An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series)

by White, Carré

  “Here, let me.” I took the warm, screeching bundle from the woman’s hands. “There, there now,” I cooed softly, bouncing her gently. “What’s all this fuss about?” She had been crying so ferociously, that she shuddered, her little body trembling. The ear-splitting sounds ceased at once, as I wandered to and fro, patting her back reassuringly. As with Gordon, I loved the way babies smelled, and I pressed my cheek to her head, inhaling the sweet fragrance.

  “I’m sorry, but who are you?” asked a deep male voice.

  “Mary Hampton. I’m here about the job, sir.” It was entirely quiet now, as the cries had ceased. “What’s her name?”

  The question seemed to startle him. “Rosalind.”

  “That’s very pretty. How old is she?”

  “Six months.” He stared at the woman standing next to him. “I…think we’re finished, Mrs. Wentworth. Please leave your references, and I’ll look them over.”

  “Thank you, sir.” She pointed to me. “This is what I would warn you about. Coddling will only teach them to continue to misbehave. This will set an unfortunate precedent. The infant will learn to manipulate those around her. My method is to reteach these ingrained habits by—”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Wentworth. I’ll take it under advisement.” He led her to the door. “It’s refreshing to be able to hear myself think for once this morning.”

  “Short-term gain will lead to long-term disaster, Mr. Carlyle. Mark my words.”

  “If you say so.” He ushered her out of the door, closing it behind her.

  I stared at him, over the top of Rosalind’s head, seeing him sigh, while closing his eyes. The baby hadn’t uttered another peep, resting comfortably against my chest. Her shallow breaths had reduced. She’d been quite upset, and now she was perfectly well.

  “Would you like some tea?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  His polished boots clicked on the wooden floor, as he strode across the room. “You’re the fifth interview this morning. I’ve a terrible headache.” I sat on a green velvet sofa, and he handed me a cup. “Will you be able to manage both?”

  “I believe so. She’s awfully tired, sir.”

  “Is that why she was crying?”

  “There are only a few reasons for upset, tiredness being a big one.” I lifted the cup, having a sip.

  “Do you require sugar or milk?”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  He sat in the chair opposite mine, crossing his legs. His look was thoughtful. “You seem too young.”

  “I’m eighteen.”

  “I was hoping for someone older, someone more experienced with children.”

  I reached into my pocket, withdrawing the references. “I’ve been minding babies for years, sir. I’ve an extended family, and they all have children. Lots and lots of children.” I smiled politely.

  He leaned forward, taking the envelopes from my fingers. “Thank you.”

  “Are you in town long?”

  “We’ve only just arrived. I’ll be here for a while, until my business is finished.”

  Rosalind was well and truly asleep now, her soft snores filling my ears. I relaxed against the cushions, sipping the tea, which tasted delightful with hints of orange.

  “You do seem rather at ease with babies.”

  “I love babies.”

  “So it seems.” He placed the references on a nearby table. “Look, I haven’t all morning to discuss the finer points of the job, although it seems you have a knack with children. Rosalind has approved of you. She’s completely out.” He withdrew a gold watch from inside his jacket, glancing at it. “I have a meeting I’m late for. What are your plans today?”

  “I don’t have any, other than watching babies, either yours or my sisters’. There are plenty to go around.”

  “The wet nurse is in the first door to the right. Her name is Megan Dodd. She’s with me, until I no longer need her. She has a little girl named Judy and a son named Joshua.”

  “Does this mean I have the job?”

  “If you do well today, I’ll look over the references later and make a decision.”

  “Very well.”

  “If you need anything, the maid, Allette, can assist you. Food, water, clean linens, whatever you require.” He got to his feet, his expression was sober, yet considering. “You’re not mentally imbalanced, are you?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “You won’t rob me blind?”

