An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3) (12 page)

When I had unlocked the door, I strolled towards the front of the room, placing my things on the desk. Several apples had been left the day before; two were red, while the other was green. I sat, preparing for class, while listening to Annie’s shrieks and laughter. At nine a.m. sharp, I rang the bell, but only the Montgomery children appeared, their eyes scanning the empty schoolroom.

“Where is everybody?” asked Hugh.

“I don’t know.” We waited for twenty minutes, until the sound of a wagon caught my attention. I got to my feet. “Excuse me. I’ll see who that is.” I was surprised to find Pastor Bailey at the door. “Well, hello.”

“I need to speak to you, Miss Hoffman.” He looked aggrieved. He’d removed his hat, holding it to his chest.

“What is it?”

“I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but the children won’t be returning to school.”

My stomach dropped. “Oh, my goodness. What happened?”

“There’s been talk that you’ve taken up with Mr. Montgomery. I know you’ve been helping him recover from his illness, but I—”

“You can’t be serious!”

“I’m not fond of gossip.” His smile was sympathetic. “I’d rather not have this conversation, but…people are up in arms. I’ve had many complaints.”

“Am I fired?”

“You don’t have students, Miss Hoffman. Their parents won’t allow them to return. They expect their teachers to adhere to a strict moral code, especially if they’re to mold young minds.”

“It’s as if I’m being punished for helping that poor family. I found these children beaten and starved by the side of the road. No one else in town cared one wit about what happened to them. I’m the only one who gave a…a hornets’ nest!” Indignation had gotten my ire up. “I can’t believe I’m being censored for helping a family in need.”

“I understand, but being an unmarried woman, it’s…” he appeared almost embarrassed…“it’s unseemly for you to be in such close quarters with an unmarried gentlemen.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat, fighting tears. “I’ve lost the only job I ever wanted, and I’d only been doing it for one day.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Hoffman. I am truly sorry.”

“Now I’m a scarlet woman? Will I be shunned wherever I go because I helped a poor family?”

“I would think not. They would just prefer that you not teach.”

“But we went through so much trouble to build the school. Will it sit here unused?”

“We’re looking for a new teacher.”

That hurt. “I see.”

“I have to ask you to vacate the premises now, and I need the key.”

“Very well.” With as much dignity as I could muster, I returned to the building, glancing at the newly painted walls and the rows of tables and chairs. “Children, we have to go. There’s been a change of plans.”

“What happened Ms. Louisa?” asked Hugh. “Did you get yourself in trouble?”

“I do believe I have.”

“How’s that?”

“Let’s get our things. I’ll tell you about it on the ride home. Or not,” I muttered.

When I pulled the wagon into the Montgomery property, I had been fighting back tears for nearly a half an hour. I told the children that they had decided to hire another teacher and that I would have to teach them at home for a while, until they could go to school again. It was not how I had envisioned things being, but then life had a funny way of happening regardless of long-standing plans. I assumed Mr. Montgomery was in the barn, as I heard hammering coming from that direction.

“You may play, if you wish, children. I’ll think of some chores for you later on.”

Annie rushed up the stairs. “I’m changing into my play clothes!” Her brothers had the same idea, their feet stomping on the ceiling.

The tears that I had been valiantly holding in would not be waylaid another moment, my eyes flooding with wetness. For the sake of privacy, I went to the small bedroom and closed the door, falling to the mattress. I buried my face in a pillow and wept mournfully, my body shuddering with each breath. Hands touched my shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” asked a deep voice. “What are you doin’ home so soon?”

“They dismissed me.”

“How’s that?”

“Pastor Bailey came to the school to tell me that the parents won’t let their kids near me. I’m a…a…scarlet woman!”

He chuckled, “Come again?”

“Apparently, helping a family in need is a crime, at least it is in this town.”

“I’m not understanding you at all.”

I turned to look at him, as he sat on the bed. “It’s because I’ve spent too much time here. People are talking. They think we’re…that we…oh, never mind.”

His look was kindly, but there was a light in his eye. “Is that so?”

“I’ve ruined my reputation.”

A thick brow lifted. “I’m sorry about that.”

“No, you aren’t. I can see very plainly that you’re not sorry one bit. You’re about to start jumping around, you’re so happy.”

“There’s an idea.”

“My life is ruined!”

