A Bride for Blake Page 4

  “I want to see everything,” Eliza confessed. “I have always lived in the city, and I love the idea of being in the country.”

  “Then we will have a tour of the barn after supper, and you can see the gardens, too. If you like gardening, I’m sure Sarah would enjoy gardening with you. You’re the only other woman on the property.”

  “I’ve never worked in a garden, but I’d love to try. Maybe I can meet the horse who pushed you in the mud puddle,” Eliza said, doing her best to hide her smile.

  “That you will, but I should warn you that Buck is still a feisty horse and doesn’t take to strangers well,” Blake said.

  “Then we should become good friends. I’ve never been close to a horse except when I rode in a carriage,” Eliza said and smiled as she closed the door to the bathing room, leaving Blake standing in the hall wondering how this lovely city girl would take to ranch living.

  Chapter 7

  Eliza woke early, still feeling guilty that Blake chose to sleep in one of the empty rooms upstairs. His explanation that she needed at least one night to become acquainted with the room before they were forced to share once his aunt moved in, did little to ease her guilt.

  Eliza dressed quickly into the only day dress she owned. She had learned to cook at the orphanage, but that was for a large group of children. She took a deep breath and decided making coffee would be the best start.

  Just as she put the coffee pot on the stove, the back door opened and Sarah walked inside.

  Eliza gasped, and her hand flew to her chest. “You surprised me. I told you that you should take the morning off and I could make breakfast. You could spend a few extra quiet moments with Jack.”

  “Nonsense,” Sarah stated. “This is your first morning here as Blake’s wife. You shouldn’t be expected to make breakfast.”

  “But Blake explained to you and Jack about our marriage at supper last night. This is not a special morning for either Blake or me.”

  Sarah offered a small shrug and a gentle smile. “It doesn’t matter. You are now the lady of the ranch regardless of the reason why you and Blake married. You deserve a breakfast on your first morning. Maybe tomorrow, we’ll do it differently.”

  Eliza hugged Sarah. “Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I didn’t know what to expect. Blake is kind, but his aunt worries me.”

  “I will tell you what I think when I meet the lady,” Sarah promised. “She does sound a bit high strung. No matter what, I will be on your side and your friend. If she is as fussy as she sounds, we might need to stick together.”

  Before Eliza could answer, the back door opened, Blake entered, and Jack followed carrying a pail of milk.

  “My, you two are up early,” Eliza said.

  “That’s life on a ranch. There are chores to be done before we eat.”

  “I’m sorry,” Eliza answered. “I didn’t know. I will rise earlier tomorrow and do whatever chores you need me to do.”

  Blake laughed and shook his head. “No need to be sorry. I wasn’t including you. I’ll teach you a few things since you lived in the city if you want to help.”

  “I’m not useless. Do you have a milk cow? I know how to milk a cow. I was often placed on duty in the kitchen for one infraction or another, and I learned to milk the cow when I was quite small,” Eliza answered, smiling.

  “Have you ever gathered eggs?”

  Eliza nodded. “Of course, if we wanted eggs, we had to gather them from the few chickens there were. We rarely had enough for scrambled eggs, but the cook would make hotcakes. I learned early on not to name the chickens or care about them because they often ended up in the stew pot. Chickens don’t make good pets when they’re needed for food,” Eliza said with a sigh.

  “You didn’t have pets?” Blake asked.

  “No, they told us never to bring stray animals home because we couldn’t afford to feed them. We did play with the occasional stray that came around, but that was all,” Eliza shared.

  “We have a dog,” Jack said.

  Eliza turned to Blake. “You have a dog? Is it friendly? Can I meet it? Can I pet it? What’s its name?”

  Blake couldn’t help but smile at the excited young woman who was his wife. What a sad life she must have had, he vowed to make it happier and answered, “Yes, to the first four questions and the fifth is Barney. He’s a good dog. He’s getting up in years, and he likes to sleep in the barn. His son, Beau, runs out with the cattle most days. You’ll meet him, too.”

  “Time to eat,” Sarah announced.

