Read An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3) Online

Authors: Carré White

Tags: #Romance, #Historical, #Western, #Historical Romance, #Inspirational, #Westerns

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

BOOK: An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3)
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“I’m going to get up early to find out who’s been doing this. Then we won’t have to guess anymore.”

“Maybe you miscounted. Maybe there were just five less than you remembered.”

Hannah held Letty; the baby was over her shoulder. “I wonder if it’s the Montgomery children.”

“That’s exactly what I think.”

“We don’t know that for sure. I’ll speak with Jerry. Maybe he’s seen something. Perhaps he woke up last night starvin’ and made himself an omelet.” Nathan laughed, clearly finding that thought amusing.

“I’ll handle this,” I said. “I’m going to find the culprit. I’ll report back to you, as soon as I have a visual confirmation.”

A deep sigh escaped Hannah. “Oh, dear. I know you too well. You’re a mad woman once you set your sights on a worthy cause. Those poor Montgomery children have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into.”

“Please don’t jump to conclusions. It might not be them. It could be a coyote or a vulture or somethin’,” said Nathan. “I’d urge caution, ladies. I’m not in the mood to deal with an irate neighbor.”

“I’m only going to observe. I’ll not say or do anything. When I report back to you on the findings, you can decide for yourself.” I left the room, but stopped in the hallway, wondering if they would say something else about the situation.

“That sister of yours.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“I thought you were spirited. I thought Paulina had fire. That’s nothin’ compared to Ms. Louisa Hoffman. I pity the fool who crosses her path and steps on her toes.”

“Oh, Nathan, she means well. It’s a shame that children are starving in our own backyard.”

“They won’t be starvin’ for long.”

“What do you mean?”

“Can’t you see where this is going?”

“No.”

“She’ll make those rascals her pet project. I predict in two weeks they’ll be all cleaned up, shiny-haired, and bursting at the gut from having eaten so much they can’t stand anymore.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Yeah? Just wait and see. I really need to put my thinkin’ cap on and find a suitable husband for her.”

“How do you propose to do that?”

“I’ll hang a “husband wanted” sign at the post office.

Laughter filled the room. “Oh, my goodness.”

“A woman that smart needs a man to rein her in, otherwise she’s liable to start a riot.”

“You’re being ridiculous now.”

“The sooner she gets herself a man and baby, the sooner she’ll settle and mind her own business, instead of stirring up a heap of trouble.”

Nathan was far more astute than I had given him credit for. Everything he had said was right on the money. I had every intention of taking care of those children, with or without Mr. Montgomery’s permission. I would ignore his other remarks about needing a husband. I had resolved never to marry again. Once had been enough.

Early in the morning, before anyone had even thought about stirring, I donned a robe, tying the sash securely. I stepped into slippers, leaving the bedroom, while tiptoeing down the hallway to the stairs. My plan was to glance out the kitchen window, which had a view of the henhouse. The bottom few steps creaked, and I hesitated, wondering if I had disturbed anyone. George ambled over, his nails clicking on the wood floor. He sniffed my foot.

“Hello, boy,” I whispered. “It’s just me.”

In the kitchen, I approached the window, noting that it had been left open a crack for air. The nights had yet to cool down substantially, as the days were still quite warm. I stared at the henhouse, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn’t long, though, that movement caught my eye.

“Oh, there you are, you little scamps!”

The shapes of three children materialized. One opened the door, while the others stayed behind, watching, as if on the lookout. I recognized Annie; the little girl was shorter than her brothers. Within seconds, they stole eggs, holding them in their hands, while running behind the barn. I wasn’t able to see them, so I hurried down the hallway to the parlor, glancing out the front window. One of the boys went into the smokehouse, returning moments later with a rather large chunk of meat.

“Nathan’s going to tan your hide for this,” I murmured.

George remained by my side, seemingly oblivious that there were strangers on the property. Perhaps, if I let him out, he would stir up a fuss? But, knowing that the children were hungry, I couldn't bring myself to do such a thing. Having my suspicions confirmed, I returned to bed, tossing and turning another hour or two before I heard the sound of crying. The baby wanted to be fed.

Giving up on sleep, I dressed quickly, securing my hair in a bun. Hannah was in the kitchen, with Letty, who was nursing. I poured myself a cup of tea and joined her at the table.