“Your entire life?” He seemed amused. “You lost one job, sweetheart. I’ve lost twenty. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“It’s why I went to school!”

“That was a waste of time.”

My mouth fell open. “You’re the most annoying person I’ve ever met.”

“So are you.” He scooted closer, pushing me to the edge of the bed, but then he flung an arm over me. “It’s time we had a little talk about what your options are.”

It was useless to fight him, and it was my fault for having come here. If I truly wanted to be alone, I would have dropped the children off and returned to my sister’s farm. I gave in for the moment, turning into his chest. “I don’t have any options.” It was comforting being here with him.

“Sure you do.”

“What are they?”

“First you can leave town and start over somewhere else.”

“That’s a terrible idea.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“What’s option number two?”

“You can live with your sister and do whatever it is you do over there.”

“I’m hardly there anymore. I’m always at your house.”

His lips grazed my forehead. “Yeah, that’s nice, isn’t it?”

“What other options are there?”

“You…could marry me.”

“But you know why I can’t.”

“Not really. Your reasons are pretty pigheaded.”

“I hate you, Matthias Montgomery. I really do.”

“Now, that’s an all out lie, but I’m gonna let it slide.” He kissed my forehead. “It sure is nice havin’ you home. Let’s nap for a bit, then I’ll show you what I’m workin’ on in the barn.”

I yawned, finding the embrace far too comfortable. “Oh…all right.”

Chapter Eleven

We were in the parlor reading out loud when the sound of a wagon drew near. I glanced up from the book. “Are we expecting anyone?”

“Not that I know of.” Matthias got to his feet, peering out the window. “It looks like Nathan.”

“They’re probably wondering where I am. I need to go.”

“Please don’t go, Ms. Louisa,” said Oscar. “The story was just startin’ to get good.”

Matt had opened the door. “Hello, Nathan. What’s the matter?”

“Hannah’s in the wagon. Paulina’s in labor. I’ve been told to tell Louisa.”

“Oh, my goodness! How exciting.” I reached for my shawl. “I’ll have to finish this story later, children.”

“You’re not leaving, are you?” asked Annie.

“I’ll be back.” I glanced at Matthias. “She’s probably going to be in labor for a while.”

“I’ll put ‘em to bed.”

“I hope to be back with good news.” He drew me into his arms, which was surprise. The embrace was over quickly, and, when we separated, our eyes met. Something indefinable flared, promising and sweet. Whatever connection had developed had grown over the last few days. It was nearly impossible to deny now. “I’ll return later.”

“I’ll be waiting for you.”

“It could be all night. You should get some sleep.”

My sister was about to give birth, which was an exciting development, but I found leaving difficult. With great reluctance, I stepped out into the cool night, glimpsing Hannah on the seat waiting.

“So, it’s finally time,” I said. With Nathan’s assistance, I hoisted myself up.

“Yes, it is. She’s going to have that baby soon.”

“Then we had best hurry.”

Nathan sat next to my sister, taking up the reins. “Yah!”

The wagon lurched forward, as the wheels began to turn. It would be another thirty minutes before we arrived at the house; her husband Samuel greeted us at the door. “Well, good evenin’,” he said, grinning. “Just in time. She’s about to bite my head off, so it’s a good thing you’re taking over.” He glanced at Nathan. “I think this calls for a stiff drink, don’t you?”

“Whiskey or brandy might just do the trick.”

He slapped him on the back, good-naturedly. “You’ve read my mind.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, goodness. At least we’ll be sober to help with the delivery.”

“Hannah!” cried a female voice. “Louisa!”

“We’re coming!” said Hannah. “I just hope it’s not breech. I have no idea what to do if that happens.”

“Then we’ll have to call for Maria or Doc Caldwell.”

In the bedroom, Paulina was on her feet, gripping one of the posts on the bed. “Oh! Oh, no!”

“Is it another contraction?” asked Hannah.

“Yes! Oh, they’re getting worse and worse.”

“That’s what happens. You should sit.”

“I can’t sit. It’s better if I walk around.”

I spied a rocking chair, sitting in it, while eyeing my sister, whose hair was down her back. “How long have you been at this?”

“Six hours.”

“How close are they?” asked Hannah.

“Two or three minutes apart or so.”

“Then you still have some time, but it’s nearing the end.”

“How much worse is this going to get?”

