An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) (7 page)

“Someone will be with you in a moment, Miss Hampton.”

“Thank you.” I lifted Rosalind from the carriage, gazing at her. “You did very well today. Not one peep from you.”

“You can leave the carriage there, if you want,” said the woman. “We can manage it.”

“I will.”

I didn’t need to wait now, heading for the hallway and passing the dining room, which was filled with men. I stopped, eyeing the tables, finding Mr. Carlyle towards the back, seated amongst six people, but he must have sensed my appraisal, as he lifted his head to gaze at the doorway where I stood. Recognition lit his eyes, and he excused himself, striding towards us.

“Good morning.”

“We went for a walk, sir.”

He glanced over his shoulder, then he ushered me away from the doorway. “Let me see my angel.” He reached for Rosalind, holding her up for appraisal. “Hello, sweetheart.” Then he kissed her cheek several times, until she kicked her feet in response, making happy grunting noises. “I should finish up my business early today and spend some time with her. These meetings go on forever. Whoever thought securing subscriptions would be so difficult. I’m determined we’ll be the first to obtain the contracts.” He kissed Rosalind again. “We won’t stop till we get them, will we?” His tone had softened, as he spoke to his daughter.

“I hope it all works out favorably, sir.”

He held Rosalind close, staring at me. “It will, if I have anything to do with it. Now I must go, although I don’t want to.”

“She’ll be hungry soon.”

“Very well.” He smiled at her, holding her up. “You’ve been an excellent girl, my dear. You’re as calm and steady as your mother. I can see her in you more and more.”

He rarely spoke of his wife, and, whenever he mentioned her, I was reluctant to ask him more, because I worried it might upset him. “She’s the prettiest baby I’ve ever seen.”

“You would say that, since I’m your employer and she’s my daughter.”

“No, sir. I’ve seen many babies, believe me, but this one is truly lovely. She looks like a doll. Her mother must’ve been beautiful.” Then I bit my tongue, realizing I had broken my own rule.

He handed Rosalind to me. “I’ll try to break from this meeting as soon as possible. I’ve said all I can for now, and, if they continue to fight me on the matter, I’ll meet with the governor again.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good day, Miss Hampton.”

“Good day.” I turned for the stairs, with Rosalind in my arms. Once in the room, I found Megan and Judy in the parlor, while the table had been set for lunch. “Hello,” I said cheerily, realizing that speaking to Mr. Carlyle had put me in fine spirits.

“They’re bringin’ food in a few minutes. How was the walk?”

“It was fine.”

“Did you buy a paper?”

“Oh, I didn’t know you wanted one.”

“I should’a said something. I’ll run out right quick. Can you watch over everything?”

“Yes, of course. Is Joshua sleeping?”

“He’s awake in his bed, but quiet.”

“All right.” I went to my room to change Rosalind, while she cooed and squirmed happily. “I can’t believe you’re not hungry yet.” A knock on the door startled me, and I hastily finished fastening the diaper. “Coming.” Here’s our food.” I hurried down the short hallway, reaching for the knob. The person who stood before me wasn’t a hotel employee. “Paulina!” One of my stepmother’s sisters had come to visit.

“I can’t stay long, but I thought I’d stop by.” She smiled, glancing at Rosalind. “Is this your charge? What a lovely baby.”

“Yes, this is Rosalind Carlyle. She’s been very good today.”

Paulina brushed by me, eyeing the parlor. “Oh, this is nice. I always wondered what the suites looked like.”

“There’s a master bedroom and two smaller ones. The wet nurse has that room, but she’s gone to get the paper. That’s her daughter, Judy.”

“Hello.” Paulina held out her hand to the girl, who sat on the sofa.

“Good morning,” she said politely.

“Good morning.” Paulina glanced at me. “I might as well get to the point of this visit. I was told you wanted a cat.”

“A cat?” asked Judy excitedly. “A kitty cat?”

“Yes, Jane mentioned it.” She reached into a leather bag, extracting a small bundle of gray fluff. “She’s nearly two months old and ready to go it alone. You may keep her, if you still want it.”

“Oh, my goodness.” I had forgotten all about this. “I…oh…really, I shouldn’t. I haven’t spoken to Mr. Carlyle on this subject.”

The kitten squirmed in Paulina’s hands, while Judy had gotten to her feet, reaching for it. “I want to hold her.” She clutched the fluffy animal, cuddling it, while feeling the fur on her cheek. “I love this little cat. I hope we can keep her.”

