The Unexpected Bride (The Unexpected Sinclares Book 1) Read online

  There was no outward sign that this news had upset her.

  “Will there be any guests?”

  He leaned back in his chair. “I didn’t send out engraved invitations, but yes, I’m guessing there’ll be a fair crowd. Weddings and funerals are big draws around here. A wedding with a stranger as the bride will definitely stir up some interest. I imagine just about everyone who can be there, will be.”

  She seemed to take the news fairly well. He might as well give her the rest of it. “After the ceremony, there’ll be a reception on the church grounds in our honor. It’ll give you a chance to meet the neighbors and give them a chance to meet you. Granny Picket’s organized some of the ladies to take care of everything, including providing a meal for the gathering.”

  “Granny Picket?”

  “She’s not my real granny. Her full name is Miss Odella Mae Picket, but just about everyone in these parts calls her Granny. She’s upward of seventy years old but still spry and as sharp as they come. She’s sort of the thread that holds this community together. Her word carries a lot of weight around here.”

  Later, after she’d gone, Caleb tried resuming his work on the chair leg he’d been shaping, but his mind wouldn’t focus.

  Would she really go through with it? All she had to do was stand in front of that church tomorrow and announce, before God and everyone, that she’d changed her mind, and there wouldn’t be a thing he could do about it.

  Somehow, though, he didn’t think she’d let him down. No matter what her faults, he was learning Lady Privilege had grit and her own unique code of honor.

  The next three months might prove a rocky road, but it was almost guaranteed to take him on an interesting journey.

  The morning breeze ruffled the curtains as Elthia studied herself in the mirror.

  This was her wedding day!

  Even saying it out loud didn’t make it seem any more real. She looked for the glow she always associated with brides. It wasn’t there. But at least none of the turmoil she felt was apparent either. Except for the fact that her complexion was paler than usual and her freckles stood out a bit brighter, she might have been preparing for nothing more than Sunday service.

  She’d be walking down the aisle alone, without her father there to give her away. None of her family would be here to support her and wish her well. There’d been no time spent dreaming and planning. Rather than a fine gown of satin and lace, she was wearing one she’d brought along for church services.

  And to think, less than a month ago she’d been appalled when her father announced his determination to push her into marriage to a man she’d developed a growing dislike for.

  She’d tried to explain that she’d grown increasingly apprehensive in Baxter’s presence. But how could one explain feelings of distaste and outright revulsion that were brought on by looks, innuendo, and seemingly innocent touches? Even to her own ears, her halting explanations had sounded like overwrought nonsense. But even so, she knew that marrying Baxter would thrust her into a nightmare she’d never escape.

  In the end, her father put her protest down to female hysterics. He’d dismissed her disjointed objections with a paternal pat of the hand. “Such maidenly jitters are understandable. Granted, Baxter is a man of strong opinions and a forceful nature, but that makes for a good husband, you’ll see.”

  And that had been that, at least as far as her father was concerned.

  Harm, her older brother, had been a bit more sympathetic when she’d discussed it with him. He’d even offered to speak to their father on her behalf. But she’d turned him down, knowing it wouldn’t do any good.

  He’d given her one of those see-inside-to-the-heart-of-you looks. “Elly, I know just how intelligent and perceptive you are. If you say Baxter is not a good man, then I believe you. In fact, if you tell me he’s hurt you, I will gladly rip out his heart and feed it to him.”

  The contrast between his gentle tone and savage words had drawn a near-hysterical laugh from her. “He’s never laid a hand on me,” she admitted.

  Harm had given her a gentle smile. “I know it hurts that Father won’t take your word on this. I love you, but have you ever done anything to demonstrate to him that you are something other than a bookish miss with an active imagination? Have you tried to show him that you are insightful and strong enough to stand on your own?”

  The words stung, but she was honest enough to admit the truth of it. When had she ever had to make a decision or perform a task that truly mattered?

  Harm squeezed her hand. “Keep in mind I didn’t say you couldn’t make him see, just that you’ve never made the effort. I actually think you could do just about anything you set your mind to.”

