An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) Page 11

  “Oh, dear. You hate me now.”

  “I don’t hate you, but please don’t meddle in things you know nothing about. You may not approve of Mary, but I love her. I don’t need to attend a million parties to know that. She’s a simple, quiet, lovely woman. She’s everything I want.”

  “And you’re considering staying here? Brandon, be serious. You can’t possible be thinking—”

  “I am. I’m looking into several business interests as we speak. I’ve received some information regarding the location of a possible silver mine. I’m going there today, as soon as I can extract myself from this conversation. People are waiting for me.”

  “You’re buying a mine?”

  “If it’s viable, yes.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “To Georgetown. They’ve found silver there, but things have been put on hold because there aren’t enough smelters, but I can help with that. I have the capital to build them. It’s one of the many projects I’ve been working on.”

  “I see.”

  “I need your help. I’m going to marry Miss Hampton, and I would greatly appreciate it, if you would make her feel as welcome as possible. She’s going to be my wife and the mother of my children. It’s as simple as that.”

  “When will you be back?”

  “Soon enough. Now, do I have your word that you’ll make her feel welcome? She’s not of the city as you are, my dear, but she’s a fine woman. I ask that you help her with her bridal gown and all those other silly things your sex adores when it comes to weddings. Can I rely upon you to do this?”

  I stood in the hallway reeling from everything I had just heard, feeling as if my heart would explode with the sheer force of my happiness.

  “I will.”

  “You won’t belittle her and make her feel like some poor, redheaded stepchild?”

  “No, of course not. I really don’t like all of this, but…you’re leaving me with no choice, Brandon. Goodness, I’ve never seen you like this.”

  “I hate that I have to go, but Mary needs a few days to prepare and I…need to be gone. I…am rather impatient for things, and it’s fortuitous that I’ll be away.”

  “I see. You’re harboring quite the burning passion. There are means to take care of that without having to marry—”

  “You should know nothing about that,” he said crisply.

  “But, I do,” she laughed. “If it’s female companionship you crave, a parlour house will—”

  “Shush! Now you’re being impudent.”

  “We’ve always spoken plainly. We needn’t stop now.”

  “I don’t want a painted clown for a partner, Beth. I want a warm-blooded, compassionate woman, and I’ve found her. Now will you help me?”

  “I’ve said yes. I will.”

  “You’ll treat her with kindness and respect.”

  “If you continue down this line of questioning, I shall be insulted. Yes, of course. She’s the one you’ve chosen, and there is nothing I can do to change it. Once we free her of those dreadful calicos, she might clean up rather nicely. I see it as a bit of a challenge, actually. Then we need to do something with that hair. I think some fat sausage curls around the face would do wonders for her.”

  “You always did like a project.”

  “And there is plenty to work on here.” She giggled, but then stopped. “Please don’t worry about anything. Clarissa and I shall manage it all, and, by the time you return, your bride will be ready to sashay down the aisle.”

  There was a lengthy moment of silence, until Brandon said, “Thank you, Beth.”

  I glanced down the hallway, seeing them embracing.

  “Please travel safely. I hope you won’t be gone long.”

  “I will. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to say goodbye to Mary and Rosalind.” He turned from her, spying me in the hallway. “Did you overhear every word?” His smile was ambiguous.

  “Yes, I did. You’re leaving?” I approached him, not daring to look at Elizabeth.

  “For a few days. I’ve some business to attend.” He drew me to him. “I’m sorry, but it came up at once. Allette’s packed my things.” There was a knock on the door. “That’ll be the staff.” The maid emerged from his bedroom, hurrying to let two men in, who quickly brought out a traveling bag. “I’ve spoken to my sister. She had better be civil to you, or else I’ll be very unhappy.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I just…wish you didn’t have to go away.”

  “This will give you time to make all the arrangements. You may buy anything you wish, my love. I’m sorry I haven’t a ring for you yet. I had meant to get one.”

  “I don’t care. I just…” tears filled my eyes, “wish you didn’t have to go.”

