Most Unsuitable Husband

by Clemmons, Caroline

  Mentally, he gave himself a swift kick and said, "After such an exhausting day, I would have thought you'd be asleep."

  She stammered, "I couldn't stop thinking about you."

  He smiled. Had the schoolmarm turned seductress? Maybe he could keep himself between her and Monk and his friend could slip out the door.

  Blushing redder, she said, "My stars, that came out wrong, didn't it? I meant, I couldn't stop thinking about how rude I was to you the other day. Do you remember? We were discussing my plan to hire a traveling companion when you offered your assistance with the children on the trip. I assured you I could handle them with no help?"

  "Ah. Yes, I believe I remember that conversation.” He kept his features carefully neutral now. He would play this any way she wanted.

  She continued, "Well, I was wrong, wasn't I? Joe ran away and I would never have found him without your help."

  In his most soothing voice he said, "Oh, I'm sure you would have located him without my aid. However, I thought we made a good team for the task.”

  "Yes.” She tilted her head as if the thought was new to her. "Yes, we did.” She took a deep breath and shrugged. "Well, be that as it may, I want to apologize for being so rude and to thank you again for helping. In fact, when I learned Joe had left, seeking your help was my first thought."

  Nate made a slight bow. "I was happy to be of assistance, especially since our efforts were successful.” So he was her first thought in time of trouble? He savored that knowledge.

  Sarah smiled and sent Nate's blood boiling anew. If she smiled like that more often, she could rule the world.

  "Then there are no hard feelings?"

  He shook his head. "None whatever, I assure you."

  She backed a step toward the open doorway. "So, um, I'll see you in the morning?"

  He gave a nod. "As we planned."

  Still clutching her wrapper to her throat, she gave a little finger-wiggling wave and said, "Good night, then. See you in the morning."

  When Nate closed the door, Monk stepped from behind the screen, a wide grin on his face. Nate shot him a glare and said, "Don't say a word, not a word."

  Apparently Monk didn't consider chuckling as a word.

  Chapter Six

  Excitement raced through Sarah. Home. She was going home at last, and all three children were coming with her. On the way to the rail car, Sarah sent a wire letting Pearl know when to expect her. She'd already wired about the children.

  What her family must be thinking about this she couldn't imagine. Knowing Pearl, though, she would have bedrooms ready for the children--probably complete with books and toys. In today's wire Sarah included Nate and Fiona as possible houseguests. They filled up all the spare bedrooms at the ranch, so she hoped no one else was visiting. No matter, she and Cindy could share until they found Fiona a position. Sarah had an idea for Fiona.

  Nate carried Cindy, her head on his shoulder, holding her gently with one arm. Fiona herded the boys, trailed by porters carrying luggage. Her entourage in tow, Sarah located a conductor. When he discovered the group had reserved the special Pullman Palace Drawing Room and Sleeping Car, he led them to it with great deference.

  "You're in luck here, folks. Here we are, seventy feet long it is, and hot water included.” The conductor stepped aside and gestured to metal steps leading to the car from the train platform. "Go right on up. You'll find it equipped with every modern comfort and decked out fit for a queen."

  "Thank you for your help," Sarah said.

  He touched a finger to his cap. "Welcome, Ma'am. You and your husband and family have a nice trip."

  Sarah started to protest, but Nate took her arm with his free hand and guided her in front of him. "This way, Sarah.”

  She paused on the open vestibule platform and glanced over her shoulder, certain she should correct the conductor's misconception. The man walked swiftly away, listening to another traveler as he moved beside the train. Sarah gave a resigned sigh and went into the car.

  She jerked her arm from Nate's hand as she entered. Under her breath, she whispered intensely, "Why didn't you let me correct the man?"

  "Believe me, it would have been time wasted. Never make unnecessary explanations."

  "Hmmph. Is that your policy?" she asked.

  "Always," he said firmly.

  She glared at him but he only smiled.

  Behind them Fiona gasped. "Would you look at this place? The hotel was grand, but it was nothing compared to this!” She ran her hand over the intricate walnut panels. "My, this wood's so polished you can fair see yourself in it."

