Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) by Hildie McQueen Page A

inside. “Where’s she at?”
    “Asleep. Sean Montgomery, don’t you make me kick you in the leg. Go on now.” This time she used both hands and shoved him back onto the porch. Eloise walked out with him and closed the door behind her. Her eyes twinkled with mirth. “I know you’re anxious to see her. Once the marriage ceremony is complete, you’ll have your wife all to yourself. From this day forward.”
    Sean let out a breath and raked his fingers through his hair. “I suppose. Don’t know why I have such an uneasy feeling. She’s not going change her mind is she?”
    “No, darling, she’s not. If anything, she’s as impatient as you are. Relax. Why don’t you go on, eat, take a bath and get dressed. We’ll see you at the chapel.”
    “All right. You’re right, of course. It’s just I’d feel better if I saw her.”
    “No.” Eloise placed her fisted hands on both hips. “It’s bad luck.”
    “Fine.” He gave the front door one last, long look and went to see about bathing. He was much too nervous to eat anything.
    * * *
    The dress fit perfectly. The round neckline was a bit lower than Judith was used to, especially for going to church, but Eloise and Lorna insisted it was the style. She had to admit the pale, butter yellow fabric with tiny roses was beautiful. The full skirting felt luxurious.
    The women fussed with her hair, pulling the curls back and up and then dressing the crown with a small bundle of white, dried flowers.
    As she watched in the mirror, she met her soon to be sister-in-law’s gaze. “I don’t recognize myself. You are wonderful with hair.” Judith reached to touch the flowers only to have her hand slapped away.
    Lorna peered out the window. “Martin is here with the buggy.”
    Once again, her stomach tumbled, butterflies fluttering in her chest.
    “We have half an hour. Let’s sit for a minute and relax,” Eloise proclaimed. Without waiting for a reply, she poured fresh tea into three cups. “Judith, do you have any questions about what happens between a man and a woman?”
    “I don’t…I mean…I think I know.” Judith wanted to laugh, but instead she looked down at the cup clutched in her hands and pressed her lips together to keep from smiling.
    The fast knocking at the door took their attention. Eloise jumped to her feet. “Stay there! I’ll see who it is.”
    Albert, Eloise’s eldest boy, rushed in, his eyes darted to Judith before looking up to his mother. Face flushed, he bent over attempting to catch his breath.
    “Boy, what is wrong with you? Somebody chasing after you for something?” Eloise moved past the boy and looked outside.
    “No,” finally Albert spoke albeit breathlessly. Once again he looked to Judith and gulped. “Mama, I have to tell you something.” He tugged at Eloise’s hand. “Uncle Sean told me to tell you in private.”
    Eloise gave Judith a quick smile and allowed her son to pull her outside.
    At the soft closing of the door, Judith’s heart began to pound. Whatever could be happening? Could it be there was a delay or emergency of some sort? She clasped her hands around the cup of tea so hard, she feared it would shatter. When the hot liquid spilled over onto the back of her hand, she put the cup down and leaned back on the chair. What could they possibly be talking about for so long? If Eloise didn’t return soon, she was going to the door.
    The clock chimed. It was time to head to the chapel. The buggy was outside. Perhaps she’d just get going. This was one thing she’d not be late for. A smile tugged at her lips in spite of the nervousness at remembering the night she’d been with Sean. After today, they’d start their life together and have many more just like it.
    The buggy left and Judith rushed to the window just as Eloise walked back in, her face devoid of color. Judith couldn’t move. Something terrible happened and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know what it was.
    “Sean just cancelled the wedding. He