A Groom's Promise Read online

  He stopped the wagon beside the general store to purchase coffee beans, flour, and a small amount of ground pepper. From there, he halted the cart in front of the Sweeney Lumber yard, jumped down, and tied the steeds to the hitching post. The wind whisked around him as he hustled toward the boardwalk, his feet clomping on the rickety planks. He tightened his frock coat around him. Nebraska, what a place. A minute ago the weather was calm, but now the wind whirled and hissed at him while he fought his way to the store and squeaked the door open to the smell of sawdust. Strolling to the counter, he faced the middle-aged, scrappy-looking proprietor. He pulled out the list and studied it. Archie’s sprawling hand glared up at him. Clearing his throat, he said, “Archie Smith directed me to get six three-foot posts, two five-foot ones, six four-foot wooden planks, and an assortment of long and small nails.”

  The man grinned. “You one of the fellas from Virginia that likes Winifred?”

  Stunned, Hugh stood there a moment. “Why, yes. Gossip must travel fast around here.”

  “You got that right. It’s a small town and news flies.” The owner spit out a wad of chewing tobacco then stretched out his hand to Hugh. “Glad to have you in these parts. My name is George Sweeney.”

  Hugh shook his hand. “Good to meet you, Mr. Sweeney.”

  “Just call me George. We’re not used to a lot of formality around here.” He smiled. “Now, come out back, and we’ll get those items.”

  Hugh followed him outside. The wind had died down and was replaced with a calm breeze.

  The owner pulled three from the stack. “Get three more of these and we’ll load those up.”

  Hugh did as told and scooted his three-foot posts next to the proprietor’s. They continued the procedure until they had everything loaded. Slapping his hands together to remove the sawdust from his fingers, Hugh stepped behind the owner to return to the store. Archie had failed to tell him how he wanted to pay for this but assumed he had credit with the lumberman.

  Standing in front of the counter, the owner added up the prices then smiled. “You’re in luck. I’ve discounted the posts since winter is approaching, and I want to be rid of as many of them as possible. Um, that’ll be ten cents apiece for the three foots and five cents each for the two five-foot posts.” He picked up his pencil again and calculated the rest of the order. Scratching his gray-tinged hair a moment, he said, “Well, today’s bill is one dollar. Did he want me to add this to his account?”

  Hugh exhaled a long breath. “He didn’t say, but I’m sure he does.” He reached to pull out his pocket watch and glanced at it. The time read three o’clock. His face grew warm. It would be difficult to make it to Winifred’s and then back to Archie’s before dinner.

  The man laughed. “You wondering if you’ve got time to see your sweetheart?”

  Hugh’s mouth opened wide. “Why – Why …”

  “Oh, everyone knows about you and Opal’s sister.”

  “They do?” His brow furrowed.

  Lovebird news travels quickly around here. Of course, Archie wasn’t going to like this. He was dead set on him courting Maybell.

  “He tells me what a fine man you are but has questions about your brother. You know the stuttering and all. It kind of gives your brother a nitwit reputation.”

  I’m not going to let him defame my brother. “Jack’s really not. In fact, he’s quite smart, and he can fix anything faster than a jack rabbit can jump.”

  The proprietor scanned the paper, pulled out the accounting book that sat to his left, and wrote in the figures. Once done, he stared at Hugh. “Don’t take what I say personally. I don’t know your brother, but that’s what will come out of some people’s mouths.” He added, “Just a little advice, if you love that gal, you’d better get to seeing her. I heard she has a beau waiting for her back home.”

  “A beau?” His heart thundered in his chest. He’d never thought of that.

  “Yep, make your move or there won’t be any move to make.” He punched Hugh in the arm.

  Such openness caught him off guard, but he was right. He must see her. And, if she found out about him “supposedly” pursuing Maybell, it could all be over in a swoop. He had to convince Archie that Jack and Maybell were right for each other.

