If the Prospect Pleases

by Laity, Sally;

  “At home,” Annora said evasively. “I’m on errands of my own.”

  “How. . .interesting.”

  “Yes. Well, I’m afraid I’m in a bit of a hurry just now. Do have a pleasant day, won’t you?”

  “Indeed.”

  Before further comments could be drawn from Annora, she hastened on. It galled her that Rosemary knew she was in Cheyenne, for in all likelihood the woman would go out of her way to ascertain the reason for her being there. But she’d have found out soon enough anyway, since Sunday was just around the corner. With a sigh, Annora ducked into the mercantile and browsed briefly through the merchandise. Then she inquired about a rear door, and with a sigh of relief, took the roundabout way to the Inter-Ocean Hotel, where she promptly applied for the job.

  To her amazement, a delighted Mr. Samuels insisted she be given a thorough tour of the facility, introduced to the staff, and put to work at once.

  So began a new phase of her life.

  Once again, Annora appreciated her background. Keeping fresh sheets on the beds of a huge three-story hotel and tidying the scores of sleeping chambers kept her occupied from early morning until quite late in the afternoon. And on particularly busy occasions, she was also prevailed upon to help during evening mealtime as well. Weary and exhausted, she now fell asleep the instant her head touched her pillow—regardless of the town noise. But since her job was only temporary, at least she was not asked to relocate to the servants’ quarters.

  The unending toil kept her too busy to think, let alone differentiate one day from another. . .so the sight of Lucas Brent’s wagon rumbling past the hotel several mornings later was most unexpected. Caught by surprise, she paused in her dusting. He, Noah, and the girls were decked out in their Sunday best.

  They must be on their way to church. Annora pressed closer to the window, watching after them. Part of her rejoiced to see the Brent family united again, but another part of her had to battle the urge to open the floodgates of her heart. . .to the tears never far from the surface during her waking hours.

  She sighed and resumed her duties with considerably less enthusiasm.

  Awhile later, as she swept the front steps, her heart sank to see Lucas drive by again. . .this time with a very animated Rosemary perched between him and Noah on the wide seat. Melinda and Amy now carried new dolls, obviously store-bought. The sight of the little ones made Annora’s eyes sting.

  Endeavoring not to draw attention to herself with any quick movements, she continued sweeping. But Lucas’s wordless glance found her. Her heart lurched within her breast as she gave him a tiny smile and went back to the chore, determined to resist the persistent moisture in her eyes that made her turn her back to the street.

  That night in the dark solitude of her chamber, she finally gave in to what she hoped would be her last fit of weeping. After all, her prayers had been answered, hadn’t they? Lucas and Noah had repaired their broken relationship, the girls appeared fine. Perhaps, she told herself, they would find themselves in a complete family circle once again. . .even if it was with Rosemary as their stepmother. That was the hardest of all to swallow, but Annora prayed that God would help her to accept it.

  Knowing she wouldn’t be able to sleep anytime soon, she went to her trunk and removed two sheets of writing stationery. Tonight she would pour out her heartaches to Lesley.

  ❧

  Lucas closed the storybook and ruffled Amy’s hair. “ ’Night, pumpkin. You, too, my other pumpkin,” he said, reaching to stroke Melinda’s soft cheek.

  “ ’Night, Pa,” they both said, their unhappy little smiles tearing at his insides. Hardly a day had passed that they hadn’t brought Annora’s name into a dozen conversations. He was just thankful they hadn’t spied her earlier that morning as they passed the hotel. Bad enough that his own pulse kicked up in that crazy way at the sight of her. He could almost picture the girls jumping over the side of the wagon bed and running to hug her. Then afterward, they’d have been inconsolable, knowing that, no, she would not be coming out even to visit, and yes, they would have to do without her forever.

  He’d detected particular unease in his older daughter today. She had been uncharacteristically quiet, and just as he rose from their bedside chair, Melinda turned her troubled face to his. “Pa?”

  “Yes, honey-girl?”

