Cowboy On the Fence: Four Historical Romance Novellas

By Doreen Milstead

Kidnapped! - A woman is kidnapped from her coach while on her way to Southampton to join her mail ordered fiancé in America PLUS Missing Her Man - A woman arrives at her fiancé’s ranch in California, but he’s nowhere to be seen. She decides that a walk along a path to the woods will clear her head but once into the forest, she encounters a Native American man, immediately runs off, and gets lost. She is found but encounters her fiancé for the first time and finds his moodiness unnerving and it’s then that she wonders if she will every get to marry him PLUS Rancher On A Train – A Texas cattle rancher decides to take a trip on the railroad, something he likes to do in order to relax occasionally, and meets a woman who becomes his travelling companion PLUS Searching For The Black Sheep - To escape an evil man after her father dies, an English woman journeys to America after corresponding with and then agreeing to marry a cowboy from Texas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781387510955

Book preview

Cowboy On the Fence: Four Historical Romance Novellas

Cowboy On the Fence: Four Historical Romance Novellas

By

Doreen Milstead

Copyright 2018 Susan Hart

Cover photo copyright: theartofphoto / 123RF Stock Photo

Kidnapped!

Synopsis: Kidnapped! - A woman is kidnapped from her coach while on her way to Southampton to join her mail ordered fiancé in America. The man tells her that he’s a travel officer there to help capture a trafficking gang and although cooperative, she feels that something is wrong. Once they reach Boston and after meeting her intended, she is again taken while staying at an inn on the way to Colorado. This time she knows that something is wrong and goes kicking and screaming into the night with her abductor. The mystery is revealed later at a farmhouse along the way.

Harriet Hatfield had received his letter two months ago already. Although she could recite every phrase, every sentence and practically every word of its two pages, she still wanted reassurance that it was all true. She was going to America! Indeed, and not just to the east coast of the New World, but she was due to travel across the continent to join her fiancé in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado where he had acquired a beautiful ranch, a piece of land overlooking a gentle stream. Harriet had spent countless nights trying to imagine the cabin Gavin described to her at some length in his first correspondence.

They had never met, which was unfortunate, but Gavin Aldridge’s parents had been friends with the Hatfield family for years. Gavin had moved away to America with his mom and dad when he was just a lad and Harriet had been away at her aunt’s place at the time. She recalled the brash and unruly young boy playing in the schoolyard with his mates, but his face had been just a blur until Gavin had enclosed a photograph of him and his dog Sam in with one of his letters.

Gavin was now a tall and handsome young man. His attractive head of blond hair was still as unruly as ever, while is beautiful smile still as inviting as when she knew him. Harriet had returned the favor, sending Gavin a photograph of her family taken at the fair the previous year.

Harriet was not yet twenty years old. She had always lived at home in a small village at the outskirts of the city of Oxford in England. Her parents had been fortunate enough to inherit a nice cottage and some farming land on which her father grew vegetables and young plants that he and his wife sold at the local market year round.

In later years Harriet’s father had constructed a conservatory of sorts in which he began growing orchids and other prized flowers. He sold those to the upper crust community of Oxford. As for Harriet, to say she was a gorgeous young woman would not have been enough of a description of her gentle and soft facial features.

Her blue eyes seemed to have been carved out of the most exquisite aquamarine while her auburn hair could enflame the hearts of many a boy her age. Her skin, although rather pale, reflected the softness of her character, which was only complemented by her gentle manners. Harriet was beautiful and Gavin was considered a very lucky man.

There was very little doubt in Harriet’s mind as to the harshness of the journey she was to undertake in the next few weeks. Her father had already booked her passage out of Southampton to Boston on one of the best passenger vessels crossing the Atlantic in 1875. Meanwhile, her mother had begun helping her daughter in filling up the sea trunk that her cousin had so graciously given to her.

Do you think it is going to be very cold in the winter, Mama? Harriet asked, folding one of her corsets to place at the bottom of the trunk.

