An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) Read online

  “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.”

  I smiled innocently. “What harm could a little cat cause?”

  “Exactly, Ma!” Judy grinned, revealing missing front teeth. “I really like Mary. She’s good people in my book.”

  Megan scowled. “You don’t know a thing about Mary, Judy. One shouldn’t judge anyone until they’ve shown their true colors.” She glared at me. “And this one’s heading for trouble.”

  “Oh, don’t worry,” I said lightly. “I won’t cause any trouble. I promise.”

  Chapter Four

  After Rosalind and Joshua went to sleep, I prepared for bed, brushing and braiding my hair. Then I washed my face and hands in a bowl of tepid water, while staring at my reflection in the mirror. The lamplight cast soft shadows across the room. I had never considered myself a b
eauty, and I had always envied Jane, who was truly lovely. My eyes were dark blue, surrounded by lengthy lashes, while a smattering of freckles fell across the bridge of my nose. My skin was milky white and blemish free, although I had suffered from them when I had been younger. I appeared acceptable enough I estimated, yet entirely unremarkable.

  A knock on the door startled me. “Are you awake?” whispered a voice.

  I glanced at Rosalind, worried that she had stirred. “I am.” I grasped the knob, peering out. “What is it?”

  “I sometimes have a bedtime sherry,” said Megan. “Care to join me?”

  “Um…all right, I suppose.” I had never imbibed spirits before, but what harm could come from a few sips? We were in the parlor, while the sounds of revelry abounded. “What’s all that noise?”

  “The saloon.” She held a small crystal glass, taking a sip, while pulling the drapes back. “Look at ‘em, the vagabonds. My husband used to spend a great deal of time drinkin’. He’d bend an elbow nearly every night of the week. He’s probably drunk somewhere right now.” Bitterness laced her tone. “There’s your glass. It’s not bad, but it’s awfully strong.”

  I held it up, examining the amber fluid. “I’ve never had wine before.”

  “This is fortified wine, girl. It’s good. It’ll warm your belly.”

  I took a tentative sip; the fluid burned a path all the way into my stomach. “Oh, my stars. It’s strong.” I came to stand next to her, staring out the window at the spectacle below. “So many of them.” The lights from the Criterion saloon blazed, as the establishment was filled to capacity with an assemblage of men. “Are they there all night?” I had another sip, feeling a delicious warmth spreading within me.

  “Yeah, the wastrels. They’ve got nothin’ better to do than lose their time and money on drink and women.”

  “Those are the saloon girls?” I pointed, although it wasn’t clear what I was pointing at. “They’re pretty.”

  “If I looked better, I would’ve considered workin’ as a dancehall girl, but I didn’t get lucky enough on that score.” She downed the contents of her glass. “I think I need another. It’s tasty, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.” I began to giggle. “Goodness. I feel funny.”

  “But…” she stared out the window. “This is what I wanted you to see. I probably shouldn’t be drawing attention like this, but…tarnation, why not?”

  “Pardon?”

  “There. You see him there.” She pointed to a man walking down the boardwalk wearing a top hat. “Do you recognize him?”

  I squinted. “Mr. Carlyle?”

  “That’s him.”

  “He’s a saloon customer?”

  “No ma’am. This gets even better. Watch where he goes.” The man in question stepped from the boardwalk after having passed the saloon, crossing the street.

  “Where is he going?” I pressed my forehead to the glass, feeling its coolness.

  “You can’t see?”

  “I…suppose I can.” He’d disappeared into an establishment. “Is that…The Tainted Rose?” It was a parlour house of ill repute.

  “It sure is.”

  I gasped. “He’s gone in there?”

  “He went last night. I only started working here a day ago, so I’m thinkin’ he’s gonna visit them soiled doves every night.”

  “I shouldn’t know this.” I struggled for a moment, not knowing what to make of this latest development. He was a bachelor, as his wife had passed away. “I shouldn’t judge him,” I murmured.

  “What?”

  “It’s not for us to judge how he spends his time.”

  “I know that. I just find it amusing. He’s not the only rich fella who frequents that place. I’ve seen plenty of other—”

  “Shush! I don’t want to know.” I sent up a silent prayer that none of the Hoffman sisters’ husbands were ever seen there. “Ignorance is blissful.” I drank the rest of the wine, feeling decidedly relaxed. “Should I have more?”

  “Help yourself.”

  “Is this allowed? I mean, won’t we be chastised for…drinking?”

  “I’m done for the day.”

  “But I still have Rosalind, if she wakes.” I hiccupped, surprising myself.

  “She slept decently enough last night. She might wake in a few hours.”

  “Oh.”

  Megan closed the drapes, sashaying to the sofa, where she sat. A threadbare robe hid her nightgown. “This is the life. Here we are in a fine hotel room, with plenty of food and drink. I can’t say I’m not fortunate right now. It sure is better than where I was livin’ before.”

  “Where was that?”

  “In a flat with three other families over on McGaa Street. I saw the advertisement, and I applied as fast as I could.”

  Pouring another sherry, I joined her, crossing one leg over the other, revealing a pair of thick socks. “Besides farm work, I’ve never earned a salary. It’s very exciting. I’m bursting with ideas of how I’ll spend the money. There’s a pretty blue silk evening gown at the mercantile I’ve got my eye on. A matching cape would be divine.”

