“I put Rosie in the spare room to sleep. I hope that was alright.” She glanced across at him, a worried expression on her pretty face. “Since you want a marriage in name only, I’ll sleep in there too.”
That took him by surprise. He was certain his new wife would sleep with him, but he realized it would be impractical. He was, after all, a normal man with normal urges.
He had no idea why he’d even said that. He wanted children of his own, but the shock of having Hannah arrive with a ready-made family had thrown him off kilter.
It was going to be difficult enough for her to manage the shop as well as a child, let alone a tribe of children. Life had been so much simpler before. Why had he arranged for a mail order bride?
Without thinking about it, Cecil knew the answer – he was lonely, and had been for a very long time. And now he’d blown it.
HANNAH WAS READY FOR bed. She stared across at Cecil – the man she barely knew, who was now her husband.
He’d taken her luggage into his bedroom when she’d arrived, and now he didn’t want her in his bed.
“What do you...”
“I’ve been thinking...”
They both spoke at once.
“You first.” They spoke in unison again.
Ladies first,” he got out before they clashed with their words again.
“I was going to say all my luggage is in your bedroom.” She averted her eyes, not wanting to think about the implications of being in Cecil’s room. “I don’t want to risk waking Rosie taking it in there.”
“Then go in there and get what you need for tonight. We can move the rest of your luggage in the morning.”
So that was that. He really didn’t want her in his bed. His words cut through her heart.
Hannah had come here with the expectation of being a wife in every sense of the word. Everything changed because she’d bought Rosie with her, but she didn’t blame him.
She also didn’t blame Rosie. There was no way she could have left that dear sweet child to such a horrible future. Her heartrate quickened just thinking about where she could be right now.
The vision of rats and other vermin crawling over the baby as she slept entered Hannah’s mind and she cried out.
Cecil suddenly stood. “Are you alright?” He stepped toward her, and she leaned into him. His arms gingerly came up around her. Was he afraid to touch her?
“I had thoughts of Rosie in the orphanage.” She stopped talking in case she broke down. The last thing she wanted was for her new husband to think she was weak.
“Shhhh,” he said into her ear. “She’s here, and she’s safe.” He stroked her hair and it felt good. “I won’t let anything happen to her.”
Hannah swallowed back a sob. “What if they try to take her away?”
He didn’t speak for close to a minute, and it worried her. “No one knows she is here. Don’t worry yourself over nothing.”
His words calmed her and she felt far better. She wished they were sleeping together though, he had a calming way about him that always left her feeling better.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I guess I’d better go to bed now. Rosie is an early riser.” She pulled out of his arms, and she felt suddenly bereft. It was a feeling she’d never experienced before.
He nodded, and she headed toward Cecil’s bedroom to retrieve her nightgown and essential toiletries, such as her hairbrush.
Cecil stood in the doorway watching her every movement. He berated himself again for his thoughtless words.
Right now, watching his wife, the last thing he wanted was for her to go into another room and another bed.
He glanced across at the double bed in what was meant to be their wedding bed. He’d even changed the sheets this morning before he opened the store.
And then he turned around and opened his big mouth in a panic.
So what if they had more children? That’s what he wanted, right? He cared little if she couldn’t work in the store because of their babies. That was part of the plan.
Joe Hartley seemed happy enough with his little family, and his business hadn’t suffered.
His eyes strayed back to Hannah. She seemed to be struggling with the opening on her trunk. “Here, let me.” He reached in to help, and their hands met.
Hers were so soft and gentle, and a shiver went down his spine. He glanced up to see her staring at him. Surely she didn’t feel that too?
With every moment that passed, he regretted his words. But now he had to live with them. Perhaps even for a lifetime.
Chapter Six
After the worst sleep he’d had for a long time, Cecil strolled into the store to open up.
Thoughts of Hannah had overtaken his waking moments, as well as his fleeting dreams.
He felt less enthusiastic about going to work today than he had for a very long time. This was his livelihood, and he needed to up his game.
What was holding him back? Yesterday was his wedding day, and the day he’d gained a family. He should be ecstatic, but he wasn’t. It was totally his fault.
And there it was.
He’d already become enamored with the tiny person who had insinuated herself into his heart without his consent. Those big brown eyes and those teeny hands that caressed his cheeks like he was someone important to her had pulled him in.
Then she’d gone and called him Papa, and his heart melted.
He shook himself. He couldn’t think like that. What he needed was distance. Distance between himself and the two females who had forced their way into his life, and if he was truthful, his heart.
Hannah was everything she’d told him in her letters. She was also far more. As a single woman who’d recently had a small child foisted on her without warning, she was behaving more like the child’s mother.
She was strong and capable, but she was also gentle and caring, and vulnerable. He was already enjoying her company.
It made him feel good inside.
But then he’d gone and messed it all up. He’d pushed her away, and if he was truthful with himself, pushed away the best thing that had come into his life in a very long time.
