Gabrielle: Bride of Vermont (American Mail-Order Bride 14) (5 page)

CHAPTER SIX

The wagon bounced over the lane as Clyde turned off the road and headed toward the house at the end of it. Gabrielle was delighted to see a corral with several horses in it. They seemed to be enjoying the late afternoon breeze. The house seemed huge to her. She’d grown up in apartment buildings and was used to tight spaces. While she was nervous about meeting Boone, she felt more comfortable than when she’d thought she was going to be meeting him earlier that day. Their meeting couldn’t possibly be any stranger than the misunderstanding that had taken place with the Williamsons.

She felt completely at ease with them now and was thankful for the time spent getting to know them during the hour or so it had taken them to get from Wiggieville to Coltonville. They’d told her all about their children and grandchildren and had asked her how she’d come to decide to be a mail-order bride. Gabrielle explained about the fire and her need for provision. They all agreed that Elizabeth Miller was something of a miracle worker to have made the arrangements between Boone and Gabrielle so quickly.

“This is it,” Clyde said, bringing the wagon to a stop. He stepped down and helped them both onto the ground. “Would you like to go in alone first, or do you want us to go in with you?”

Gabrielle was relieved to hear him ask. “Oh, yes! Please come in. I would feel so much more comfortable with you making the introductions.” She was thankful for Clyde and Mattie. She felt like they were friends already and was happy to know she had their help.

As they stepped onto the porch, the door opened and a handsome man walked out. “You must be Gabrielle. I’m Colby Clayton. Most folks just call me Doc Colby. Welcome to your home in Texas. Right this way, ma’am.”

Everyone is so kind here. It’s so different, already.

Colby led her to a room near the front of the home. The man on the bed had his eyes closed when she first walked in. She was thankful for the opportunity to look at him before he looked at her. She could see he had plenty of dark, wavy hair under a white bandage that was across his forehead and wrapped around his head. He seemed to take up nearly the entire length of the bed, so he must be tall.
His jawline was strong. She took a step closer and stood near his right side.

Boone’s eyes fluttered open, and he stared up at her. Gabrielle had never gazed into such dark eyes. The lashes were the longest she’d ever seen on a man. He had a nice beard. He squinted his eyes and worked to focus them on her.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Hello.” He smiled at her.

The way he looked at her made Gabrielle’s stomach feel strange. She suddenly felt as though she couldn’t get a full breath. A feeling of warmth spread from her stomach to the top of her head, turning her cheeks bright pink as it made its way up.

Gabrielle didn’t know how to respond, and even if she could, her mouth failed to open even though she willed it to. She wondered if she was getting sick. The warmth she felt reminded her of the fever she’d had the day the mill burned to the ground. Was she relapsing? She’d felt fine all day, just tired from her trip. But still, it could be something coming on suddenly.

“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Boone Dillingham. Sorry I can’t get up to greet you properly, but the doc here says I have to rest for a day or two. Folks say he’s pretty good, so I guess I’ll do like he says.” He grinned, the look in his eyes boyish. He reached out his hand toward her.

Instinctively, she reached out and accepted it. A bolt of electricity traveled from her palm to the back of her neck.

Boone smiled when he felt her touch him.

She pulled back her hand a second after she’d felt the surge and took a small step backward.

“Oh now, don’t go away, pretty one. I like you. You’re good medicine.”

His grin lit up his face. Gabrielle was lost in it, briefly. “No, I won’t go away. I just need a little water. I’ll be back shortly.”

She saw Clyde and Mattie glance at each other as she left the room. As Mattie followed her out to show her the kitchen, Clyde chuckled. He was going to enjoy watching how the Lord worked this thing out. He followed them into the other room.

Boone sighed as she left and closed his eyes slowly. “I’m better now, Doc. I’m just gonna lie here and rest, though.”

Doc Colby nodded. “I think that’s a good plan.”

Mattie poured some water for Gabrielle. “Well, now. What do you think of our friend Boone?”

Gabrielle looked from Mattie to Clyde and then back to Mattie. “Is he always so outspoken? You know, saying everything he thinks like that?”

Clyde and Mattie shook heads simultaneously.

“He can be talkative, but he doesn’t usually say what he’s feeling quite like that. I usually have to drag things out of him,” Clyde said.

Gabrielle asked, “How long have you known him?”