  The pad of his thumb brushed away the tear. “We’ll see each other soon enough.”

  I clung to his coat, inhaling the woodsy aroma of his cologne. “Then hurry back, please.”

  His face descended, as his lips captured mine. The kiss wasn’t nearly as long as I wished it would be, but his sister stood in the parlor watching us. For propriety’s sake, we had already pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable.

  “I shall return by the end of the week, my dear. Then we’ll be married.”

  “On Saturday?”

  “That sounds lovely.”

  A tingle went down my spine. “I’ve so much to do.”

  “You’ll be far too busy to miss me.”

  “No, I won’t.”

  “Is Rosalind asleep?”

  “She’s in with Megan.”

  “I need to say goodbye to her. People are waiting on me.”

  “Of course.” With reluctance, I disengaged myself from him, feeling instantly bereft. “I’ll get her.”

  After we had said our goodbyes, Elizabeth and Clarissa followed us to the lobby, where several men waited for Brandon. A stagecoach sat before the doors, while the servants affixed the luggage to the back with leather straps. I tried my best to appear unaffected, but his sudden departure sat ill with me. It was common to travel into the mountains, as many miners and trappers did so, but there was danger to be had in spades. Although the Indians had been driven west and south, there was the extreme cold, the possibility of a bear attack, and rock slides. Any number of disasters could befall the weary traveler.

  A hand was on my back. “He’ll be fine.”

  I glanced over my shoulder at Elizabeth. “I hope so.” I worried for a moment that she would say something cutting or unpleasant, but her look was stoic.

  “He knows how to handle a revolver.”

  “Does he have one on him?”

  “Always.”

  I wasn’t sure what else to say to her, and, as Brandon waved one last time before disappearing inside the conveyance, the dull emotion of unhappiness registered.

  “How long will he be gone?” asked Clarissa.

  “A few days.” Elizabeth smiled gently. “I’m sure he’ll hurry back as soon as he’s able. There’s quite a lot that’s holding his interest here.”

  “You’ve spoken to him then?”

  “I’m to help with the wedding preparations.”

  A delicate eyebrow lifted. “So, it’s official then.”

  “It was before too. I just didn’t want to believe it.”

  Brandon’s carriage ambled from sight, and I stood in the doorway to watch as it disappeared down the lane. Come back soon, please. I miss you already.

  “Well, that’s all finished then.” Clarissa shrugged. “He was never inclined towards me anyhow.”

  “I’m sorry,” said Elizabeth. “Forgive me for making you come all this way on a fool’s errand.”

  I turned to the ladies, feeling as if I were eavesdropping on a private conversation. There were several people in the lobby; most were men, loitering, while in conversation.

  “You needn’t apologize,” said Clarissa. “Coming here was my decision. I was in the dining room earlier, having tea. I…” she smiled guil
tily, “there are some interesting men here. There is something compelling about a rugged and swarthy ranger.”

  Miss Carlyle’s mouth hung open. “Oh, my gravy. Don't say such things.” Her worried gaze darted into the lobby. “At least not so loudly.”

  “Let’s have tea,” giggled Clarissa. “Come along, Mary. I’ve yet to hear about your family. I’ve been told there are quite a few of you here.”

  “Yes, dozens.” My worry that I would be treated poorly had begun to dissipate. Clarissa had easily accepted the fact that Brandon wasn’t romantically attached to her.

  “Shall we gather in the dining room or go to our room?” asked Elizabeth. “We’ve wedding plans to discuss as well.”

  “Tea in the dining room first, then wedding plans upstairs.”

  “I can’t be gone too long. I’ve Rosalind to manage.”

  “We can all take turns with the little one,” said Elizabeth.

  The change in her demeanor was heartening. “She’s going to be very spoiled when this is all over.”

  “As she should be,” laughed Elizabeth.

  After we had taken our tea, discussing the hazards of mountain travel, among other things, we returned to the room, preparing to make a list of all the things that needed to be accomplished before the end of the week. A knock on the door startled us, and, after Allette ran to answer it, Fanny and Jane appeared.

