Amelia's Montana Wedding (Love In Montana Falls Book 1) Read online

  Miss Hardie looked at Wilder. "Have you been here before Mr. Armstrong?"

  "No, ma'am I haven't. It's my first time here."

  "What's your business here, if I may ask?" Miss Hardie said.

  Amelia looked at Wilder. She wondered if he would be as evasive as he'd been on the train. Judging by the sudden change in his expression she figured that was going to be the case. Maybe he had a reason for keeping his business to himself.

  "I have to visit with the sheriff. Luke Dunbar I believe is his name."

  "Sheriff Dunbar is a very fine young man," Miss Hardie said. "In fact, the entire Dunbar family are real decent people. I can attest to that. The doctor in town is a Dunbar, too. He's seen to me and my arthritis on more than one occasion. A lovely man."

  Miss Hardie tugged on Bethany's arm. "Do you know that all three of the Dunbar men got married recently. It was quite a thing in town. Had everyone talking. But then, there's nothing like a wedding to get tongues wagging. Isn't that right, Amelia?"

  Amelia was surprised by her mentor's sudden address.

  They all started to make their way toward the end of the platform. Amelia could see the only remaining carriage parked up next to the station building.

  Miss Hardie continued to talk. Amelia glanced behind her and saw that Wilder was following at a respectful distance, bags in hand. He looked at her and smiled. She felt the breath catch in her throat and she forced her attention back to what Miss Hardie was saying to Bethany.

  "So who's the lucky man you've found for Bethany?" Amelia asked.

  Bethany turned and frowned at Amelia. "You make it sound so...clinical, Amelia."

  "Nonsense, Bethany," said Miss Hardie. "If you must know the young man in question is from one of the better families in town."

  "Really? What's his name?"

  "His name is Lucas Monroe," Miss Hardie said excitedly giving Bethany a conspiratorial grin.

  From behind her Amelia heard a sudden noise. She whirled and saw that Wilder had dropped all of the bags into a pile around his booted feet. When he looked up apologetically she saw that his face was pale and his eyes wide.

  "Sorry. Just clumsy," he said reaching down and picking up the bags. "They slipped clean out of my fingers."

  Amelia frowned at Wilder. Why had he reacted like that? He looked positively shocked as well as surprised.

  "Lucas Monroe? That sounds like a lovely name," Amelia heard Bethany say thoughtfully.

  "It is, isn't it," Miss Hardie agreed. "And he comes from a very good family. They're ranchers, just like those Dunbar brothers I was telling you about."

  "Ranchers?" Amelia exclaimed in spite of herself. She tried to pretend she wasn't shocked at learning Bethany was about to be courted by a rancher. The only thing Amelia knew about ranchers was that they spent a lot of time around cattle. Surely Miss Hardie couldn't be serious that someone from that kind of background would be at all suitable for Bethany.

  Maybe she was being harsh and judgmental, Amelia thought. It wouldn't be the first time her prejudices had gotten the better of her. She heard Wilder pacing heavily behind her and figured she had probably misjudged him when they had met for the first time. His conversation on the train had proven to be surprisingly easy going and interesting. And, he seemed like he had a heart that was thoroughly in the right place.

  Miss Hardie looked at Amelia as if she disapproved of her very thoughts. "Is that name familiar to you, Amelia?"

  "Not at all, Miss Hardie." Amelia replied.

  The elderly woman looked at Wilder." And you, Mr. Armstrong. Is the name at all familiar?"

  Wilder's eyes fixed on Miss Hardie. He didn't say anything, just shook his head.

  Miss Hardie looked at Bethany and stroked her arm. "I've met the young man, and I can tell you he is very sweet. I think you and he will get along just fine."

  Amelia glanced at Wilder as if she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. He gave her a knowing look, as if he understood just what she was thinking.

  They finally reached the carriage. Wilder placed the carpetbags on the rear of the carriage and stood to one side while Bethany and Amelia got up on the wide, leather covered seat.

  Miss Hardie turned to Wilder. "I have to thank you for making sure my girls were kept safe, Mr. Armstrong."

