Word had come down from headquarters that with Timothy’s death, Ernie would now be the commander of the Bison Bay unit, and the other men approved. Ernie had the necessary skills for that position, and the Mounties respected him. Now, the morning after the brides arrived, he was asking the men to report on their preliminary investigation into Timothy’s death.
“I know that the arrival of our brides was a distraction, but we need to stay focused,” he said. “If you have any hunches, any at all, follow up on them. We have so few clues that we’ll have to think outside the box on this one.”
The men nodded, and Ernie dismissed them to rounds. As Michael went about his day, his thoughts were a jumbled mess. What had Timothy been doing that led to his murder? Who would have had a grudge against him? He’d broken up a fight involving the MacDonalds at the saloon the night before, but Michael couldn’t suspect them on those merits alone. They’d broken up plenty of bar fights without one of them turning up dead. There was something more here, something that went deeper than a dispute over a deck of cards or a flirtatious saloon girl.
When he finished his shift, he went home to the cabin he was sharing with Bryce and washed up, taking off his uniform and changing into a soft blue shirt. Then he made his way over to his own cabin, eager to check on Kathryn and see how she was doing.
Nettie opened the door and let him in, a smile on her face. “I think you’ll be pleased with how she’s doing,” she said as she stepped out of the way.
When Michael entered the bedroom, he was very pleased. Kathryn had a bit of color back in her cheeks, and when she smiled in greeting, his heart gave a thump. He’d hoped his bride would be pretty, and he’d certainly hoped that he’d be attracted to her, and he had nothing to complain about on either score.
“Hello,” she said, her voice stronger than it had been the day before. “I hope you’re comfortable in the other cabin.”
“It’s working out just fine. Granted, I wasn’t expecting to share my cabin with a man, and Bryce wasn’t expecting to share his at all, but we’re adapting.” He was heartened to see her smile grow wider. “You look like you’re feeling much better.”
“I am. I’m not ready to eat anything, but I’ve had a few sips of water, and as long as I don’t move, everything’s fine.”
He wondered if he dared, then reached out and took the hand that was lying on the blanket and stroked the backs of her knuckles with his thumb. “I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this. I wish there was anything I could do to help.”
“You did what I needed most—you gave me a quiet place to rest. You have no idea how badly I wanted to find a blanket and hide away from the world. I just wish I hadn’t displaced you from your cabin.”
“Our cabin,” he corrected, then noticed that her cheeks turned a little pink. “Unless you’ve changed your mind about getting married,” he hurried to add. “Maybe you’ve had such a bad experience here so far that you’d rather go back home after you’re well.”
“Oh, I don’t want to leave,” she said. “I’m just not used to having a cabin. Not that it’s mine yet, not until we get married—that is, if you still want to marry me. Maybe you’d prefer a girl who doesn’t vomit every thirty seconds.”
Michael laughed. “You know, every time I thought about the qualities I’d like in a future wife, whether or not she would vomit never entered my head. So we’re probably all right.”
Kathryn smiled. “You’ve been so kind to me. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
She turned her head a little to look at him more directly. “Now, let’s change the subject—I don’t want each one of our conversations to revolve around my stomach and your chivalry. Tell me about yourself. What sorts of things do you like to do? Where are you from? What about your family?”
“You want me to tell you about myself, but you don’t want to talk about my chivalry? That might prove difficult,” he said, and she laughed.
“All right, you can talk about it a little bit. But my stomach is off limits.”
“Fair enough.”
He told her about his childhood in Toronto, about his older brothers and younger sister, and about his loving, supportive parents. Then he paused. “My mother passed away last year,” he said slowly. He didn’t like to talk about it because of the torrents of grief that rained down on him whenever he allowed himself to think of her. “She was the best of women.”
“It sounds like you loved her very much.”
“I did. We all did. She made our growing-up years very special.” He cleared his throat. “And you?”
Kathryn shrugged. “My parents both died when I was fourteen. They contracted a fever while I was away working, and I’ve been on my own ever since. I’ve had quite a variety of jobs, and so when I met Miss Hazel, I felt I’d be qualified.”