  Chapter Ten

  Winifred sat in the informal parlor. Sunlight radiated on the piano keys. She would play a tune, but the noise could wake up Vivian Louise, and Opal needed a nap. The baby hadn’t slept well last night, and the bags under her sister’s eyes told the story. Teddy and Abigail stomped into the room. Winifred stared at them. “Be quiet! Your ma and sister are sleeping.”

  “Quiet?” Theodore protested. “Why, I didn’t think mothers needed that.”

  “You don’t understand women,” the little girl responded, while she placed her hands on her sides. “They got to wash and mend clothes, make us new garments, and do other important things.”

  “Men got more important things to do, such as making a living so you gals can purchase the yarn, thread and materials to do all those things.” Teddy puffed out his chest.

  Winifred snickered. His manner always brought a giggle to her lips.

  “You’re wrong, of course, Teddy. Ladies also have to get all dressed up to please you men.” Abigail glanced down at her brown-and-tan plaid pinafore with cranberry accents. “Like me having to wear this. I’d rather be wearing knickers. These are too constricting.” She hesitated and added, “I can’t climb a tree in this.”

  “You two stop it, or you’ll wake up Vivian Louise and your ma. You hear me,” Winifred said in a stern voice. “Now, scoot and don’t come in until I call you.”

  Theodore nodded. He spun around on his heels then ran from the room with Abigail tailing him.

  Those two could be a handful, but they were cute just the same. Silence filled the parlor. Her mind raced from the children, to her sister, to the man who could not stay far from her thoughts. Why did someone she barely knew have such an impact on her? She pressed her hand underneath her chin and sat there as she listened to the grandfather clock chime the half-hour. A loud tap knocked on the front door. She waited for Mr. Crowley to answer then remembered today was his day off. Rising to her feet, she strode to the door. Four knocks followed. Those kids better not have returned, or I’ll give them a paddling. She swung the door open. Hugh stood in front of her. She looked up at him and said, “Hello. Did you come to see Alex? He’s still at the bank.”

  Hugh grinned. “No, Winifred, I came to see you. Remember, I said I would stop by.”

  “Oh yes, um,” she patted the back of her hair then continued, “I do recall you saying that.” Of course, she recollected his words, but she wanted to pretend she forgot. No woman wants a man to think she is at his beck and call. She stared at him before she realized she had not let him inside. “My goodness, come on in.” She giggled and opened the door. Hugh stepped into the entryway.

  “I – I would ask you to go into the formal parlor but …” she said, unable to finish the sentence. Taking a deep breath to give her strength, she proceeded. “However, no one is home.” She bit her lip. “Well, Opal and the baby are here, but they’re asleep. And I sent the children outside to play so Opal could take a sound nap.”

  He put his hands behind his back. His eyes twinkled. “So, Miss Winifred, what are you going to do? You can’t leave me standing in the foyer. That wouldn’t be a respectable way to treat a visitor.”

  Pushing a lock behind her ear to take a minute to think, an idea came to her. “Since we don’t have a chaperone, what about us taking a walk? I don’t think there would be anything improper about that,” she said, her voice near a hush.

  He chuckled. “Yes, that’s a solution. You’re bright as well as pretty, Miss Winifred. Also, perhaps we could trek toward that stream I showed you, the one where Opal and Alex went. It has lots of trees, which I’m sure you miss, and would be out of the way from everyone.”

  “Everyone,” she uttered.

  “Yes, in
that way, we can talk without interruptions.”

  “Oh?” she answered, her voice quivering, wondering if he had anything else on his mind. Winifred gulped. She hoped not, or did she?

  “Unless you tempt me.” He laughed. “Don’t worry, Winifred. We’ll do what is right.”

  He’s exasperating. Glancing down at her light-cream pleated skirt, she sighed, wishing she had worn a darker dress. She hated to think it, but what if his clumsiness resulted in her falling to the ground again? This pale color would make it difficult to get the stains out.

  He chuckled. “I already know what you’re thinking.”

  “And what’s that?” she asked, her mouth curving into a coy smile.

  “You’re thinking about that dress and how I might soil it. But you need not worry.” He reached for her hand.

  “And why is that?” she stammered the words out. His strong grip sent sensations throughout her body, which rendered her ability to concentrate almost hopeless.