  “Is Miss Rosemary gonna be our new mama?”

  He slowly filled his lungs, then exhaled in a ragged breath. “Would you like that?”

  She merely shrugged.

  “I like my new dolly,” Amy chimed in. “Miss Rosemary buys us pretty things. She says she wants to be our friend.”

  “But she’s. . .” Melinda’s eyes suddenly brimmed and a tear rolled down the side of her face and into her hair. “She’s not Annora,” she wailed, her voice catching on a sob.

  “Hey, pumpkin,” he said in his most soothing tone, “I know you’ve been kind of sad since Annora went away.”

  “Be–because. . .I. . .m–made her g–go.”

  As his daughter’s tears swiftly became a deluge, Lucas bent over to pat her shoulder in what seemed to him a hopelessly inadequate attempt to administer comfort. But her words disturbed him greatly. “What do you mean?”

  The six-year-old sniffed and rubbed at her wet cheeks, smearing traces of dirt into uneven smudges. “When she s–said she couldn’t stay, I–I told her to g–go away,” she admitted in a tiny voice. “And that. . .I wished she–she’d. . .never. . . come!” Almost hysterical now, she rolled over and sobbed into her pillow, in heart-wrenching gasps that shook her tiny frame.

  When the worst began to subside, Lucas picked her up and lowered himself to the mattress, hugging her hard. “Well, I’m sure you didn’t mean it, pumpkin, and Annora knew in her heart that you didn’t, too. The fact that she had to leave was not your fault.”

  “Truly?” she whimpered.

  “Truly. And everything is gonna be all right. You’ll see.” But even as he felt her relax, he wondered how and when that would ever be true.

  ❧

  Annora navigated the dining room, filling water glasses for the unusually large assemblage of patrons and seeing to their various needs.

  “Excuse me, miss,” a portly gentleman with thick side whiskers said, waving to her from where he was seated with a group of four. “Would you mind checking on our order? We’ve been waiting for some time.”

  “Yes, of course. I’ll be but a moment.” Nodding, she spun on her heel and started for the kitchen.

  “Why, Annora Nolan!” cried a familiar feminine voice. “How absolutely lovely to see you!”

  Recognizing Hope Johnston’s smiling face as she rose from a table of uniformed men and their female companions, Annora gasped at the sight of her traveling mate from the train. She stepped into a huge hug. “And you!” she finally managed. “This is certainly a surprise.”

  “Yes, is it not?” Reclaiming her seat, the slender young military wife gestured to the tall and fair-complexioned man in blue next to her. “Phillip, you remember my mentioning the sweet friend I made during my journey. I’d like you to meet Annora Nolan. Annora, this is my husband, Lieutenant Phillip Johnston.”

  “Lieutenant,” she said with a nod as he rose to take the hand she offered. “I’m very pleased to meet you.”

  “Oh, miss-s-s-s,” the heavyset man across the way reminded her pointedly.

  Turning back to Hope, she winced in embarrassment. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m on duty just now.”

  “Of course. But is there any chance we might have a word before I must go?” the delicate-featured woman asked.

  “Perhaps, if things slow down.” And with that, Annora hurried away.

  Half an hour later, she spotted the group from Fort Russell as they left their table and began walking toward the lobby. Checking to make certain she wasn’t needed, she hurried to Hope’s side and slipped an arm about her. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to visit with you. We’ve so much to catch up on. How’
s sweet Rachel? And you? How’ve you been?”

  “Fine, fine, couldn’t be better. But I thought you were contracted to work for a local farmer. Housekeeper, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes, and I did. But my trial period ended, and I. . .decided to move on. I’m working here temporarily now, filling in for a girl who’s ill.”

  “Oh. Well, how providential that our paths would cross again. As it happens, a dear friend of ours at the fort, the colonel’s wife, recently suffered a mild stroke and is in dire need of a live-in companion and housekeeper. Not the most glamorous of pastimes, I’ll allow—but it would provide an opportunity for us to renew our friendship. If you think you might want the job, contact me through the postmaster as soon as possible.”

