An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) (8 page)

“I had a nap.” She yawned, stretching. “Tea would be nice. I need to wake up.” Wandering to the window, she drew aside the drapes, eyeing the street. “It’s nice out there. Not a cloud in sight.”

“It was lovely this morning.”

“Best enjoy it, while it lasts. Winter will be here soon enough.”

“That’s true.”

“He might move on by then. I don’t expect to be workin’ here much longer.”

That was disturbing. “Did you hear something?”

“No.” She rubbed her nose. “Just a hunch.”

“I’ll check on Rosalind.” I passed her, heading for the bedroom. “Don’t forget to order the tea.”

“I’ll do it.”

“Thank you.” In the quiet of the bedroom, I glanced at Rosalind, who lay on her back with the cat partially on her chest. It was entirely adorable, seeing the baby and the kitten together in this manner. Megan’s words echoed through my head…
I don’t expect to be workin’ here much longer
… “I hope you’re wrong about that,” I whispered.

I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, while waiting for the tea. Once it arrived, I joined Megan, sitting at the table in the parlor, enjoying the beverage. An hour later, I heard Rosalind babbling happily in her bed, suspecting the cat was keeping her company. It wasn’t until she began to fuss, that I went to get her. By then, it was darkening, the sun having drifted behind the mountains. It would be suppertime soon, and then I would have to talk to Mr. Carlyle, which I had been dreading.

He arrived shortly after Rosalind had been fed. Rosalind and I were in the living room, seated before the fire. The baby rolled from her tummy to her back, lifting her head to gaze at me. Mr. Carlyle took a place on the sofa, crossing one leg over the other.

“Where is the cat now?”

“In my room. It’ll stay there. It won’t bother you.”

“Yet you put it in bed with my daughter. Does she have scratches all over her face?”

“No, sir.”

He got to his feet, approaching. Kneeling, he reached for Rosalind, holding her before him. She squealed happily, kicking her feet. “I’m not used to things changing around me without my permission.”

“I’m sorry, sir. Paulina brought it over today. I had no idea she’d do that. I’ll give it back to her tomorrow after church.” I thought he would return to the sofa, but he sat next to me instead, crossing his legs before him. “The cat shouldn’t bother you at all. She won’t leave my room, I promise.”

“How will she…relieve herself?”

“We’ve a little box with sand.”

“In the room where my daughter sleeps?”

“I’ll clean it every day, sir.”

Rosalind was over his shoulder, while he stared at me. “You’ve got it all figured out.”

“No, but I’m trying not to inconvenience you. I was going to ask about the cat first, but then Paulina brought her before I was able.”

“What did you name it?”

“Judy named it Paws.”

“And was Ms. Dodd aware of this?”

“No, sir. She had no prior knowledge of it. This was all…my fault.”

His look was pragmatic. “What other surprises do you have in store for me?”

“None, sir.”

“Why do I doubt that?” His grin was slight, and I knew then that I had been forgiven. “You needn’t keep the cat in such a confined space. She may roam around, just not in my bedroom. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And that sand box…you should put it where people don't sleep.”

“That’s a good idea.” Rosalind began to squirm, so he placed her on the blanket by my knee. I glanced at him. “Might I ask you something? It’s about church tomorrow.”

“Yes?”

“You’ll let me go, won’t you?”

“Of course. What do you take me for, some kind of heathen?”

His response pleased me greatly. “You’ve been invited to Paulina’s house for brunch and Megan and her children also. Do you have plans for tomorrow, sir?”

“It seems like it.” His gaze lingered on my face.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Mrs. Phillips is a lovely woman.”

“She is, but that has nothing to do with my plans.”

“It’s a shame you won’t be able to join us. You would’ve had the pleasure of meeting all the Hoffman’s and their numerous offspring. Paulina’s husband, Samuel, bakes a pig in the ground! They begin the process the day before and let it cook all night. It’s the most delicious thing ever.”

“And what makes you think I’ll miss it?”

“You said you had plans.”

“I do. I plan to take you and Megan and our growing brood to church and then to brunch.”

My happiness could not be contained. “I’m glad, sir.”

He touched my face, which was startling. “Such a pretty smile.”