  "It was nothing, ma'am. The least I could do for such fine young ladies. You must be very proud of them."

  Miss Hardie looked at Bethany and Amelia and smiled. "I am very proud. And so very pleased that they are here. I think they are both going to like Montana Falls."

  Amelia's mouth opened in readiness for protest. Surely Miss Hardie knew Amelia wasn't intending to stay in Montana Falls any longer than it took for Bethany to get married. One look at Miss Hardie's smiling face halted the words of dissent in her throat.

  "I'm sure they will like it," she heard Wilder say. He was looking at her funny, as if he was thinking about something entirely different from Bethany finding a rancher for a husband.

  "You must come over for tea and biscuits," Miss Hardie said to Wilder. "I'm sure the girls won't take too long to settle in. They must be so tired after such a long journey, not to mention the excitement of being rescued by someone as handsome as you, Mr. Wilder."

  Miss Hardie smiled at Wilder and Amelia saw that he was truly embarrassed by the compliment. He shifted from side to side and glanced down toward the main drag of the town.

  "Where are you staying while you are here, Mr. Armstrong?" Miss Hardie asked.

  "I figured I'd bed down in the best hotel I can find."

  "There is a good one down there on the left hand side," Miss Hardie said pointing. Amelia gazed in the direction and then suddenly shifted her head in the other direction. It wouldn't do any good giving Wilder the idea that she was interested in where he was staying.

  "I'll take that recommendation, ma'am," Wilder said and lifted his hat. "You all take care now."

  Amelia gazed at Wilder. In the sunshine his hair was luminous and dark and his eyes reflected the light in a curious way. She saw him look at her and knew that he was the focus of her attention. Amelia felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. Why was he always catching her looking at him like that?

  "Ladies. You keep safe now," Wilder said.

  Bethany glanced at Amelia and then at Wilder. In spite of her naivety at times Bethany had always been good at sensing when people were interested in each other. It seemed like this time was no exception. "We look forward to seeing you Mr. Armstrong. That's right, isn't it Amelia?"

  Before Amelia had a chance to respond, Miss Hardie rose up and took her place on the seat. She grasped the reins and looked down at Wilder. Probably just as well they were heading off so quick, before Amelia's quick tongue got the better of her.

  Miss Hardie flicked the reins and the carriage lurched forward.

  In spite of herself Amelia craned her neck around to get one last look at Wilder. He watched the carriage for a moment and then started walking in the direction of the main drag.

  "A charming young man, don't you think, Amelia?" Miss Hardie asked.

  And as Amelia turned to reply she was shocked to see a very mischievous smile on the face of her trusted mentor.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  "It's such a wonderful house, Miss Hardie," Bethany declared as she leapt off the carriage onto the grass in front of the two story house. "Isn't it wonderful Amelia?"

  Amelia stepped down and looked up at the imposing edifice of the house. So this was what passed for architecture out here in the West? It wasn't exactly a Boston townhouse.

  A picket fence enclosed a small garden which had rows of flowers planted along the front of the porch. Steps rose to the porch upon which were arranged a long bench, table and chairs. There was a loose hammock hung from the roof of the porch. Amelia could imagine lying in that hammock on lazy, hot afternoons gazing back down the street which wound back toward the town's center. There were a few other houses of similar design in the dirt track that passed fo
r a road.

  The house itself was of the current style. It had a plain facade, high set windows and a steep roof. The whole thing was constructed of timber but had obviously been styled to suit the tastes of the previous owners. Amelia was thankful there were no Gothic embellishments. That would have added an unwelcome element to staying with Miss Hardie.

  She recalled visiting Miss Hardie's home back in Boston. She couldn't believe that Miss Hardie had traded in that beautiful, elegant stone built residence for something as basic as this. Perhaps that was how things were out here in Montana. Plain and simple. Perhaps the people were like that too. Amelia chided herself for being so unkind. It was a habit she would have to restrain.

  Miss Hardie pulled the brake of the carriage tight and stepped down. "It is rather less grand than the place I had. But, it's home to me."

