An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3) (8 page)

“You’ve…I should…thank…you.”

“There’s no need right now. You’re still pretty weak, sir. I’d feel better if you ate a little bit. You won’t be sick, will you?” That thought was alarming, but, with head injuries, vomiting seemed to occur.

“I don’t know.”

“I’ll spoon it out for you slowly. If you can only tolerate a little, I’ll understand.” He struggled to sit. “Wait, I’ll help.” I adjusted the pillow behind him, adding another. “There. How’s that?”

“Better.”

“Can I try feeding my pa?” asked Annie.

“Yes, muffin, you can.”

“I know how to hold a spoon.”

“You do.”

“And a knife and a fork.”

“Everyone knows that, dummy,” said Oscar.

I gave him a look. “Be nice to your sister. This isn’t the time to be throwing insults.”

“Sorry, Ms. Louisa. I mean, Louisa.”

“Let me get the first spoonful into him.” I did so, and he drank it, his Adam’s apple moving up and down. Then it was Annie’s turn, and she sat on my lap while feeding him. He wasn’t able to eat much, putting his hand up after a short while. “Would you like some water?”

“Not now, thank…you.”

“All right, you hop down. I’m going to put the children to bed, and I’ll be back.” I took Annie by the hand. “Say goodnight to your pa.”

“Night, Pa. I’m so glad you woke up.”

“How long till you’re walking?” asked Oscar.

“I…don’t know.”

“I’m sure he’ll make a full recovery soon enough. Come along now, time for teeth brushing, face washing, and bed. The boys groaned, as they hated to brush their teeth, but it was imperative that they do so. “No dirty children getting into clean sheets. We can’t have that.”

A short while later, after they had said their prayers and I had tucked them in, I returned to the room where Mr. Montgomery was, finding him staring at the doorway, waiting for me. The children had been giggling and stomping around upstairs, and I surmised that we had made quite a racket.

“Sorry about the noise.”

“You’re…very…good with them.”

“They were with me when you were in the mountains.”

“I…never thanked you…for that.”

“Well, you can thank me now.” I neared the bed, taking the seat I had been in most of the day. “You look better.”

“You’re tired.”

“I am. It’s been quite a day.” His hand was nearby, and I closed mine over his, as I had done for hours this afternoon. “You’re hopefully going to be fine now.”

“You’re so much…like…Abigail.”

That was startling. “I hope that’s good. I know the children loved their mother. They’ve missed her horribly.”

“They have.” He swallowed with effort.

“You need some water.” I was about to stand, when he squeezed my hand. “I owe you…a great…deal.”

“I just want you to recover, so you can take care of your children, Mr. Montgomery. I don't ever want to see them running around wild without shoes on or their bellies empty. Is that clear? If you want to thank me, then do so by being the best possible father you can be.” I hadn’t meant to sound so stern, and I regretted the tone of my voice almost immediately.

His look was sober, resigned, and yet hopeful. “I will. I’ll do…whatever…you say.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so cranky. I’ve only had a little sleep.”

“I needed to…hear that.”

“Bless your heart, you poor man. I truly hope the future is brighter for you and your children.”

“I do…believe it is.”

Chapter Seven

I slept soundly that night, waking only once to the wind that rattled the house. I closed the window and returned to bed. When it was nearly dawn, I got up, not being able to sleep any longer, working my way down the stairs to the privy out back. When I returned, I checked on Mr. Montgomery, finding him fast asleep. Besides the horse, there weren’t any animals on the property that needed tending this early in the morning.

When I finished making breakfast, I had a lengthy list of things the home needed, but it wasn’t my place to provide these staples, and I did not know if Mr. Montgomery could afford them. I chided myself for making the list, as it would more than likely end up in the rubbish heap. The children came down a short while later, eager to eat griddlecakes and eggs.

“I need to leave for a spell,” I said. “We need things, and I can get them at my sister’s farm.”

“Can I go with you?” asked Annie.

“Yes, that would be nice. But then I might go to town after.”

“I love Denver City, Ms. Louisa.” Her smile was adorable.

I ruffled her hair. “I know you do. You love the ribbons in the mercantile, don’t you?”

“I do.”

To my astonishment, Mr. Montgomery appeared in the doorway. I jumped to my feet. “Oh, you shouldn’t be up yet. Oh, my goodness.”