That sent a shiver down my backbone; the feeling was remarkably agreeable, and I couldn’t help thinking what Megan said might be true. He had forgiven me for bringing a cat into his life, which was a minor miracle. My female instincts couldn’t possibly be wrong about his interest in me, could they?

Rosalind’s fussing broke the spell, his hand dropping. I picked her up, while I lay back on two large pillows. She was on my chest, resting comfortably, but I knew she would have to be fed soon and put to bed. The warmth of the fire left me heated and lazy. It was peculiar, but I was entirely at ease in Mr. Carlyle’s presence. He had taken two pillows from the sofa, as I had, and placed them behind his head. While the fire crackled and blazed, we basked in its warmth. The moment was languid and peaceful.

“You two get on remarkably well.”

“She’s easy to manage, sir.”

“When we’re alone like this, you may call me by my first name. It’s Brandon.”

I glanced at him. “Brandon.”

“Yes?”

“I like that name. Mine’s too plain. I’d rather be called Ambrosia or Leticia or something exotic like Marigold.”

“I don’t think Marigold is exotic. What about Delphine or Celestine? Those are unusual, but…” he grinned slightly…“I do prefer Mary. There is nothing wrong with your name in the least. It’s as classic as Elizabeth or Jane.”

“I suppose.” I didn’t agree at all. The name was too plain for my tastes. “Marianne would’ve been better.”

“We can hardly choose our own names. You shall have to blame your parents then, I suppose.”

“I’m the second oldest of the bunch. My mother couldn’t have been name fatigued then.”

“Perhaps she named you after another family member. What’s your middle name?”

“Louise.” I made a face. “I don’t like that one either.”

“Perhaps, once you’re married, your husband will call you darling, or sweetling. Would that be better?”

“That would be…nice.”

He’d turned to his side, holding his head in the palm of his hand, while he rubbed Rosalind’s back. The baby wasn’t asleep yet, but she hadn’t fussed again. She turned her head to look at her father, who was only inches away.

“Georgette would’ve loved this.”

“Your wife, sir, I mean, Brandon?”

“Yes. We had wanted a baby for years before Rosalind came along. When she fell pregnant, it was an extraordinary time for us. We had been trying for five years. We had all but given up.” His eyes glistened. “It was a cruel twist of fate to have a dream realized and then dashed almost instantly. The doctor had no idea Georgette was in trouble. I had no idea either. After Rosalind was born, my wife closed her eyes, and then she was gone. To this day, I haven’t a clue what happened to her.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What should’ve been the most joyous day of our lives became the worst.” His hand had dropped from the baby’s back, while he leaned against the pillows, staring at the ceiling. “It’s not even been that long. She died six months ago.”

I stared at his profile, admiring the way his chin curved elegantly and his Adam’s apple protruded slightly. He was indeed a handsome man, but I could perceive his unhappiness most acutely in that silent, lengthy moment. He had gone inside himself, reliving memories no doubt.

He turned his head my way. “I haven’t spoken about this with anyone. I haven’t wanted to, but I find you easy to talk to.”

“You don’t seem to blame Rosalind for what happened. I’m glad for that.”

“Why would I blame her? It wasn’t her fault. It was…our poor destiny.”

“You’ll always have a part of Georgette, sir. You’ll have it in Rosalind.”

“She does look very much like her mother and that will increase as she grows. Her mother was a beautiful woman.”

“Do you have a photograph or a painting of her?”

“Yes, but not here. It’s in our house in Virginia.”

“Where you’ll return to once the railroad is built.”

“Yes.”

My heart sank, but I tried to keep my expression as even as possible. It wasn’t necessary to divulge the fact that I was enamored of him and that I wished he would never leave, that he would stay in The Colorado Territory…forever…with me.

He looked thoughtful. “It would be insane to stay here, wouldn’t it?”

Had he read my mind? “Insane?”

“This lawless, wild, and unpredictable town. I’d have to be mad to settle here…or in love, which is a form of insanity.”

I met his gaze, basking in the warmth of a different sort of appraisal. My belly buzzed pleasurably, a rush of sultry tingles pouring out from my core, leaving me with a feeling of intoxication. This was far better than three glasses of sherry.

Chapter Nine

The cries of a baby brought me out of my reverie. Rosalind needed to be fed. “I’ll take her to Megan. She’s hungry.”

The spell had been broken, and he sat up, reaching for the pillows behind his back. “Indeed. I’ve some reading to do, and I’ve kept you long enough.”