  “I hope we’re not interrupting,” said Fanny. Her bonnet was trimmed with lace. An easy smile graced her face, while she eyed Elizabeth and Clarissa.

  We’d all gotten to our feet. “This is Mr. Carlyle’s sister, Elizabeth, and her friend Clarissa Hamilton. They’ve come to visit. This is my sister, Jane, and my stepmother, Fanny.”

  “How do you do?” asked Clarissa. “It’s my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  “Mine as well,” said Elizabeth assertively. “We’ve been discussing wedding plans. You’ve arrived at the perfect time, actually. I hope you have a moment to spare.” She glanced into the hallway. “Allette.”

  “Yes, Miss Carlyle?”

  “Bring tea and sandwiches, please.”

  “Yes, Miss Carlyle.”

  “Do sit, please,” said Clarissa.”

  “Thank you.” Jane took the seat next to me, grasping my hand and squeezing. “When’s the wedding?”

  “This weekend. On Saturday.”

  Her eyes widened. “So soon?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, my,” said Fanny. “Then we haven’t one minute to spare. Have you mentioned this to Jack? I hope he’s available.”

  “Will you ask him, please? I need him to officiate.”

  “He had planned on going to Cripple Creek, but that’ll be postponed now. Your wedding is more important.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You must be tired from your journey,” remarked Jane. “Traveling by wagon is exhausting.”

  “It is,” agreed Clarissa. “What an adventure.”

  “We’ve all gone through it,” said Fanny. “I wouldn’t want to do it again.”

  The ease with which the conversation flowed put my mind to rest. Whatever air of superiority and condescension Elizabeth had displayed earlier was gone now. She was cordial and pleasant and as kind as any friend in my acquaintance. Brandon’s talk with his sister had changed everything, and I was grateful to him for intervening. The meeting was productive, as we made plans to visit the mercantile to see about dresses. My sister would talk to the florist, and Fanny would arrange for the cake. I was thrilled that the plans were taking shape readily, but…I hated that I would not see Brandon later today or tonight. I prayed that he returned to me as fast as possible.

  Chapter Fifteen

  A day after I had decided on a wedding dress, Elizabeth and I were seated in the parlor, enjoying a cup of tea. Rosalind slept, and Clarissa had gone to town with Jane, the two having become fast friends. Clarissa had been introduced to Jane’s husband, Ryan, yesterday. His Native American looks had shocked her at first, but it was clear that she was fascinated. She had been warm and welcoming all the same.

  “I’m flabbergasted,” said Elizabeth, who was teasing good-naturedly. “I can’t believe she did that.”

  “She liked the dress,” I said.

  “What’s happening to us?” she laughed. “Clarissa wouldn’t really wear it, would she?”

  “It’s a lovely calico. Very functional.”

  “Yes, but…oh, goodness. This place has had an effect. The sooner we leave, the better.” Her smile was playful. “There might be no hope for us now.”

  “The material is hardy enough to withstand the elements and dirt and things. Stains are well hidden, and they’re easy to clean and dry. It’s the ideal fabric for these parts.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I’d love to wear your clothes. They’re all so pretty.”

  “And difficult to clean. Everything has to be ironed. It’s a complete nuisance.”

  “You never need do that with calico.”

  “No, I assumed not.” She placed the cup on its saucer. “Speaking of dresses, yours is divine. What a lovely color. Peaches and cream they called it. The seamstress will be busy all day raising the hem, no doubt.”

  “It’s very pretty and very expensive.”

  “Bosh, Brandon can afford it.”

  “I’m expecting him to return soon.”

  “You’ve missed him?”

  “Yes, I have.” I’d been miserable at night without his company, as we enjoyed sitting by the fire. “There are so many things we need to talk about.”

  “Such as?”

  “Where we’ll live once we’re married. Will we have a honeymoon? Things of that nature.”

  “He seems to want to stay here.”

  “You’re angry with him for that, aren’t you?”