  “I will. Thanks for telling me about it.” With one last hug, Annora reluctantly relinquished her hold. “Take care, Hope.”

  “I will. And I do hope you apply for that position.”

  “I’ll pray about it. Truth is, it might be exactly what I need right now.”

  Yes, she affirmed mentally. She knew very well what her heart needed—wanted. But sitting here in Cheyenne when that possibility was utterly hopeless. . .Besides, how many more times could she bear the sight of that wagon rolling by?

  No, I’ll work on that letter. Tonight.

  nineteen

  The more Annora prayed about applying for the position at Fort Russell, the greater became the sense of peace that enveloped her. Staying on indefinitely in Cheyenne, where she’d run into Lucas Brent from time to time, would be like applying iodine to a brushburn. No, it was time to move on, give the empty chasm inside her a chance to fill with new friends, new faces.

  She could not imagine any man ever measuring up to the standard her heart now required, thanks to that lonely widower from Cheyenne. She would compare every single one to him for the rest of her life. But in time, perhaps a love would come along that was almost as precious as this ill-fated one.

  There was no sense in letting circumstances get her down, Annora decided. Nor was there any point in waiting for the hotel manager to inform her of the exact day when the regular chambermaid would report for duty. The sooner she posted the message to Hope Johnston expressing a willingness to become live-in companion to the colonel’s bedridden wife, the sooner her shattered heart would mend. During her noon break, she would mail the letter she had written last evening.

  Her mind settled, Annora changed into a full-sleeved shirtwaist, indigo skirt, and long bib apron for work. She tied a red kerchief over her hair and reported to the supply room for the clean linens the morning would require.

  Jenson Samuels was waiting for her when she arrived. “Oh. Miss Nolan,” he said, twisting a pen nervously in his fingers, his bespectacled gaze never quite meeting hers. “I wanted you to know we’ve been most appreciative of the quality of your work.”

  “Why, thank you, Mr. Samuels. The job was a godsend to me.”

  “Yes.” He cleared his throat. “And it was very good of you to fill in for our Sadie. But she has recovered sufficiently to return to her duties, so I’ve been given the unpleasant task of informing you that after today, your services will no longer be needed. I’m sorry.”

  “Oh, please, don’t be. I’ve been offered another position,” Annora assured him, “and I’d already made up my mind to accept it the moment my job ends here. So I’m not in the least put out by Sadie’s return.”

  “Well,” he said, considerably more at ease. “That is welcome news. However, should you ever need employment in the future, please let us be the first to know. Your dependability and fine service have earned our highest recommendation.”

  “Thank you, sir. I appreciate those kind words. And I just might do that someday.” Smiling, she opened the supply room door and began filling her arms with clean white sheets.

  The man lingered uncertainly for another second or two before handing her a list of rooms needing her attention. Then, with a cursory nod, he left for his station in the lobby.

  This being her final day as chambermaid, Annora breezed through the entire morning, returning to her room slightly after noon. She freshened up and changed into a clean dress, then unpinned her chignon and brushed her long waves, fastening the sides back with ivory combs. All the while she worked, she had thought of the letter she’d composed and how it needed to be delivered to the postmaster.

  She made a mental note to do that when she finished packing most of her belongings, omitting only what would be needed for another day or two. Crossing to her trunk, Annora opened the heavy lid.

  Light from the window slanted across the paper lining of the chest, and for the first time, Annora noticed a peculiar unevenness in the bottom—as if a small portion had been cut to make a hidden compartment, one all but invisible against the liner’s printed design. She frowned and knelt to pry at the edge with a fingernail. It popped open, and she raised the flap.

  “Mama’s jewelry!” she gasped, too amazed to do anything but gape at the pieces she’d asked Lesley to sell for her. Pluck-ing the familiar items from the velvet lining the compartment, Annora saw a folded note and recognized the young woman’s distinctive stationery. Her eyes misted as she opened it.

