An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) (3 page)

She nodded. “You and I might get along.”

“Why wouldn’t we?”

“I like you. I’ve never really talked to you before.”

“You’ve lived here for a few years, correct?”

“About three. We came from Canada by wagon train. We were hit hard with cholera. Then my…man…prospected for a while, till that ran out. He said he was trapping, but I’m not so sure. He might’ve gotten tired of having to take care of us.” She mumbled under her breath, “He never did ask me to marry him.”

It was scandalous to have children out of wedlock, but I suppressed the urge to judge her. From the lines on her face, she hadn’t had easy years. Some of us weren’t blessed with a strong family to guide and protect us. I had been adopted, as Fanny Hoffman Bailey was my stepmother; she took over my care and that of my sisters and brothers after my parents had perished. I was now a part of a very large extended family, with children and babies of all ages and the wisdom of several generations of experience.

“So, you’re already plannin’ your wedding, eh?”

I hadn’t expected that. “Not exactly, but I’m hopeful.”

She nodded absently. “Don’t be thinkin’ he’s gonna be picking a wife from among us.”

“Pardon?”

“I heard him talkin’ about his sister coming. She’s bringing someone she wants him to marry. She’s playing matchmaker. He’s not too keen on it.”

It was strange, but that announcement did dampen my spirits, but only slightly. “I’m sure it’s none of my business what the Carlyle family does or doesn’t do. My concern is the baby.”

She eyed me dubiously. “If you say so.”

Chapter Three

After Rosalind woke from her nap, I changed her cloth diaper, giving the soiled garment to the maid. The baby fussed and cried, and I suspected she was hungry. Megan fed her a short while later, as I held Joshua. It was midday now, and my family would wonder where I was. Mr. Carlyle hadn’t returned yet, and I hoped he wouldn’t be long.

The door swung open an hour later, Mr. Carlyle striding into the parlor, where I sat on the sofa with Rosalind. She had been playing with the buttons on my dress, her little fingers trying to pull them off.

“Things seem peaceful.” He smiled. “How was she?”

“Very good. She slept for nearly two hours.”

He hung his sack coat on the hat rack. “We should discuss your employment, Miss Hampton, if you wish to work for me.”

“I’d like the job, sir.”

“It would be a live-in arrangement. You’d be in the same room as Rosalind.”

“I understand.”

“I’m prepared to be generous. Would a wage of five dollars a week be agreeable?” He sat next to me, his look inquiring.

“My, that is generous.” It was far more than I had been expecting. “Would that include meals, sir?”

“Of course. You’ll eat whatever I eat.”

“I’ll have to go home and get my things.”

“I can send for a carriage. You may retrieve what you need and return this evening.”

“I’ve a horse here. Heaven’s, I’d forgotten about that. She needs to be fed and watered.”

“Then do we have an agreement?”

“How long would this position last, sir?”

“I’m with the Denver Pacific Railroad. The goal is to join with the Kansas Pacific Railway and bring the line here. I’m in town for the foreseeable future, which vexes everyone I know.” He grinned, the edges of his eyes creasing. “But, the need is acute, and the potential profits are too large to ignore. I’ll stay until the job’s done.” He held out his hands, reaching for the baby. “Now, give me the little one, who looks awfully happy.” I did as he asked. “My sweetling.” He kissed her cheek, holding her to him. “Do we have a deal?”

“Yes.”

“You seem like a steady girl. You’ve had an education; your speech and manner are proof enough of that. Is there anything else I need to know about you?”

“Not really, sir. I’m unmarried and looking for a job. I adore babies. My sisters can attest to that. I’m not as fond of town with its lawlessness and vice, but those things should be easy enough to avoid.”

“Indeed.”

I stood, smoothing my skirts. “I’ll go get my things then.” I held out a hand. “Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Carlyle. I’ll do my best to watch over Rosalind and keep her happy.”

The feel of his warm, soft hand sent a tremor through me, which was bewildering. I had been about to say something else, but the response died on my lips, as my mind went fuzzy. Our eyes locked, and something indefinable passed between us.

“You should get your things,” he murmured.

“Y-yes, of course.” I slid my hand free. “I’ll be back as soon as possible.” I reached for the bonnet, placing it on my head, while tying the sash beneath my chin.

“Allette!” he called.