“It’s been a while. Seven or eight years, I reckon. Something like that.” Clyde looked questioningly at Mattie, and she nodded in agreement.

Mattie stepped close to Gabrielle. “The situation you expected when you agreed to come here has changed a bit. Are you still planning to stay? We can figure some other plan, if you need to.”

Gabrielle didn’t hesitate. “I agreed to marry a stranger. Accepting his money and coming here was an act of commitment. I won’t back away from it. He’s a stranger either way. I didn’t know what he was like before and it didn’t matter. It shouldn’t matter now, I guess. We’re about to be married, and he’s had an unfortunate accident. If it had happened twenty-four hours after I’d arrived, I’d be just as committed as I am now. It doesn’t change anything.”

Just then they heard a commotion from the bedroom. They hurried to see what was going on. Colby was standing at the foot of the bed, laughing quietly, amusement written on his face.

“Everything all right in here?” Clyde asked, looking at Colby and then at Boone.

“Heck, yeah!” Boone said loudly, grinning from ear to ear. He nodded toward Gabrielle and pointed in her direction.

“Doc Colby just told me that pretty little woman is going to be my wife. It was worth getting my head busted open for that!”

He smiled broadly at Gabrielle. “Did I already ask you to marry me?”

Gabrielle stepped closer to Boone’s bed. “Well, you invited me to move to Texas to become your wife.”

Boone adjusted his bandage, slightly. “And what did you say?”

“I came to Texas, didn’t I? I believe most folks would consider that to be a ‘yes,’ don’t you think?” Gabrielle asked.

Boone grinned again. “Whoopee! Sounds like a ‘yes’ to me. Definitely does. Thank you very much for agreeing to marry me. Let’s have the wedding right now!”

Gabrielle was thoughtful for a moment before she looked at the doctor. “Who’s looking after him?” she asked.

“Mattie stayed last night, although we hadn’t talked about tonight yet.”

Gabrielle looked at Mattie. “I know it must be an imposition, but could you stay one more night? It wouldn’t be proper for me to stay here alone with him before we’re wed.”

Boone reached for Gabrielle’s hand. “Beautiful lady, won’t you marry me right now?”

Gabrielle looked at Clyde and Mattie. “Would it be possible to find a preacher tomorrow? Would one come here?”

She looked to the doctor. “Doctor Colby? How long before he can travel if we can’t find a preacher?”

Everyone in the room, except Gabrielle, laughed.

“What is it? Why are you all laughing?” Gabrielle wanted to know what the joke was.

Boone laughed louder than anyone else and pointed at Clyde. “
He’s
the preacher!”

Gabrielle turned away from Boone and stared at Clyde, who stepped over to her and extended his hand. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Clyde Williamson. Folks around here call me Preacher. Preacher Clyde, that is.”

“You’re a preacher?” she asked, shocked.

“Indeed I am,” he nodded, smiling.

He saw the color drain from her face. “You seem pretty surprised by that, Miss Petersen.”

“Well, you just didn’t act, that is… you don’t seem like—,” she stammered. “Oh, goodness. Never mind. It’s nice to meet you, Preacher Clyde Williamson!

*******

Two hours later, following a meal that Mattie prepared, the men stepped outside to do Boone’s chores. They fed the horses and put them in the barn for the night. Mattie helped Gabrielle get acquainted with the house, and Gabrielle noted that the Williamsons must have spent quite a bit of time with Boone in order to know his home and routines so well.

Boone napped in his bed, right after he’d asked to be awakened in time for his wedding.  After Gabrielle had settled into her room, she hurried to take a quick bath while the men were outdoors. She slipped into the dress she’d selected for her wedding. Mattie brought in a couple of flowers that she’d seen near the barn when they’d arrived that afternoon.

They all gathered into Buck’s bedroom again. Gabrielle stood closest to Boone. Colby had agreed to let him sit up, propped by several pillows, long enough for the ceremony to take place.

After Clyde spoke a few words and read from a Bible, he asked the couple to join hands as he prayed for them. “Lord, we come before You, thanking You for the gift of marriage that allows a man and woman to see how You love Your church. Would You be gracious to these two, Boone and Gabrielle, as they come to know and love one another? Would You bless them and help their individual paths come together to walk in Your way? Would You teach them to love and encourage one another to find joy in life and to walk more closely with You?”