Oh, what a pickle! I chewed my lip, trying to think of a solution. If I kept the cat, there was a chance that Mr. Carlyle might be vexed with me, but…it was adorable. “What do I feed it?”

“Water and scraps from the dinner table. That’s what we give ours. Then they run outside and eat mice and rats and things. They also like milk and anything with fish.”

“Well, that sounds easy enough, but…what about when they need to use the bathroom?”

“They go outside.”

“But, we’re in town, Paulina. I’d worry the poor thing would be taken by someone or killed or stolen. I…can’t exactly let her out in a hotel.”

“Well, it is possible for them to go inside, but you’ll need a box and some sand. You can train the cat to use it. Then all you have to do is pluck out the waste every day to keep it from smelling bad.”

“We can do that, Mary,” said Judy. “I’ve a box I can give you. We can ask Allette for some sand.”

“I…” I glanced at Judy’s expectant face. “All right. Go get that box and then find Allette. We can keep it in my room. Gracious, I hope I don’t anger Mr. Carlyle.”

“If he objects, just return the cat,” said Paulina. “It’s fine. I can take her on Sunday.”

“Very well, I’ll do that if this turns out badly, which I have a feeling it will.”

“He might not even notice, truthfully. Isn’t he a businessman or something? Jane said he worked for the railways.”

“He’s trying to secure investors for the line from Cheyenne. But, perhaps, he won’t notice. I’ll keep her in my room. He certainly isn’t going to go in there.”

“Exactly. Most men aren’t all that aware anyhow. I changed the wallpaper in the parlor, and Samuel
never
noticed. Can you imagine? It was a completely different color, and he failed to recognize it.” She shrugged. “Men.”

Another knock sounded. “That must be lunch.” I hurried for the door. “Oh, thank you.” A servant held a tray. “You can leave everything on the table.”

“Yes, Miss Hampton.”

“My, aren’t you the pampered one.” Paulina eyed the metal covered dishes. “Room service for lunch.”

“And dinner.”

“I can see why you’re so happy here now. Who does the washing?”

“The maid.” I grinned. “Shush, don’t tell anyone. This is a marvelous job, and I’m trying my best not to anger my employer so I can keep it.”

“I was told you earned five dollars a week.”

“I do, and I hardly get my hands dirty. I’ve even had a bath. A
real
bath.”

Her eyes widened. “With Mr. Carlyle present?”

“They brought in a screen. He saw nothing, I can assure you. I took Rosalind in with me. It was great fun.”

“I see.” She folded her arms over her chest. “You are thoroughly enjoying yourself.”

“I’m up at night with her. It’s not all peaches and roses.”

“But, you’re hardly suffering.”

“I’m not. I hope it takes a great deal of time to secure the subscriptions for the rail line. I wouldn’t mind being here longer.”

“Well,” she glanced at the table, “your food’s arrived, and I shouldn’t keep you. I’ll see you on Sunday. Will you come to the house for brunch?”

“I hope so. I’d like to invite Mr. Carlyle and Megan and her children, if I could. Is that agreeable?”

“Certainly. We’ll have our famous roast pig. There will be plenty for everyone.” She hugged me. “I’m glad you’re happily situated. Jane was right about sending you to town. The change has been beneficial.”

“Thank you. I’m doing my best to take care of Rosalind, but it’s very easy. She’s an adorable baby and hardly any trouble at all.”

“Then enjoy it while it lasts.”

“I will.” I escorted her to the door. “See you on Sunday.”

Moments later, Megan returned with the paper, and she joined me at the table, although I held Rosalind in my arms, while I tried to eat. There was boiled venison in gravy with greens and potatoes, which were delicious. Rosalind managed to get her hands in the sauce, bringing the sticky fingers to her face.

“Oh, what a mess you’re making.” I tried to wipe her clean with a napkin, but she squirmed in my lap.

“I’m so happy about the cat,” exclaimed Judy. “I can’t wait to play with her.”

I glanced at my partner in crime. “You can see her when you’re done eating.” We had told Megan about our newest houseguest.

“I do believe we’re going to get away with this.” Judy smiled smugly. “No one will be the wiser, and all of us will have a soft plaything.”

Megan muttered, “No good will come from that cat, I tell you. As soon as Mr. Carlyle finds out about it, he’ll dismiss us all.”

“I’m sure that won’t happen,” I said. “From what little I’ve seen, he seems to be a rather accepting sort of man.”