“Qualified?” Michael blinked. “I’m a little confused, Miss Wilkes. Did you come here to get married or to apply for a job?”
He had meant to sound jovial, but his tone was a little sharper than he intended, and he saw her flinch.
“I didn’t mean it that way. I just meant that I’d have the skills to make a good wife and housekeeper.”
Her expression was so contrite, he could have kicked himself until Sunday and it still wouldn’t be enough. “And I didn’t mean it either. I just meant . . . well, I hoped you’d come here to fall in love.”
He hadn’t planned to say the words—they’d just come out of his mouth, and as soon as he spoke, he wondered at his audacity. This was their first real conversation, after all, and here he was, being more forward than he’d ever been in his life. What made it even more awkward was knowing that Nettie was buzzing around somewhere, chaperoning them without being obvious, and she’d likely heard every word.
Kathryn didn’t answer for a moment, and he worried that he’d offended her. But then she met his gaze. “I’m not sure I know what love is,” she replied. “I’ve never experienced it.”
“Then let’s see about figuring it out together, all right?” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, not as hesitant now that she seemed to be getting some strength back.
“I think I’d like that,” she replied. She seemed a little shy yet, but she didn’t break the gaze, and that gave him heart. As long as they were both willing to give it a try, perhaps there was a romance here waiting to blossom after all.
***
“Hello, my dear.” Miss Hazel stuck her head in Kathryn’s bedroom. “Are you up for a visitor?”
“Of course,” Kathryn replied. Her vomiting had all but come to a stop, but she still felt weak and shaky. Nothing could make her want to send Miss Hazel away, however.
The older woman entered the room and looked around. “Oh, good. I thought I remembered seeing a mirror in here, but I wasn’t sure.” She walked over and peered at her reflection, turning her head from side to side. “Excellent.”
“What’s the matter?”
Miss Hazel plopped down in the chair next to the bed. “Have you ever seen a flying squirrel?”
“No, but I’ve heard of them. I did always think they sounded like make believe.”
“Let me assure you that they’re not. Apparently, Bison Bay has its very own mascot, and he enjoys flying overhead and depositing . . . er, gifts from above on people’s heads.”
Kathryn chuckled. “You mean . . .”
“Yes. I just wanted to be sure that I was free and clear before I brought myself near you. How are you feeling today?”
“So much better now that I’ve stopped vomiting. The doctor says it’s going to be a few days before I’m up and around, but he’s pleased with my progress.”
“I’m glad to hear that. And how are you liking Michael?”
Kathryn’s cheeks suddenly felt warm. “I like him a lot. He’s been fairly busy helping Bryce get settled in and working with the other Mounties on the investigation, but the small amount of time we’ve spent together . . . well, I like him.”
Miss Hazel gave a nod. “I couldn’t be more pleased. Now our task is getting you well so you can enjoy this romance.” She stood up again and crossed the room to open the window. “Let’s get you some fresh air. Can you smell the ocean?”
Kathryn pulled in a deep breath. Yes, she could detect salt and brine on the breeze. “I can’t wait to see it for myself.”
“I’ll drop a hint to that man of yours that a buggy ride would be appreciated once you’re well enough.” Miss Hazel turned and put her hands on her hips. “Your things are all stacked here in the corner. Would you like anything unpacked?”
“I suppose so. It just seems maybe a bit presumptuous to take over Michael’s bedroom when we aren’t married.”
“If you were staying in a hotel, would you feel that way?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Then consider this your hotel for the time being. If things don’t work out between the two of you, you can always pack up again, but from what I hear, things are going very well.”
Kathryn tilted her head. “What do you mean, from what you hear? Who’s saying what?”
Miss Hazel laughed. “I ran into a couple of the Mounties on my way here, and they tell me that you’re just about all Michael can talk about.”
Now Kathryn was sure her cheeks were bright red. “I don’t mean to distract him from his work,” she insisted.
“My dear, a pretty woman will always distract a man from his work. It’s neither your fault nor his—it’s simply a matter of nature. Now, I’d like to hang up some of your dresses, if you don’t mind me digging through your things. You’re stuck with me for the next hour or so—I sent Nettie out for a few things at the general store.”