“I don’t mind, sir…er…Brandon. It’s no bother at all talking to you.” Rosalind was over my shoulder, but she was unhappy, crying steadily now. “I’ll see you in the morning then.”

“Church is at ten?”

“Yes it is. I’ve never been away from my family this long. I’m eager to see them.”

“I understand.” He had gotten to his feet, tossing the pillows on the sofa. “Well then, have a good night, Mary. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“You as well.”

It was disappointing watching him leave. I stared after him for a while, but Rosalind required my attention. Then I had the cat to take care of. By the time I was ready for bed, exhaustion had taken over, and I was asleep within minutes, Paws curled up next to me, purring softly. In the morning, I hurried to get ready for church, choosing a nicer dress with petticoats and a knitted shawl. While Rosalind slept, I fixed my hair, parting it down the center and smoothing it over my ears, while the back was gathered in a tight bun. A bonnet would hide most of my handiwork. When I had made myself presentable, I hurried from the room to find Mr. Carlyle and Megan seated at the table with Judy and Joshua. The little girl held her brother.

“Good morning,” I said.

“Good morning,” said Megan.

Mr. Carlyle appraised me, his eyes traveling from my scuffed leather boots to the top of my head. A slight smile lingered around the edges of his mouth. I could hardly compare myself to the likes of Gwendolyn Phillips, but this was the best I could do with what little I had.

“You’re all dressed and ready,” he murmured.

“Yes, sir. Rosalind only woke once last night, and she didn't need feeding.”

“I’m aware of that,” said Megan. “I finally slept well.”

“Come join us, Mary. We’ve coffee and tea with bread and jam. It’s not bad at all.”

I eyed the table. “I will. It looks lovely.”

“So, we’re meeting your folks today?” asked Megan.

“Yes, if you want. My stepmother’s sister has brunch on Sundays. It’s an excuse for everyone to get together and eat. There’ll be plenty of children and babies. They don’t mind extra guests.”

“Thank you for the invitation,” said Megan. “I’ve always wanted to see a Hoffman farm.”

“Paulina’s isn’t nearly as big as Hannah’s. Fanny’s farm is small in comparison, and Louisa only has a vegetable garden. Her husband makes furniture. Mayor Delano purchased a table and chairs from him last year. Adaline Ross bought an armoire, and the Doc Caldwell ordered a new desk. He’s working on that right now.”

“He sounds rather successful,” said Mr. Carlyle.

“Yes, and his things are beautiful and well-crafted. If I ever had the money, I’d have him make a bedframe with a matching dresser. I know the design I want.”

He nodded. “I see.”

“Being family, he’ll offer it at a discount.” I poured a cup of tea.

“You’ve been livin’ with them for a coupla years now, haven’t you?”

“I have, ever since my uncle passed away. Pastor Bailey took care of us for a while, but he was a bachelor then, and in a small apartment over the bakery. We were rather crowded. Then he married Fanny, and we now have a house, but there’s always work. I should feel guilty for not being home to help with the washing…but…my sister was determined to see me employed, so here I am.”

“I’ve seen her in town and at church. She’s a handsome woman.”

I glanced at Megan. “Who?”

“Fanny, Mrs. Bailey.”

“She is. I can’t complain at all about any of the Hoffmans. They are good people.”

“Your sister married an Indian.”

I bristled at her tone. “Yes, she did, but he had a white father. He knows very little of his mother’s people.” Ryan had been harassed frequently before the Hoffmans had taken him under their wing. Nathan, Hannah’s husband, brought him to the saloon regularly to have a drink and show the locals that he was no heathen, as they so indelicately thought of him. “I like Ryan a great deal. He once saved my sister’s life. Her skirts caught fire, and she would’ve died had he not had the presence of mind to stop her from running.”

“That is dangerous, indeed,” said Mr. Carlyle. “She was lucky.”

“Then I’ll be happy to shake his hand,” said Megan.

I smiled at that. “Could you pass the butter, please?”

“Certainly.” Megan handed me a small, ceramic dish.

“Is the cat awake yet?” asked Judy, as she bounced her brother on her knee.

“I’m not sure. You can check on her, if you want.”

Excitement lit her eyes. “I will. Mamma, hold Josh. I’ve things to do.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do.”