An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) (7 page)

We stayed for hours, chatting and eating, while the children played. The boys had soiled their Sunday clothes, as knees were stained and hands and faces were dirty. When it was time to go, they scrambled into the back of the wagon. It would be nearly an hour before we arrived at Hannah and Nathan’s house, the sun slowly approaching the mountains in the distance, where it would eventually set and disappear behind the higher peaks.

Maria hurried to make beds, setting the boys up in the bunkhouse, while Nathan brought out several cots for the girls. We were in the spare bedroom together, and Letty would now be with her parents. I’d pushed my bed against the wall, but there was hardly any room to maneuver. My parents were across the hall.

Once things had been organized, I wandered down to the kitchen, tying an apron around my waist. “You have to let me help you.” Hannah was in the process of making a quick dinner.

The children had gone outside with Nathan, who gave them a tour of the property, introducing them to the chores they would be required to do every day. These consisted of milking the cow and feeding the chickens and pigs.

“Ham and beans with rice is simple enough,” said Hannah. “We can get some vegetables from the garden.”

“Are you sure you’re fine with this?”

“Of course. They can’t be as bad as the Montgomery children.” She grinned. “They were nearly feral. You should’ve seen all the mischief they caused.”

“This is asking so much of you and Nathan.”

“You’re fine, Fanny. Don’t worry. We’ve plenty.”

“Oh goodness. What a mess my life’s become. Now I’ve dragged you into it.”

She sighed. “You were misled. He should’ve been truthful with you. It’s not your fault you married a dishonest man.”

“I suppose he was desperate for a wife.”

“A man with five children would be.”

“They seem quite well-behaved. I can’t find fault with their manners or anything.”

Hannah removed a knife from a drawer. “We can only hope it continues to go smoothly.”

Mother appeared in the doorway holding Letty. “Oh, I’m in grandbaby heaven.”

“You’re going to spoil her,” said Hannah.

“I most certainly am.”

“Where’s father?”

“Admiring your cornfield. They’ve taken a walk through it. I suspect someone will get lost.”

“It happens every season.”

“Here, let me help you.” I reached for the knife. “I can cut the pork, while you do the beans.”

Later that evening, after preparing for bed, the children had settled down for sleep. I had returned from the privy, leaving the lamp on the kitchen table. The girls were in my room; the low murmur of voices told me that they were still awake. My parents had gone to bed an hour ago, and the boys were in the bunkhouse. Nathan had just checked on them.

“She seems nice,” said a voice I recognized as Mary’s.

My hand was on the knob, but I remained still, wondering what they were discussing.

“She’s putting on a fine act.” That sounded like Jane. “I can see right through it.”

“This house is nicer than Pastor Bailey’s. We can play outside. I think the baby chickens are divine.”

“You would think that, Susanna. I wouldn't make yourself too comfortable here. I suspect it’s only temporary. She’ll get rid of us at the first opportunity.”

“Really? I don’t get that feeling,” said Mary.

“The old people are building a house. We can live there when it’s done.”

“I doubt we’ll be here long enough. You need to trust me on this one. I’ve always been right about things. I’m thinking of taking matters into my own hands soon. I’m tired of being tossed around like a bag of rice.”

“What are you planning?” asked Susanna.

“A solution will present itself. It always does. When I say my prayers, I’ll ask for guidance on this matter. He’s never let me down.”

I wasn’t exactly sure what she was talking about, but the conversation was worrying. Jane’s siblings listened to her advice, as they had been alone with her for more than a year, but I would have to watch her carefully. My knuckles grazed the wood on the door, as I pushed it inward.

“Does anyone need to go to the privy?” I’d flattened my expression, lest they know I had overheard them.

“No, Mrs. Hatch,” said Mary. “We’re fine.”

“Do let me know, if you need to go out.” I slid into the bed, which I shared with Jane. She glanced at the blanket to avoid looking at me. “Well, isn’t this cozy? So many of us in the same room.”

Jane slid off the bed, falling to her knees. “I need to say my prayers.” She clasped her hands together, bringing her chin to her chest.

“Yes, of course. I’ll do mine too.” I glanced at Mary and Susanna. “You don't have to say them out loud, if you don’t want to. I do mine silent mostly.”

“Yes, Mrs. Hatch.”