  “Because I will brush off the dirt so not a speck is seen.”

  She snickered, knowing his pledge would be almost impossible to accomplish. However, she loved his carefree answer. Something frowned upon in Charles City. In fact, she felt liberated from all the formal dictates back home. She could be herself instead of putting up pretense after pretense. They sauntered in the direction of the road. They passed Opal’s flower garden. Her sister told her how it had been Alex’s dead wife’s prize possession, and how she had taken over its care. Most of the summer flowers had died, but hen-and-chicks green plants still bloomed as well as a few scattered daisies and lavender asters with yellow centers. Hugh clasped her hand tighter and quickened his pace. What’s his hurry?

  Seeming to read her mind, he chuckled. “Sorry, I don’t have much time, and I want to get to the lake before it’s too late.” He glanced over at her.

  “I see.” But she did not see. Why did he stop by to leave in haste? The man definitely infuriated her, or did he?

  He rushed toward the water. The air became crisp the closer they came to it. A breeze flowed around them. Picking their way through the dense trees, Hugh wrapped his arm behind her waist.

  “You shouldn’t,” she squeaked. She barely could breathe. The thump of her heart thundered inside her chest. How could she return home with him affecting her like this?

  “Winifred,” he muttered, “I’m just preventing you from falling.”

  “Oh.”

  He released his arm from her lower spine then steered her down the tree-lined path toward the lake’s bank. Standing there, he gazed at the rustling water. The sun’s rays shimmered on the stream. Within the light-blue sky, puffy, white clouds clustered above them. He turned to her. “Does this call to mind Virginia?”

  “Oh, yes.” Her eyes filled with tears. This is what she missed -- the beautiful waterways, the dense trees and scenery like which lay before her. It brought memories of her family back home. She envisioned her Pa with his tall frame and gentlemanly manner. Sighing, her mind went to her brothers from the youngest, the eight-year-old, hurtling across the plantation’s grounds, to her oldest brother who cherished his newfound entrance into manhood by wearing his knickers with pride. She brushed a trickling tear away.

  “You alright?”

  “Uh-huh,” she whispered. Not wanting to spoil the mood, she decided not to discuss her thoughts about her family with him. She took a long breath and looked up at him. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

  He smiled. “Alex said your sister missed the dogwood trees, so I thought you probably did, too. It does remind us of Virginia even though there are no dogwood trees here.”

  “It does. The City of Lincoln is like a blank canvas with its scattered streams and little vegetation.”

  He nodded. Geese honked and landed on the flowing brook.

  Winifred shrieked. Her hands trembled.

  Hugh drew nearer, embraced her and whispered, “Did they scare you?”

  Warm prickles shivered throughout her body. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Instead, she found her body responding. She nestled her head against his brawny chest. His heartbeat pounded in her ears. Here she could rest and let him take care of her. She liked that idea, but she should not. After all, she was promised to Hamilton Flavell. Hugh’s hot breath tickled the ends of her hair as he moved his mouth from there to her forehead. He planted his feverish lips on her brow.

  She swooned. She could not help herself. Then he edged his way to her lips and locked his mouth on hers. She wanted to object but couldn’t find the energy. He tucked her further inside his arms, holding her there for several minutes. A cart rattled, traveling down the road, and it startled them. They separated. Her heart beating wildly, she steadied her breathing.

  He pulled out his pocket watch. “I’ve got to get back to Archie’s. We’d better go.” He studied her and smiled. “Did you know I love you?”

  She stared at him then said, “I shouldn’t have allowed myself …”

  “I love you,” he reiterated. “I want to marry you.”

  “This is so sudden,” she whimpered.

  “No, I knew the day I bumped into you, but I didn’t want to believe it. Opposites attract, Winifred, and that’s why we’re made for each other.” He gave her a quick kiss before taking her hand to guide her up the hill.

  Her heart cried out for another caress and another entwining of his arms around her as she strode beside him.

  He peered down at her. “I don’t know if I can get away before the square dance, but, if not, I’ll see you there. Spend most of your time with me,” he begged.