Yes, I should think so, dear, Caroline Hatfield replied, returning her daughter’s excited but somewhat anxious gaze. Anywhere in the mountains would be cold, wouldn’t you say?

I suppose you’re right. But do you think I have enough warm clothes to get about in such harsh conditions then?

I think what we are packing will give you a good start, Harriet. Besides, you will be reaching Gavin’s home in the middle of summer, which should be a good time for you to furnish your wardrobe with the missing items.

Caroline Hatfield, at first, had not warmed to the idea of seeing her daughter leave England for the Far West of America. She had found the idea outlandish, not to say preposterous. Nevertheless, with time, Caroline had mellowed to the idea of her youngest child moving to a land of promise and great expectation.

At the dinner table that night, Harriet was more excited than usual. She had received yet another letter from Gavin with another photograph, this one of his cabin.

Papa, can you imagine how big the house is? Harriet said, handing her father the picture of a handsome log cabin. It seemed brand new for the logs were still pale in places and untouched by the temperamental mountain weather it seemed.

Very spacious, is it not? her dad answered, frowning and peering down at the photograph.

It should be. Gavin wrote that it is comprised of two rooms at the front and two bedrooms at the back. The kitchen has been fitted with direct access to the well water and there is an outhouse at the rear of the house with a proper washbasin. He said that he will use this place to wash himself before he enters the house. That’s very thoughtful of him, isn’t it, Papa?

Very thoughtful indeed, Harriet, Sylvan Hatfield replied, after he put a forkful of mashed potatoes dipped in gravy in his mouth. Sylvan Hatfield was a good man. By all accounts he had been diligent in his providing for his sons and daughter’s wellbeing. James and Albert, the Hatfield’s two sons, were both away at school – college rather, given that their grandmother had made sufficient provisions in her will to send them to university at a time the Hatfield family couldn’t have afforded such expense.

It was difficult for Harriet to imagine what her journey would entail. Apart from the description of the transatlantic voyage, which she had read in the journal of the travel company, Harriet had no idea of what would await her upon her arrival in Boston.

Gavin had written to her that he would be waiting for her at the port facility. Nevertheless, Harriet was most apprehensive. The mail, if any, from Gavin would not reach her before she was to depart next Saturday. She was so nervous the night before leaving Oxford that she could not eat anything.

On Thursday everything was ready. The sea trunk was loaded on to the back of the carriage and Harriet came out of the house, holding on to her father’s arm as if she would fall onto the front stoop if she didn’t.

Take good care of yourself, my dear child, Harriet’s mother whispered into her daughter’s ear as she took her in a tight embrace. If there had been a possibility for Caroline Hatfield to travel with Harriet to Southampton, she would have done so. However, the return trip would take the best part of three days and the chicken and goat could not fend for themselves for that long, not to mention the horse that would need tending and exercising every morning.

Therefore, Sylvan was alone to accompany Harriet to her port of departure. For her part, Harriet was glad that her mom was not making the journey with her since she worried that the ultimate parting would be too much to bear for her mother.

So, do you think you have everything you need? Sylvan Hatfield asked his daughter as soon as he sat down across from her inside the carriage.

Yes, Papa, I would say I have everything I will need to make the journey. I am sure Gavin will purchase the items that I might be missing upon our arrival at the cabin.

I hope you have not forgotten to pack your bible and chaplet. Those you cannot replace easily. Certainly your grandpa’s rosary is unique. You could not possibly find another like it.

I know, Papa. It was the two items I packed in my valise, Harriet said, pointing to the small case standing beside her feet. It would have been most awkward for me to fetch items out of the sea trunk every time I needed to freshen up. They recommended doing this – packing up a small case I mean – in the travel pamphlet you brought back from the agency.

Ah yes, I seem to remember reading something like that. I’m glad you and your mother have thought of most things then.