  “After we eat, we’ll head to town. I have some business to attend to, and I’ll drop Sarah’s list off at the mercantile while you shop at the dressmaker’s. Around noon, I’ll fetch you, and we can go to the hotel and have lunch with Aunt Hortense and Constance. Ray will drive the wagon into town and bring your purchases and Aunt Hortense and Constance’s luggage home,” Blake said before slipping a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

  “Purchases?” Eliza questioned. “I don’t expect to purchase much. I can make do with what I have.”

  “Absolutely not. I told you that I’ll make sure you have everything that you need, and I meant it.”

  “You’ll adore Florence, our seamstress,” Sarah offered. “She’s sweet and very talented.”

  Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Eliza smiled and said, “I’m sure I will.”

  “Are you ready to go,” Blake asked, offering Eliza his hand.

  She took his hand and held tightly to it until they were at the carriage, and he helped her climb on. Her hand felt instantly cold and empty when he let go. She had to remind herself that he was her husband in name only. If only he wasn’t so kind to her.

  As they approached the cut off to town, Blake pulled the carriage to a stop.

  “Is something wrong?” Eliza asked.

  “No, but see down the road? There’s another carriage approaching. Deke’s property borders ours. I sent a rider last evening to ask if Amalie and Faith might want to go with you this morning. You know, introduce you around town, help you shop? That should be them now,” Blake explained.

  Eliza fought back happy tears when she thought of the kindness this handsome man showed her. She turned and placed her hand on his arm. “Thank you, that was truly kind. You mentioned it yesterday, but I wasn’t sure you’d remember. I was worried about what I was going to do alone. I know the town isn’t large, but I don’t know anyone.”

  Blake swallowed and tried to think of an answer, but all he could do was enjoy the feel of Eliza’s hand on his arm. Finally, he stammered, “I thought you might enjoy the company.”

  Eliza waved as Amalie and Faith’s carriage drew closer. Blake turned the carriage onto the road leading into town, and the second carriage followed. When they arrived at the seamstress shop, Blake helped Eliza from the carriage and reminded her that he would meet her at the hotel for lunch.

  He turned when he heard the other women approach. “I hope you have an enjoyable morning helping Eliza get everything she needs, and I mean everything. Cost is not an object; Miss Florence will send me a bill.”

  “Don’t worry,” Faith said. “Amalie helped me when I first arrived in town, and I know everything that Eliza will need. We’ll spend your money well.”

  Amalie laughed, and Eliza blushed at the thought of spending Blake’s money.

  “Then I leave her in good hands. Ray will be in town at noon, and he’ll come to the shop and collect the packages. Have a good morning, ladies,” Blake said, tipping his hat and returning to the carriage.

  Amalie slipped her arm into Eliza’s and said, “Come, let’s spend your husband’s money on some beautiful new dresses.”

  “I’m not sure,” Eliza said. “You know the truth about us.”

  Amalie giggled. “The only truth we need to know this morning is that Blake is a wealthy man, you’re his wife, and you have to dress accordingly.”

  Eliza tried to say something, but Amalie pulled on her arm and guided her into the seamstress s
hop.

  “Good morning, Amalie, Faith. I’m afraid I don’t know your friend’s name,” the petite woman said.

  “Florence, this is Eliza Montgomery. Blake’s new wife and she needs everything the way Faith and I did when we first arrived in town.”

  Florence clapped her hands. “I certainly can arrange that. It’s nice to meet you, Missus Montgomery. I have some lovely readymade dresses that will work until I can sew the rest. We need her measurements first.”

  “Eliza, please, I’m not used to the Montgomery name, and I might not answer.”

  Florence laughed. “Eliza, it is. Come into the back, ladies. My assistant can take Eliza’s measurements while I show you what I have and what I suggest.”

  Two hours flew by quickly, and Eliza was stunned at the amount of clothing Florence suggested. Amalie and Faith agreed that each purchase was necessary. The stack of clothing on the counter seemed enormous, and Florence kept jotting ideas in her notebook for the dresses she would sew.

