The Unexpected Bride. Debra Ullrick

hurried around to the opposite side of the table and sat down. His eyes locked onto her. “Who are you? And what are you doing here?”

      “Michael!”

      Rainee’s gaze flew to Haydon seated at the head of the table.

      “I’m sorry. I apologize for my brother’s rude behavior, Rainee.” Haydon turned his attention to his brother and sent several silent but serious messages his direction.

      The poor boy’s face matched the color of a scarlet ribbon Rainee once had. She longed to ease the young man’s embarrassment, but it would be highly improper for her to interfere.

      “Rainee, may I present my brother, Michael. And the gentleman sitting next to him is our dear friend, Smokey.”

      “Ma’am.” The man with the gray hair and gentle brown eyes nodded his head once.

      “Pleased to meet you, gentlemen.” Rainee presented a polite dip of her head to Smokey, then turned her attention to Michael and offered him the same courtesy.

      “And of course you’ve already met Abigail and Leah. Everyone, this is Rainee.”

      Questioning stares made her want to shrink under the table and disappear out the door.

      “Just so you all know, Jesse invited her out for a visit. I do not want anyone in this family embarrassing Rainee again. Is that understood?” His gaze went around the room, holding a moment on each member until they each nodded their assent.

      Rainee wanted to hug the man for sparing her any further humiliation. Admiration for his sensitivity sent a strange swirling sensation into her heart.

      Confused, questioning gazes fluttered her direction from around the table. She waited for one of them to ask her why she was not eating with Haydon’s brother and his wife, but not one person spoke even though she could tell they wanted to. They obviously respected Haydon’s authority. And him.

      “Let’s pray.” Everyone bowed their heads as Haydon said a prayer over the food.

      Dinner consisted of Swedish elk stew and cornbread. Laughter floated around the table and the lively conversation reminded her of family dinners back home. Only the conversations around her parents’ table were much more formal.

      Much to her horror, a wide yawn attacked her without warning and escaped before she could catch it. She covered her mouth, but it was really no use. “Merciful heavens. Please forgive me. I did not mean to be rude. I fear I am overtired.”

      “Of course you are. Traveling has a way of doing that to a person. Why don’t you head on up to bed?” Katherine’s look of understanding warmed her insides.

      “If you do not mind, I think I shall.” She started to rise and found Haydon behind her, pulling out her chair.

      When she stood, she turned to thank him, and their eyes connected.

      The sound of Abby’s giggle reached her ears.

      Haydon broke eye contact with a frown. Then he rushed toward the door, snatched his hat off a wooden peg, and disappeared into the night with only a “I’d better check on Rebel” floating out after him.

      Rainee stretched her arms above her and allowed her eyes to adjust to the daylight beaming through the windows. The lavender curtains waved in the light breeze. She glanced over at Leah’s empty side of the bed and wondered what hour of the day it was.

      Weeks on a train and stagecoach had taken their toll on her. Last night, after she had written her letter to Mr. Bettes and snuggled into the soft pillow, her eyes closed and she had fallen into a deep sleep.

      She slid her legs out from under the quilt and placed her feet on the cool floor. Her gaze searched the room for a water pitcher and basin to wash her face. In that moment, it was as if someone had doused her head with a pitcher of cold water because once again she was forced to face reality.

      Never again would there be water ready for her.

      No maid to help button her dresses.

      No Jenetta.

      Rainee was certain she would either be dead or have gone mad by now had it not been for Jenetta and her kindness.

      Jenetta had doctored her wounds, prayed with her and had even gone against Ferrin’s orders by continuing to fill Rainee’s water basin. In return, Rainee helped Jenetta with the extra chores Ferrin had heaped on her already-long list.

      Rainee’s chest heaved. She needed to accept the fact this was her new home now. At least temporarily anyway. The burden of being unsettled hung over her like an ominous cloud.

      Not knowing what her host expected from her, she decided to make haste and get dressed so she could go downstairs and find out.

      Rainee walked to the end of the bed, knelt in front of the trunk and opened it. She pulled out her pale blue day dress and shook it out. Alone in the room, she slipped her gloves and nightgown off, thankful she nor anyone else could see the raised stripes across her back. A painful reminder of where she had come from.

      Within minutes she had her corset on. She slid into her bustle gown and made her way to the mirror. In front of the looking glass, she studied herself, admiring the light blue dress with dark blue bows and layers of lace on the skirt, collar and sleeves. Although she preferred a lighter, simpler dress, sometimes she missed wearing such gowns. Since her parents’ passing, the only time she had been allowed to wear such finery was when company came. One old man in particular. An old man who made her shudder with repulsion. Rainee hastened to rid her mind of the despicable memories.

      She glanced back at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was in complete disarray.

      After she secured her hair in a chignon, she grabbed her fingerless gloves and slipped them on. Flipping her hands over and back, she realized how out of place the lacey gloves looked here. But she had no choice but to wear them. They covered up contemptible, embarrassing scars. Scars she did not want anyone inquiring about.

      Rainee opened the bedroom door. Coffee and bacon aromas greeted her, making her stomach rumble. She made her way down the stairs. As she neared the kitchen, her gaze found Haydon, seated at the table with Katherine, each holding a coffee cup, and out of reflex, Rainee ducked back so they would not see her.

      “I wish Jesse would mind his own business. He should have never sent for her.”

      “Give her a chance, Haydon. You’ve got to let the past go.”

      Indecision gripped her. She did not know whether to continue forward or to turn around and make her way back up the stairs. Eavesdropping was wrong, but she could not get her feet to move.

      Haydon said something, but Rainee could not hear him because his voice was too low.

      “Yes, you can. You can’t give up.”

      “I haven’t given up, Mother. I keep this place running and even manage to turn over a profit.”

      “That’s not what I meant. And yes, you do keep this place running. You’ve done an excellent job since your father died. I’m so proud of you, son. You pushed past the grief of losing him and took charge. Now you need to do the same with Melanie’s death.”

      Melanie? Who was Melanie? Rainee wanted to ask, but she did not dare as they would know she was eavesdropping. Guilt took a swipe at her. She should move, should go forward or back, but her feet were not cooperating.

      “Mother, we’ve had this conversation a million times already. It’s my fault—”

      “It’s not your fault.”

      Rainee wanted to know what was not his fault.

      “You remind me of Nora’s brother, the one who’s coming to live with her. Nora said he’s still stuck in the past. Still hurting. What a tragedy that is.”

      What in Haydon’s past was he stuck in? And why was he like this Nora woman’s brother? Had he been