“I’m glad you did. She’s been so good to sit with me, but she needs a break, I’m sure.” Kathryn tried to sit up a bit more, but that was wasted effort. “What will happen to her now that she’s not marrying Timothy?”
“I’ve told her I’ll take her back to Ottawa with me,” Miss Hazel replied as she lifted the trunk lid. “Oh, you knit?” She held up a pair of needles.
“I do. I haven’t had much time for it lately, though.”
“I think it’s the perfect activity while you’re convalescing. I don’t see yarn in here.”
“No, I’m out.”
“Then I’ll get you some. I saw some very nice colors at the general store.” Miss Hazel set the knitting needles on top of the dresser, then began taking out dresses and flipping them to shake out the wrinkles. Within just a few minutes, she’d taken care of everything in the trunk, rearranging contents of drawers to make room for Kathryn’s things and generally establishing her in the home. Kathryn hoped Michael wouldn’t mind.
When Nettie returned, she bustled into the room, her hat still in hand. “How’s everything going in here?”
“The patient is doing well,” Miss Hazel reported. “I thought I’d get her some yarn from the general store so she can knit while she rests.”
“Knitting is one of those terribly useful skills that I’ve never managed to figure out,” Nettie replied.
“Then I’ll get some yarn for you too. Every woman should know how to knit. And most men, too. I’ve actually wondered if I shouldn’t offer cooking classes for men—help the poor dears be a little more self-sufficient. But no, that would distract me from my true mission, which is training brides for Mounties. Our brave men in red must have love!” Miss Hazel picked up her bag from where she’d set it. “I’m off to the store. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Nettie smiled as she watched Miss Hazel scurry out the door. “She has more energy at her age than I’ve ever had in my life. What do you think of her?”
“I agree. She seems fueled by everything she does for these Mounties. I’d like to have that much passion for a cause.”
“Passion can take you amazing places or get you in interesting trouble.” Nettie set her hat on the dresser. “Can I get you anything?”
“Maybe a little water. That’s all I’m up for, I think.”
“Coming right up. When you’re ready for some broth, let me know—I met an older lady outside just now who asked about you and offered to bring some over.”
“She did? How did she know about me?”
Nettie shrugged. “Turns out the Mounties are pretty beloved in Bison Bay. She says Michael’s always been a favorite of hers, and she wants to help take care of his bride.”
Kathryn’s heart warmed right through. “That’s so sweet. I’d love to meet her. When I look a little less deathlike, of course.”
Nettie laughed. “Of course. You definitely look better than you did yesterday, but I can tell you still have a bit to go.”
Kathryn nodded. “So, you’re going back to Ottawa with Miss Hazel?”
“I believe I am. I only came to get married, after all.” She busied herself with rearranging a few things on the dresser. Kathryn thought she looked a little upset. She couldn’t imagine what that must have been like—expecting to be a bride, and then finding out the groom had been murdered.
“What will you do? Do you have a place to go?”
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Nettie turned to her with a bright smile. “I’ll get you that water now.”
Kathryn wondered why Nettie seemed hesitant to talk about her future plans. Most likely, Nettie was trying to stay positive, and Kathryn decided she wouldn’t make it harder on her friend by pressing for more information.
When Miss Hazel returned, she brought with her several skeins of yarn and another pair of knitting needles. “These are for you,” she said, handing them over to Nettie. “I imagine Kathryn will be an excellent teacher.”
“I’m sure she is, but I don’t know if I’m an excellent student,” Nettie replied.
“You’re a bright girl. I’m sure you can figure it out.” Miss Hazel turned to Kathryn. “If you need ideas for things to make, you might consider squirrel-proof head coverings.”
“Like hats?” Kathryn asked with a smile.
“Like hats. And yes, I’ve been most unfashionable and have been running around without one. I suppose I deserve whatever happens to me.” Miss Hazel gave a nod. “If you’re all settled, I’ll be off. Nettie, we’ll need to discuss our travel plans soon. I’ll pop around again.”
She left, and Nettie looked down at the skeins of yarn. “I suppose I’ll take blue,” she said. “And with any luck, I won’t end up knitting a hangman’s noose instead of a scarf.”