An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) (11 page)

“Some women are cold when it comes to children. I was passed off on nannies and then abandoned in the schoolroom. My sister was as well. My mother was not affectionate, but, if you misbehaved, she’d take a switch to you.”

“I don’t like that. If anything, I’m too permissive. You might find that annoying. I should warn you about such things.”

“Why must children be beaten? There are better methods of exacting punishments and things of that nature. Why must they eat spinach?”

I laughed, “Oh, I agree! I’ve always hated spinach.”

“I’d be forced to eat it, and then I’d spit it out in my napkin. It’s revolting.”

“I won’t force Rosalind to eat spinach. Collard greens and carrots and things are far tastier. Most children don’t like vegetables, and they still grow to be hearty and strong.” I’d snuggled next to him, resting my head on his chest, while his hand stroked my back. “We’re of the same mind there.”

“Do you gamble?”

That was unexpected. “No, sir.”

“No cards or dice? Horses?”

“No,” I giggled. “Who do you know that gambles?”

“A friend’s wife liked cards. She spent all his money. He’s bankrupt now.”

“That’s unfortunate. I won’t spend all your money, sir.”

“Brandon. Please call me Brandon.”

“I like pretty material and lace, si—Brandon. I…do like to make dresses, but I hardly have the time now.”

“I’d love to lavish new dresses upon you and all those other things ladies like.”

A grin split my face. “That sounds like a dream.” It was impossible to grasp that I would be married soon to this handsome man, who seemed far too good to be true. I was afraid to believe such fortune had come my way.

“It’s early days, but…do you think you could love me?” he asked.

“I haven’t seen your temper yet. I’ll have to reserve my judgment until then.”

“That’s sensible.”

“But…from what I’ve seen so far, falling in love with you…wouldn’t be terribly difficult.”

“That’s good to know.” There was laughter in his voice.

“Would you be able to feel the same about me?”

He met my gaze, staring steadily. “I adore you, Mary.” He touched my face, his thumb running across my lips. “I can’t regret the past, although I’m saddened Georgette is gone, but this was God’s plan. I see that now. I was meant to come west. It was you I’ve been destined to meet.”

I gazed at him, speechless.

“I can feel it. Can you?”

“Yes,” I whispered.

“Life is so short, my dear. We only have today. I can’t see wasting this opportunity.”

I rested my head against his chest. “I want today to start right now.”

“It has.” He kissed my forehead. “It already has.”

***

It was late before I finally went to bed. Brandon and I talked for hours, lying before the fire, while our bodies were warmed through all the way to the bone. When I woke the next morning, he’d already gone, presumably to talk to Pastor Bailey and ask for my hand in marriage. I hurried to prepare myself, wanting Rosalind and I to be ready for his arrival. My family would soon know about my imminent engagement, although it had yet to happen. There were so many things that needed to be taken care of. My head spun with ideas, and it wasn’t until after Rosalind was awake and fed, that I had a moment to write down a list of things I needed to attend to.

A commotion in the street sent me from the sofa, as men shouted to one another. Drawing back the curtain, I observed what looked like a stagecoach parked out front. Several men had hurried to retrieve the leather trunks at the back. The occupants of the conveyance were nowhere to be seen, yet, moments later, there were voices in the hallway.

The maid, Allette, had been tidying up the room, dusting and fluffing pillows, but upon hearing the disturbance, she said, “Are we expecting guests?”

“Mr. Carlyle is…but not yet, I don’t think.” An unpleasant feeling registered, that perhaps his sister had arrived already, but that couldn’t be. A knock sounded. “I suppose that’s us.”

“I’ll get it.” She swept down the hallway, reaching for the door, which revealed a woman in a traveling outfit and hat.

“Good day,” the stranger said gaily. “Is Mr. Carlyle in residence?”

“Yes, ma’am, but he’s just gone out.”

“I’m his sister, Elizabeth Carlyle. We’ve had a dreadfully long journey. I’m sorry I missed him. We’re in the suite down the hall, and we plan to have a rest. Do tell him I’ve come to call.”

The maid curtsied. “Yes, ma’am, I will.”

My hand had gone to my throat, while my stomach turned over. Elizabeth Carlyle and her companion had beaten us to the altar, and, now, I worried that perhaps it had all been a dream. She would never give her consent, especially once she realizes that her brother wishes to marry one of the employees. I sat heavily on the end of the sofa, feeling as if all my hopes and dreams had just been flattened.