  Sarah gestured around. "Let's choose seats, shall we? The train will get underway in a few minutes."

  "Can I sit by a window?" Cindy asked.

  Nate set her gently on a plush covered seat. "Certainly, Princess. We can all have window seats if we wish," he said.

  "Oh, boy," said Luke as he sat across Cindy.

  Joe raced to the seat facing Luke and sat down. Each boy pressed his face against the glass. Porters stowed luggage and left, glowing at the tip Nate proffered.

  A new porter in a crisp white coat approached and gave a slight bow. "Name’s James. You folks be wantin' breakfast?"

  "Oh, yes," Sarah said.

  "We'll be underway in five minutes. 'Bout twenty minutes 'til your food's ready here. O' course, you can go on up to the dining car if you druther."

  Sarah glanced at her companions, but everyone watched her as if awaiting her decision. "We'll eat here, thank you. And I asked for a bed ready for our little patient here." She brushed her hand across Cindy's hair. How wonderful to have the children with her.

  James walked forward and paused several seats away. "Yes, Ma'am. It's right here with curtains all ready to close when she's sleeping. I left 'em open at the window, too, in case she wants to watch out at the scenery a while."

  Cindy's eyes widened. "You mean there's beds in here?"

  "Remember, Miss Sarah told you there's beds, dining room, and even a privy." Nate reached up and touched the sloping wood above the window. "Beds fold down from these panels, and our seats also fold over to make a bed."

  "Oh, dear. And can people see us sleep?" Fiona asked.

  Sarah touched the curtains beside the bed made ready for Cindy. “No, no! I believe we’ll all have these curtains to close to offer privacy at night. We'll see how well it works at bedtime.” She slipped off her coat and laid it across the velvet of the seat back, then bent to help Cindy remove her wrap. The boys had already thrown their jackets beside them.

  The car gave a lurch and the adults took their places. Fiona sat by Cindy and Sarah sat across from them. Nate seemed to weigh his choice, and then sat beside Sarah.

  Slowly picking up speed, the train pulled out of the station. Sarah’s heart beat fast with the excitement of returning home. She felt like a victor returning from battle with precious plunder. Rescuing the children, being able to take them with her and provide them with a comfortable home, sent her spirits soaring. Teaching at her school provided a feeling of accomplishment. Saving the children meant much more. At last she had truly accomplished good works.

  Glancing at Nate, she almost forgot she shouldn’t trust him. He had been so attentive and the perfect gentleman. More, he was the most appealing man she had ever met. Whenever she found herself near him, warm tingles pooled in her stomach.

  His arm brushed against hers, but not in an improper way, and layers of clothing separated them. Then why did his touch send heat sizzling through her?

  In her continual reading, she had often come across a description of someone or something being “breathtaking.” Until she met Nate, she hadn’t fully understood that term. This mystery man took her breath away. No matter what happened when they reached Texas, on this trip common experience united them. Why shouldn’t she enjoy his company now?

  Giddy as a schoolgirl, Sarah forgot her shyness and talked to her new family. She entertained them by relating her first train trip seve
n years ago when she moved from Tennessee to Texas. The boys sat wide-eyed when she told of the villainous attempt to shove Pearl off the train and how Pearl's husband, Drake, saved her. All the while Nate appeared politely attentive, but offered no comments or questions.

  She still couldn't figure him out. He acted as if he had her best interests at heart, and certainly he was a wonder with the children and polite to Fiona. What thoughts shaped his mind, though? How did he come by the wounds those bandages covered? What kind of business did he have in Texas? Questions she needed answers for cluttered her mind.

  Sarah looked at her ring. Small rubies and diamonds flowed left and right from a large heart-shaped ruby center stone, all set in gold. It could easily be a betrothal ring.

  What would it be like if Nate really were her husband, if the children were theirs? She shook her head. What silly daydreams. Nate Barton was hardly the marrying kind, especially not to a spinster schoolteacher.

