A Groom's Promise Read online

  “Are you telling me her hat cost fifteen dollars?”

  He hated to tell him the truth but what else could he do. He hesitated before he finally addressed his brother’s question. “Yes, but I had to make things good since we were the ones who crushed the hat her sister gave her. You understand?”

  “No, because I’ve never seen a hat that was more than ten dollars,” he said in disbelief.

  “But, you’ve never seen a hat specially shipped from a New York designer.” He paused. “She fell in love with it, and it matched her blue skirt perfectly.”

  “Who cares if it matched or not? It was just a hat. All it had to do was cover her head.”

  “I agree, but to women, especially Winifred, these things are important.”

  Jack shook his head and muttered, “I really wish you had involved me in the purchase of that hat.”

  Hugh clenched his teeth together. His brother was becoming impossible. Jack had better learn how women like to look nice and wear fancy clothes. Hugh waited until his initial anger subsided before he answered. “Listen, Jack. You had the opportunity to go shopping with us that day. However, you chose to stay back at the train station, remember?”

  “If I’d known that hat was going to be ridiculously expensive, I would have gone.”

  “I doubt that. Until today, I have never seen you take the initiative to do anything on your own. But I’m glad to see some of this, it’s a good sign.”

  “That’s not fair, Hugh. I’ve been trying to talk to you for weeks now, and you’ve been avoiding me.”

  “Jack, I couldn’t tell you. It was an agreement between Archie and me. Unless Archie chose to tell you, I really couldn’t say anything. A man’s word is his bond, you know.”

  “That’s all well and good until his deal involves you marrying the woman I want to be with. You could have anyone you want. Do you have to marry Maybell?”

  “We’re at the Boyers. This conversation will have to wait.”

  Jack pulled back the reins.

  Hugh spied Winifred walking toward the house. His body tingled at the sight of her. As soon as Jack stopped, Hugh rushed to his beauty, losing his footing a moment and almost bumping into her.

  She stumbled.

  “You all right?” he asked. He placed his hand in the small of her back to keep her upright.

  “I’m – I’m fine.” She steadied her posture then dashed toward the porch steps.

  She’s trying to avoid me, but that’s not going to happen. If I have to force my presence upon her, I will. He hurried up the stairs behind her. He opened the door for her. She scooted inside the hallway and rushed into the dining room. Her perfume of lemon and cinnamon lingered in his nostrils. His heart rate pounded in his chest. He stood inside the entryway, his brother now at his heels.

  Opal met them at the door. “Glad to have you here. Alex is upstairs with the baby and will be down in a minute.” She pointed to the formal parlor. “Have a seat in there. I will tell Mr. Crowley you are here. What would you like to drink?”

  “Coffee or tea would be fine.”

  Opal smiled. “We’ve got both.”

  “I’ll take coffee then.”

  Turning her gaze to Jack, she asked, “And you?”

  “Coffee – Coffee is fine.”

  Hugh inhaled the aroma of the turkey baking. He smiled, anticipating a good meal along with being in the company of his lovely lady. From the narrowly open parlor windows, the cool, late afternoon air swept throughout the room. The curtains swayed in the breeze. Hugh sat down in a mahogany straight chair with a white upholstered seat. His brother settled in a chair next to him. The grandfather clock chimed three o’clock. Worn out and tired from trying to avoid Jack’s questions on the way here, Hugh stared at his brother without saying anything for several moments. The butler approached.

  Mr. Crowley carried a tray of matching rose-patterned china. Presenting each a cup and saucer, the butler poured the hot liquid. Once done, he faced the men. “Do you need anything else?”

  “No, thank you, Mr. Crowley.” Hugh swallowed the mild-roasted coffee. The butler exited.

  Jack fidgeted in his seat. The china wobbled. His face turned ashen before he quieted his movements so he could sip the dark brew.

  Scanning the parlor, Hugh could see how a woman’s touch accented the room. If all worked out like he thought it would, he looked forward to having Winifred do the same to their home.