…but you hardly know him…

You can’t really love him, can you?

…I don’t know.

Tears filled my eyes. “I had so hoped…” I whispered.

“Pardon, ma’am?” Allette had been behind me. “Did you know he had a sister?”

“Yes.”

“She’s a beautiful woman. That dress! She had a friend, you know. She was in the hallway. She was dreadfully handsome too.”

“How…nice for them.” I got to my feet. “I think…I need to lie down for a while. Come for me, once Rosalind’s finished her feeding.”

“Yes, ma’am. Are you all right? You look pale.”

“I’m just fine.” I brushed past her. “I’ll…be in my room.” After I had closed the door, I collapsed to the bed, my vision swimming through a haze of tears. “It was a nice dream for awhile. I suppose we should’ve married this morning. It was the only way.” My fist hit the pillow. “Oh, dash it!”

Chapter Twelve

I waited for Brandon to return, sitting with Rosalind in the parlor, while Megan and her children were in their room. She had gone for a walk earlier with Joshua and Judy, and, after they had eaten lunch, they disappeared. I had been in marvelous spirits the night before, feeling as if my life were on the edge of a profound change. Today, however, things didn’t seem quite as fair.

The door swung open a short while later, revealing Mr. Carlyle, who breezed into the room. “I’ve met with success!” he announced, happily. “Your stepfather has agreed to marry us. His wife was nearly hysterical with joy. I worried we might have to call for a doctor.”

I got to my feet. “I’m glad they gave their consent.”

“What’s wrong? Has something happened?”

He read me with shocking accuracy. “Sir, your sister’s arrived.”

His smile fell. “Oh, now I see.” He approached; worry flashing in his eyes. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve made my decision, and I shall not be dissuaded. Where is she?”

“The suite down the hall. I assume she’ll arrive shortly.”

He glanced at Rosalind, who played on a blanket, her arms reaching for several small stuffed animals. “I meant everything I said to you last night.”

“I meant everything I said as well.” I found myself in his arms, pressed to his sack coat. “It’s good you still want to marry me, and you do, don’t you?”

“Yes, of course.” He drew away to gaze at me. “You look like you’re about to attend a funeral. Please, don’t let this dampen your spirits. I’ll handle the matter at once. This is cause for celebration, my love, not anguish.”

“I do wish it to be so.”

“And it shall. I’m going to explain things to my sister as soon as I can, and then I’ll introduce you.”

“But I’m the nanny…and I am. Maybe we should keep quiet about everything, until she leaves.” I hated that I had even said those words out loud. Being engaged should not be something I was ashamed of.

“You’re responsible for Rosalind’s welfare, but I’m just as responsible for yours. I’ve no intention of hiding my feelings for you or pretending we aren’t intended. I’ve weathered worse than her petty censure, I can assure you, and whatever she has to say will not change my mind.”

He seemed so certain, his smile never wavering. “All right.”

“All right what?”

“I’ll trust what you say, but…”

“But?”

“I hardly know you. I…don’t fit in very well with…you, sir. Our stations in life are vastly different.”

“Not for long.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Allette!”

“Yes, Mr. Carlyle?” She appeared in the hallway, and I realized she must have heard everything we had been saying. “Have tea and sandwiches brought up. Inform Miss Carlyle that I’ve returned.”

“Yes, sir.”

He bent to retrieve Rosalind, holding her before him. “Hello, my darling.” Giving the infant a kiss on the cheek, he drew her in close. “I’m looking forward to a quiet evening by the fire,” an arm went around my back, bringing me into the fold, “with both my girls.”

Rosalind screeched her happiness, little fingers clutching at her father’s necktie. I glanced up at him, feeling a wave of tenderness I hadn’t expected. He was everything I could hope for in a husband and more. He seemed to sense the change in my mood, his arm tightening around me. His lips met mine then; the kiss was sweet and soft, yet tinged with an undercurrent of passion. I closed my eyes—

“What a spectacle,” said a female voice from behind us.

Brandon turned, smiling. “Elizabeth. I thought you’d be another week at least.”

Her gaze roamed over me, while her chin rose slightly. “It’s rather obvious.”

“This is Rosalind’s nanny, Mary Hampton, but she’ll soon be my wife. Mary, this is my sister, Elizabeth.”

