenly stern, with a hint of apprehension.

He cleared his throat. “Okay. Here goes.” He lowered to one knee, his face lifting upwards. “Hannah Clark?”

“Yes?” It was then that I saw the ring, a gold band with a pretty little diamond. I gasped, “Where’d you get that?”

“I bought it in town this morning.”

“With the money you got from my horse?”

“No! Now would you be quiet!” I clamped my lips together, waiting expectantly, not believing he had bought such a pretty ring. “Hannah Clark, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Yes.”

He sighed with relief. “Let’s get this on.” He slid the ring over my finger; although it was slightly too big, the diamond caught the sun, glinting and flickering with brilliance.