  Opal and Alex entered, the children behind them. The brothers set their cups on a nearby table and stood up to greet their hosts.

  Alex stretched out his arm. “It’s good to see you again.” He shook their hands. “Well, dinner is ready, and we’ve put place cards next to where you’re to sit.”

  “What’s place cards,” asked Abigail, as her body rocked, making her red and white striped dress move to and fro.

  “I don’t want to sit by her,” protested Theodore, gesturing to his sister. “She swings her legs back and forth and deliberately hits me on the shins.”

  Opal slowly spun around. “You two will sit where the card tells you, and no kicking,” she admonished them.

  “Aw, Ma.” Teddy put his hands on his hips.

  “You go in first. Our guests will follow us.” Opal and Alex headed toward the dining room.

  Hugh hurried into the room and glanced at Winifred, who already stood inside the room opposite him. He examined his place card and the one next to him. His gaze met Winifred’s. He smiled. “I see I’m going to be seated next to the prettiest woman here.”

  Winifred blushed. “And who is that?”

  “You. Your card is to my left.” Hugh chuckled, pointing to the chair beside him.

  She clutched her hands together before she sauntered toward him. Taking a deep breath, she gazed down at the card, which sat behind her gold-edged plate.

  “See? I told you.” He peered over at her before he let out a hearty laugh. Once she was seated, he settled beside her. Jack sat opposite them.

  With everyone seated, Alex cleared his throat before saying grace.

  Glasses jiggled, forks clanged, laughter burst out, and many stories were told before Mr. Crowley gathered the dishes and returned with apple cake topped with cream.

  Hugh could not resist the tantalizing smell of those apples. He dug in, and within minutes, he gobbled it up. Opal smiled and looked over at him. “Would you like another piece?”

  “Well, uh …” His cheeks grew warm. He swallowed the lump in his throat.

  Opal interrupted, “I see you do.” She rang the butler bell. Mr. Crowley appeared.

  “Madam?”

  She giggled. “Bring in two more pieces. One for Hugh and the other for my husband.” She paused and looked at Jack. “Would you like another piece?”

  Jack nodded.

  Opal returned her attention to the butler. “So bring in a piece for Jack also.”

  “Yes, madam.” Mr. Crowley exited and returned with a tray. Picking up the dirty plates, the butler replaced each with the new cakes. The trio aimed their forks at their apple desserts and within minutes they had devoured them. Alex pushed back his chair then patted his tummy.

  Opal rose to her feet. “I must excuse myself. Vivian Louise calls me.” She smiled. Her eyes twinkled before she turned her gaze to her husband. “Alex would love to show you the grounds, Jack, and you children go with your papa.”

  Winifred stared at her sister. “What about me? You didn’t say what you want me to do.”

  Giggling, Opal responded, “Why, Winifred, I think you should take a stroll to the lake with Hugh. I’m sure he would like that.”

  “But –”

  “You’ll be fine, Winifred. You’re in good hands, and besides, I’m positive you wouldn’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Her countenance flushed then she rushed from the room.

  Alex and Opal are connivers, but I love it. Hugh inwardly chuckled. He reached over and squeezed Winifred’s elbow, his heart pumping rapidly at the touch. H
is gaze met hers. “Shall we go for that walk?”

  Winifred slowly nodded. They both stood up. She grabbed her gloves then pulled them over her fingers.

  He led her out the front door into the cool twilight. She shivered. “Do you need your shawl?”

  “Oh, I think I’ll be all right,” she replied.

  “You sure?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  She glided beside him as if they had been a pair all their lives. He wanted to embrace her, but he knew she would not approve. He wished another flock of geese would appear so he could wrap his arms around her like he did a week earlier. However, none were in sight. As they approached, a deer bent down licking the stream’s water. What a beautiful sight as the orange-toned clouds shone on the horizon. As their feet crunched over the fallen leaves, the sound spooked the animal, which made the deer sprint toward a thicket of trees.

  Hugh and Winifred stood at the brook’s bank. It looked different in the quickening dark but bewitching just the same. A splash of water spurted up. A school of fish swam and wiggled their tails underneath the clear water.

