An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) (4 page)

“The poor man.” She shook her head. “He only wanted a wife who would make him happy, and now…he’s dead. How can you be so cavalier about this?”

“What?”

“Don’t you care one wit that your husband has died?”

“I do. It’s a terrible thing. I shall weep for all the rest of my days.” A yawn escaped me, my mouth widening. “I’m spent. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Then that’s it? That’s all you have to say?”

“God has spoken, mother. He heard my prayers. I’ve been saved from a miserable existence. My faith has been restored.”

She pursed her lips. “We shall see about that. Your lack of empathy shall be duly noted by Him.”

“How can I have feelings for someone I don’t know? He’s a stranger to me. I’m entirely grateful I didn’t have to…to…be with him. I was saved, mother. Devine intervention has come to the rescue.”

“I need to speak to your father. He’ll have to summon the wagon master. The authorities must know about this.” She glanced at Jason. “I do so hope you rest in peace, sir. May you find your way to heaven.”

After breakfast the next day, I prepared for the funeral, finding a simple black dress in the bottom of my bag. I hummed to myself while fixing my hair, securing the brownish, gold locks with pearl tipped pins. A black hat completed the look with a furry black shawl draped over my shoulders. Strands of plastic baubles went around my neck, which was an unnecessary embellishment, but I wore it anyhow. I was happier today than I could remember, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

When mother saw the expression on my face, she took my arm, pulling me aside. “You had best wipe that smile from your face!” Her tone was stern, unforgiving. “You should be ashamed of yourself, Fanny Hoffman. A man has died, and you’re parading around like you’re attending a party.”

“I…” I gazed into her wide, angry eyes, “can’t help it. I didn’t want to marry him, and now I’m free.”

“Where is your compassion? How could I have raised a daughter who has no feelings for people? A man is dead.”

“I didn’t do it. It wasn't my fault.”

“Is there any chance of you not smiling at the funeral?”

“Of course I won’t smile. I’ll cry, if you want me to. All I have to do is think about grandfather’s funeral, and I’ll cry.”

Father approached, having overhead a portion of the conversation. “Come now, Emma, let’s not be so hard on Fanny. She made it quite clear she has no feelings for the man. It shouldn’t be a surprise that she won’t grieve his passing. He was a complete stranger to her.”

“But he was a human being. He should be mourned like all people.”

“And he will be.” He held out his arm. “Let’s go attend the service then. People are waiting.”

I grasped his wrist. “Thank you, father. I’m glad someone understands how I feel.”

Mother harrumphed. “You two are shameful. You’ll have a great deal of praying to attend to before Sunday, if you expect to be forgiven.”

“Yes, my dear,” said father. “I’ll be duly punished, I suppose, but for what, I’m not sure. He was a stranger to me as well, although he seemed kind enough.”

A group of people waited near the river, standing over a shallow grave. Mr. Jason Hatch had been wrapped in cloth, waiting to be buried. I stood over him, feeling sorry for his loss, but it was difficult to muster deeper emotions. As the preacher read from the Bible, we watched the men lower the body, letting it drop in an unceremonious heap three inches from the bottom. I grasped a handful of earth, tossing it upon him, while others threw in wild flowers. The tears that streamed down my face were entirely for the memory of my loving grandfather, who had always been kind to me, telling stories and letting me sit on his lap. He had been a generous and loving man. I would miss him.

“There, there, Mrs. Hatch,” said a woman, who smiled understandingly. “You couldn’t have known he had a heart condition. He probably wasn’t even aware of it himself. What a shame to be taken so soon.”

“Yes,” I breathed. “It’s…terrible.”

“And now you’re a widow. At such a young age.”

My mouth hung open. I hadn’t thought of it that way.
Oh, goodness! I’m a widow at eighteen.
Mother’s stern expression rankled me. I thrust my shoulders back, determined not to let her or a funeral ruin my day.

Chapter Four

Denver City, Colorado Territory

A real bed was a luxury, although it was small and in the baby’s room. Letty slept through the night, which was a relief, but she woke early, never sleeping past seven. Then she would pull the covers from me.

“Letty, you little scamp,” I grated. “Give me the blanket back!”

She giggled, running to the other side of the room. “Blankie mine now!”