  Eliza balked at the lovely pink nightdress with ruffles, and lace Florence held up just before they were ready to leave.

  “Oh, that’s perfect,” Faith said. “Wrap it up, and the blue one, too. An extra nightdress is important and much nicer than those simple white ones Eliza chose.”

  Eliza whispered to Amalie. “You know I don’t need those. Plain white cotton is all right.”

  Amalie winked. “You never know. Things can change. They certainly did for Deke and me.”

  Eliza blushed and murmured, “I think we should head to the hotel for lunch.”

  Chapter 8

  Blake entered the hotel and walked to the front desk and spoke to the man on duty, “Hello, Cyrus. I’m here to pick up my aunt and her traveling companion. I hope they had a good night.”

  Cyrus nodded. “I’m not sure. Your aunt was not pleased that the only person on duty last night was my son. He did his best to make her a pot of tea at eleven last night, but I’m not sure it suited her. You know our kitchen is closed after supper.”

  “I know. Aunt Hortense is used to having whatever she wants exactly when she wants it. I’m sorry if she caused your son any problems. I’m taking them to my ranch this morning. Your hotel can return to normal,” Blake explained, offering a smile.

  “My son needs to learn to deal with difficult guests. Oh, not that your aunt is difficult, uh, she’s used to a different life than we offer,” Cyrus stammered as he did his best to explain.

  Blake laughed. “She is difficult, Cyrus. She has always been this way, and I think she may turn my ranch upside down.”

  “Thanks, Blake, I can send someone up to bring their luggage down, or you’re welcome to go up to their room. They’re in 214.”

  “Just send a message up that I’ll meet them in the dining room for lunch. I’m expecting my wife at any moment. When Ray gets here with the ranch wagon, he’ll pick up the luggage,” Blake said.

  Cyrus nodded his understanding, and Blake turned to head to the dining room just as Eliza and her friends walked into the hotel, giggling like schoolgirls. Blake could only stare at the beautiful young woman laughing with her friends. She was vibrant and caring, and Blake wished he had met her under different circumstances. She was the type of woman he would have courted.

  Dressed in a new yellow dress with small white flowers scattered on the skirt, Eliza looked like a bright ray of sunshine. Blake walked up and took her hand, leading her into the dining room. Amalie and Faith followed bright smiles on their faces.

  When the four were seated at a table large enough to accommodate two more, Blake asked, “Did you have an enjoyable time?”

  Eliza stared at the tablecloth, and Amalie said, “We had a delightful time spending your money.”

  Eliza looked up and stared into Blake’s eyes before adding, “Yes, we did have a nice time. Thank you for your generosity. I can never repay you.”

  “There is no need. The clothes are yours to keep regardless of where you go when you leave here. I told you that, and I meant it. You look lovely in yellow.”

  Eliza’s smile brightened the room, “Thank you. I’ve never had a dress in this color before. At the orphanage, we wore whatever drab clothing was donated. Most of it was used and faded. At the Richards, my work clothes were simple gray or brown dresses. This is quite a treat.”

  “Then you should have more. I hope you purchased a lot of things that make you smile the way you are now.”

  “Don’t worry, we made sure she bought everything she needed,” Faith answered.

  Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion at the door. Blake turned and saw the young waiter trying to escort his aunt to their table and her refusing, motioning to a table in the corner of the room.

  Blake hurried over to ask what was wrong, and his aunt’s shrill voice filled the dining room. “You know Blake that Constance is fragile. I will not have her sitting near that window where the sun might injure her skin. This table is more suitable, but this young man insists we sit at your table.”

  Blake closed his eyes for a moment to gain his composure and asked the waiter if he would change their seating arrangements. The waiter nodded, and Blake escorted his aunt and Constance to the table. By the time they were seated, Eliza and her friends were also taking seats at the new table.

  Aunt Hortense scowled at Eliza. “Blake hasn’t formally introduced us. I know nothing about you except that you look like a vase of flowers? Surely you own something more appropriate for a luncheon.”