  “This place is so peaceful, Hugh. It’s lovely watching God’s creation where this quietness soothes the soul.”

  Her rosy lips arched up in such a way it reminded him of a graceful swan. Taking a deep breath to prevent him from pulling her to him, he steadied his racing heart and said, “You are so right. What’s more beautiful? Daytime or watching this at sunset?”

  Her eyelashes flickered. “I’m speechless. Both have their glory. I can’t choose.”

  Choose, his mind roared. Choose me, not that man in Virginia. He placed his hands behind his waist and whispered, “I know you’re promised to a Charles City man, but, Winifred, please don’t go back. I want to marry you. We can make a good life here. I’m buying some property from my boss. Settle down with me, and I’ll make you happy.” He stopped and moved his hands to his sides. “I love you. My heart aches when you’re not beside me.”

  Winifred looked up at him with her mouth wide open then closed it seconds later and stood there without saying a word. She stroked her cheeks before tugging at a long sleeve to stretch it to reach her left gloved hand.

  He huddled to her. “You’re cold, sweetheart.” He pulled off his suit coat and slipped it on her. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her to him. His hot lips swept across her chilly brow. He moved his mouth from there to her cheeks to those inviting lips. Pressing his mouth on hers, he kissed her, and paused before kissing a series of freckles then caressed his lips on hers again. He could not catch his breath. Separating his mouth from hers, he studied her countenance. Her cheeks were a cherry red. “You’re still cold?”

  “Yes, but better,” she muttered.

  “Well, I’ll never let go of you and will keep you warm.” He embraced her and held her in his arms. Blackbirds cawed from above, flapping their wings to journey south. She cuddled closer to him, her soft skin pressing against his chest. His pulse rate accelerated. He did not know how he could release her, but he must. Taking a step backwards, he examined her strawberry-blonde hair tossing in the breeze. He studied her bright-blue eyes that reminded him of the ocean they left behind. “Promise me you’ll be my wife?”

  She smiled. “How can I say no? You take my breath away.”

  “You do the same to me.”

  “I do?”

  “Of course, my love.”

  She giggled. “Opal said if a person takes your breath away, you know you’re in love.”

  “Well, we are, aren’t we?”

  “Yes, I guess we are.”

  He nuzzled his mouth on hers once more before he clasped his hand over her glove to guide her back to the house. They strode along the bank before climbing up the hill to the roadway.

  “By the way, how did you know I was promised to a Charles City man?”

  He laughed. “It came from an unexpected source.”

  “And what’s that?” she murmured.

  “The lumberman.”

  “A lumberman?”

  “Yes, when I went to purchase posts and more from Sweeney Lumber, the owner told me about your beau. He heard the gossip.”

  “Oh well.” She gazed at the ground before she returned to look up at Hugh. “I guess I should’ve told you, but we hadn’t formally announced the courtship, although Pa did agree to it.”

  “Don’t worry about it. You are here, and he is there. That’s what is important.” As they picked their way through the honking geese, Hugh led her up the porch steps. They stood at the entrance. He turned to her. “I’ll see you at the square dance.”

  “Yes, I’m looking forward to it. Opal says everyone comes to celebrate the end of harvest.”

  He opened the door. Stepping into the foyer, he glanced down at her empty ring finger. It needed a wedding band. He would get that for her as soon as he settled the matter of who best suited Maybell. He scanned the premises before bending down and giving Winifred a deep kiss. Floorboards creaked. She jerked. Hugh’s face grew warm. He pulled away from her. Jack entered. A sharp pain pierced Hugh’s gut. Did his brother see their kiss?

  Chapter Thirteen

  Hugh said his good-byes to his hosts. Winifred stood to the side of them and looked over at Hugh. He winked at her before leaving the house with Jack following. Jack took the driver’s seat with Hugh sliding onto the wagon’s seat. Today Hugh’s life was complete. His heart no longer carried the burden that his beloved would return to Virginia before everything got settled with Archie.