Dear, Lord. Please watch over the children. Help them to understand I’m sorry for what they’ve been through. I’m sorry I wasn’t more polite with Pastor Bailey, but he’s a…horrible man. I don’t know what came over me today. Please help me to survive this ordeal. Why have you done this to me? Oh, never mind. This is either a punishment for something or a lesson, as usual. I seem to be on the receiving end of an awful lot of lessons lately, Lord. I’m not all that happy about it either. I…this prayer has been a disaster. Just…just bless the children and me, and please watch over us. Amen.

Jane crawled into bed, pulling the blanket to her chin. She turned, her back to me. I couldn't help wondering what she had prayed for.

Chapter Seven

The girls were surprisingly easy to rouse in the morning, but their brothers were another matter. It was my responsibility to have everyone dressed and ready for school. I was in a state of near panic finding shoes and socks for the boys, while the girls were in the kitchen having breakfast. Hannah’s housekeeper, Maria, was indispensible, as she had prepared eggs and ham with fresh bread.

“There now,” I said, brushing Peter’s hair. “That looks better.” One wayward strand would not behave, so I wet it with saliva, hoping it would stay down.

“None of my socks match, Mrs. Hatch.”

“That’s fine. We’ll sort it out later. You can call me, Fanny, you know. We don’t need to be so formal.”

He grinned. “I like you, Fanny. I don't know why my sister hates you, but you seem nice to me.”

I hadn’t been expecting that. “Thank you. I’m sure once Jane gets to know me things will go better. She’s done a very good job looking after you.”

She’s been like our ma,” said Connor. “I sure do miss my ma.”

“Of course you do. She’ll always be special to you. You boys have been through so much. I can’t imagine losing my family like that. You’re very brave.”

“We got no choice, Fanny,” said Peter. “We made a pact to stick together, and that’s what we’re gonna do.”

His chest puffed out fractionally, and I couldn't help smiling. “That sounds like a solid plan.”

“You’re not gonna split us up, are you?”

I glanced at Connor. “Split you up?”

“Send us to different families. I want to be with my brothers and sisters.”

“Who said that?”

“Jane thinks you’re plannin’ on it.”

“No.” Anger pricked. “Absolutely not. I have no intention of separating any of you.”

His expression lightened, a smile emerging. “That’s a mighty big relief.”

“It sure is,” said Peter.

“Well, we should hurry or we’ll be late.”

I would have to speak to Jane. I had to put a stop to the speculation, which was erroneous. My life would never be the same again now that I had unexpectedly become a mother of five, but I fully planned to adjust to this change in circumstance. I had begun to accept my fate, although I was still reeling from the shock.

Once the children had been situated within the wagon, George, Hannah’s Labrador retriever trotted towards us, his expression excited, and, before I could stop him, he jumped onto the conveyance. This delighted the boys, and Susanna squealed with glee.

“Oh, for goodness sake. That dog. George. You can’t come!”

Hannah appeared on the porch with Letty in her arms. “I’m sorry about that. He’s used to going to town.”

“Can’t he be with us, Fanny?” asked Peter. “We might need him if the Indian’s attack.”

“There aren’t many Indians left around here.” I glanced at Hannah. “Can you spare the rascal?”

“Please take him. He’ll be completely underfoot, if you don’t.”

Mother appeared. “Wait!” She raced down the steps. “I have a small list for the mercantile. I need a few things. Here’s some money.”

“Is there anything else? We’ll be late, if we don’t go now.”

Letty waved. “Bye! Bye, bye, bye.”

I stepped onto the wagon, sitting next to Jane and Mary. “Are we ready? Do you have your school things?”

“Yes, Mrs. Hatch.” Jane’s expression was stern.

“Oh, very well, but you don’t have to be so formal. Fanny will do fine.” I pulled on the reins. “Yah!”

It was nearly an hour before the outlines of Denver City emerged; the wooden buildings flanked a thick, dusty thoroughfare. The school was past the church, and I gazed at the white-painted building, seeing a horse and wagon on one side. Pastor Bailey was in attendance. I had no desire to stop and talk to him. Pulling into the schoolyard, I bid the Hatch children a good day. The boys and Susanna played in the yard, while Jane and Mary spoke to several older girls. They hardly paid me any attention as I left. After I had purchased the items at the mercantile, I rushed to the wagon, hurrying home for lunch. I kept an eye on the clock all day, knowing I would have to leave to retrieve the children an hour prior to the school’s closure. It occurred to me that traveling four hours a day was a huge inconvenience.