“Pa!” Oscar and Hugh went to him, as he was unsteady on his feet.

“I gotta use the privy.” His deep voice sounded gruff.

“I’ll bring you a bedpan. It’s not safe to cross the yard in your condition.” Doc Caldwell had left a bedpan, knowing that if he woke he would need it. “Here it is. Now, you should get back to bed this instant.” He acquiesced, and I was mildly astonished at his strength. He’d been unconscious for two days with a serious head injury; the bandages were still around his forehead. The sound of a wagon was a relief, but I wasn’t able to see who had arrived, because I needed to direct Mr. Montgomery into the next room.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” I left him to use the bedpan in privacy. I found Dr. Caldwell in the kitchen.

 “How’s the patient?” He seemed to brace himself, expecting bad news.

“You’ll be happy to hear that he’s awake. I just stopped him from going outside. He’d been about to use the privy.”

His mouth fell open. “You don’t say. Well, I’ll be darned. I sure am happy to hear that. I need to take a look at his bandages.”

“Of course.” I busied myself in the kitchen, cleaning dishes and putting things away, while the doctor was in the next room. When he returned, I asked, “How is he?”

“Slight swelling still, but much improved. I’m going to recommend bed rest for a few more days, and then he’s free to resume his normal activities.”

I wiped my hands dry on the apron. “That’s encouraging.”

“I had my doubts. I’ve never had much luck with head injuries. I sure am relieved that he’ll make a full recovery. It’s awfully nice of you to be here to help the family. Lord knows they need it.” He held his hat. “I’ll be on my way then.” He eyed me. “How long do you plan on staying?”

I hadn’t really thought about it. “I…suppose as long as they need me.”

“All right. I’ll return tomorrow then to check on things.”

“Thank you. I’ll be in town soon. I’ll stop by your office to pay you.” This surprised him, as he blinked, staring at me strangely. I had every intension of taking care of the bill, knowing that Mr. Montgomery would find it a hardship to cover the costs. Often doctors accepted other forms of payment, but that wasn’t necessary this time, because I had the funds.

After he left, I heated water in a large pot, bringing soap and a small towel with me. Mr. Montgomery sat on the bed. “I’ll get you breakfast in a moment. You have dried blood near your ear.”

“That’s kind of you.”

Wringing out the cloth, I approached him, staring at him in almost a clinical manner. “Just tell me if it hurts where I touch you. Does your head hurt?”

“A little.”

“Doc Caldwell said you still have some swelling. Your eyes look perfect.” The pupils were slightly dilated, but the horrible red was gone. His unruly beard needed trimming. He stared at me, while I cleaned his face. “I’ve tended to people before, some friends and family members. I know you need washing in other places. I could leave this here for you, if you want.”

He leaned against the pillow, his expression unreadable. “If I asked you to do it, would you?”

“Well, I suppose…” flustered by the sudden light in his eye, I faltered, feeling self-conscious. “Yes, sir.”

“Perhaps you should.”

The air suddenly crackled with an energy I hadn’t felt before, but I suspected it was slightly carnal in nature, because of the way I had reacted to it. My hand trembled imperceptibly, but he had challenged me to continue, and I would stay the course. Unbuttoning his shirt, I ran the cloth over his chest, finding a taut tummy, although everything was speckled with short, dark hair. I worked the buttons on his trousers, pulling the material down his legs, exposing his underthings. I avoided his stare, knowing that if I were to look at him, I would not be able to continue.

He was more than capable of managing the rest on his own, and I gave him the rag and the soap, turning my back to him. “Just tell me when you’re done.” I listened to the sound of splashing water, as he dunked the cloth into the bucket.

“I am slightly disappointed. I thought you’d be doin’ this.”

I sucked in a breath. “Sir, I do believe you’re feeling better.”

“I am.”

The mattress creaked, as he moved, and I glanced over my shoulder. He held the sheet to his midsection. “Do you need more water?”

“That’ll do for now.”

“I’ll bring you breakfast then.”

He smiled slightly. “Never had it in bed before, but that sounds mighty good.”

“Do you want tea?”

“I prefer coffee, but I know we don’t got any.”

“You’re in need of quite a few things. Every house should have a proper larder, a henhouse, and a milking cow.”