  Eliza’s eyes widened, and Faith answered for her. “It’s a brand-new dress. Our seamstress is quite talented, and it’s one of the latest fashions.”

  “I expect that response from you. That green dress you’re wearing looks as if it came from the same garden.”

  “Aunt Hortense,” Blake scolded. “Enough. You are addressing my wife and her friend.”

  “They should know how to dress,” Aunt Hortense argued. “We are in public. At least the third young woman is dressed a bit more conservatively, although she looks as if she could go back to the farm and work in that dress.”

  Amalie bit her tongue hard before answering, “I do not wear this to work in. I’m meeting my husband in town after lunch. We’re buying some new horses, and I want to ride them first. This is my riding skirt and blouse.”

  Aunt Hortense’s eyebrows lifted. “You don’t have a proper riding outfit? It’s a good thing Constance brought hers. You will see what a proper lady wears when riding.”

  Blake shook his head. “Aunt Hortense, please. Amalie is wearing what all women wear when riding a horse. This is Wyoming. If Constance brought the type of riding outfit I think she did, she will not be able to wear it. I do not own a side saddle.”

  “Certainly, you do not expect Constance to ride a horse like a man,” Aunt Hortense grumbled.

  Blake shrugged. “If she wants to ride, then, yes. She’ll have to use a Western saddle.”

  Aunt Hortense whispered to Constance, and Blake motioned for the waiter. “Bring us six specials and hurry, please. Bring tea for the ladies and coffee for me.”

  The young man nodded and hurried to take the order to the kitchen.

  “You ordered for us,” Aunt Hortense said. “I hope they have something palatable.”

  “Everything here is good,” Blake countered.

  Amalie, having enough of Aunt Hortense’s rude behavior, couldn’t help herself and added, “It’s probably stew made from whatever animal the cook found on his way to work this morning.”

  Constance paled, Faith giggled, and Aunt Hortense shot Amalie a scathing look.

  When the waiter returned with plates of roast beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans, Aunt Hortense asked what type of meat he was serving them.

  “Beef, Ma’am. The best that can be found,” he answered and hurried off.

  Amalie couldn’t contain her laughter. Even Eliza giggled, knowing Blake’s aunt would be angry with Blake for allowing his wife to act in an unseemly way. S
he was used to women like Aunt Hortense. She had seen enough of them working for the Richards.

  While Constance and Aunt Hortense picked at their meal, moving food from one spot to another on their plates as if the cook had hidden something under the mashed potatoes, Blake and the other ladies enjoyed the tender roast beef.

  The fresh apple pie was enjoyed by all, and when they were nearly finished, Ray approached the table.

  “Afternoon, Blake. I brought the wagon to pick up the ladies’ luggage.”

  “Afternoon, Ray. Ask the desk clerk. Someone from the hotel will bring the luggage down, and before you head home, stop at the dressmaker’s and pick up Eliza’s packages,” Blake instructed.

  “Yes, sir,” Ray answered and tipped his hat to the ladies and hurried off.

  “We can head for the ranch anytime everyone is ready,” Blake said. “I’ll pay the bill for our lunches, and we’ll leave.”

  Blake helped Eliza rise from her chair, and Aunt Hortense, Amalie, and Faith slowly walked to the dining room doors while Constance sat waiting for Blake to also help her. He mumbled under his breath that this was going to be a long visit as he helped Constance from her chair.

  “Thank you, Blake,” Constance said, batting her long eyelashes at him.

  “You’re welcome,” Blake answered and held his arm out for Eliza, leaving an unhappy Constance to walk alone.

  As they left the hotel heading for the carriage, Blake waved at Ray, heading home with a wagon full of trunks and carpet bags. He hoped Eliza’s packages took up quite a bit of space, too. She deserved as much, if not more, than whatever Constance had drug across the country.

  Once settled in the carriage, Aunt Hortense asked about the living arrangements and if Blake’s home was large enough to accommodate all of them.

  “I have a guest room for you, Aunt Hortense, and there is a smaller bedroom upstairs for Constance,” Blake said.