Gabrielle listened intently. This man’s words were thoughtful and kind. His concern for their marriage was evident in what he was saying. He prayed like no one she’d ever heard. He seemed to actually care about them.

Clyde’s prayer ended and Boone grabbed Gabrielle’s hand and pulled her toward him. She wasn’t expecting it, and the momentum behind his tug caused her to lurch forward, practically falling on top of his chest. He slipped his hand behind her head and pulled her in for a kiss.

Gabrielle managed to get her feet squarely under her and stood back up, reeling from the way the kiss made her feel. She was blushing profusely when the Williamsons and Doc Colby quickly congratulated the newlyweds and hurried to gather their belongings and leave, insisting that she not see them out. Nonetheless, she followed them to the front of the house, thanking them for all their help and closing the door behind them.

She walked down the hall, repeating her new name quietly to herself.
Mrs. Boone Dillingham. Gabrielle Dillingham. Mrs. Dillingham. I can get used to that in no time at all.

When she stepped into the doorway of Boone’s room, he smiled brightly at her. “Hello, beautiful Mrs. Dillingham. Please make yourself comfortable. It’s your home now, you know?”

“Well, I guess it is. We’re married, aren’t we? Does that sound as strange to you as it does to me?” she asked.

“Doesn’t seem strange to me at all. I like being married to you, Amanda. I truly do,” Boone said sincerely, and smiled at her as she stood in the doorway.

Gabrielle didn’t know what to say. Who was Amanda?  Finally, she spoke calmly and clearly. “Well, Boone, I’m happy to know that you like being married to me, even if you just called me by the wrong name.”

“I did?” Boone looked confused and upset with himself.

Gabrielle saw the confusion turn to frustration on his face. Slowly, she walked over to the bed and stood beside him. She stretched out her hand as if to shake his. “Good evening, Mr. Dillingham. I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance. I’m your wife, Gabrielle. Gabrielle Dillingham.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

When the bright sunlight finally made its way across her face, Gabrielle slowly opened her eyes. She’d slept so soundly that when she awakened, she forced her eyes to look around in spite of the temptation to roll over and keep sleeping.  

What day is it? Where am I?
She took in her surroundings. There was a large armoire in the corner and a small table next to the large bed. She couldn’t begin to understand the pile of horseshoes in another corner.

Gabrielle loved the fact that her new husband was confined to bed in another room for their first night under the same roof. After Boone apologized for getting her name wrong, he encouraged her to make herself at home and dozed off to sleep.

She had worried about their wedding night, even though she was confident the man who’d picked her wouldn’t be expecting anything romantic to take place. While she wasn’t sure how his injury would affect his behavior toward her, she was thankful he had to stay down for two or three days. It would give her time to explore her home.

The exploration opened her eyes to the reality that no woman had cleaned Boone’s home for a very long time, if ever at all. She began in the kitchen and scrubbed everything she touched.

Boone remained asleep for long enough for her to finish that task and fix a light lunch. Fortunately, it looked as though he’d stocked the shelves well. There was plenty of food for her to work with.

Following lunch he slept the day away, and she attacked the rest of the house. There were cobwebs in every corner and accumulated dust under the beds. She was unsure of what to do with the pile of rocks in the parlor, so she dusted the tops of them as well.

The next morning, she added her traveling clothes to his and washed them all. As she hung the wet clothes on a line outside to dry, she was pleased to see that the animals had been tended to again. Assuming that Clyde or Colby had taken care of that, she was grateful for the help.

She stood by the corral for a few moments and watched the horses. They galloped about playfully. She wondered which one Boone rode most often and which one would be hers. Was it presumptuous to assume he’d let her have one to call her own?

She looked around. As far as she could see, there were no other houses nearby. She didn’t have much experience with horses, but since they lived so far from anyone or anything, surely he’d expect her to ride from place to place. She couldn’t wait for him to tell her which one she could ride when he gave her lessons.

She’d been daydreaming and when she’d hurried back into the house she heard Boone. “Hello? Anyone out there?”

Hurrying into his room, Gabrielle greeted him. “Good afternoon. How are you feeling now?”

His eyes lit up when he saw her, but he remained quiet for a moment. “Is it all right if I just call you ‘beautiful’ whenever I need to talk to you? Would you mind very much?”

Unfamiliar with direct compliments, she blushed. “Well, I think you could just call me by name, don’t you?”

