An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) (5 page)

“She’s asleep, where I pray she remains for a few more minutes.” I sipped the tea. “What brings you to town?”

“I took everyone to school. It’s after nine, my dear. Then I plan a trip to the mercantile. I wanted to see how you were, now that you’ve flown the coop.” She eyed me expectantly. “I also wanted to meet Mr. Carlyle. Is he still asleep?”

“I believe he’s gone somewhere. He works for the railways. They’re building a line to Denver City.”

“I’m pleased to hear that.”

The door swung open behind her, revealing my employer, who removed his hat, hanging it on the coat rack. “Good morning,” he intoned.

Jane got to her feet, a bright smile lifting the edges of her mouth. “You must be Mr. Carlyle.”

“I am.” He strode into the room; his gaze was on my sister. “And you are?”

“Mary’s sister, Jane. Jane Hartsock.” She held out her hand.

He shook it. “You’re responsible for your sister’s employment.”

“I…suppose I am. I came to check on her, sir.”

“Did you know she was prone to drinking?” There was a sparkle in his eye, and, while I wanted to hide my face in horror, I couldn’t help thinking he might be teasing.

“I’m…dismayed to hear it. I can vouch for her, sir, if you’ll let me. I don’t think she’s ever had spirits before. I hope you can forgive this one…unfortunate lapse in judgment.”

I’d gotten to my feet, trying desperately to be brave in the face of disgrace. “I’m sorry about it all.”

“Truly, sir,” implored Jane. “I’ve never even seen her with a glass of wine. I don’t know how she came upon a sherry bottle—”

“It’s quite all right. I’ve chosen to overlook it. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He turned on his heel, striding towards his room.

I glanced at Jane. “I’ve made the worst sort of impression. I’ll be lucky to last another day.”

“He’s dreadfully handsome, isn’t he? He can’t be older than thirty, if even that.”

“I…suppose.”

“And you say he’s a widower?”

“I never said that, but yes, he is.”

“He’s forgiven you for being a silly drunk too.”

“I wasn’t silly. I was…hardly drunk.”

“Hum…” She sat on the sofa. “Do you find him handsome?”

Reaching for the teacup, I drank the last of it, pouring more from the pot. “That’s neither here nor there.”

“He’s tall as well and slim. With a full head of hair.”

“It sounds like you’re auctioning him off. Did you check his teeth?” I giggled at the thought.

“How long has he been in Denver City?”

“Not long. Only two days or so.”

“He’s sure to catch Gwendolyn Phillip’s attention. She’s recently widowed and purported to be well-off.”

I leaned in. “We saw him enter a parlour house last night.”

Her eyes widened. “No!”

“Yes, Unfortunately. We’ve a view of it from that window.”

“Well, men do…frequent those places…and being without a wife…” she shrugged, “it’s to be expected, I suppose.”

“He wasn’t there long. No more than five minutes.”

“Maybe he wasn’t overly thrilled with the selection,” she laughed throatily.

“Oh, shush! Let’s talk about something else before we get ourselves in trouble.” The sound of crying had my attention. “Well, it seems Rosalind is awake.” I got to my feet. “I’ve work to do.”

“Gordon is with his grandmother for the morning.” Jane stood, smoothing out her dress. “I should go, but I had to see you first.” She hugged me. “You’ll be a most excellent nanny, if you can stay away from the sherry that is.”

“Stop that!”

She grinned. “I had no idea you’d go wild with your first taste of freedom. It’s shameful.”

“Oh, hush.” Then I had a thought. “Can you bring one of Paulina’s kittens tomorrow? I know she’s trying to give them away. I think the babies would love to play with a kitten.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you.” We neared the door, but Rosalind’s crying had brought out Mr. Carlyle. I glanced at him. “I’ll get her now. I’m sorry she disturbed you.”

“It’s no matter. I’ve got it.” He entered my room.

I opened the door for Jane. “I’ve work to do. You’ve gotten me into trouble.”

“Hardly.” She tied the sash of the bonnet beneath her chin. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I do hope you’re sober then.”

I shut the door forcibly, while she laughed. “Ouf!” What was it about family that annoyed one so? Mr. Carlyle held Rosalind in his arms, standing before me. “I can take her to Megan, if you wish. She might be hungry.”

“She’s fine for the moment.”

“I’m sorry about that. I…don't know why she came here.”