Hannah, his beautiful wife.
He glanced up as the bell over the door tinkled.
“Ah, Mrs Baker. Good morning to you.”
She stared at him for long moments. “I’ll just wander around if you don’t mind,” she told him, but Cecil knew her far too well.
The rumors had already started and she’d come here to confirm the story. She was a good woman, and would do anything for anybody, but she liked to have her finger on the pulse. If she didn’t know what was going on, it wasn’t worth knowing.
“I’ll take these six kitchen towels,” she said when she arrived back at the front counter. “I also need some dish cloths, but I couldn’t find any on the shelf.”
“I know I have some,” Cecil said, on the alert for the subject of his marriage to come up. “Oh, I remember now,” he said after a bit of thought. “They arrived yesterday. Let me get them from the storeroom.”
He came back soon afterwards with a box of dish cloths and placed some on the counter. “Are these for the Diner? How many did you want?”
She looked down at them. “Yes, for the Diner. I’ll take six for now. Perhaps I might take another six kitchen towels too.”
He began to walk through the store to collect the additional items and could sense Mrs Baker behind him.
“I heard you married yesterday, Mr Delbert. Congratulations.” It must have killed her to wait so long to ask. He knew she would eventually, but it had to be the right time.
He smiled, then turned to face her. “Why, yes, I did Mrs Baker.” He grabbed six more of the requested items, then they headed back to the counter together.
“Hannah is my wife. She had a very long trip to get here.” He knew she was dying to ask how they met, but also knew she wouldn’t. She would find out eventually, somehow.
Mrs Baker didn’t have a mean bone in her bo
dy, so her questions didn’t irritate him, but they did amuse him.
He opened the account book and wrote her purchases against her business account. His head turned as the door to the residence opened.
“Papa!” The little voice carried throughout the store, and he cringed inwardly. He had no idea why, except he didn’t feel like explaining himself right now.
“Ooooh, what a dear child,” Mrs Baker said, rushing over to the newcomers. “You didn’t tell me you have a baby, Mr Delbert,” she said accusingly.
“I, I’m sorry,” Hannah said quickly. “I’m interrupting. I just need some potatoes for supper.”
Mrs Baker outstretched her arms to hold Rosie. “Do you mind?” she asked Hannah. “I have no children of my own, and I adore babies.”
“Of course not,” Hannah replied.
Rosie went straight to her and hugged the older woman tightly. “She is very sweet,” Mrs Baker said. “What is the dear child’s name?”
“Rosemary, but everyone calls her Rosie.”
“Such a beautiful name. I’m Edna Baker, by the way.”
She glanced across at Cecil and he knew he was being reprimanded for not introducing them. “This is my wife Hannah,” he finally said. “I’ll just get the potatoes for you.” He slunk away and leaving the two women to talk.
“I always knew you had a kind heart, Mr Delbert,” she said when he returned, obviously fully aware of the plight of little Rosie. “You’ll make an excellent father.”
She handed the baby back to Hannah, then took her purchases and turned away.
“Thank you, Mrs Baker,” he said, meaning for her purchase, but perhaps she took it to mean for her kind words.
Was that tears he saw in the woman’s eyes? Surely not. She was a tough old bird.
The moment the door shut behind her, he turned to Hannah. “That’s fixed the rumor mill. Everyone will want to meet you and Rosie now.” He smiled, then chuckled. “I guess that’s one way to spread the word.”
“I’m sorry,” Hannah said again. “I feel bad now, but I needed the extra supplies.”
He took the baby who was reaching out to him. She planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek, and his heart raced. How could such a tiny creature cause all these feelings? Especially when he’d only met her yesterday.
He pulled her closer and hugged her. Warmth filled his very being. “Don’t be sorry,” he said, handing Rosie back. “I have to get back to work now. I had a delivery yesterday and haven’t unpacked it yet.”
Hannah looked down to the floor. “I was supposed to help you with things like that. I’ve messed everything up.” Tears filled her eyes. Was the shock of what happened finally hitting her? He guided her into a chair behind the counter.
“You saved this beautiful girl’s life. Instead of sending her to strangers, you took her on yourself.”
She glanced up at him. “You don’t mind?”
“I did at first,” he admitted. “It was quite a shock to see you there with a baby carriage. But it’s different now. We’re a family.”
He pulled her to her feet, and hugged her while she still held the baby. She was warm, gentle and strong all at the same time. He wanted to hold her forever.
Until he realized what he was doing.
He’d vowed not to make this a real marriage, but one of convenience. He would have help in the house, even if not in the store, and she would have the support of a husband.
It was a win/win situation. Or was it?
ROSIE WAS FINALLY ASLEEP. She had a stew on for supper, she’d washed the diapers, and the house was clean.
Hannah decided to help Cecil in the store – at least until the baby woke up. She left the door slightly ajar so she’d hear if she cried.