  She sighed. “I don’t know. I was.” A faraway look was on her face. “I never thought he would want to live so far from everything.”

  “The railroad’s coming. We won’t be as isolated.”

  “That’s true, but…his work. He has interests to mind and I’d be shocked, if he gave them up. He inherited a fortune, you know. I’ve my share of it, but it’s insignificant compared to Brandon’s. Women always get the short end of the stick,” she muttered.

  “Maybe you’ll stay too. You turn heads wherever you go. The men around here aren’t used to seeing such refined women. The mayor’s son is said to be quite the catch.”

  Her laughter filled the room. “I dare say you’ll have me married by the end of the month, won’t you?”

  “I could. The Friday socials are the perfect place to meet eligible bachelors. You’ll have more offers than you can possibly accept.”

  “I assume I’d wear my best calico to such an event? With a matching bonnet?”

  “You could.”

  Amusement lit her eyes. “It’s a darling idea, really.”

  “My younger sister, Susanna, attends the dances often. She’s nearing marriage age.”

  “That’s the wish of every mother, to see her daughters wed and happy.”

  “Yes.”

  The door slammed, as a vision in purple swept into the room. “I’ve had several adventures today.” Clarissa untied her bonnet, tossing it to the sofa. “The men here are very vocal about things. I’ve been whistled at three times!”

  Elizabeth’s mouth fell open. “How awful. It’s as if they’re calling to their dog.”

  “Well,” Clarissa sank to the sofa, “he was quite the ruffian on horseback. There is something appealing about a man who wears a wide-brimmed hat and wears denim. It’s a look you don’t see too often in the city. There’s a wildness here in everything. The lack of manners, the coarse language, the way they stare.” Her grin betrayed the fact that she wasn’t offended in the least. “They are a hardy bunch.”

  “Of drunkards,” added Elizabeth. “You can hear them at the saloon every night.”

  “Only the ones who don’t have
a wife to keep them in line.”

  “You’d have a better time trying to herd cats.”

  I laughed at that. “Oh, that’s true, but I must tell you something. The women in the Hoffman family all married these sorts of men, and things have turned out rather well. Hannah’s husband was a scoundrel, if you must know, but he’s walking the straight and narrow now. He’s wonderful. My sister married a half-breed, but he’s entirely devoted to her. They have a baby, who’s adorable.”

  “You think all babies are adorable,” said Elizabeth.

  “I do.”

  “I know what you’re saying. We’re judging everyone based on their appearance. It’s shallow; it is. I’m guilty as charged.” She eyed Clarissa. “For Pete’s sake, woman. What’s the smile all about? You’re grinning like a Cheshire cat.”

  “I…just would like to…oh, never mind.”

  I had a sense I knew what she was thinking. “There’s a social tomorrow night. I’ll introduce you, if you want. I’ll ask Megan if she’ll watch Rosalind, and we can have a laugh and a dance.”

  “You’ll be busy with Brandon. He’s due to return any second.”

  “I hope.”

  Elizabeth took a sip of tea, looking thoughtful. “I might join you.”

  “I hope you would,” said Clarissa. “I’m certainly not going alone.”

  “Susanna and Jane might come as well. Perhaps even Annie. She’s Louisa’s stepdaughter.”

  “A night on the town is just what we need.” Clarissa beamed. “We’ve accomplished everything we set out to do this week. Everything’s ready for the wedding. We can take a night and amuse ourselves.”

  “All that’s missing is the groom,” said Elizabeth.

  “Yes, we need him. I mean, I need him.”

  Laughter filled the room.

  By Friday, all my things were laid out: the shoes I was going to wear had been polished, the stockings washed, and my hat adorned with pretty peach ribbons. I’d had a bath, while reposing before the fire, and Clarissa had patiently combed through my hair. Then she had taken scissors to it, shortening the strands around my face in preparation for curling. I was excited by all of these events, yet increasingly worried about Brandon, who I had not seen in days. He was supposed to arrive by now. The wedding was tomorrow.