Having digested this announcement, Miss Carlyle’s features remained bland. Only the stiffness of her mouth gave away the fact that she found the idea repugnant. “How do you do?” A white-gloved hand came my way.

“I’m fine, thank you.” Her handshake was limp. “I…” I glanced at the baby, “think I’ll take Rosalind to my room now. I’m sure you have many things to catch up on.” Before I was able to move, someone else appeared.

“Heaven’s to Betsy! What a journey. You’ll not believe all the things that happened, Brandon.” The woman who had spoken was dressed in a navy blue riding outfit, with a straw hat that brimmed with feathers and fake flowers. “We’ve so many stories to tell.”

“You look well, Clarissa.” He extended his hand. “It’s good to see you.”

“This really is the edge of the wilderness, isn’t it?” She laughed; the sound was melodic and pretty. “Is this the only hotel? I imagine it is.” Her gaze swept the room. “It’s charming in a rustic way.”

“I would like you to meet Mary Hampton. She’s Rosalind’s nanny and my future wife.” He grinned, clearly relishing the look of distress on his sister’s face. “Mary, this is our dear friend, Clarissa Hamilton.”

Her mouth had fallen open, while she stared steadily at me. “Oh, I do declare…truly?”

“That’s what he said when I came in,” murmured Elizabeth. “I’m not quite sure what’s happening here.” Her look was pointed.

“I thought it best to put it all out first,” said Brandon. “I know you’ve come to matchmake or some nonsense, but now you’ll see I’ve no need for your services.” His look dared Elizabeth to challenge him. “I know you too well, sister dear. I don’t need to be molded into one of your precious little sculptures. I’m quite all right on my own.”

“Gracious, now there’ll be a fight.” Clarissa held out her hand to me. “I’m happy to make your acquaintance. I do hope we’ll be able to get to know one another before these two scratch their eyes out.”

Stunned by her response, I shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“And this one!” Clarissa reached for Rosalind. “How precious! She’s gotten so big. Last I saw, she was barely three months old. She’s so hale and happy.” The baby offered up little objection to being handed off to the woman. Rosalind’s eyes were wide with interest, especially the feathers in the straw hat, which she reached for. “What an adorable little thing.”

Allette cleared her throat from behind us. “Tea has arrived, sir.”

“Thank you. You may bring it in.” He glanced at Elizabeth. “Please sit. We needn’t be so formal.” He was on the end of the sofa, crossing one leg over the other. “When did you arrive?”

Clarissa sat with Rosalind in her arms. The baby was determined to grasp a feather, her little hand reaching for the hat. “Since the morning. Oh, don’t do that, my dear. You’ll hurt yourself.” She placed the baby in her lap, bouncing her knee. “I’ve had a rest already. I’m quite recovered now.”

Approaching the table, Elizabeth poured tea. “Would you like one, Clarissa?”

“Yes, please.”

I sat next to Brandon, feeling horribly awkward over the situation, but I tried my best to hide these feelings. “It’s an exhausting journey. I’ve done it myself.”

“Where are you from?” asked Elizabeth, handing a dainty cup to Clarissa.

“Ohio.”

“And your family is here?”

“Yes, they are.”

“They all came out west then?”

“My ma did after pa died. Then after she passed away, my siblings and I were given to my uncle, but he died too. Then his wife inherited all of us. I’m now a part of the very large family.”

“Would you like some tea?”

“No, thank you.”

She took a seat in an empty chair.

Brandon placed his hand over mine. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting these people, and they are as kind and hardworking as you’ll find anywhere. Most of them are farmers. Mary’s stepfather is the pastor to this community. He’s offered to marry us.”

Coughing filled the room, as Elizabeth had just taken a sip of tea. “Oh, forgive me.”

A smile lifted the edges of Brandon’s mouth. “I know you disapprove, but you’ll soon meet them, especially if you insist on staying for any length of time. We’re in the midst of planning our wedding.”

Clarissa let Rosalind play with a silver pendant hanging from her neck. “She’s precious. What a wonderful nature she has. She reminds me greatly of Georgette. Her eyes are nearly the same color—”

“Yes, they are.” Brandon’s smile had fallen. “Well, then,” he got to his feet, “I think I’ll have some tea as well.”

“I’ve letters for you from people you’ll know,” said Elizabeth. “Our aunt and uncle send their regards. Your solicitor drafted a letter too.”