  That notion was so ridiculous; I began to giggle. “I’ll leave the silver alone, sir.” I got to my feet. “I do think I’ll put her down, though. She’s completely out. I can find where things are. I can manage. You needn’t worry about anything.” He seemed reluctant to leave, his gaze straying to Rosalind. “You can kiss her goodbye, if you want. You can’t wake her.”

  He approached, eyeing me, while a tingle of awareness shot down my backbone. It was then that I perceived how handsome he was, with dark, expressive eyes, arching cheekbones, and a neatly trimmed mustache. He pressed his lips to Rosalind’s cheek. It was clear then that he cherished his daughter greatly.

  “I won’t be long, but I’ve meetings on and off today.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “If I decide to hire you, I’ll go over all the details, the wages, and lodgings and such. There’s a small room across from Megan’s you can use, if we come to an agreement.”

  “Yes, Mr. Carlyle.”

  “I’ll be back in an hour.” He strode to the door, plucking a hat off a brass coat rack. He left without another word.

  There was something compelling about him that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I would have to ponder these emotions later, after I had settled Rosalind for a nap and better acquainted myself with these new surroundings. I found the bassinette in the main bedchamber, which I assumed was Mr. Carlyle’s room. I left her on her back with the blanket to her neck. She was an adorable baby, with pretty pink cheeks and bee stung lips. Her hands had curled into loose fists, with tiny, trimmed nails on each finger. I couldn’t help speculating where her mother was or what line of work Mr. Carlyle was engaged in, but these questions would have to wait. I left the door ajar, wandering into the hallway.

  I came face to face with a woman. “Oh!”

  “Are you the new nanny?”

  “I might be.” I held out my hand. “Mary Hampton.”

  “Megan Dodd.” She held a baby who was a little younger than Rosalind. “Let’s sit in the parlor. There might be tea left.”

  “Certainly.” She seemed familiar. “I’ve seen you before.”

  “Yes, at church.”

  She sat next to me on the sofa. “I can hold him, if you want. Then you can make yourself a cup of tea.”

  “Oh, thank you.” A bundle came my way, and I took it into my arms. “How old is he?”

  “Four months. His name’s Joshua.”

  “I like that name.”

  She poured herself tea, which steamed. “Would you like some?”

  “No, I’ve just had a cup.” An inquisitive gaze was on me. “Aren’t you handsome?” I smiled at the baby, who stared with big, blue eyes. “How long have you been working for Mr. Carlyle?”

  “Since yesterday. That’s when he hired me. He came in by wagon, but the wet nurse continued north to cross at Laporte. They really need to build a rail line this way.”

  “Yes, they do.”

  “He’s with the railways, you know. He’s workin’ on a link to Denver City.”

  My eyes widened. “Oh, I see.”

  “I heard him talkin’ about it.”

  I leaned in. “I know I shouldn’t ask this—”

  “Where’s the wife?”

  I nodded sheepishly.

  “She died during childbirth.”

  My smile dropped. “That’s sad.”

  “I don’t know much more than that.”

  “Haven’t you a husband?” A memory toyed with me, but it failed to materialize.

  “We were nev
er married.” She took a sip of tea. “He’s…somewhere else now.”

  “You have Joshua and another child, correct?”

  “Yes, Judy. She’s sleeping.”

  “How old?”

  “Five. She’s quite the helper when it comes to feedin’ the babies. They’re always hungry at the same time.”

  “Do you have enough milk?”

  “Oh, plenty,” she laughed. “No fear in runnin’ out where that’s concerned.” Her expression was thoughtful. “You’re a part of the Hoffman clan, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid.” I grinned. “You can’t throw a stone in Denver City without hitting one of us.”

  “How many families are there now?”

  “Goodness, five, and then my sister’s recently married. Well, two years isn’t exactly recent, but it was the last family wedding, until I have mine.”

  “Who’s your beau, if you don’t mind me askin’?”

  “No one now, but I’ll have one at some point. I don’t plan on being an old maid.”

  She set the cup in the saucer. “Men ain’t all they’re cracked up to be, honey.”