Boone frowned. “No, I don’t think I can do that.”

“I’d appreciate it very much, though.”

Nervously, Boone smoothed the quilt on his lap. “I’m sorry. I can’t do it.”

“And why not?” she asked, feeling determination set in. After all, if they were to have a marriage in name only, then he shouldn’t be using terms of affection with her. It didn’t make a bit of sense.

He was silent, biting his tongue. His eyes darted about. “I’m just not sure what it is. I’m sorry about that. It doesn’t happen to be Amanda, does it?”

She sighed. “No,” she said as she looked into his large brown eyes. “It’s Gabrielle. Gabrielle Dillingham. I’m your wife,” she said, trying hard to be patient, but feeling a little irritated.

There was a chair in the corner of the room. She pulled it a comfortable distance from his bed and sat down. Settling herself into it, she forged ahead “Let’s get acquainted, shall we?”

*******

Gabrielle arose early in the morning. She walked into the kitchen and to her surprise, found Boone sitting at the table. “Good morning, beauti—, I mean, good morning. How did you sleep last night?”

She jumped. “Oh! Boone! I’m sorry, I didn’t know you’d be in here. Are you sure it’s all right for you to be up and about?” Slipping into an apron she’d brought with her, she began gathering the items she’d need for coffee and breakfast, noticing that he already had a nice fire burning in the stove.

“I’m usually up before dawn to tend to the animals. The knock I took to my head has sort of thrown my schedule off a bit. And don’t worry about me. Doc Colby said I could move about some today. I’ll follow his orders to stop, if I feel dizzy.”

“Animals?” She set the pot on to begin heating. “Are there more than just the horses?”

“Well, yes. We’ve got a cow and some chickens, too. How ‘bout we take a quick walk before I fix us some breakfast and I’ll show you around,” he offered.

Gabrielle wondered if he was really ready to go about showing her the ranch but doubted it. A concussion was nothing to be messed with.  “I’d like that, but what I’d really like is to get some breakfast in me. I’d like to do the cooking, if you don’t mind.”

“That’s not necessary. I’m used to fending for myself, you know.”

Well, that’s pretty obvious, based on what this horrendous kitchen looked like just a couple of days ago!
She bit her tongue and smiled. “Yes, Boone, I know you can do it. But will you allow me? After all, I came down here to be your partner. I expect to be cooking for you every day.” She skirted around him and moved toward the table. “Now, where are the eggs?”

“That’s just it. We can’t start breakfast until after we get the eggs. Let’s walk out to the chicken coop and get some. Then you can cook to your heart’s content.” He stepped out of the kitchen and over to a rack not far from the front door. After putting on his jacket, he turned to her. “Where’s your coat?”

“Goodness, it’s not even cold here. I see the Texas winter is quite different from what I’m used to. I don’t need a coat today.”

He shrugged and opened the door for her.

Boone looked at the feed troughs in the corral. “Looks like Preacher Clyde has been here and gone already this morning. If you see him this afternoon, be sure and tell him I’m all right and that I, I mean we—, that we won’t need him to come back out. I can take care of things from here on out.”

“Your horses are beautiful. Living in cities all my life, I’m afraid I don’t have any real experience with riding them. When you feel better, would you give me a few lessons?”

Boone turned his head quickly and answered sharply. “No! You won’t be riding any horses.” He stopped, realizing he’d raised his voice to her. “I’m sorry. Let’s just go get some eggs. Okay with you?”

Gabrielle was stunned at the harshness of his answer. Had she done something to offend him? Why wouldn’t he be letting her ride? She wanted to ask but was afraid to upset him. He didn’t need that. She didn’t know much about getting bumped on the head, but she knew enough to do her best to keep him on an even keel.

  They approached a small wooden structure. It was like a lean-to, but with some shelves for the chickens to nest on. Boone opened the rickety excuse for a door so Gabrielle could go in ahead of him. As soon as she took a step inside, a chicken hurried toward her, making a beeline for freedom.

“Aack!” Gabrielle screeched and spun around, bumping hard into Boone. Reflexively, he reached out and caught both of her arms to steady her. “Get it away from me!” She pulled away from Boone and shuffled around him.

Boone couldn’t help but laugh at her. He’d never seen anyone react to a chicken that way. “It won’t hurt you. Come on back here,” he called.

Ten feet away, she turned and stared at him, shaking her head.