  “I’m just hopin’ to save enough for my own place. Clothing ain’t a concern. I don’t need to bother attracting a man, cause nobody would want me now anyway.”

  “I’m sorry, Megan.” It had been thoughtless to talk about something as frivolous as shopping, when she had two mouths to feed and no husband. “I wouldn't rule out the possibility of finding a husband. There are plenty of men in Denver City who need wives. I’m sure someone will catch your eye.”

  She snorted, laughing, “Easy for a pretty young thing to say.”

  I bristled. “I’m hardly pretty.”

  She shrugged, yawning. “It don’t matter anyhow. I’m off to bed. I might be up later for Rosalind.”

  “Good night, Megan.”

  “Don’t forget to turn the lamps down.”

  “I won’t. I’ll go to bed soon too.” I had another sip of sherry, feeling agreeably numb. Even my nose was numb. I giggled, marveling at how strange I felt. Finishing the contents of the glass, I left it with the other, reaching for a nearby lamp. I extinguished it and then another, until the parlor was dimly lit. There was enough light to find my room, as I made my way towards the hallway. It was at that precise moment that the door swung open, revealing the imposing figure of Mr. Carlyle. I gasped. “My stars, you scared me!” We had seen him entering the notorious parlour house, and I was certain he would not emerge for hours. This was an unexpected shock.

  “I’m sorry about that.” His gaze roamed over me. “I had thought everyone would be asleep.”

  “I was just going to my room, sir.” A hiccup escaped.

  His gaze sharpened. “Who else is awake?” He towered over me, with his hat in his hands.

  “Megan was, but not anymore. Did you have a good night, sir? We saw you from the window.” I closed my eyes, cursing myself for that slip. Oh, dear…ugh.

  “Is that so?”

  “It’s…it’s quite busy outside. Um…there are lots of drunks at the saloon…I mean, patrons.”

  “Have you been drinking?”

  Oh, double blasted cow! I could hardly look at him. “I…had…some sherry.” I added desperately, “I’ve never had spirits before in my life! I swear! It won’t ever happen again, sir.” And now he would dismiss me. I’d have to pack my bags and hire a wagon for the ride to Fanny’s farm. How had I gotten myself into this muddle?

  After placing the hat on the brass rack, he removed his coat. “I haven’t gone over any of the rules yet. This slight has been my fault.” He turned to face me.

  There were tears in my eyes. “I’m dreadfully sorry.” After a noisy hiccup, I continued, “I…please don’t send me away. I’ve not even been on the job a full twenty-four hours yet. I…assumed the evenings might be my own. I only had two…er…three tiny glasses of sherry.”

  It was odd, but I got the impression that it was a struggle for him not to smile. He swallowed
visibly, his Adam’s apple moving up and down. “What exactly did you see from the window, Miss Hampton?”

  “Drunken men.”

  “You said you saw me.”

  “I did. We did. You…were walking down the boardwalk.”

  “Spying on your employer and drinking.”

  I hiccupped. “I didn’t know you were out there, honest to God, sir. Megan was the one who drew the drapes aside.”

  “Now you’re blaming someone else for your misdeeds. I suppose you’ll say it was Megan’s idea to have a drink.”

  It was! “Um…” My shoulders slumped. “Oh, drats. Jane will have the biggest laugh at my expense. I’ve gone and ruined it all.”

  “Jane?”

  “My older sister. It was her idea that I find a job, sir. She gave me the advertisement for the position. She wrote a recommendation as well. She’ll find this amusing,” I muttered unhappily.

  “That you failed?”

  “That I was let go after less than a day.”

  “Do you believe your actions are worthy of such an outcome?”

  “I can only assume.” Tears flooded, which was mortifying. “I do so enjoy Rosalind. She’s the prettiest baby I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying quite a lot, because there are a great deal of babies in my family, sir. It would’ve been a lovely job to keep. I had so looked forward to bathing her and watching her learn to crawl and pull herself up on things. Now I’ll never know what her first words are.”

  He exhaled visibly, his expression softening, yet he remained quiet.

  “What is your decision? Am I being let go?” The weight of something unnamed hung between us, while he stared at me. I wanted desperately to read his mind.

  “I’ll give you another chance.”

  “You will?”

  “I might regret this. I know I’ll regret this, but yes. You’ve another chance. Do try to behave yourself and mind your own business.”

  “Yes, sir.” I hiccupped. “Sorry.”

  “Good night, Miss Hampton.”

  “Yes, sir. Good night. Thank you for not sending me home at this hour. I doubt I would’ve found a driver.”

  “Don’t trouble yourself over it. Go to sleep.”

  I slipped into the bedroom, eyeing Rosalind, who was resting on her side. Turning down the lamp, I knelt by my bed. “Dear Lord. Please forgive me for—” I hiccupped noisily, “for imbibing spirits. I won’t do it again. I’m ashamed I…I had a drink, Lord. It is possible that Megan is a bad influence. I’ll try harder not to be swayed by sin. Please watch over my family and my brothers and sisters. Keep everyone safe and healthy. Amen.” I was about to stand, when I had another thought. “And please watch over Mr. Carlyle. I’m entirely grateful that he seems to be a merciful man.” I mused, “He is rather handsome, isn’t he?” I hadn’t meant to say that out loud, and I was mildly baffled with myself. “Oh, never mind about that last part. Amen.”