  “I’m sorry you’re having problems.”

  “I got a job now and food and a place to stay. I have no right to complain.”

  Joshua had fallen asleep in my arms. “He’s out.”

  “You can put him in my room. I got a little crib on the floor.”

  I smiled at Megan, as I got to my feet. “I’ll be back.” Her bedroom lacked a window, although a lamp had been lit. There was a blonde-haired child sleeping on the bed, snuggled up with a brown teddy bear. I placed Joshua in the crib, laying him on his back. When I returned, I poured a cup of tea before sitting again. “Your children are lovely.”

  “Thank you.” She sat back, sighing. “Enjoy the peace while it lasts.”

  “How many women applied for the nanny position?”

  “A handful, but they were awful.” Her look was inquisitive. “You’re very young, Mary. How old are you?”

  “Eighteen.”

  “Then not as young as I thought.”

  “I’ve been minding children for years. I’ve two younger brothers as well, and they’ve always been challenging.”

  She nodded. “You and I might get along.”

  “Why wouldn’t we?”

  “I like you. I’ve never really talked to you before.”

  “You’ve lived here for a few years, correct?”

  “About three. We came from Canada by wagon train. We were hit hard with cholera. Then my…man…prospected for a while, till that ran out. He said he was trapping, but I’m not so sure. He might’ve gotten tired of having to take care of us.” She mumbled under her breath, “He never did ask me to marry him.”

  It was scandalous to have children out of wedlock, but I suppressed the urge to judge her. From the lines on her face, she hadn’t had easy years. Some of us weren’t blessed with a strong family to guide and protect us. I had been adopted, as Fanny Hoffman Bailey was my stepmother; she took over my care and that of my sisters and brothers after my parents had perished. I was now a part of a very large extended family, with children and babies of all ages and the wisdom of several generations of experience.

  “So, you’re already plannin’ your wedding, eh?”

  I hadn’t expected that. “Not exactly, but I’m hopeful.”

  She nodded absently. “Don’t be thinkin’ he’s gonna be picking a wife from among us.”

  “Pardon?”

  “I heard him talkin’ about his sister coming. She’s bringing someone she wants him to marry. She’s playing matchmaker. He’s not too keen on it.”

  It was strange, but that announcement did dampen my spirits, but only slightly. “I’m sure it’s none of my business what the Carlyle family does or doesn’t do. My concern is the baby.”

  She eyed me dubiously. “If you say so.”

  Chapter Three

  After Rosalind woke from her nap, I changed her cloth diaper, giving the soiled garment to the maid. The baby fussed and cried, and I suspected she was hungry. Megan fed her a short while later, as I held Joshua. It was midday now, and my family would wonder where I was. Mr. Carlyle hadn’t returned yet, and I hoped he wouldn’t be long.

  The door swung open an hour later, Mr. Carlyle striding into the parlor, where I sat on the sofa with Rosalind. She had been playing with the buttons on my dress, her little fingers trying to pull them off.

  “Things seem peaceful.” He smiled. “How was she?”

  “Very good. She slept for nearly two hours.”

  He hung his sack coat on the hat rack. “We should discuss your employment, Miss Hampton, if you wish to work for me.”

  “I’d like the job, sir.”

  “It would be a live-in arrangement. You’d be in the same room as Rosalind.”

  “I understand.”

  “I’m prepared to be generous. Would a wage of five dollars a week be agreeable?” He sat next to me, his look inquiring.

  “My, that is generous.” It was far more than I had been expecting. “Would that include meals, sir?”

  “Of course. You’ll eat whatever I eat.”

  “I’ll have to go home and get my things.”

  “I can send for a carriage. You may retrieve what you need and return this evening.”

  “I’ve a horse here. Heaven’s, I’d forgotten about that. She needs to be fed and watered.”

  “Then do we have an agreement?”

  “How long would this position last, sir?”