  "As long as you're happy here," Amelia said touching Miss Hardie gently on the arm and giving her an understanding smile. The woman smiled back at Amelia.

  "It's beautiful, Miss Hardie," Bethany gushed.

  "Now, let's get you two into the house and settled in your rooms, shall we?" Miss Hardie said.

  Bags were taken and the three women made their way into the house.

  As she opened the door Miss Hardie turned to Bethany and Amelia and smiled. "Welcome to my home," she said with obvious pride in her voice.

  Amelia laid her bag down on the wooden floor and gazed up at the staircase which led to the upper floor.

  "The kitchen is out back, the parlor is here on the left, the dining room on the right," Miss Hardie announced. "But first, let me take you both to your room."

  "Our room?" Bethany asked.

  Amelia had also noticed the use of the singular.

  "I thought it would be best if you two girls shared a room. There's nothing like companionship to bring people together, especially in a strange place."

  Bethany looked at Amelia in surprise. "But isn't that..." Amelia started to say.

  Miss Hardie waved a firm hand. "You know I always think about what's best for my girls." Miss Hardie gave them both a stern look they were both very familiar with. "Isn't that right?"

  She smiled at them both and Amelia knew they were beaten. "It will be lovely to share a room. Won't it Bethany?" Amelia said.

  Bethany nodded and smiled.

  Miss Hardie led them up the stairs and along the corridor. She opened the door and stood back affording them both a clear view of the interior of the room.

  Bethany gasped and Amelia couldn't stop herself from raising a shocked hand to her chest. It was beautiful.

  The room was large and faced onto the front of the house. There was a dressing table in the corner by the window. Two wide twin beds took up the middle of the room. A large wardrobe had both doors wide open revealing a partially empty interior. There were already some clothes hanging on the rails. Surely Miss Hardie hadn't gone and taken the time to provide her precious girls with clothes that may or not fit, Amelia thought.

  Amelia followed Bethany into the room and breathed in the freshly scented air. The windows were open and a gentle breeze fluttered the soft floral decorated curtains.

  Amelia's booted feet stepped onto the thick patterned carpet that covered most of the wooden floorboards.

  "It's rather homely, don't you think?" Miss Hardie said.

  Amelia turned to her and nodded. "I think Bethany and I will be very comfortable here. Don't you agree, Bethany?"

  Her friend nodded enthusiastically.

  The bags were placed in the corner. Bethany ran to the window and pulled back the curtain. She gazed down the street. "What are your neighbours like, Miss Hardie?" Bethany asked.

  "They're nice. You'll find that most folk in this town are friendly and nice," she declared.

  "Now why don't you both get unpacked, and I'll heat some water so you can both freshen up a little. Trains aren't the cleanest things in the world."

  Amelia and Bethany nodded. Amelia realized the prospect of hot water and soap was the best thing she'd heard since arriving.

  Amelia went to the window and looked out. "Where is the hotel from here?" she asked.

  Miss Hardie smiled. "It's on the other side of those far buildings. You can't see it from here. I'm sure Mr. Wilder will be very comfortable there."

  Amelia whirled. "Oh. I wasn't thinking about Mr. Wilder."

  Miss Hardie grinned. "I know you weren't. You were just trying to get your bearings. You can walk to the main street from here. It's only a short distance."

  Miss Hardie made her way out and closed the door. Bethany turned to Amelia. "You don't mind sharing a room, do you?"

  "Why would I mind?" Amelia replied. She reached out and stroked Bethany's hair. "You know I'm here to be by your side, Bethany. This is a huge thing you are doing."

  "You don't think I'm being foolish."

  "Not in the slightest. It's what you want. That's all that matters. And, I'm sure Miss Hardie has found you a young beau who is just the most perfect gentleman."

  "You think so?" Bethany said wide-eyed.

  "I'm sure," Amelia said.