“I’ll not keep you from your family, Miss Hampton. I don’t object to people coming to check on your welfare.”

“Thank you.”

Rosalind was bright-eyed; her attention was on her father. The resemblance between them was in the eyes and nose, along with the shapes of their faces, although her chin was slightly more pointed.

“She kept you awake last night.”

“Only a little. She was a bit fussy. I walked around for a while with her over my shoulder until she fell asleep. I’m sorry it disturbed you.”

“It was no bother at all. You look a little…tired.”

“I’m awfully sorry about the sherry. I promise, it’ll never happen again.”

He smiled. “Think nothing of it. It’s all in the past now.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He kissed Rosalind on the cheek. “Well, my little angel, I’ll give you over to your nanny. I’ve a meeting in five minutes with the banker, Mr. Volt.”

“I can take her then.” I held out my hands.

“Thank you. I’ll be in and out today with meetings.”

“I understand, sir.”

He reached for his hat. “Good morning, Miss Hampton.”

“Good morning, sir.”

After he left, I fed Rosalind, bringing her to Megan’s room. Joshua was on the bed, while Judy played with marbles on the floor. Once Rosalind was satisfied, I changed her, wondering if it were possible to have a bath brought up. I encountered Megan in the hallway.

“Might we have a bath?”

“Pardon?”

“I wish to bathe Rosalind.”

“Water and a bowl should do it.”

“Isn’t there a tub somewhere?”

“I have to put in an order for one. They’ve plenty to do in the kitchen today with all the businessmen showin’ up, Miss Hampton.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine, but it might not happen till the evening. Is that agreeable?”

“Yes, that’s perfect.”

“I’ll let them know.”

“Thank you.”

Three hours later, when Rosalind was ready for a nap, I joined her, tossing a blanket over my shoulder and finding it surprisingly easy to sleep. It wasn’t until she stirred that I was forced to get up, leaning over her bassinette to find a happy baby. She had been cooing to herself, while her arms and legs flailed.

“Hello.” I reached for her, while she babbled. “Let’s change your pants. I’m sure they’re wet.”

“Oh, you’re up.”

I turned to find Megan, who held Joshua. “Yes. We had a nap.”

“Mr. Carlyle asked about you.”

“He did?”

“I told him you were sleepin’. He came in here, you know.”

“I…didn’t hear a thing.”

“I found it rather odd, Mary. He was standing over the bed starin’ at you.”

“Really?” That revelation was astonishing.

“I’m not sure what that was about.”

I didn’t know how to respond; yet some small part of me felt a thrill that I had drawn his attention—even in my sleep. “Well, perhaps he wanted to be sure I was asleep. He obviously wanted to speak to me about something.”

“He should’a hired the other woman,” she murmured. “There’s always too much temptation with the pretty young ones.”

“What?”

“Oh, never mind. I’ve just fed Josh. I’m ready for Rosalind whenever you want to bring her to me.”

“Certainly. Thank you.”

We ate lunch a short while later, the hotel providing a meal of buffalo steak and potatoes. Mr. Carlyle returned twice, although he didn’t stay for long. He came in once to wash his hands and face and kiss Rosalind, holding her up for examination.

“You seem very well taken care of, my darling.” His smile was directed at his daughter, who warbled contentedly. Then he glanced at me. “I chose your nanny wisely, and she seems reasonably sober today.” His approval left me with a sense of elation, and even his teasing was charming. He’d left shortly after.

Before suppertime, Megan bustled into the room. “Allette says the water’s hot now. They’ll bring a tub in a minute.”

I was on the sofa with Rosalind in my lap. She had been watching me knit, following the movement of my fingers, as I worked the yarn back and forth. “Oh, that’s wonderful.”

“There’s a privacy screen too. Where do you want the tub?”

My gaze swept the room. “I suppose before the fireplace. It’s the warmest place in the room.”

“You plan on gettin’ in too?”

“That was the idea. Rosalind can’t sit in it by herself. She’ll drown.”

“Well, you shouldn’t have to wait long.”

“Thank you, Megan.”

It was a luxury to have a real bath, and, after the metal tub had been brought in and the fire lit, servants arrived with bucket after bucket of hot water. I had already positioned the screen before it. Then I brought out two towels and a robe for myself. After the last bucket had been deposited, the room emptied, and I was able to undress quickly, while Rosalind lay on a blanket. When I was ready, I took her in my arms and brought her into the water with me, although it was nearly too hot.