“Yes, sir?” The maid appeared at the end of the hallway.

“Have a stagecoach brought around for Miss Hampton, please. She’s leaving now.”

The maid bobbed. “Yes, sir.”

I cast one last look at Mr. Carlyle, feeling oddly reluctant to go, but it was necessary; otherwise, I would have to travel in the dark. If I were to stay here for any length of time, I needed all of my things. My family had yet to be informed of my new employment status, and the thought existed that Fanny and Jack might object.

As I left, I hurried down the hallway, following the maid, who hastily arranged my transportation. To travel in the luxury of a stagecoach was something I rarely experienced. With Sally Anne tethered to the conveyance, I sat, gazing out at the busy thoroughfare of Blake Street. The enjoyably smooth ride brought me home within thirty minutes, where my brothers were the first to perceive me.

“The mayor’s comin’!” shouted Connor. “Look at that fancy carriage!” Connor and Peter were in the midst of completing their afternoon chores.

“It’s just me, you silly boys.” The driver had stepped from his perch, lowering the stairs, while opening the door.

“How’d you get to ride in such a grand carriage?” asked Peter.

“I’m working as a nanny now. I’ve come to get my things.”

Fanny appeared on the steps wearing an apron. “Gracious. What’s going on?”

“It’s all Jane’s doing. She forced me to answer an employment notice. I’m a nanny now.” I breezed by her. “I need to pack my things.”

“What on earth?”

“I’ll be at the Broadwell House for the foreseeable future working for Mr. Carlyle. He’s a railroad man.”

“Why haven’t I heard of this before?” Fanny stood at the base of the steps staring up at me.

“You’ll have to question Jane and your mother about that. This is entirely their doing.” I hurried to my room, grabbing a leather satchel from beneath the bed. Then I began to empty several drawers, hastily packing petticoats, chemises, stockings, and several dresses. When I emerged, I carried the heavy bag, the back end dragging on the floor. “If I’ve forgotten anything, I’ll come another day.”

“How much will you earn at this position?” She stood with her hands on her hips. “I’m not sure I like the idea of you leaving in this manner. We know nothing about Mr. Carlyle.”

“The salary is five dollars a week with room and board. I’ll be staying in his suite at the hotel, but there’s a wet nurse and a maid there as well. I’ll be properly chaperoned, if that’s what concerns you.”

“May we visit?”

“Of course. Please stop by whenever you’re in town. It’s room thirty-two on the second floor.”

“How long will you be there, and will we see you at church?”

“I’m employed for a few weeks, possibly longer, and yes, I shall be in church.”

“The salary is rather generous.”

“It is. It’s a position I couldn’t refuse. With a maid, I’ll not have to worry about other chores.” I grinned, knowing how we all loathed washing clothing. “It’s almost too easy, if you ask me. I’ll mind the baby and keep her happy, while spending my time in relative ease.”

“You’ve yet to know what it’s like caring for a little one day and night. Wait until you’ve not had any sleep, then come and tell me how “easy” it’s been.”

“Fair enough.” I hugged her. “Please tell Susanna I’ve gone.”

“She’s seeing a friend. I’ll tell her of your latest adventures when she returns. Is she welcome to visit as well?”

“Of course. Everyone may come. Now, I must be off. Mr. Carlyle’s waiting for me.” I grasped the bag.

“I’ll see you out. Did you find enough clean stockings and things? There are some on the line.”

“I’ve enough for a week.”

“It’s so strange to say goodbye like this. I feel like you may never live here again.”

That was odd. “Why do you say that?”

“I don’t know. A premonition of sorts.”

“Jane wanted me to get out and see the world. Well, now I am. I’ll be in the thick of things on Larimer Street, with the saloon being so close. This is my opportunity to see a gunfight firsthand.”

Her smile dropped. “Now you’ve got me worried.”

“I’m teasing!” I laughed. “It’s perfectly safe.” We were on the stairs, while my brothers approached. They had been inside the stagecoach, having a look around. The driver took my bag, placing it in the boot. “I’ll see you again on Sunday.”

“Susanna will be sorry she missed you.”

“Do give her my regards. Come visit when you can.”

She eyed the carriage. “Well, at least you’re traveling in style.”

My booted foot took the first step. “Farewell, everyone!”