  His words surprised her. “You do?”

  He tapped the tip of her nose. “The key is in knowing what it is you truly want and then focusing on achieving it.”

  She’d taken his words to heart, and that’s what had given her the impetus to stop wringing her hands over her standoff with her father and take action. Harm was right. Their father would never see her as someone with a mind of her own if she didn’t show him.

  But now, here she was, right where she’d started, heading straight back into an arranged marriage.

  She squared her shoulders.

  No, that wasn’t correct—this wasn’t the same. Mr. Tanner was not Baxter Dalton. Though Mr. Tanner was frustratingly stubborn and had a way of irritating her with little effort, he didn’t illicit the fear and revulsion her former fiancé did. And he’d rescued Poppy—she could forgive a whole lot of irritations for someone who acted kindly toward her pet.

  Besides, Mr. Tanner had said he needed her. No one had ever said that to her before. Perhaps being needed was not so romantic as being loved, but it could be just as fulfilling.

  Of course it could!

  At least this marriage had been her choice, in a manner of speaking. And she was determined that, as far as her family would ever know, this was exactly what she’d wanted.

  She checked her reflection once more. The queasy feeling in her stomach mocked her unruffled appearance. Grateful she’d only eaten a small breakfast, Elthia patted Poppy, then stood. She’d bathed him this morning, brushed his coat dry, and even tied a bright green ribbon on his topknot. Surely no one would object to having such a fine, well-behaved pet at the wedding. It would be the only family member she’d have there.

  This was it. She stepped into the hall and paused at the top of the stairs. Below her stood Mr. Tanner and the children, looking up at her with solemn, expectant expressions.

  Her soon-to-be husband flashed an approving smile and climbed the stairs to join her. My, but he seemed a different man decked out in his Sunday best. With a short bow, he offered her his arm.

  His gallantry eased some of her nervousness, made her feel, if not like a bride, at least like someone special.

  Elthia smiled, determined to keep the mood light. “Why, Mr. Tanner, I had no idea you could be so gallant.”

  He gave her hand a light squeeze as he tucked it securely in the crook of his arm. Was he trying to reassure her?

  “First names, remember?” he chided teasingly.

  Her cheeks warmed, and she knew the telltale flush that was her bane was glowing brightly. “Oh, sorry. Caleb.” She lifted her chin, rallying. “Thank you for the loan of your arm.”

  He gave her an approving smile. “You’re welcome. We can’t take any chances of your tumbling down the stairs now, can we?”

  She drew back, prepared to take offense but then saw his smile-with-me grin. Willing to be distracted, she sighed melodramatically. “Oh dear, I’m afraid you’ve discovered my plan. I suppose I’ll either have to find another way to break my leg or force myself to go through with the wedding after all.”

  He chuckled as they descended, but his smile died when she lifted Poppy’s basket from the hall table. “Surely you don’t mean to take that animal with us?”

  “Of course.” She kept her smile f
irmly in place, determined not to beg. Dear Lord, please don’t let him make a scene over this.

  “You’ll have to leave him tied up outside. Dogs aren’t allowed in church.”

  “I’m sure, if you back me up, the minister will make an exception. It’s not like Poppy is some stray. He’s clean, well behaved, and accustomed to being indoors.” She lifted her chin a notch. “Besides, this is my wedding day. Brides are allowed a few concessions.” She just had to convince him to let Poppy attend. He was the closest thing to family she had here.

  Mr. Tanner shook his head but gave in to her request. “All right, but I won’t have him standing up at the altar with us. You let one of the kids hold him during the ceremony.”

  Elthia released the breath she’d been holding for the past few seconds. “Of course. And thank you.”

  He grumbled away her thanks and opened the front door. “The buckboard’s hitched and ready. It’s time we headed for town.”

  As Elthia stepped out on the porch, Zoe touched her arm, claiming her attention. “Here, these are for you,” the girl said, thrusting out a bouquet of flowers.