“It’s the Montgomery children. I saw them with my own eyes.”

She looked resigned. “Just what Nathan and I suspected.”

“What will you do?”

“Put a lock on everything. Nathan’s going to town later. He’ll see what he can find.”

“Then the children will have nothing to eat.”

“Well, they can’t run around stealing from people. Nathan will have to talk to Pastor Bailey about it.”

“What can he do? I’ve never seen the Montgomery’s in church.”

“If they’re starving, people need to step in and help them. It’s the Christian thing to do. We can’t let those poor kids go on without food. It’s not right.”

“Exactly.”

“This one kept me up half the night.” Although tired, she gazed at her daughter with affection. “Oh, Louisa, if anyone had told me that I would be so happy, especially after Frank died, I never would’ve believed them.”

“You’ve been through enough tragedy, Hannah. I hope your life is wonderful from here on out. You deserve to feel the way you do.”

“I know life can’t be perfect. People aren’t perfect. Children aren’t perfect. I strive to make my family happy, and that makes me happy. That’s all I can ask for.”

“I’ll be out of your hair soon enough. When the school is finished, I’ll find a place in town.”

“I’m not talking about you, Louisa. I don't mind you being here.”

“Your husband wants to marry me off.”

Her mouth fell open. “Were you listening to our conversation?”

“I heard a little.”

“You busybody.”

“I am. I’m sorry.” I grinned, not being able to help myself. “I’ll try to keep out of trouble, but it’s not always easy.”

She laughed, “I can’t help feeling you’re planning something. Whatever it is, I don't think Nathan will be happy about it.”

“I might have an idea or two.”

“The sooner you’re situated in the schoolroom, the better. If you don’t intend to remarry, then a career that keeps you busy is a wise idea.”

“I shall never marry again. I won’t be lied to by a man, if I can help it.”

“Not all men are like Henry was. There was something…strange about him.”

“It angers me that I was mislead for so long. I didn’t even suspect a thing. And it wasn’t only Henry. His mother was just as culpable. I’ve never met a more deceptive family.” I whispered, “What a pack of liars.”

“They were trying to protect their reputation. They used you for that purpose.”

“I don't care one wit about the Claytons. They can go to blazes and take their reputations with them. I’ve now lost all my acquaintances because of that horrid affair. I was the victim, and I ended up with the blame.” My arms crossed over my chest, while my heart pounded with indignation.

“It wasn’t fair what happened. I agree with you on that score, but don’t let it cloud your judgment on a future husband. Just because Henry Clayton was a lying, deceiving lecher, doesn’t mean all men are like that.”

I gave her a doubtful look. “Good for them.”

“There are some eligible bachelors in town. I met a few after Frank died, although Nathan wasn’t too happy about it.” She smiled. “That was the night I realized I was hopelessly in love with him.”

“You and Paulina are the lucky ones. You’ve settled nicely with dependable men, until they prove otherwise.” I pursed my lips, as unpleasant thoughts drifted through my mind. “I’ll be perfectly content to teach other people’s children and embroider cushions. I don’t mind being an old maid.”

Hannah sat forward, her brows furrowing. “You’re far too young to think like this. Don’t be ridiculous, Louisa. There’s a perfect man for you out there. He might not be what you were expecting, but you won’t be able to deny the way you feel.”

“I’m quite resigned to my fate, Hannah. You needn’t worry about me.” That was not what she had wanted to hear, her frown told me as much.

The greatest accomplishment for a female was an advantageous marriage. This was her crowning moment, the epitome of womanhood. It was the only goal my sex aspired to, but I had already done that, and look where it had gotten me! I would never apply my energies in this direction again. I had far better things to do.

After Nathan had locked the henhouse and the smokehouse, I suspected the Montgomery children would now be quite desperate for food. It troubled me endlessly, worrying about how they would now eat, and why that father of theirs did not provide better for them. On the way to church, I sat between Hannah and Nathan, with Letty in her arms. Unbeknownst to them, I had packed a few things in a basket. There was a jug of apple cider, a loaf of bread with fresh butter, and a thick slice of ham, perfectly cured. I suspected I would see the children on the road, and, as we drew near their house, I kept an eye out for them.