At day’s end they arrived at a small inn near a village located about halfway to Southampton. Harriet was relieved to set foot down to the ground. The journey had been tiring but uneventful. She was looking forward to freshening up, to having a meal and to lie down. A long carriage ride was never easy when going across country. Some of the roads were nicely maintained while others were not. Through London, some of the streets were paved with cobblestones and easy to manage, but outside of the big city, the bumpy ride had taken its toll on Harriet’s body.

She felt as if she had been bounced about all day, which she had in fact. The innkeeper welcomed their arrival with a broad smile and a belly-bouncing laughter. His wife came out to meet Harriet and to lead her to her room directly.

Let’s leave the men to talk, my dear, while I show you to your bedchamber, the lady said, preceding Harriet up the stairs on the side of the bar counter.

I am looking forward to a good rest, Harriet remarked in reply. Would you have a ewer and wash basin in the room?

Sure have, dear. My girl will bring you some warm water to fill the ewer. Not to worry your pretty little head about anything. We’ll look after you and your father for the night.

Thank you, Harriet said, as the two women reached the door of what was to be her room for the night.

Harriet was surprised to see how clean the furnishings were. The bedding was truly as white as snow and the quilted blanket over top gave some color to the entire décor.

I hope you will be able to rest comfortably tonight, the lady said, standing by the door while Harriet looked around her.

It looks perfect, Mrs.…?

I am Mrs. Adams, at your service, the innkeeper’s wife replied.

Well, it looks perfect, Mrs. Adams. And may I ask at what time I should expect the evening meal to be served.

Not before seven o’clock, Miss Hatfield.

Oh, you are aware of my name? Harriet questioned, since she had not said.

Yes, yes. Your father had written a letter to my husband about a month ago. We knew when to expect you.

My father has always been well-prepared in every circumstance and this trip does not seem to have been an exception to the rule. Harriet returned Mrs. Adams’ smile.

An hour later, Harriet heard a knock on her door.

Who is it? she called out.

Your father, dear. Are you ready to go down for dinner?

Oh my gosh, Papa, Harriet replied, as she opened the door. I didn’t realize it was that time already. Please come in, she added, indicating a chair beside the dresser. I will just make sure to pin my hair back and I will be with you in a moment."

Sylvan Hatfield smiled and took a seat. Harriet hurried to bring her hair up in a twist at the back of her head. Obviously it wasn’t the first time she dad done it, for she did a quick job of it and was ready to follow her father down to the dining room in the space of a few minutes.

They ate with appetite. It seemed that everything was going well thus far. Harriet was grateful for her father’s foresight and care. She wondered if Gavin was going to be as caring. On the other hand, she was looking forward to have a family of her own and to enjoy whatever this New World had to offer.

It does sound very different, doesn’t it, Papa? Harriet asked as the two were finishing their meal.

What does, dear?

The way Gavin describes the environs near the cabin, and the town, I don’t see any point of comparison. There are markets, I suppose, and shops in town, but somehow it seems that everything is miles apart.

Her father smiled. Yes, Harriet, it should be very different from what you find in England. I have been told the countryside is vast and rather barren. Perhaps farming will be developed since they have so much cultivable soil.

Do you think Gavin will farm our land?

With Harriet’s inquisitive mind, she couldn’t stop asking questions her father could not answer.

He laughed as he lit his pipe. Listen, dear child, your future husband will make many decisions in your lifetimes, one of which may be of farming the land he owns. However, and for the time being, may I suggest that you concentrate on your voyage?

Yes, of course, Papa. I am so impatient. I can hardly wait to see him in person. He looks so gentle. I hope he will keep some animals on the property. We would have fresh milk if he had a cow…

Dear child, Sylvan Hatfield interrupted, please settle down. If you continue dreaming away like this, you are bound to stay awake all night.

Yes, you’re right. I need to read Gavin’s letters again this evening. His words are very soothing.

They stayed and talked for a while longer until father and daughter retired to their respective rooms. Harriet was glad to lay down to rest. It had been a long journey. Soon after she fell asleep, however, a