  Elthia took the flowers, studying the mix with delight. The creamy camellias and yellow roses were no doubt plucked from the bushes here in the front yard. But there were other blossoms she didn’t recognize, colorful, freshly picked wildflowers. “Oh Zoe, these are lovely. Thank you so much.”

  Zoe shrugged. “Don’t try to make something special out of this. I just figured a bride should have flowers, that’s all.”

  Elthia smiled, not fooled by the girl’s show of unconcern. “Still, it was very thoughtful of you, and I thank you.”

  Zoe nodded once and then hurried to climb into the buckboard.

  Elthia took her seat beside her soon-to-be husband at the front of the wagon and faced straight ahead, to her future.

  Caleb flicked the reins, setting the horse and wagon in motion. Well, it looked like she was actually going to go through with it. He hadn’t been completely sure until now. In fact, he’d slept in the parlor last night, just so he’d hear if she tried to slip out in the middle of the night.

  Her appearance at the top of the stairs had surprised him. That white-and-green gown softened her appearance considerably. It had also jabbed him with a reminder of the difference in their lifestyles. She’d looked like a princess, a princess plucked from her kingdom and left to make her way among strangers. And for just a moment he’d wanted to be the knight in shining armor who came to her rescue.

  But her lost, vulnerable air had made him feel more like a bully. Giving in on the matter of her dog had salved his conscience some. But her overwhelming relief, as if she’d been braced for refusal, had pricked his sense of honor again.

  Blast! He was caught between two belly-souring choices. Either go through with marrying an unwilling woman or let these kids get split up. Where was the honor in either of those options?

  His bride-to-be angled her knees toward him as she turned to look at the kids. When she turned back, he caught her gaze with his. For one charged moment they seemed to share an understanding.

  The feisty tilt of her chin and the no-regrets smile she flashed eased the tension from his shoulders. It was almost as if she were saying We’re in this together.

  Impulsively, Caleb gave her hand a squeeze, releasing it as quickly as he’d taken it. Her startled expression was followed by a flood of color to her cheeks as she gave him a shy smile.

  Could it be he’d ended up with exactly the right woman for the job after all?

  CHAPTER 9

  Twenty minutes later, Elthia saw the first outposts of the town. She watched with interest as they neared, skittishly avoiding thoughts of what they’d come here to do. It looked like many of the other towns the stagecoach had passed through on their way to Whistling Oak.

  They turned onto a smaller track before they reached the town proper. The whitewashed church, its steeple pointing proudly skyward, perched on a gently sloping hill overlooking the town.

  They’d deliberately arrived early. Mr. Tanner—Caleb—had said Reverend Hastings wanted a word with them before the ceremony. But Elthia counted fifteen people milling about already, setting up makeshift tables or visiting in small groups.

  Caleb had barely helped her alight when a tall, severe-looking woman approached them. The gray-haired matron wore a faded brown-and-yellow dress topped by a bright blue shawl. On her feet were sturdy, mannish-looking boots, and she carried a hefty walking stick, though she didn’t appear to be leaning on it much.

  Elthia clutched her bouquet tighter, resisting the urge to step back. The army-general of a woman studied her with eyes that didn’t seem to miss much. It was hard to tell if she was pleased or not with what she saw.

  “Welcome to Foxberry, Miss Sinclare. I’m Odella Picket, but you can just call me Granny like everyone else.”

  This was Granny Picket? When Caleb told her Miss Picket was “the thread that held the community together,” Elthia had pictured a societal arbiter, an elegant matriarch, not this eccentrically dressed, blunt woman with a voice as gruff as her manner.

  Pasting on a smile, Elthia met the woman’s gaze. “Thank you, ma’am. And please, call me Elthia.”

  “Well, Elthia, now that you’ve had a look at him and at us, you still planning to go through with marrying our Caleb?”

  Elthia stiffened. This woman was direct to the point of rudeness. “Of course.” She inhaled the sweet perfume of her bouquet before continuing. “In fact, since my arrival, Caleb and I have actually strengthened our commitment to make this work.”