“A lot.” Hannah glanced at me. “We’re going to need water, towels, and scissors.”

“I’ll get them.” When I returned, Paulina was kneeling over the side of the bed with a pillow beneath her knees. “What are you doing now?”

“It’s comfortable to be like this,” said Hannah. “It takes the pressure off the back for a bit.”

“Oh.”

“Gosh, this is awful! Oh, oh, ouch!”

Hannah glanced at me. “Another one’s hitting her.”

“It doesn’t look enjoyable at all, the poor girl.”

“It isn’t, but it’ll be over soon.”

“I might have made the correct decision not to have children.”

“Oh, fiddle sticks!” griped Paulina. “You’ll have them.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“Just marry that man and move on with your life,” said Hannah. “You love that family. You’ll learn to love him. He already looks so much better now that his beard is trimmed.”

“What man?” asked Paulina.

“Mr. Montgomery.”

“The one with the head injury?”

“Yes, that one.”

“I wanted to teach. That was the reason I went to school, and now it’s over.”

“What do you mean?” asked Hannah.

I hadn’t told her the news yet, as I had not seen her. “I was let go today. Apparently, the town is under an erroneous assumption that I’m having…a relationship with Mr. Montgomery outside of marriage.”

Paulina grimaced. “Oh, oh…”

“I had no idea you lost the teaching position.” Hannah rubbed Paulina’s back. “There, there. Keep breathing. It’s fine. You’re doing good.”

“I can’t…believe…they dismissed you! Oooh…”

“I know. I guess I’ve been very bad.”

“What will you do now?” asked Hannah.

“I haven’t a clue. I’m out of options.”

“Oh! This is horrible! How can women do this?”

“Should she still be on her knees like that?”

“She’s fine. She’s doing wonderful.” Hannah continued to rub her back, while encouraging her to breathe. “There, there. That’s it.”

Samuel appeared in the doorway. “How’s it goin?”

“Ouf!” Paulina glared at him. “I’m never doing this again, you hear me?” His eyes flew wide. “You’re never going to touch me in a carnal way ever again!” She grimaced, moaning. “Oh! Blasted!”

Hannah glanced at Samuel, smiling empathetically. “She’s not herself at the moment. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”

“I guess not.” He hadn’t lost his humor, his eyes creasing around the edges. “Just let us know if there’s anything you need.”

“We will,” I said. “Thank you.” When he left the room, I had a thought. “I really think you’ve all married beneath yourselves.”

“What?” Paulina glowered at me. “I beg your pardon?”

“These men are entirely uncouth. None of them have any manners. They’ve never set foot in a schoolroom. If mother met them, she’d be appalled.”

“You’re not helping,” warned Hannah. “If you keep prattling on like that, you’re liable to get slapped.”

“We’ve come out west to better ourselves, but it’s like we’ve gone backwards instead.”

“Oh, I don’t know what I hate worse,” said Paulina. “These contractions or her mouth.”

“Keep breathing. You’re doing fine.”

“I’m not trying to judge you. Lord knows I’ll probably be joining you soon enough. It just strikes me as interesting, but I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

“You’re in love with that man,” said Hannah. “Deny it all you want, but you love him. Stop being such a petulant brat, and admit it. Then put us all out of our misery, including yourself, and marry him.”

“Mr. Montgomery?” asked Paulina. She sat back on her heels, her belly bulging before her. “I’m getting really tired of this. When is this baby coming out?”

“Yes, Mr. Montgomery.” Hannah helped her to her feet. “Let’s take a walk around the room. Maybe that’ll speed things up.”

“Do you love him, Louisa? You’ve been spending a great deal of time over there.”

I glanced at Paulina. “I…don’t know his character yet. After Henry, it’s difficult to believe what a man is saying.”

“You married a bad apple,” said Hannah. “They aren’t all like that. I hardly knew Nathan when I married him. I listened to what my heart told me. He might not be a corset-wearing dandy, but he’s all the man I’ll ever need. That’s the only thing that matters in these parts. Once you get situated, Matthias will provide for you. He’s a person with potential. He just needs the firm hand of a woman to guide him.” Her look was meaningful. “You thought you came out here to teach; well, you will. There are three impressionable minds waiting for your guidance. Those children need you, Louisa. That will be your greatest accomplishment—raising children.”