“Oh, Uncle Matthew, I’m so glad you’re home.” Isabella smiled, her dark brown eyes sparkling.
“I wasn’t gone that long. Only one day.”
“But I missed you all the same.” Isabella’s eyes shifted to where Harriet was sitting.
Matthew had briefly forgotten about poor Harriet, with the excitement of seeing the children. “Oh, everyone, this is Miss Wigg.”
“Hello, children. It’s nice to meet you.” Harriet smiled as Matthew held his hand up for her to take.
“That’s Isabella, George, and there’s Kate.” He pointed at each of the children. Movement at the door of the house caught his attention as he looked up to where his brother was standing.
“Come on inside already. Your supper is getting cold!” his brother called, laughing as the children all ran back inside.
Harriet began walking, and he trailed behind her. He noticed she seemed to be limping, but he blinked a few times and she was fine. Matthew knew he must be overtired.
He shut the door behind him, and smiled at his brother. “This is Miss Wigg. And this is my brother Mr. Nathaniel Anderson.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Wigg.”
She smiled. “Yes, it’s a pleasure.”
“Well, you both must be hungry. I hate to say that the meal isn’t that impressive. I can’t cook for the life of me. I always took the food I’d had made for me for granted. So, we have slightly burned pork chops and potatoes.”
“Oh, I’m sure it will be wonderful.” Harriet smiled.
“Can Miss Wigg sit beside me?” Isabella grinned up at him.
Matthew nodded as he pulled out his chair. “If she would like to.”
Harriet sat down next to Isabella who instantly began to talk.
“Your necklace is so pretty. Are those real pearls?”
“Yes, they were a gift from my friend.”
“Golly, your friend must be rich.”
“Isabella,” Nathaniel warned, picking up his fork.
Harriet smiled down at the little girl, and was reminded of some of the children she’d left behind at the school
“So, what was New York like?” Nathaniel asked, smiling at Harriet.
“Very busy. There were so many buildings and people. I never strayed far from the school in fear I would get lost.”
George perked up in his chair. “You were in school?”
“I used to be yes, but I’d been teaching there. I grew up there too.”
“You lived at school?” George looked shocked as he set his fork down.
Harriet shook her head. “I suppose you might say I did, but it never felt like school once I left the classroom. It’s called the Wigg School and Foundling Home. I was taken in as a baby and they raised me there. A lot of orphaned children came there.”
Isabella gave her a sad look. “You didn’t have a family?”
“Isabella.” Nathaniel warned her again, this time looking directly at her.
“Oh, it’s quite all right. I considered all the other girls my family. We all got along so well.”
Harriet took a bite of her potatoes as Matthew and his brother discussed their crops. Once they’d all finished eating, Harriet waited for Matthew to set his cutlery on the plate before she stood and took them both to the wash basin.
Isabella poured some steaming water into the wash basin and grinned up at Harriet. “Do you want to wash or dry?”
“I can wash if you get me a cloth.” Harriet smiled, rolling the sleeves of her dress up.
“Are you sure you’re not too tired from your journey? I’m sure Isabella and I can finish them up.” Nathaniel sat down at the table again.
Harriet shook her head, even though she was tired, taking the washcloth from Isabella. “I am quite all right. I slept on the train.”
She started to wash each of the dishes, and passed each one to Isabella who eagerly dried them and put them away. It wasn’t long until everything from supper had been cleared up, and Nathaniel told the children to finish their homework.
“I don’t have homework, Papa.” Kate giggled as she climbed up on her father’s knee.
“That’s a good girl. How about you practice your letters?”
Harriet smiled and sat back down at the table.
“Harriet? I put your bag on your bed.”
“Thank you.”
“Your room is down the hall there, to the left.”
She nodded, looking up at Matthew. “That will be perfect, thank you.”
He let out a long breath as he sat down at the table, his blue eyes reflecting the light from the fire burning across the room.
Harriet sat quietly as the men visited, unsure of what to say. She didn’t know much about farming life, or the weather here and how it affected their crops.
“Is this right Miss-Miss…” Kate stammered, as she tried to recall Harriet’s name.
“Miss Wigg.”
Kate slid her slate across the table where she had written a few words. Cat. Bat. Hat. Rat.
Harriet read each word, and smiled at the little girl. “Yes, those are very good, Kate.”
“Now that you’ve practiced your spelling, sweetheart, I think you should go get ready for bed.” Nathaniel smiled at Harriet before reaching for Kate.
“No. I want Miss Wigg to help me.”
“Now, Kate, Miss Wigg has had a long journey here. She’s tired.”
Harriet stood, pushing her chair back. “Oh, I don’t mind. Really, I don’t. Come on, Kate.”
The little girl giggled and skipped over to where the ladder leaned up against a loft area. Harriet climbed up after her, ducking a little until she was able to stand in the loft. “Goodness. You have lots of room up here, don’t you?”
“Uh-huh. This is me and Isabella’s bed. And George sleeps on the other side of the curtain. And now, Uncle Matthew is going to sleep up here with us!”
“Where did he used to sleep?”