“There we are. Oh, goodness, this is nice.”

“Are you enjoying yourself in there?” asked Megan.

“I am.”

“Did you bring soap?”

“Ouf! No. Can you get it for me?”

“Certainly.” She had left the room, returning a moment later. “You sure are settling in quite nicely, if I don’t say so myself.” She handed the soap to me.

“Well, Rosalind needed a bath.”

“Bosh! You’re taking full advantage of Mr. Carlyle’s hospitality and all the servants of the Broadwell House.”

“You can have a bath too. Allette can heat up more water.”

“Not tonight.” Her hands were on her ample hips. “You washin’ your hair?”

“It’s impossible with Rosalind.” The baby was before me, while I held her securely. She splashed, enjoying the feel of the water.

“When you’re done, I can take her and use the bucket for your hair.”

“Would you?”

“Yes, princess. I will.”

“Oh, dear. I’ve made the worst sort of impression on everyone.”

“Well, most of us aren’t lucky enough to grow up pampered and such. Give me a holler when you’re ready to have your hair washed.”

“Thank you, Megan.”

“Now then,” I glanced at Rosalind, who slammed her fist into the water, “let’s wash you up and get you clean.” I ran the soap over her skin, although I used it sparingly, since lye was rather abrasive. Then I washed her hair with a washcloth. She continued to make little noises, as she kicked her legs and splashed. “You’d make a good fish.” I lifted her marginally, letting her feet dandle in the water. She began to squeal, kicking and squirming happily.

“I presume it’s you behind that screen, isn’t it, Miss Hampton?” asked a male voice I recognized instantly.

I’d known there was a possibility of being discovered by Mr. Carlyle, and I had prepared for this. “Yes, sir.”

“I take it you’re not alone?”

“No, Rosalind’s with me.”

“I see. I was going to have supper sent up. Should I delay?”

“Yes, please. We had a late lunch.”

“Very well.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He failed to respond, and I assumed he had left the room to give us privacy. When Rosalind began to prune and the water was on the edge of being cool, I called for Megan. She took the baby and wrapped her in a blanket by the tub. Then she poured water over my head. I used the soap to lather my hair, rinsing with the same water. The luxury of a clean scalp was something I rarely experienced.

“You’re about done now,” said Megan.

“I know. Thank you. I’ll return the favor whenever you wish. I’ll speak to Allette tomorrow and arrange for your bath. You can share it with your children.”

She held a towel, waiting for me to stand. “I might’ve underestimated you. I see what you’re up to now.”

“Pardon?” I grasped the cloth, wrapping it around me.

“Your aim is to entice that man into offering for you. If I were younger, I might do the same.” Her look was stark. “I wish you luck, honey. If you think you can compete with the Ruby Wallaces of the world, be my guest.” She had referred to the madam of the Tainted Rose. “That man’s set in his ways now. Why buy the cow when the milk’s readily available?”

I gasped. “Megan!”

Chapter Six

I dried quickly, tossing the nightgown over my head. Then I tied the robe around my midsection. Rosalind was on the floor, fighting with the towel, although the sounds that came from her were playful. Allette had returned with an army of servants to reduce the water in the tub, by withdrawing it in buckets. When it was mostly empty, they carried it away along with the screen. Rosalind and I were before the fire, while I worked to untangle my hair. The baby was in a pink gown, her bare feet poking out with darling little rounded toes.

Movement caught my eye, as Mr. Carlyle approached. “I’ve sent for dinner now.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll be joining you. I haven’t eaten yet.”

“Did I keep you waiting?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry.” I scanned his face to ascertain how badly I had angered him, but his countenance wasn’t displeased.

He’d approached, kneeling beside us, while reaching for the baby. “I think I shall borrow this for a moment.” He picked her up, taking her to the sofa. “You’re quite happy with Miss Hampton, aren’t you?”

While I worked to untangle my hair, enjoying the heat of the fire, Mr. Carlyle sat with Rosalind, holding her over his shoulder while rubbing her back. My movements seemed to have his undivided attention.

“Do you plan on doing this every night?”

“Certainly not.” I smiled somewhat sheepishly. “Megan thinks I’ve taken advantage of you. I apologize, sir. I…maybe I have.”