  “I’m with the Denver Pacific Railroad. The goal is to join with the Kansas Pacific Railway and bring the line here. I’m in town for the foreseeable future, which vexes everyone I know.” He grinned, the edges of his eyes creasing. “But, the need is acute, and the potential profits are too large to ignore. I’ll stay until the job’s done.” He held out his hands, reaching for the baby. “Now, give me the little one, who looks awfully happy.” I did as he asked. “My sweetling.” He kissed her cheek, holding her to him. “Do we have a deal?”

  “Yes.”

  “You seem like a steady girl. You’ve had an education; your speech and manner are proof enough of that. Is there anything else I need to know about you?”

  “Not really, sir. I’m unmarried and looking for a job. I adore babies. My sisters can attest to that. I’m not as fond of town with its lawlessness and vice, but those things should be easy enough to avoid.”

  “Indeed.”

  I stood, smoothing my skirts. “I’ll go get my things then.” I held out a hand. “Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Carlyle. I’ll do my best to watch over Rosalind and keep her happy.”

  The feel of his warm, soft hand sent a tremor through me, which was bewildering. I had been about to say something else, but the response died on my lips, as my mind went fuzzy. Our eyes locked, and something indefinable passed between us.

  “You should get your things,” he murmured.

  “Y-yes, of course.” I slid my hand free. “I’ll be back as soon as possible.” I reached for the bonnet, placing it on my head, while tying the sash beneath my chin.

  “Allette!” he called.

  “Yes, sir?” The maid appeared at the end of the hallway.

  “Have a stagecoach brought around for Miss Hampton, please. She’s leaving now.”

  The maid bobbed. “Yes, sir.”

  I cast one last look at Mr. Carlyle, feeling oddly reluctant to go, but it was necessary; otherwise, I would have to travel in the dark. If I were to stay here for any length of time, I needed all of my things. My family had yet to be informed of my new employment status, and the thought existed that Fanny and Jack might object.

  As I left, I hurried down the hallway, following the maid, who hastily arranged my transportation. To travel in the luxury of a stagecoach was something I rarely experienced. With Sally Anne tethered to the conveyance, I sat, gazing out at the busy thoroughfare of Blake Street. The enjoyably smooth ride brought me
home within thirty minutes, where my brothers were the first to perceive me.

  “The mayor’s comin’!” shouted Connor. “Look at that fancy carriage!” Connor and Peter were in the midst of completing their afternoon chores.

  “It’s just me, you silly boys.” The driver had stepped from his perch, lowering the stairs, while opening the door.

  “How’d you get to ride in such a grand carriage?” asked Peter.

  “I’m working as a nanny now. I’ve come to get my things.”

  Fanny appeared on the steps wearing an apron. “Gracious. What’s going on?”

  “It’s all Jane’s doing. She forced me to answer an employment notice. I’m a nanny now.” I breezed by her. “I need to pack my things.”

  “What on earth?”

  “I’ll be at the Broadwell House for the foreseeable future working for Mr. Carlyle. He’s a railroad man.”

  “Why haven’t I heard of this before?” Fanny stood at the base of the steps staring up at me.

  “You’ll have to question Jane and your mother about that. This is entirely their doing.” I hurried to my room, grabbing a leather satchel from beneath the bed. Then I began to empty several drawers, hastily packing petticoats, chemises, stockings, and several dresses. When I emerged, I carried the heavy bag, the back end dragging on the floor. “If I’ve forgotten anything, I’ll come another day.”

  “How much will you earn at this position?” She stood with her hands on her hips. “I’m not sure I like the idea of you leaving in this manner. We know nothing about Mr. Carlyle.”

  “The salary is five dollars a week with room and board. I’ll be staying in his suite at the hotel, but there’s a wet nurse and a maid there as well. I’ll be properly chaperoned, if that’s what concerns you.”

  “May we visit?”

  “Of course. Please stop by whenever you’re in town. It’s room thirty-two on the second floor.”

  “How long will you be there, and will we see you at church?”