  Still, she thought they looked like a family. Maybe people thought Fiona was the children's grandmother. Sarah had seen the admiration of those they passed at the depot. Women gave Nate a second glance, then looked at Sarah with envy. If Nate married, what kind of woman would he choose? A soft gong interrupted her fantasy.

  "What was that?" Luke asked.

  "Music to my ears for sure, son. Come on, that's the dinner bell." Nate picked up Cindy and followed the porter.

  They passed the berth opened as a bed and made their way to the forward end of the car. James indicated an elegantly laid table and said, "Ladies, please sit here. Sir, you can dine with your family or step into the smoking car."

  Nate deposited Cindy and saw Sarah and Fiona seated. Then he said, "Well, men, shall we go into the men's smoking room or eat with the ladies?"

  Luke giggled and he and Joe exchanged nudges at being addressed as adults and invited into the men's smoker to dine.

  "Sit here, Luke." Cindy pointed to the empty chair.

  Fiona said, "Miss Kincaid, perhaps you'd like to move across the aisle and sit with Mr. Barton? I'll see these little scallywags eat properly. We won't be disgracing ourselves in this fine setting, will we, Children?"

  Feeling trapped, Sarah slipped across the aisle and let Nate seat her. He took the chair across from her. The silver service shone on the crisp white damask covering the table. Fresh flowers graced the crystal and silver vase anchored near the carved wooden panel between windows. Her gaze wandered to the lavishly appointed car.

  "Remembering your journey to St. Louis or the one years ago?" Nate asked.

  Surprised, she raised her gaze to meet those tawny eyes watching her. She answered, "Memories of the move to Texas filled my thoughts."

  "Travel has changed a bit in the past few years, but similar cars were available then, weren’t they?” Nate gestured around them. “Did you travel in a car like this one?"

  She laughed. "Hardly. Drake's major concern was transporting the fine mares he'd bought from my father. At least, until someone tried to kill Pearl. We rode in very comfortable seats, but they didn’t make into beds so we had to sit up all the way."

  "A bit tiring. What about your recent trip to St. Louis?"

  “My aunt and I shared a compartment with sleeping berths.” She sighed and shrugged. “Of course, I had the upper one.”

  Sarah remembered Lily’s complaints, and thanked heaven she had a more pleasant companion for this trip. She hoped Lily found happiness, but couldn’t find it in herself to miss Lily’s constant waspish comments and complaints.

  The breakfast was plentiful and well served. When they'd finished, Sarah took Cindy to the ladies' toilet before tucking her into bed for a long nap. Cindy watched the scene passing by her window for a while. Then, clutching her new doll, she dropped off to sleep. Sarah tucked the cover under her chin and closed the curtains.

  When she returned to her seat, Nate stepped out into the aisle so she could sit next to the window. She smiled her thanks and sat down. Fiona sat across from her. They chatted for a while, then heard Luke and Joe scuffling behind them.

  Fiona said, "Saints preserve us, sounds to me like those boys need a distraction. I'll move back there for a bit and tell the lads a story or two."

  Suddenly, Sarah’s new confidence deserted her and she felt awkward and unsure of herself. How silly. It wasn't as if they were alone, for heaven's sake. The boys and Fiona sat right behind them, Cindy slept just in front of them, and two porters worked away in the tiny galley ahead. She didn't know what to say, though, and sat twisting her ring.

  Nate picked up her hand. "Lovely ring. Unusual, too."

  Her hand felt a perfect fit to his. His long, slender fingers curled around hers, snugging her palm against his stronger one. He examined the ring, holding her hand this way and that to let the stones catch the light. She couldn't explain the intensity of the heat spreading through her. My stars, he only held her hand!

  Controlling her thoughts, she said, "It was my mother's wedding ring. She gave it to me just before she died.”

  She slipped her hand from his. Gathering her courage, she paused and then remarked casually, "That's why I was in St. Louis." She turned to watch him. "I thought I saw you at the cemetery during her funeral."

  Nate gave a little shrug and said, "It's possible, I suppose. I went to pay my respects at my father's grave while I was in town.” He looked thoughtful. "It seems to me there was a funeral going on while I was there.” He turned his head and met her gaze, those tawny wolf-eyes wide and innocent. “Could that have been your mother's service?"