  Dearest Nora,

  One day you will find this tiny hiding place, and when you do, I hope it will brighten your day. Knowing how very much your mother’s treasures meant to you, neither Michael nor I could bear to sell or pawn them. Both of us had been putting away a little money toward the day when we might wed. The decision to purchase your fare as our parting gift was mutual as well as joyous. We will always consider you as dear to us as a sister. May the Lord keep His loving hand upon you always and grant you every happiness.

  With deepest love,

  Lesley

  Annora stared through her tears at her best friend’s precise penmanship. She might have guessed those two would concoct such a loving tribute to the relationship they had shared in Philadelphia. If she lived to be a hundred, she doubted she would ever again find friends so close and dear.

  Pressing her late mother’s possessions to her heart for a few breathless seconds, Annora replaced them inside the secret compartment, then dried her cheeks and went to gather clothes from the armoire.

  A knock on the door interrupted the task before the trunk was half full. When she answered the summons, her heart skipped a beat.

  “Lucas!”

  In a jacket and work clothes, with his hair slicked back and his hat in his hands, he flashed a sheepish, one-sided smile. “May I come in?”

  “Of–of course,” she whispered. She stood aside while he entered, leaving the door ajar behind him. Annora schooled herself not to stare. She could not afford to let his presence affect her, not after the limited ground she had gained over her despondency. “Is something the matter?” she managed past a huge lump in her throat. “The girls—they’re all right?”

  A nod.

  “Chesapeake, then. Is he doing well?”

  Another nod. “He’s starting to show some interest in those pretty little mares that have been admiring him from afar up until now,” he said lightly. Then his expression turned sober. “Actually, I came to make sure that you’re well. You looked kind of. . .tired the other day.”

  “I probably was,” she confessed, extremely relieved to hear that nothing was wrong with either Melinda or Amy. “I’d put in a few rather long days here, filling in for an absent chambermaid.”

  “Ah.”

  “It’s. . .kind of you to be concerned, though,” Annora said. She had almost used the word sweet but caught herself just in time. He’d think she was a dolt. And he’s merely your former employer, remember, she cautioned herself. Don’t make more of this than it is.

  His gaze, which had casually roamed over Annora from head to toe before coming to rest on her face, now meandered about the room. It halted on the partially packed trunk. His dark brows flared. “Packing?”

  “Yes. I’ve taken another job. Well, that is, I’ve
been offered one and agreed tentatively. I’m just about to post my formal acceptance.”

  “In town?”

  She shook her head. The temptation to elaborate on its being a mere three miles away at Fort Russell was almost too strong to resist. Everything within her wanted to let him know she’d still be near enough to visit, to keep in touch—but she clamped her lips together.

  “I see.” Moving deeper into the room, Lucas surveyed the neatly folded clothes occupying the bed and the trunk, sized up the simple furnishings and the view from the window, where he stood gazing outside without a word.

  Annora had the impression there was more to his coming here than he’d related, and watching him idly strolling around her chamber somehow reinforced the notion. But he’d either tell her or he wouldn’t, it was entirely up to him. Meanwhile, she repressed her growing jitters.

  “Well,” he finally said, expelling a whoosh of air. “You obviously have things to do. I shouldn’t keep you. Wouldn’t want you to. . .miss your train.”

  She knew he was fishing for information, but she wasn’t about to give him any. Best to make the break quick. Clean.

  “I’m glad to see you’re all right,” Lucas said again. “Real glad.”

  Annora gave him a polite nod. Maintaining her composure was using up every ounce of her strength. If he didn’t leave soon, her nerves were going to fray completely. Please go, Lucas. Go, before I say something really dumb.

  He focused his attention on her again, and his shoulders flattened in resignation. Three strides brought him back to where she remained rooted to the floor. “I guess this is good-bye, then.”

  “I guess,” she murmured, wise enough not to trust her voice.

  “For good.”

  She nodded.

  “In that case, I. . .wish you well.” He continued to stare, his enigmatic expression gradually turning to one of acceptance. “I’ll never forget you, Annora.”