Kate climbed onto her bed. “Downstairs. In your new room.”
“Oh.” Harriet felt bad that Matthew felt he should let her have her own space, but she did appreciate the thought. Pulling herself back to what she was doing, she looked to Kate. “Where’s your nightgown?”
“Over here. I can dress myself now because my papa says I’m a big girl, now that I go to school. I need help brushing my hair, though.”
“All right. You get dressed, and then I’ll brush your hair.”
Kate quickly changed into her long white nightgown and handed Harriet her brush.
“Come sit.” Harriet sat down on the bed, as Kate bounced down next to her. Right now, the little girl’s long brown hair was tied back in two braids, as she pulled them out gently. “You have beautiful hair.”
Kate giggled. “Thank you, Miss Wigg.”
Harriet brushed through the girl’s hair, before sliding her nightcap on. “There. All ready for bed.”
“Can you read me a story? Papa and Uncle always read me a story.”
“All right. Where’s your book?”
Kate reached for a book on her nightstand and handed it to Harriet before climbing under her covers and eagerly waited for the story to begin.
Harriet felt like she was back at the school with all the children. She had never taught literature classes because she wasn’t the best at it. She had taught art class, though, and had always enjoyed helping the younger children paint and draw.
She launched into a story about a little girl who could talk to the animals and plants, and how no one believed her. When she was finished the tale, she shut the book and set it on the nightstand.
“Oh, I just love that story.” Kate let out a happy sigh, as she pulled her covers up over her shoulders.
“Yes, that was a lovely tale. I’d never heard that one before.”
“Thanks for reading to me, Miss Wigg.”
Harriet smiled as she walked over to the ladder. “You’re welcome, Kate. Good night.”
“Good night.”
&
nbsp; Harriet turned to climb down the ladder, where she found Isabella and George packing up their homework.
“Is Kate settled?” Nathaniel looked up from where he was fixing the ripped bottom of a boot.
“Yes, she’s all tucked in now.”
“Thank you for putting her to sleep. It likely meant a lot to her.” Nathaniel smiled, as he looked to his other two children. “As for, you two, it’s time for bed as well.”
“Yes, Papa.”
The children bid him good night and climbed up to their loft.
“Well, I think I’m going to get to sleep now too. It was a tiring day for sure.” Harriet looked to Matthew, who was staring off into the fire.
“Here, I’ll show you to your room.” He said his first words to her in a while, as he stood and walked around the ladder to a hall with two doors.
Harriet followed after him, trying her best to conceal her limp. She’d tell him eventually, but not now. Not right away.
“This is your room on the left.” Matthew smiled, pushing the door open.
It was a small, but nice room. The bed was in the corner next to the window and there was a dark wooden table on the opposite side with a chair tucked under it.
“If you need anything else, just let me know.” He stood at the door, and was about to walk away when Harriet remembered something.
“Oh, I was wondering something else. Where is the water closet?”
He nodded toward the front door. “We don’t have a water closet, but it’s outside. When you go out the door and turn right, it’s along the hill behind the house.”
“Out…outside?”
Matthew chuckled. “It’s called an outhouse. If you’re too scared to walk there by yourself, I can take you.”
Harriet blushed, shaking her head. She definitely didn’t want him thinking she was too scared to go to the outhouse in the dark. “No. I’ll be fine.”
“Good night, Harriet.”
“Good night,” she said as he pulled the door shut behind him.
What a day. Harriet reached for her bag, exhausted, and ready for some sleep.
Chapter 8
Matthew had felt bad for laughing at Harriet for not knowing she’d have to use an outhouse here. He hoped he hadn’t made her feel embarrassed.
He was trying to fall asleep on his straw bed on the floor of the loft. It had been Nathaniel’s suggestion for him to move up here when Harriet arrived, and he hadn’t hesitated to agree. She deserved her own space, especially since she was the one coming all the way here.
There was one thing Nathaniel had said that Matthew hadn’t agreed with. He said once they were married, Matthew could just move back downstairs, but he didn’t think he wanted that. No. He definitely didn’t want that.
He’d marry the girl of course, because he’d feel bad about making her come out here otherwise, but he would not fall in love with her.
Matthew had seen people fall in love and then suffer tremendously because of it. He had watched Nathaniel grieve the loss of his wife, and struggle to help the children. Matthew would never put himself through anything like that.
The only reason he had looked into getting a mail order bride was to help his brother, so Nathaniel could rest more. What with him working all day, and then coming home to care for his three children, he was exhausted.
Matthew knew he could get someone here to care for the children and the house, and then everything would be easier on his brother. Of course, he hadn’t told his brother this was the real reason for bringing Harriet here, otherwise Nathaniel would’ve walloped him for thinking he needed help. Nathaniel, being the oldest of the two had always been the one to look out for Matthew, and never allowed it to be the other way around.
Matthew sighed, rolling onto his side. He forced his eyes shut and willed himself to go to sleep, but it just wouldn’t come. He tossed and turned for what felt like forever, before finally sitting up. There was no sense trying to sleep if it wasn’t going to happen. He quickly pulled his pants over his nightshirt and slid his suspenders over his shoulders.