Gabrielle hated looking like she didn’t know what she was doing. She’d never been in a chicken coop in her life, but she had to make Boone think she was competent enough to be his partner.

Smoothing her hair back into place, she forced herself to laugh. “Oh, my. It just startled me, that’s all. I’m coming. Go on in, I’ll be right behind you,” she said, feigning confidence.

“All right, then. As you wish.” Boone ducked his head and stepped in, leaning over to check the hay around the nesting boards.

Gabrielle walked cautiously up behind him, tempted to plug her nose, as the odor was repulsive to her. She remained aware of the distance to the entrance as she stepped in, just in case another bird attempted to attack her. This city girl planned to be faster than the chicken if that happened. She’d be back outside before the filthy fowl got anywhere near her.

After he’d gathered the eggs and handed them to her, they made their way back toward the house. Boone gestured toward the barn. “Part of that is where I make my saddles.  I’ll show it to you later.”

He excused himself to wash up once indoors. Soon thereafter, he made his way back into the kitchen and quietly sat down to watch as she cooked.

She presented him with bacon, eggs, toasted bread, and hot coffee. Sitting down beside him, she smiled and picked up her fork. She had her mouth open wide for a bite when she glanced at him. He’d taken off the hat he was wearing and was placing it on the extra chair at the table.

Casually but quickly, she pulled the fork away from her mouth as she saw him bow his head.
He prays before he eats? Is he going to do that every time?
    

When he was done praying out loud, he looked into her eyes. “It sure looks good—.” He stopped abruptly, a nervous look on his face.  “Yes, indeed. It looks real good. Thank you.” He picked up his fork and started eating quickly.

Her blue eyes flashed at him. 
Has he forgotten my name again? How could he have married me and not remember my name after I told him what it is so many times?

“Thank you. I hope you enjoy it, Boone.” She paused for a few seconds, then commented. “Boone is such a unique name. So is mine. Did you know mine has two l’s in it?”

He looked up, questioning. “No, I don’t guess I really paid attention to how it was spelled. How is it?”

“G-a-b-r-i-e-l-l-e. Gabrielle.”

She noted relief in his expression and smiled sweetly. “A man ought to know how to spell his own wife’s name correctly, don’t you think?”

*******

During their first week together the couple developed a routine. Boone rested but gradually made his way up and around. He complimented and thanked Gabrielle multiple times as his home looked brighter and became more functional with a woman’s touch. He marveled at the amount of work she found to do in a home he’d thought to be suitable enough to meet his needs.

He’d invited her to accompany him on his chores and slowly taught her the ins and outs of living in the country. She became less squeamish around the chickens and learned how to milk the cow, although she wrinkled her nose in disgust at the smelly chores. She was a strong-willed woman though, and refused to complain about anything.

Boone came inside for lunch one day and mentioned he’d made a trip into town to replace a tool he needed for his work.

“I didn’t realize you’d be going to town,” she said, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice. “How often do you go?”

He scratched his head. “Oh, I don’t have a schedule. Since it’s not too far I just head out anytime I need supplies. I enjoy the ride.”

“I can only imagine,” she said, frustrated he hadn’t invited her.
Men are so inconsiderate. That was just downright mean!

She opened her mouth to say she wouldn’t have minded accompanying him when he reached into his pocket, and pulled out an envelope. “Oh! That reminds me. I almost forgot. I picked this up at the post office.”

Her eyes lit up with excitement when she read the return address. “Oh! This is from one my old roommates. She must’ve received the letter I sent before I left my mother’s home.”

Gabrielle tore into the envelope and read silently while Boone watched. 

Dear Gabrielle,

I'm so glad you found me!  God was looking out for both of us when he helped you think of Miss Miller as a way to contact me.  I miss you dreadfully, you and Poppy, and Roberta.  I feel like I'm in another world, separated from my dearest friends.

Karl is a kind man.  He's not the romantic Irishman I always pictured myself with, but he's a good husband to me, and more importantly, he's a Christian.  The local congregation is small, but everyone has been kind.

Roberta is in Wisconsin.  We'd hoped we'd be close by picking states that were so close to one another, but I was on a train for almost a day longer than she was.  I fear we'll never see one another again, but I try not to dwell on that, for fear I'll fall into melancholy.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother.  Whether you like it or not, I'll be praying for God to bring you peace about her passing.