  To Elthia’s surprise, rather than take offense, Granny grinned. Thumping her stick on the ground, she turned to Caleb. “Hah! Her look tells me to mind my own business, but she’s too much of a lady to say it out loud. Not too much of a lady to face me down though. Seems you did all right after all, boy.”

  Granny turned back to Elthia. “We’ll visit later.” Then she made shooing movements. “Go on and see the reverend. I’ll keep an eye on the young’uns. And Caleb,” she added with a wink, “I suggest you go around back to his office. Might save you getting stopped by all these nosy folks who can’t wait to meet your intended.”

  Caleb returned her wink with a grin. “Yes ma’am.”

  He tucked Elthia’s arm in his and headed for the church. “Well, it looks like you passed muster with Granny.”

  Elthia still felt dazed from the encounter. “That’s good?”

  He grinned. “Oh yes, that’s very good. Believe me, she doesn’t take to everyone. And with Granny on your side, you don’t have to worry about the rest of the town.” He slid her a sideways look. “That was fast thinking, by the way. You were able to answer her without having to lie.”

  She stopped in her tracks. How dare he! “I do not lie, not for you or anyone else. You’d do well to remember that.”

  He studied her as if to judge her seriousness. Then he gave her arm a little tug to get her moving again. “Duly noted.”

  Mollified, she executed a dignified nod and faced forward. As they walked, she grew increasingly aware of the touch of his hand on her arm, of his almost protective closeness. It was all for show, she told herself. Still, it was disconcerting to realize how reassuring, how right, it felt.

  Looking around, she realized two things. One, their little discussion hadn’t gone unnoticed. Several people were watching with raised brows, though they turned away when they caught her looking back. And two, she was considerably overdressed by local standards. Though the gown she wore was by no means the finest she owned, its stiff, elegant folds far outshone the simple dresses worn by the other ladies present. In fact, most of the dresses she’d brought would have the same effect.

  Just as Granny had suggested, Caleb led her to the back of the church where Reverend Hastings stood, ready to greet them. Elthia guessed he was about thirty, much younger than her pastor back home. He seemed more approachable as well. His serene, I’m-here-to-help-you demeanor both w
elcomed and offered comfort.

  Once the introductions were complete, the compactly built man of God escorted them inside and waved them to comfortable-looking chairs situated in front of his book-and-paper-cluttered wooden desk. As they complied, he settled in the aged, worn leather desk chair.

  The reverend leaned forward, clasping his hands on top of his bible. “Before performing a wedding, I like to talk to the couple, satisfy myself they’re ready for the step they’re about to take.” Then he smiled. “Now, your situation is unusual, what with your not having met until two days ago. But in some ways, that makes this talk more important than ever.”

  Elthia forced herself not to squirm. Heaven help her, Reverend Hastings was turning to address her first.

  “Miss Sinclare, you’ve traveled a long way to marry Caleb, so I’ll assume you did a lot of thinking about it first. But now that you’re here and have seen the life you have to look forward to, you may find you have new doubts. So before you actually make this commitment, I ask you to search your heart and be sure this is what you truly want. The vows you’ll utter, to cherish, love, honor and obey your husband, shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

  Elthia’s conscience balked, but she forced herself to face her interrogator squarely. “Reverend, I will not sit here and pretend I feel a love for Mr. Tanner that I do not. I’ve hardly had time enough to even get to know him.”

  She sensed the sudden tension in her soon-to-be husband. Hadn’t he learned to trust her yet? Keeping her gaze on the reverend, she carefully chose her next words. “However, I did do some soul-searching before I left Massachusetts, and even more after I arrived here, and I’m convinced this is the right choice.”

  Caleb’s gaze bored into her, but still she didn’t turn to meet it. “Mr. Tanner and I have a mutual need, each for what the other can bring to this arrangement, and I think this will hold us together as firmly as any love match. That, and the fact that we are both committed to building a good life for the children.”