After supper, Mason said his goodbyes and Clay asked Grace if she’d take a walk with him. She agreed and took his arm. Neither spoke until they reached the bench near the pond.
“Would you like to sit?” Clay asked.
Grace nodded and sat near the edge of the bench leaving more room than necessary for Clay.
“Did I tell you how pretty you look in that dress? What color is that? It looks purple, but not,” Clay mused.
“The dressmaker in Chicago said it is plum. I suppose it’s the color of a ripe plum,” Grace answered without looking at Clay.
“Whatever it is, you look beautiful. Grace, please look at me. I need to talk to you.”
Grace turned to look at Grace and Clay could see the sadness in her eyes.
“Please, Grace, you have to believe me. Lucinda never meant anything to me. I have never been alone with her anywhere, and I barely speak to her when I see her. She has been after Wade and me both for two years. Wade enjoys her company, I never have. Please, Grace, it’s the truth.”
Grace tried to smile, but her heart ached. “I know. Grandpa explained it all to me.”
“Then why are you so unhappy?” Clay asked and reached for her hand.
“It isn’t you, Clay. I’m losing my heart to you and this beautiful country, but I believe Wade hates me. He’s jealous that you married first, and he looks at me with hatred at times and makes me frightened. He’s breaking Elizabeth’s heart. I hate that my being here is causing pain to others.”
Clay slid over next to Grace and pulled her into his arms. She smelled of vanilla and lavender, and the sun glinted off her auburn hair. Clay silently thanked God for his beautiful wife and asked for guidance in making her happy.
“I promise that you won’t have to fear Wade. He likes to talk big and brag, but he won’t hurt you. I don’t know what to do about him and Elizabeth. Mason told me a bit more about her. You and Mason must have gotten to know her quite a bit on the stage ride here.”
“We did. Elizabeth never traveled on a train or stagecoach before and was quite nervous. She talked a lot. She has no idea who her family is since she was dropped off at the orphanage as a newborn. She celebrates her birthday on the date she was given to the nuns, and they chose her name. The man who dropped her off didn’t stay long enough to answer any questions. He ran off into the night. It’s very sad and nearly broke my heart. She was looking forward to getting married, having children, and family life.”
Clay blew out a deep breath. “I don’t know what to say, but please don’t let all this unhappiness cause our marriage to fall apart.”
“It won’t,” Grace promised. “I told you I made vows. I was hurt and angry this morning listening to that woman, but I understand now. What you did before you married me is your business, but what bothered me is she made it sound as if since you couldn’t marry her, you chose me. I knew we’d have to learn to love each other, but I never wanted to be a substitute for another woman.”
Clay kissed the top of Grace’s head. “You were never a substitute. If I had known you before you arrived, I know I would have asked to court you.”
Grace looked up at Clay with tears shimmering in her eyes. Clay drew her closer and kissed her. Grace slid her arms around her husband and returned his kiss. After several more kisses, Clay whispered, “I know Cora wants you to get used to me and the ranch before we become closer, but I hope the time goes by quickly.”
Grace giggled and blushed a deep red. “To be honest, I do, too, but with everything that’s going on, I certainly can’t move into your room and leave Elizabeth alone. She is sure that Wade will come around. She has more faith in him than I do.”
“I understand. She has more faith than I do, too.” Clay said and kissed Grace again.
Sighing deeply, Grace snuggled into Clay’s chest. They sat not saying anything as they watched the sky change from yellows, reds, and oranges as the sun slowly sank in the Western sky. Just before it was too dark to see, Clay kissed Grace again and said, “We should get back to the house. I don’t want you to trip walking back in the dark.”
She took his hand when he offered to help her up from the bench. She held it tightly as they headed toward the house.
Clay offered a suggestion, “Maybe we could take a trip to find some privacy. I often need to travel to a neighboring town or another ranch to check out new stock. You could come with me.”
It was too dark for Clay to see Grace’s face turn a beautiful shade of pink as she whispered, “The family would know.”
Clay stopped and gave Grace a quick kiss. “At some point, they’re going to know no matter where we go or what we do.”
“That may be true, but our leaving for a trip might anger Wade more than he is and I’m worried he would take it out on Elizabeth. It’s too bad she married Wade. I don’t think he cares for her at all. I think Mason is smitten with her or at least he seemed to be on our stage trip here. She appeared so vulnerable, and he spoke to her telling her all about the town and the people to help her relax.”
Clay smiled. “It’s just Mason’s luck to find a lady he’d like