  She nodded in agreement with reservations, knowing she should not encourage his pursuit. But how could she deny his request? Her heart had spoken.

  Chapter Eleven

  Hugh said good-bye to his love. He hated to leave but had no choice. Jumping up on the buckboard plank, he pulled out his pocket watch. It read four thirty. It would take at least twenty to thirty minutes to get home, and when he arrived, he needed to unload the lumber. Hugh jerked the reins, and he swerved the rig down the path. As the horses thumped along the track, Alex approached, riding on horseback.

  Stopping his animal, the corner of Alex’s lips curled up into a large smile.

  “Whoa!” shouted Hugh. The horses halted.

  Alex patted his steed and leaned over to Hugh. “I see you’ve been visiting us.”

  “Um, yes.” Hugh’s cheeks grew warm

  Laughing, Alex replied, “Or should I say Winifred?” Scanning Hugh’s wagon, Alex said, “You must’ve been in town since your cart is loaded up with posts and such.”

  Hugh nodded. This is not good. He opened his mouth but did not speak.

  “You seem to be out of sorts today. Well, I’d better get home. Look forward to the square dance,” Alex said, his eyes twinkling.

  “Yep.”

  Alex slapped the reins. The animal clomped passed Hugh’s wagon.

  Hugh urged Archie’s steeds forward. Heart heavy, he could not lose Winifred. When he returned home, the first thing he needed to do was give Maybell Jack’s note. Somehow Archie needed to find out his daughter’s heart was with his brother.

  ***

  Alex could not wait to tell his wife the news about Hugh. He pulled his steed into the carriage house. Smiling, he unhitched the animal, fed and watered his horse, then sprinted to the house. He searched the downstairs then he vaulted up the stairs. Swinging their bedroom door open, Alex stepped into the room. Vivian Louise slept peacefully at the foot of their bed in her cradle. He shifted his gaze to Opal who lay asleep on their bed.

  Opal blinked, yawned then stared at her husband. She gave him a weak smile. “I took a nap.”

  He laughed. “I can see that. You had a rough night so it’s quite understandable.”

  Pressing her hands on the soft covering, Opal lifted her body off the bed to stand in front of her husband. “I really must’ve been tired,” she answered in a soft voice.


  Bending down, he gave her a long kiss. “You just need that to wake you up.”

  She blushed and glanced toward the hallway.

  Chuckling, he replied, “I don’t see Winifred. It’s alright. No need to be nervous.”

  She peered over at the baby before Opal placed her fingers over her mouth then removed them. “We need to keep our voices down.”

  Taking her hand, he whispered, “I need to talk with you. Let’s go downstairs into the formal parlor.”

  Her brow furrowed. “The formal one?”

  “Yes, since we rarely go in there, we can discuss things without interruption.”

  Opal giggled. “You sure can be mischievous at times.”

  Not able to resist, he wrapped his arms around her and caressed her thin lips. She hung in his embrace. He whisked his mouth over her forehead before he released her.

  Her eyes danced. “You’re such a tease.”

  “I mean to be.” Taking her hand, he guided her to the staircase. The front door squeaked open.

  Cool air spread up the stairs. Opal shivered. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.”

  They reached the steps, and Alex squinted to make out who had opened the door. No one in sight, they proceeded down the steps.

  Entering the parlor, Opal settled herself in a seat.

  Alex sat in the chair next to her. “Now, that’s better. I’ve got something to tell you which is going to make you smile.”

  “And, what could that be?” she purred as she clutched her hands together in her lap.

  “On my way home, I ran into Hugh.”

  “Hugh?” Her eyebrows arched.

  “Yes.” He rubbed her arm. “Yes, my love. He said he was here to visit Winifred even though he did not want to admit it. In fact, he told me he stopped in to see the family.”

  She laughed. “Those two. They don’t want to acknowledge they’ve fallen for each other.” She paused, glancing down at her rose-cameo necklace. Giving her husband a sly smile, she said, “What should we do about this predicament?”