“I sold all of that a while back. I’ve kinda fallen on hard times, Mrs…er…what was your name again? I’m sorry.”

“Ms. Hoffman. Louisa Hoffman.”

“No husband?”

That was a rather direct question. “No.” His look was contemplative, but it was the hint of interest in his eyes that sent a peculiar shiver down my backbone. “I’ll see about breakfast now.”

It was imperative that I distance myself from him. He needed to dress to be received properly. I shouldn’t be in a room with a half-naked man. When I returned with a plate filled with griddlecakes smothered in honey and molasses and a cup of tea, his attention remained on me. The children hollered outside, playing in the yard happily.

“Thank you. That looks good. Real good.”

“The doctor was astonished that you pulled through. He didn’t think you would make it.”

“He cut a hole in my head?”

“Yes, he did. It was ingenious, but dangerous. You’re lucky to be alive.”

“The roof fell on me.”

“A beam from the ceiling, yes. It’s been fixed, so you know. Nathan Weaver and Jerry Pratt did the repairs yesterday.”

He seemed surprised by that. “You folks are awfully nice to me.”

“You’re a neighbor in need, sir.”

“You’ve done a lot for my kids.”

“They were running around feral without shoes on.”

“I know. That’d be my fault.”

“I would like some assurance I won’t see them like that again. I know you’re ill now, but once you recover.”

“I can only do what I can do, Ms. Hoffman. I go to the mountains to mine on and off, but the money never lasts. I’d like to sell the furniture I make, but I don’t have time to finish it properly. Everything is half-done.” He glanced at me pointedly. “I need a wife.”

For some strange reason, my stomach burst with an explosion of tingles. “I suppose you do, sir.”

“I ain’t too good at social graces and all that other…nonsense. I met Abigail in the schoolroom, and we’ve been together ever since. We came out from Virginia when the gold rush was at its peak.”

“I see.”

“I know now, we should’a stayed where we were. This place has brought nothin’ but bad luck.”

“What did your wife die of?”

“Consumption.”

That was a horrible, lingering disease. “I’m sorry. That’s a terrible way to die. It’s sad the children had to see that.” He’d finished the food; the plate was in his lap. “I’ll take that.”

“Why don’t you have a husband? You’re a handsome-lookin’ woman.”

“That’s really none of your business.” I hated that his praise left me buzzing with pleasure.

“But you’re stickin’ your nose in mine. You’re telling me what my house needs and how to raise my kids.”

“You really are feeling better.”

“Answer my question. Why don’t you have a husband?”

I hadn’t expected this from him at all. “I…I’ve been married.”

An eyebrow lifted. “What happened?”

“He’s living in New York. He’s perfectly fine.”

“You divorced? It’s not all that common, but I’ve heard of it.”

“No, I’m not divorced, sir. I’ve just…had…a bit of an annulment. That’s all.”

“Annulment?”

“My marriage was based on falsehoods. I was tricked.”

“How’s that?”

“It doesn’t matter. I need to wash these dishes and clean the kitchen. I’ve got pots soaking.”

“Whoa, hold up there. I’d like to know how you were tricked, Ms. Hoffman. This story is just startin’ to get interesting.”

“I’m glad you find my suffering entertaining, sir, but I don’t wish to discuss it.”

“I told you about my life.”

“Only in the simplest of terms. I really know nothing about you apart from the fact that you’re poor and your prospects are slim.” I hadn’t meant to be so blunt, but I often spoke this way, especially when I felt threatened.

“You sure got a sharp tongue on you. Maybe I’m seeing why you might not have a husband.”

A prick of anger flared. “I’ve no need for one. I’m educated from a fine university, and I’ll be going to teach soon. Classes start next week.”

This did not seem to please him, as his eyes narrowed. “Educated, eh? I don’t cotton to women gettin’ educated. They get some wild ideas in their heads that way.”

My opinion of him had dropped substantially. “Well, we are vastly different people, sir.”

“You say that, but people are people.”

“Yes, they are, but some people don’t mix as well as others.”

He glared at me, although he wasn’t particularly angry. “I gotta thank you for what you’ve done. I know you were the one who got the doc in the first place. I can see that you don’t like me all that much, but I gotta thank you for your help. You saved my life.”