Nathan chewed on a toothpick, his wide-brimmed hat shading his face. He had worn his Sunday best, trousers with a freshly pressed shirt and vest. A revolver was at his side. My sister and I wore crinolines, which were highly impractical, but for church, I could not see wearing anything less. As the wagon rounded the bend, there was movement up ahead, and I recognized Annie, who sat by the side of the road. Her bare legs revealed bruises and scraped knees. She was shoeless.

“Just as I thought.”

Nathan glanced at me. “Pardon?”

“Can we stop?”

“What are you going to do?” asked Hannah, her look betrayed distress.

“I have something for her.” I brushed past my sister’s skirts, holding onto the seat, while grasping the basket. “I’ll be right back.” Annie remained seated when I approached her; her face was dirty. “Good morning.”

“What’s so good about it?” She dug in the dirt with a stick.

I knelt before her. “It’s the Lord’s Day, and that makes it special.”

“No one told me that.”

The sadness in her eyes tore at my heartstrings. “I have something for you and your brothers.” I placed the basket at her feet, moving a checkered cloth away, which exposed the cider and food. “I know you must be hungry.”

Her expression transformed into wonder. “This looks mighty good, Ms.—I don’t know your name.”

“It’s Louisa. Just Louisa.”

“Can I take it?”

“Yes, of course. If you could bring the basket back after you’ve emptied it, that would be nice.”

She jumped to her feet, a hand curling around the handle. “I will. I’ll bring it back!” Thin legs moved quickly, the girl disappearing into the prairie.

“What did you give her?” asked Nathan. “What was that?”

I approached the wagon. “A basket of food.”

“That was thoughtful of you, Louisa,” said Hannah.

“I need to have a word with Pastor Bailey about those children. This can’t go on.”

Hannah and Nathan exchanged a look, but it was difficult to decipher. I didn’t care what they thought, because I could not let those children starve. Anger pricked whenever I thought about their good-for-nothing father, but he would be dealt with in due time.

 

Chapter Three

 

I waited as long as I could; Pastor Bailey had spoken to everyone who had approached him, as I loitered, while Nathan and Hannah stood outside with my sister, Paulina and her family. I knew they were waiting, but I had to speak with the preacher. When the woman he had been with walked away; I stepped before him.

“Pastor Bailey, might I have a word?”

“Of course, Ms. Hoffman. What is it?”

“I have a somewhat delicate matter to discuss with you.” I glanced over my shoulder to assure myself no one was listening. “I live with my sister, Hannah Weaver, as you know. There are a few miners who live out that way. There is a family by the name of Montgomery. I’ve seen the children on the road with no shoes on. I know they’re starving also, because they’ve been stealing food from our farm.”

“That would be Matthias Montgomery. His wife died last year. It’s a tragic story, my dear. But, there are lots of those in these parts.” He looked sympathetic. “I’ll go out to speak to him, but there isn’t much I can do.”

“What about those poor children?”

“We’ve taken them in before, right after Abigail died, but he came and got them a while later. I’m not a married man, as you know, so I had to place them with a family in town. They’re rather unruly, especially the boys.”

“Then that’s it? That’s all that can be done?”

“He’s grieving, Louisa. Let him process what’s happened. I’m sure he’ll take care of them proper soon enough. He’s a stubborn man. He won’t accept handouts and he refuses help.”

“But those kids are running amok. They haven’t a bedtime or a curfew. They don’t have food.” I glared at him, but then I felt guilty for directing my anger towards our esteemed pastor. “This is intolerable.”

“He’s in crisis at the moment. He’s found solace in the bottle, but we shall keep an eye on it. If things don’t start to improve, we’ll have a meeting to discuss it.”

“Who will be at this meeting?”

“Local business people and the mining claim club representatives. They’re the only authority around here. The territory won’t adopt a state form of government, as the voters reject that sort of thing. No one wants to be taxed and told what to do; although, if we continue to grow as we are, it won’t be long before it happens. You can’t stop progress.”

This was welcome news. “Fine then. At least you’re aware of what’s happening. I’ll let you know if things get worse.”

“Thank you, Ms. Hoffman. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.”

BOOK: An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3)
10.46Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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