  She took a breath and plunged ahead. "Yes. And then you were on the boat, then in the same hotel. It seems strange."

  Nate shrugged. "Yes, life is full of these coincidences. But then, I'm grateful. Otherwise I would never have met you."

  "And would that have been so bad?" she asked, not meaning to sound coy, but wanting to hear his answer. And wanting it to be affirmative.

  He took her hand back in his. "Ah, Sarah, it would have been a tragedy."

  Blushing but pleased, she pulled her fingers free from his grasp again and folded her hands in her lap. "Tell me about your family."

  "Nothing to tell.” He made a dismissive wave with one hand. "They're all dead now."

  "Everyone?" she asked.

  "Well, my mother's parents are still alive back in Virginia, but I've never seen them.” He looked at her. "They disowned my mother when she married my father, so I've no wish to meet them. I may have cousins somewhere. No one close."

  "Oh, that's sad. Do you live in St. Louis?"

  He paused, then said, "No.” As if reluctant to elaborate, he took a deep breath before he added, “I live in New Orleans. I had business in St. Louis, but I'm finished there.”

  The flat finality in his voice made her wonder. What an odd turn of phrase. Still, he had been the man at the cemetery, she was sure of it. Perhaps it was all coincidence, as he said, but she still wondered.

  Nate flexed his shoulders and said, "From what you told the children, I gather you live with your sister and brother-in-law on a ranch outside Kincaid Springs. Tell me about your family."

  "Pearl's my half sister and is thirteen years older. It was she who raised our half brother, Storm, and me. Storm’s a year older than I am. I came to live with Pearl as a baby, but Storm was about five when he came. When she married Drake, he adopted Storm and me.” She sat up straight. He might as well know the worst now. "You see, the three of us share a father even though we had different mothers."

  His only comment was, "I see."

  She sighed. "I suppose you do. I'm not ashamed of my family, but it's a subject I usually avoid. My father's legitimate son was insane. We only found out seven years ago he'd threatened to kill anyone our father married as well as Storm and me. That's why our father didn't marry my mother or Storm's. He's married to Storm's mother now, though."

  "And Pearl's mother? Why didn't he marry her?"

  "Before he knew about Pearl being on the way,
his parents arranged a marriage for him with a woman from a wealthy family. I think he loved Pearl's mother, Jerusha Parker, but he isn't a strong man and gave in to his parents.”

  “I take it something happened to both women.”

  Sarah nodded. “Jerusha died when Pearl was about ten. About a year later, our father’s wife went mad during the War and killed herself."

  "What happened to the crazy son?" Nate asked.

  "He was the one I told Joe about when we were under the dock. You remember?” When Nate nodded, she continued, "Drake shot him in self-defense when he rescued us. That left our father free to marry Storm's mother.

  “So, this Storm’s mother is now your stepmother? Why didn’t your father marry your mother instead?”

  “My mother had already married a nice man in St. Louis. My father still lives in Pipers Hollow, Tennessee. He raises horses there."

  "Do you ever visit him?”

  “My father, his name is Quinton Walker, has been to visit us in Texas several times. Storm goes to see him in Tennessee, too, but I don't. I hate Pipers Hollow and never want to go back.” He probably wondered why she didn’t make a visit on this trip, since she was in the same state, but never again would she set foot in the community where she had received so much persecution growing up.

  “Do you think of him or this brother-in-law who adopted you as your father?"

  Sarah pondered a minute. "I've never been asked that before. I guess neither. In truth, I guess Drake's grandfather seems more like a father to me than anyone else in my life."

  "His grandfather? Not this Drake?" Nate asked.

  She smiled and shook her head. "Grandpa Kincaid is gruff on the outside, but really such a sweet man. His hair stands out like a silver lion’s mane and he’s tall and imposing. He treats me as if I'm a princess, as if he loves me. I have a room at his house for when I want to stay overnight in town. He's helped me invest any money I received, and is forever buying me presents. Spoils me at the same time he’s strict. Does that make sense?"

  "Not much. I suppose I'll understand when I meet him."