Silver Creek - G.L. Snodgrass Page 0,81

a drowning woman.

Tucking a stray wisp of hair back into her bun, she wondered if Nathanial would be pleased with her. She had been told that she was attractive. In fact, that was the reason that Mr. Butler had pursued her. Of course, Mrs. Butler had not been pleased and spread ugly rumors throughout their small town.

Rumors she had been unable to knock down. It seemed there were too many wives who wanted her gone. Preferably sooner rather than later.

Nathanial’s offer had been a godsend. Even if it did mean marrying a man she had never met. But then, what woman truly knew the man she married?

Sitting back, she looked out at the brown landscape so different than the plains of East Missouri. Slowly, the scenery disappeared as she let her mind wander.

What would their life be like, she wondered? His letters made him sound rather … normal. Not dull, she tried to reassure herself. She preferred the term ‘safe’. Perhaps not as well educated as herself. But then beggars could not be choosy. She feared there would be little passion. But perhaps they could grow to care for each other. Really, wasn’t that all any woman could ask for.

And, if she was particularly lucky, they would be blessed with children. The thought made her smile. Yes, that would be the life she wished for. Marriage. Children. And if she had to travel halfway across the continent to achieve it. Then so be it.

Deep down though, she pined for the loss of passion. A great love. The kind that was written about in books. That was what she secretly desired. But a poor woman without prospects had little choice.

As the train rocked back and forth. The clickity-clack lulled her to sleep. To dream of a tall strange man with wide shoulders and dangerous eyes.

The lonesome call of the train whistle woke her from her nap. Sitting up straight, she wiped at her mouth, checked her hair, then ran her hands over her dress to make sure everything was in place. The best of her two dresses, she prayed that Nathanial didn’t notice the repaired cuff or the lace she had added to hide the frayed hem.

This was the moment, she thought as the train slowed. Her stomach churned with worry as she took a deep calming breath. Nathanial would want a composed, sensible woman. Not some emotional ninny. No, they must start their lives together with the right impression.

Swallowing hard, she forced her racing heart to calm down. As the train slowed to a halt, she bent down to look out on the platform. All the while holding her breath. This was ridiculous. She had no idea what the man looked like. Other than his comment about being of average height. She had no clue.

Once again taking a deep breath, she handed her bag to the porter and allowed him to guide her down the steps and onto the platform. Twisting about, she scanned the area for anyone who might be Nathanial Parker.

A tall cowboy leaned against the station but it couldn’t be him, she thought. The man was too tall. And a quick look confirmed that this man need never send for a mail-order bride. Half the single women in the state would have jumped at the chance.

Where was Nathanial? Two cowboys were offloading a bull from the back of the train. A young couple was meeting what was obviously the woman’s parents. The conductor was looking at his watch.

Jennifer’s heart lurched. Was he late? Was the train early. Or? Had he changed his mind? No surely not.

Suddenly a sick feeling filled her. Had she traveled all this way for nothing? She thought of the three dollars and twenty-two cents in her reticule and shivered. How would she survive? Suddenly, the gravity of the situation began to sink in.

The sick feeling was slowly replaced with a stomach-churning fear.

“Excuse me, Miss O’Neil?” A deep voice said behind her.

She quickly spun around, her hopes rising only to be sorely disappointed. It was the handsome cowboy. He was even taller than she had thought.

He frowned for a moment then quickly removed his hat. Studying her, she watched as a look of confusion crossed his face. As if he were having to rethink his reality.

“Yes?” she managed to say as she studied the man. The gun on his hip made her feel uneasy. It was uncommon where she came from. But things were different out here she reminded herself. Looking up, she continued