I groaned, rolling onto my back, staring at the ceiling. “I can’t wait until the house is built.”

We had arrived two days ago, hungry and exhausted, having traveled over five hundred miles of wilderness. But, we were lucky, as many had continued onward to Oregon, Utah, and California. Their journey was only half over.

A knock on the door startled me. My sister, Hannah, peeked into the room. “I thought I heard tiny footsteps.” Her belly swelled with pregnancy, the apron tenting before her. “Letty. Come to mommy.”

“No.”

This was her favorite word. “Let your Aunt Fanny sleep. She’s tired, honey.”

“No!”

“Is that your blanket?”

“She does this every morning.”

Hannah strode into the room, snatching the blanket, while lifting Letty into her arms. “You’re a naughty little girl for waking your Aunt Fanny.” The toddler squealed with delight. “She’s a handful at this age. I’m sorry.”

“I should get up anyhow. When are we leaving for church?”

“You have two hours. There’s plenty of time.”

“Is there coffee?”

“Of course. Everyone’s downstairs.”

My sister and her husband, Nathan, had kindly taken us in, and they had done the same for Paulina, who had stayed with them while her house was being constructed. Louisa had lived here as well, until she married Matthias. Mother was eager for her own home, wanting to settle down properly. They were going to build on Nathan and Hannah’s land, which would allow them to be close to their children and grandchildren. I thought it a marvelous idea.

“Tell me the truth, Hannah. Will you hate it, if we lived here?”

“Of course not.” She balanced Letty on a hip. “We’ve plenty of space. The extra acre isn’t farmable, so it’s perfect for a house. Get dressed, and come down. Maria made her famous ham and egg casserole.”

Once properly attired, I joined my parents in the kitchen, where they sat with Hannah at a rectangular table. Letty played with the dog, George. He let her tug on his fur, not minding being treated in such a way.

“I like the design Paulina used,” said Hannah. “I love the way the dining room is connected to the kitchen. It’s ingenious not to have to carry things all the way through to the front. You should study hers first before deciding.”

“I’ll do that,” said mother. “I’m so looking forward to seeing her and Louisa and all those children. Oh, goodness.”

Hannah rubbed her bulging stomach. “Yes, we’re singlehandedly populating Denver City. The schoolhouse will be filled with members of our own family. Miss Cox will be beside herself.”

“And Paulina’s had her baby, a boy. I can’t wait to hold him.”

“We’ll have brunch at her house, which is what we do most Sundays. Then you’ll see her clever floor plan firsthand.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Hannah glanced at me. “Have you written to Jason’s family?”

“I did at Fort Laramie. I gave them your address, if they need to contact me. I’m not sure why they would want to. He had three brothers, but they’re back east. His sister passed away last year, the poor thing. His parents died several years before. They perished in a house fire.”

“What tragedy that family has seen,” remarked mother.

“Well, perhaps you’ve inherited something,” said Hannah.

A strange look passed between my mother and sister. “I doubt it. He was…not well to do…at all.”

“I’d check the post office, but you’ll have to wait until Monday. I’m sure your friends have written you by now, wanting to know all about your adventures.”

“I sent letters from Fort Kearny and Fort Laramie. They should be well-appraised of the goings-on.”

“There has been talk that he might’ve had children,” said Hannah.

“That’s impossible. He was never married.” Again, she glanced at mother. “Do you know something I don’t?”

“Well, Louisa’s husband, Matthias, thinks he might have known him. He said something about children, but…perhaps you’d best check the mail and see if anyone has sent you anything.”

“He must have someone else in mind. Jason Hatch was unencumbered. I’d been corresponding with him for quite some time. Not once did he mention children.” My sister smiled, but there was something in her look that produced a strange knot in my stomach.

Within two hours, we were on our way to church, needing more than one wagon to bring us to town. I sat with my parents in ours. The wooden slats had been removed, and it was fully open, exposed to the elements. Hannah traveled with her family and their housekeeper, Maria. They were behind us on the dusty, rutted road. Paulina and Louisa lived closer to Denver City, further up and around the bend. They would meet us at the church. I was excited to see my sisters, as it had been ages since we had all been together in one place.