Quietly, he climbed down the ladder and made his way outside. He had always loved going for night walks when the stars were bright above him. It had always been how he’d cleared his thoughts. He made his way around the barn and continued away from the house. The crickets sang in the grass around him, and frogs croaked from the pond nearby. The air was cool, and the breeze rustled the trees around the house. It was a beautiful night.
Matthew pulled himself up onto the top of the fence surrounding the barn and angled his head up to look at all the stars. The moon was large and bright tonight, and it seemed to light up the whole area.
As he sat, Matthew thought of how he’d go about marrying Harriet in a way that was fair to her, but also a way he wouldn’t get hurt.
Chapter 9
Harriet knew she should’ve gone to the outhouse before bed. When people were still awake and would be able to hear her screams if something were to happen from here to there, but she had been too afraid.
Now, though, she couldn’t wait any longer. Morning was too far off, and she knew she would have to brave the trip. She should have asked for a chamber pot, but shock, and then embarrassment hadn’t let her.
It’s not that bad. Don’t be afraid. She told herself as she reached for the knitted red shawl she’d made herself a few years ago.
Quietly, she made her way across the room and slid her shoes on before opening her door. It was quiet in the house now, and almost completely dark, the only light coming from the windows. Perhaps the moon was bright tonight.
She carefully opened the door, the cool night air instantly hitting her. After she took a deep breath, and sent a silent prayer to not have a bear attack her, she shut the house door behind her.
Turn right. Turn right. Behind house. On a hill.
She repeated the words over and over in her head as she rounded the corner of the house. She had never been this far yet. She had also hardly ever been outside in the dark before, except for the odd time they’d had an event in the city at night.
Harriet could see the outline of what she guessed was the outhouse, and ran in the direction of it, pulling the door open and stepping inside. She couldn’t see a thing, and realized she probably should’ve brought a lantern with her. Opening the door slightly, the moon’s light shone in while she gathered where she was.
After knowing the layout of the outhouse, she shut the door again. Something rustled near the outhouse, and her heart began to pound in her chest. Perhaps she could just stay here until the sun was beginning to rise and then sneak back in to the house.
Don’t be silly. She told herself.
She was soon ready to head back to the house, and was feeling much better now that she knew all she had to do was get back inside.
Pushing the door open, she stepped outside and began walking down the hill. Something in the grass moved next to her and she froze, terrified.
Keep going. She forced herself to keep walking when she heard the noise again. Then, Harriet heard the most horrifying noise in her entire life. It was loud, and seemed to echo forever. She knew it was some kind of wild dog. It howled again, and Harriet jumped, screeching out in fright, her hands trembling.
She ran down the hill as fast as her limp would allow her, and in the direction of the house. As she rounded the corner, she crashed into something and jumped back, sure she would be face to face with a wild animal.
“You okay?” Matthew was standing in front of her, instantly steadying her, which she was grateful for because she knew she would have fallen.
“You scared me.”
“I’m sorry. I just heard a distressed sound, and something thumping down the hill and thought I’d check it out.”
Harriet forced herself to look up at him. “They were some kind of wild dogs?”
He nodded, scratching the back of his neck. “I’d say it was a wolf. They’re kind of bad around here sometimes.”
�
��Do they come into the yard?”
“Not often, but if they do, it’ll be at night. I should have thought of that, sorry.” He turned toward the door. “Come on. Let’s go inside.”
Harriet followed after him, and was relieved to finally be back in the safety of the house. “Why were you outside anyway?”
“I couldn’t sleep. I like to go outside to clear my mind.”
“Oh, I see.”
He smiled, walking in the direction of the ladder. “Good night once again, Harriet.”
She watched him climb up in to the loft, until she could no longer see him in the dark before she headed to her room.
That wasn’t so bad. She reassured herself as she shut her door and removed her shoes, ready to go back to sleep. She wasn’t sure how much longer she had to get some sleep, but that experience had seemed to tire her even more.
Harriet pulled the covers over her, and sighed before shutting her eyes. It wasn’t long until she was pulled into a restless sleep with howling wolves chasing after her.
The sun shone brightly in her window as Harriet rolled over and covered her eyes. She looked to where Fae was sleeping, and instantly realized she wasn’t at the school anymore. And she wasn’t with her closest friends. She was all alone in some strange place.
It’s not strange. She rolled her eyes at herself as she climbed out of bed, and walked to the window. It looked like a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and the sky was turning from its pink shade to blue.
Harriet made her bed quickly, and got dressed, before braiding her hair out of her face. She pinned it up and hoped it looked all right since she didn’t have a mirror to check. She didn’t hear anyone talking in the house yet, but she went out to the main room anyway.
Although she hadn’t heard anyone, she found Matthew sitting quietly at the table with a newspaper set out in front of him.
“Good morning,” she said, and he jumped, his eyes instantly meeting hers.
Harriet's Hope (The Alphabet Mail-Order Brides Series Book 8) Page 3