“Every man has his breaking point, and, for some of ‘em, it don’t take much.”

“It’ll be on me, if he objects. It’s my responsibility either way. I can accept that.”

“You got family here.” Her look was stark. “You don't have to worry about being tossed into the streets, left to fend for yourself like some stray dog. I got two kids I gotta feed, and no safety net to speak of.”

I hadn’t thought of it that way. I placed my hand over hers. “Megan, I’ll bear the brunt of whatever censure might come, I promise. You had nothing to do with this.”

She harrumphed. “It’s all so easy for you. It’s clear he favors you. I’d be surprised, if he didn’t offer for you.”

My mouth fell open. “As in marriage? That type of offer?”

“Yes, marriage.”

I was speechless, yet there was a small part of me that dared to hope…for someone like Mr. Carlyle.

Chapter Eight

The afternoon was surprisingly quiet. I had put Rosalind down for a nap, while Judy played with the new cat. She had named her Paws, which I couldn’t object to in the least. We had begun to teach her how to use the sand box to do her “business”, and we had already had some success with it. The cat was rather smart, figuring things out easily. Paws slept with Rosalind in the bassinette, which was adorable.

Megan had finished the newspaper, and it was in my possession now, while I sat on the sofa. The door opened, and I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Mr. Carlyle, but he wasn’t alone. I recognized the woman with him, my stomach dropping. Mrs. Gwendolyn Phillips, who was recently widowed, now stood in the room. I got to my feet, folding the paper, as a rush of disappointment raced through me.

“I’ve seen this suite before,” she said. “They’ve not changed it much.” She was turned out elegantly in a heavy silk, peach gown. Her bonnet was adorned with fake flowers and lace. “You’ve a view of the street as well.”

“Yes, we do.” He glanced at me. “Good afternoon, Mary.”

“Good afternoon, sir. Rosalind’s asleep. I’ll be in my room.”

I went to pass them, when Gwendolyn said, “You’re one of the Hoffman clan, I believe. Which one are you?” She smiled pleasantly, holding her handbag in gloved hands.

“I’m Fanny’s stepdaughter, ma’am.”

“And now you’re employed here?” She eyed me, judiciously.

“Yes, I’m Rosalind’s nanny.”

Her smile was engaging. “The little darling, I presume. I suppose I won’t see her, if she’s sleeping.”

“Oh, we can have a peek, if you want, Mrs. Phillips,” offered Mr. Carlyle obligingly. “She’s right this way.”

I was going to object, but he was too fast, reaching the doorknob and turning it, before I could speak. He ushered her in, and they stood over the bassinette. I followed Mrs. Phillips, stepping into the path of her floral perfume. I knew then that I might have some explaining to do, seeing that Rosalind was asleep, but she was not alone. The kitten was curled up next to her. They were silent, gazing at the baby for a long moment before moving from the room. He turned to me in the hallway, after the door had been shut.

“I see there have been some changes in my absence.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I don’t recall having a pet cat, Mary.”

“No, sir.”

“And where did it come from?”

“Fanny’s sister, Paulina came to visit. She…brought it, sir.”

“Is that so?”

“I…had wanted to discuss it with you. I didn’t know she’d bring it today.”

Mrs. Phillips glanced between us. “Is there a problem?”

“Not at all,” he said briskly. “Mary and I will have a discussion about this later.” He smiled stiffly, holding out his arm. “Will you join me for tea or must you go now?”

“Of course, I’ll join you,” she enthused. “Rosalind is beautiful. What a lovely baby.”

“Thank you.”

I knew I would be chastised later for the cat. Was he courting the widow? I knew little about her, other than that she was young and pretty. She had been the wife of a mining overseer, and she had come from money. Perhaps, Mr. Carlyle had asked for her assistance with the subscription issues he was having. None of this mattered, though, as it wasn’t my business to pry and ask questions, yet I could not help thinking about it. Glancing at the calico dress I wore, with its modest collar and long sleeves, which were slightly frayed, I could never hope to compete with the likes of Gwendolyn Phillips. She oozed confidence, breeding, and money…while I looked like a poor farmer’s daughter, which I was.

A voice intruded into my musings. “Did the cat die?”

I glanced at Megan. “What?”

“You look like somebody died.”

“No, the cat’s fine. She’s sleeping with Rosalind.” I thought to mention the fact that Mr. Carlyle now knew about the pet, but I decided to keep it to myself. “We should send Allette for some tea.”