The day went by far too fast, and, once I reached the school, Louisa had pulled in before me, helping Annie into the wagon. “Hello!” I called.

“Hello, Fanny.” She smiled. “I must have missed you this morning.”

“We were a little late.”

She approached, wearing a yellow bonnet. “I don’t envy your drive. Mine is only a half an hour.”

I lowered my voice. “Oh, gracious. How will I do this every day?”

“Isn’t Pastor Bailey taking them on Thursday?”

“Yes, but this arrangement is dreadful. Perhaps I should just keep them all week, but then there’s the horrible drive.”

“Well, you could teach from home, I suppose. In the winter, after a storm, we stay at the house. It’s impossible to go around in three feet of snow. There are other families who teach at home. I’ve books on the subject, if you care to look at them.”

My shoulders slumped. I’d never been this responsible for anything before in my entire life. “I…suppose.”

“This is only your first day, Fanny. I know it’s overwhelming right now. It will get better. I had to adjust to Matthias’s children. The boys were like wild animals. They still have to be corralled and disciplined. Their natural instincts are to run free. Your bunch seems to behave.” Jane led her brothers and sisters from the school, bringing them to the wagon. “And that girl has it under control. She’s put together well.”

“I suppose. She’s not fond of me.”

“You’ve only been with them a day. It takes time to build relationships. Once they get to know you, they’ll love you, Fanny. You’ve the biggest heart of anyone I know. You’re always in good spirits. Things will come around. Just wait.”

I wasn’t as optimistic, but I would continue to pray for guidance. “It was delightful talking to you, Louisa.” I hugged her. “You’re full of good advice.”

“Only because I’ve had to learn it all through trial and error. I’m not perfect, Fanny. None of us are. We can only do our best. That is all that’s asked of us.”

“Will you come to the house on Saturday?”

“Of course.” There was movement behind her, as Hugh and Oscar came bounding over, screaming. “Oh, pipe down!”

“Loretta’s got a frog! I don't wanna catch warts,” cried Hugh. “Run!” They raced by us, but Oscar had grabbed Louisa’s skirt, sending it out behind her.

“See. It could be so much worse. Be thankful.” She stepped into the wagon. “Get in, boys, or you’ll have to walk home.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“We can have coffee, if you want.”

“I would really like that. It’s been ages since we’ve been able to talk.”

“I have to hurry home. I’ve dinner to prepare.”

Jane and Mary waited patiently, while the boys and Susanna sat in the back with George, whose tongue dangled from the edge of his mouth. “How was your day?” I glanced at Jane, who stared straight ahead.

“It was fine, Mrs. Hatch.”

“Did you have a good day, Mary?”

“Yes, I did. Thank you.”

There were a few wagons waiting in the yard. The other children lived in Denver City or nearby, and they had disappeared down the street.

“Miss Cox made us do sums all mornin’,” said Susanna. “I don’t care for math, Fanny.”

“I can help you with your homework, if you have any.”

“No, ma’am,” said Peter. “We don’t have homework.”

I glanced at Jane. “Is that true?”

“Yes, we did our work at lunch.”

“Well, that’s efficient.”

“It only made sense seeing all the chores we’re required to do once we get home.”

Oh, goodness. She seemed so severe. “I doubt they’ll take more than an hour.”

She folded her hands in her lap. “That remains to be seen.”

“What did Pastor Bailey have you do when you stayed with him?”

“We dusted and swept the church. Peter and Connor helped him make a bookcase.”

“A bookcase?”

“A big one with lots of shelves. The boys sanded, and the girls had to paint.”

“Did you enjoy that?”

“I suppose.”

We were in the center of town, passing the saloon and the post office, while horses and wagons trundled by. “What sorts of hobbies do you like? Are you good at painting?”

“Mary and I finished the bookcase. It turned out lovely.”

“Have you ever used oil paint or watercolors?”

“No.”

“What about you, Mary? Would you like to paint like that?”

“Maybe.”

“Do you like sewing? I embroider cushions occasionally and knit. I’ve extra material. I’ll share it, if you want. Then we can buy more for special occasions.”