  Jack whipped the reins to urge the horses into a trot. He smiled then turned to Hugh and quipped, “I take it you don’t mind if I marry Maybell.”

  “I – I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, knowing full well his brother was referring to that kiss.

  Jack chuckled. “Sure you don’t. If you wanted to be with Winifred, why didn’t you tell me? It would have saved me a lot of grief.”

  “Remember, I couldn’t tell you about the agreement with Archie, and until tonight, I really did not know what Winifred’s feelings were for me,” he replied, his cheeks still burning from his lady’s kisses.

  “Are you going to tell Archie now that you know?”

  “I plan to.”

  “When?”

  “Before the square dance next week.”

  “I can tell Archie if you would rather not do it?”

  “The agreement was between him and me. I’ll do it.”

  He searched his brother’s countenance. “Alright, but if you don’t then I will.”

  A sharp pain roiled inside Hugh’s innards. He feared Jack’s interference would result in Winifred learning about his supposed courting of Maybell. He wanted to keep that quiet. It would not be easy to approach Archie but he had to do it. His future and Jack’s happiness hung in the balance.

  ***

  Hugh’s warm kiss still lingered on Winifred’s lips. Shaking her head, she could not believe how she had fallen for him so quickly. But I guess if you find the man of your dreams, it happens that way. She sighed then climbed the stairs to see if her sister needed any help with the baby. Abigail’s voice drifted down the steps as she approached the upstairs hallway.

  “Papa, would you read that story about the crying kangaroo one more time?” the little girl asked.

  “No, I’ve read it three times already. You get to sleep.”

  “Aw, Papa.”

  “Get to sleep, sweetheart, and let’s say our prayers. ‘Now, I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep …’” Winifred passed the children’s bedroom then smiled. He’s so good with the children. She knocked on Opal’s closed bedroom door.

  “Yes?”

  “It’s me. Did you need some help?”

  “Come on in.”

  Opening the door, she strode into the room. Her sister stood beside the washbasin. With the infant in her grasp, she rubbed the wet cloth over the baby’s feet. Vivian Louise’s toes wiggled. “Could you hand me that towel?�
�

  “Of course.” She reached for the fringed linen cloth, which lay on a table beside the basin, then gave it to her sister.

  Opal patted the baby dry. Her sister’s eyes twinkled. “Isn’t she cute? I love her soft skin and the wisps of her golden hair glimmering in the lantern’s light.”

  Winifred giggled. “She’s an angel for sure and will win some man’s heart in a flash.”

  Opal pressed her daughter to her bosom then stepped to the bed. She laid the child on the faded red quilt with a patchwork of dark-blue stars.

  “Do you need a diaper?”

  Opal’s brow furrowed. “I thought I had one right here.”

  “You do. It’s right behind me.” She presented it to her sister. Looking over Opal’s shoulder, she observed her sister pinning the diaper. Could I do that as neatly as she just did? I hope so, for I do want to be a good mother.

  Once done, Opal cradled the squirming child and gently rocked her daughter. “She loves a warm bath. It makes her feel so good.”

  Winifred wondered how her sister could read little Vivian’s mind. Winifred’s eyes filled with tears as she watched the two of them. A treasured moment for sure and one Winifred would remember for a long time.

  Opal broke the silence. “Her gown is over there by the basin. Would you get it for me?”

  “Yes,” Winifred responded with a chuckle bubbling up inside her at the way the baby cooed. What a joy her newborn niece was bringing to this household. Winifred grabbed the cotton nightgown then returned.

  “You’ll have one of these,” Opal said, gesturing to the infant. “I know you will. By the way, how did things go with Hugh tonight?”

  Winifred hesitated. Should she reveal her feelings for him or keep those secret until they officially were betrothed? “Well, the sight of the sun setting on the brook was breathtaking.”

  “That’s all?” Opal said, her eyes wide-eyed while she slipped on her daughter’s gown.

  Heat rose in Winifred’s cheeks.

  “I see you blushing. There’s got to be more than a lovely night.”