  They went to their bags and started to unpack. They had brought enough for the initial time they were to spend in Montana Falls. Bethany had arranged for more of her belongings to be sent on in the coming weeks. Amelia had brought just about enough to last her the very brief time she intended to stay in the town. She had no doubt that Bethany would succeed in her mission to find a suitable husband, especially since Miss Hardie was the one who had taken responsibility to ensure that Lucas Monroe was suitable.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Wilder walked into the reception of the hotel and laid his bag down on the floor. He banged the bell on the surface of the wooden counter. An old man dressed in an off white shirt and shiny dark pants, emerged, bent almost double, from the back of the reception.

  "Can I help you?"

  "I'd like a room."

  The old man eyed Wilder up and down. "Just for yourself?"

  "Sure," Wilder said turning around. "There's only me."

  The old man turned the leather bound register around and pointed Wilder to the pen and ink stand.

  Wilder signed his name and stuck the pen back in the well. The old man squinted at the name. "Wilder Armstrong?"

  Wilder nodded.

  "Someone was asking for you earlier?"

  "Really? Who?"

  "The Sheriff, no less," the old man said. He squinted his eye even tighter, examining Wilder's features. "Don't think you've been here before, have you?"

  "First time in town," Wilder said.

  "Got business here?"

  Wilder nodded and kept his lips tight.

  "What kind of business?" the old man asked.

  "My kind of business," Wilder said sharply. "Where can I find the sheriff's place?"

  The old man pointed toward the door. "Out there and down to the right. Down near the hardware store."

  Wilder nodded. The old man handed him the key.

  "The room?" Wilder asked.

  "Take a left at the top of the stairs."

  Wilder started up the stairs fully aware that the old man was watching his every move. It wouldn't take long before everyone in town knew that there was a new man in town. The men who checked in as guests at a hotel like this were always the source for gossip. A place like Montana Falls probably thrived on gossip. But, Wilder was determined that the only person who would know why he was here would be the town sheriff.

  Wilder reached his room and unlocked the door. He stepped inside and sighed. It was just like all the other rooms in which he'd spent hot days and lonely nights these past few years. There was a single bed, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe and empty white water bowl resting on a stand. The same kind of room as always. The familiar lived in smell. Wilder gazed out the window. It faced out onto an alley that ran alongside the building. At least the sounds of the street wouldn't be an immediate concern. He might just be able to get some much needed sleep. Now th
at the two women were safe with their host, Wilder could focus his mind on the task at hand.

  But that was the thing. Could he focus his attention on the task with the image of Amelia Crawford hovering in his mind? Because that was what was happening. That was what had been happening the whole time he'd been walking up the main street of the town. He'd barely registered the layout of the stores, saloons, livery stable and the eating places.

  Normally when he arrived in a new town with a mission to carry out, he had no trouble focusing his attention on the matter at hand. It was essential that he got to know where everything was as fast as possible. He knew there could be circumstances where his survival depended on knowing where every entrance or alleyway was. But that woman just wouldn't budge from his mind.

  The truth was she had been both alluring and infuriating, all at the same time. He'd enjoyed her company, that was for sure. He'd always tried to keep the company of women at arms length. They made his job even more difficult than it needed to be.

  Amelia Crawford was so darned pretty. The first time he'd laid eyes on her back at the station Wilder had felt something he hadn't felt in a long time.

  Plain, simple attraction.

  He shook his head, dumped his bag down and lay on the bed.

  It felt good to be laying down on a soft bed. It seemed like it had been ages since he'd any time to himself. Being a lawman, such as he was, was keeping him way too busy for his liking. But there was no way he was going to be able to settle down. He'd been a lawman for years now, and it had gotten into his blood. There was always some crime to deal with, and no shortage of good-for-nothings looking to spoil the lives of good people.

  Wilder closed his eyes and took a deep breath, and once again the image of Amelia Crawford's sweet face forced its way into his mind. He made no effort to drive it away. How could it be that someone he'd only just met had made such an impression on him? Was it her delicate features or her dignified, proud poise? Could it be her feisty nature that held such a fascination for him? He'd always liked women who spoke their minds, and Amelia certainly was comfortable doing just that.