We had arrived late Friday, and there had hardly been enough time to wash our things and recover from the bone-jarring weariness of more than two months of traveling. Sitting in the wagon brought back memories. Many of the families we had journeyed with had continued on over the mountains. It would be another two months before they arrived at their destination. I was eternally grateful my sisters hadn’t settled in California.

I had not seen Denver City before, as we had skirted around its edges to reach Hannah’s property. There was one major thoroughfare lined with newly constructed buildings made out of wood. Tents and log cabins housed miners, who were permanently camped here and in the mountains, prospecting for gold in Cripple Creek, Georgetown, Fairplay and Breckenridge. As in any town, there was a post office, mercantile, saloon, and carpentry shops, along with other business, most of these catering to the needs of the miners.

Since it was Sunday, there were few people on the dusty street, although the doors of the saloon were open, laughter and music spilling out onto the thoroughfare. My sister’s husband, Nathan, had been known to frequent this establishment before he married her. He was a tall, handsome man who adored Hannah, and it was difficult to envision him being in such an environment. My parents adored him, which was surprising, as they had only met him two days ago.

There were several wagons before the church. People had gathered to chat before going in. The ladies wore their best Sunday frocks and bonnets. It was marvelous being in clean clothing. My dress was the black creation I had donned for my husband’s funeral. I’d worn a crinoline for the first time in months, feeling suitably attired at last. It was a shame that I was in mourning, at least I had to appear to be when I was in town. A straw bonnet protected my face from the sun; the hat was adorned with black ribbons. Father had worn a sack coat and hat, similar to the one Nathan had on.

We secured the horses, leaving the wagon in the shade of trees. Paulina hurried over, her expression jubilant. She carried a baby in her arms. “Oh, mother!” She hadn’t seen us for nearly a year. “You’ve arrived safe and sound!”

“Yes, my dear.” The women embraced.

I spied Louisa rushing towards us. Her belly was quite large with pregnancy. “Fanny! Mother! Father!”

The reunion was heartwarming; the Hoffmans had at last come together in one place. Our family was whole again. I embraced Louisa, marveling at how big she was.

“Let me see the little one,” said mother, holding Paulina’s son in her arms. “Oh, how sweet. You’ve done well, my darling.”

“He’s a handful,” she said.

“You must meet my husband,” said Louisa. A rough-looking man of medium stature appeared, followed by three children. “This is Matthias and my children Annie, Oscar, and Hugh.”

My parents seemed overwhelmed. “Oh, goodness,” murmured mother. “How do you do?”

“I’m well, thank you, Mrs. Hoffman. It’s good to finally meet you.” He glanced at father. “And you, sir.”

“Congratulations,” father said, smiling. “On the marriage and the coming baby.” A glimmer of amusement flared in his eyes. “It looks like you have a full brood already.”

“Yes, sir. They keep us…er…on our toes.”

Annie, who tugged on Louisa’s skirt, asked, “Do we really have to listen to a boring sermon, Ma? I’d rather play at the schoolyard.”

“Oh, hush now,” she admonished. “You can play afterwards. If you’re quiet enough, you’ll learn something from Pastor Bailey.”

The blonde, blue-eyed girl frowned. “Oh, drat.” Her brothers stood nearby watching, but their postures indicated their impatience to run around and cause mischief.

“She’s precious,” said mother.

Louisa rolled her eyes. “You have no idea. Those children…ouf…they create disaster wherever they go. It’s like herding cats.”

“That’d be my fault.” Matthias glanced at his wife. “They take after me, remember?”

“They most certainly do.”

The look that passed between them revealed affection. Theirs was a love match, and I felt a pang of envy. I’d seen that look pass between Nathan and Hannah, and I suspected my sister Paulina felt the same towards her husband, Samuel.

“I can’t believe you’ve actually done it,” gushed Paulina. “You must be so tired. What an ordeal to cross the plains. You’ll have to tell me all about your adventures later at brunch. I’ve invited everyone to the house.”

“I’m so looking forward to seeing it, my darling,” said mother. “I need ideas for a functional floor plan. We’ll be building on your sister’s property soon.”

“What a splendid idea,” said Louisa. “It’s all coming together now. We’re all really here.” She glanced at me. “I’m so sorry you’ve lost your husband. My condolences.”