“Can Connor and I visit too?” asked Peter. “I’ve never been inside the Broadwell House before.”

“Yes. Come whenever you’re in town. Then you’ll meet my charge, Rosalind. She’s six-months-old and adorable.”

“Take care of yourself,” said Fanny. “Please come home at once, if things don’t go well.”

“I will.”

“We love you, Mary.”

“I love you too.”

I settled on the leather seat, while the driver called to the horses. The strongly strung conveyance jostled gently towards the road. I waved to my family one last time for good measure, while they stood before the house. The farewell had gone better than expected, and Fanny had taken the news well. Excitement raced through me at the thought of returning to the city and the prospect of the new job and all that entailed. Once at the hotel, my things were brought up and deposited in my new room, which I would share with the baby.

Allette placed a blanket on the freshly made bed. “Is there anything else you need, Miss Hampton?”

“I’m fine. I’ll just take a moment and unpack.” There was a dresser against the wall, with a mirror above it.

“Very well. I’ve clothes to wash. That chore is never ending.”

“Yes, I don’t envy you there.”

When everything had been put away and the luggage stowed beneath the bed, I ventured into the parlor, where Mr. Carlyle sat on the sofa with Rosalind at his feet. She was on her belly on a blanket.

“How was the ride?” He held a red, leather-bound book.

“It was fine, sir.”

“Did you get all your things?”

“Yes, thank you.” Instead of taking a seat across from him, I sat on the blanket. Rosalind reached for the end of my skirt, closing her fist around the material. “She seems quite happy.”

“It has been a pleasant afternoon. She’s normally rather amiable.”

“Where did you come from, if I may ask?”

“Virginia. Near the capital.”

“We came from Ohio several years ago by wagon train.”

“I traveled by train as far as I could and then stagecoach, although we were a part of a larger group. There were wagons among us. It was evidence enough of the need for a railway system. It’s a truly primitive way to get around.” He smiled slightly.

“I remember. It was tedious.” Rosalind began to fuss, and I picked her up. “When did she eat last?”

“An hour or so ago.”

My belly rumbled. “What will I do for supper?”

“You and Megan can eat here. I’ll have something brought up from the kitchen.”

“Thank you.”

He left the book on the sofa, getting to his feet. “With that in mind, I’m expected elsewhere. When the knock sounds on the door, do answer it. It’ll be your supper.”

“Yes, sir.”

He strode from the room, returning a moment later wearing a fitted frock coat over a waistcoat and white tie. A top hat was in his hands. Most of the men I knew dressed this way only when they attended church or official functions. Such attire wasn’t practical on a farm.

I’d gotten to my feet, holding Rosalind, who cooed and garbled insensibly. “Say goodbye to your, pa, little one.” He approached; his expression was impassive, yet I could feel his energy, which was vibrant and tangible.

“I’ll see you later, my dear. Be a good girl for Mary.” Our eyes met for the briefest moment, as he bent to kiss her cheek. “Good evening.”

“Good evening, sir.”

After he had left, our dinner arrived, carried in by a hotel staff member. Allette had set the table in the corner with a white square of linen and candles. Joshua and Rosalind were in a bassinet together nearby, while I sat with Megan and her daughter, Judy. The precocious little girl was talkative.

“What sorts of animals are on your farm, Mary?”

“We have cows and horses and chickens. Pigs also.”

“Are the baby pigs fun to play with?”

“I suppose.” I speared a flaky piece of trout with a fork.

“I’d like to have a baby pig for a pet, ma. Can I?”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. They’re not pets, Judy. They have to be close to their mothers. They feed often.”

“Like Josh and Rosy?”

“Yes, sweetheart.”

“That’s all babies do and cry.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s annoying.”

I smiled, while chewing. “You were a baby once too.”

“I still say we should have a pet. I’d love a little cat.”

“We can’t have pets. This is a hotel, and we’re workin’ for Mr. Carlyle. He’d be angry with us for bringin’ in animals.”

“One of my stepmother’s sister’s cats had kittens a while ago.” I stared at the wall, while tapping a finger to my lips.

“Oh, no. You better not,” warned Megan. “I only just got this job, and I don’t want to lose it.”

“I’ll ask him about it.”

“Why cause a fuss? I say, leave it be. Men prefer their lives ordered and neat. They don’t want cat hair on their clothing or furniture.”