Cecil smiled as she entered the Mercantile. “What are you doing out here?” he asked. He wasn’t annoyed, going by his tone, just curious.
“Rosie is asleep, so I thought I’d help you.”
His face lit up, and he handed her an apron. “I have a ton of stock that needs to go on the shelves.” He guided her to the storeroom, then showed her where everything needed to go out in the store. “I’m not normally so far behind,” he said. “But yesterday was rather out of the ordinary.”
It was, for both of them. “Well, I can stay here until Rosie wakes up, then I have to go.”
“That’s all I ask. Let me know if you need anything.”
He watched as she moved about the store familiarizing herself with the layout and stacking the shelves. Hannah could feel his gaze burning into her back. When she glanced over her shoulder to check, he suddenly turned his head. To hide his actions?
Most likely.
She had no idea why he’d made the decision to have a marriage of convenience. She should have pulled out when he’d told her that outside the church. But where was she to go?
Everything she did affected not only herself now, but Rosie too. And not going through with the marriage could have meant Rosie ended up...
No, she wouldn’t even think about it.
She knew what it was like to be homeless. Life had been difficult for her – between her babysitting and Governess jobs, Hannah had been almost penniless. If it hadn’t been for some very special friends, she would have been living on the streets.
It was the reason she’d decided to become a mail order bride. At twenty-six, she needed more stability in her life. A husband would do that.
Cecil seemed to like her. At least she wasn’t abhorrent to him. When he’d held her, he seemed to genuinely care. Then suddenly his demeanor would change, and he would keep his distance. And now? He didn’t seem to have any problem with her. It was the strangest thing.
The bell over the door tinkled, interrupting her thoughts.
“Good afternoon, Mrs Thompson.” Cecil smiled at this customer, and she smiled back. “Can I help you with anything?”
She waved his offer aside. “I am in need of flour and some other bits and pieces. I’m happy to wander.”
Hannah stood watching the exchange, but Cecil didn’t introduce her. Again. Was he embarrassed by her? She hadn’t thought so, but perhaps he just didn’t like to talk to his customers about personal things.
“Oh, Mrs Thompson,” he said finally. “This is my wife, Hannah.”
The woman stepped back and gave him a look. One that said when did that happen?
“We were married yesterday,” Cecil added, and Mrs Thompson nodded, as though that explained everything. Hannah walked to his side, and Cecil put his arm around her. It felt good, but she knew it was all for show – for the customer standing in the store right now.
She pulled off her apron the moment she heard the baby crying. That resulted in another look from Mrs Thompson. “You have a baby?”
Hannah shouldn’t have been surprised. Cecil said word would have got around they’d married, but unless Mrs Baker managed to get the rest of the message across, people would talk. They always did.
She stared back at the two, torn between the awkward conversation and the welfare of her charge. Rosie’s needs won. She glanced at her husband, who nodded gently. She had his blessing. Not that should would have stayed even if she didn’t – the baby came first.
The crying suddenly stopped and Hannah guessed she was playing with her teddy. She ducked her head around the door to discover she was right.
Little eyes spotted her and the baby giggled, then her arms stretched out to be picked up. She laid her gently on the towel put there for that reason, and changed the wet diaper.
Rosie would be wanting a bottle – a rarity these days, but she liked one when she woke up from her afternoon nap. It wouldn’t be long and everything would change.
At nearly six months old, there was so much she was on the cusp of doing. Then she would be a huge handful.
Hannah carried her out to the kitchen and prepared her bottle. Thankfully Cecil carried condensed milk, otherwise she didn’t know what she would have done.
“Pa-pa,” she called
, wanting to see Cecil. She called repeatedly for him, so they went back out to the shop. Hannah ducked her head around the corner of the store to ensure there were no customers. “Pa-pa!” she shouted when she spotted him.
His face lit up, and he strolled toward them. “Sweet Rosie,” he said, obviously happy to see her. She’d stopped drinking when she’d spotted him, but now shoved the bottle back in her mouth again.
Rosie had such a cute personality.
He leaned in and kissed the baby on the forehead.
Hannah could get very used to this. Get used to being a mother and a wife. If only things between her and Cecil were better, more intimate.
Chapter Seven
Rosie had been asleep for some hours, and Hannah enjoyed the time alone with Cecil.
They’d taken to stacking new stock on the shelves after hours. It wasn’t ideal, but it was preferable to not helping at all. That was why she’d been brought here, after all.
Standing in the storeroom, Hannah looked up in despair. She couldn’t reach the boxes of undergarments she needed, and was pondering what to do when Cecil entered the room. “Everything alright?” he asked.
She pointed upwards. “I can’t reach.” She wasn’t short. Not compared to most women anyway. But neither was she tall.
Now Cecil, he was what you called tall. The top of her head only just reached his shoulder. She knew that because she’d rested it there on a few occasions. Not that he’d complained, but when they stood like that, she felt closer to her husband.
It had been nearly a week now since they’d arrived, but he wouldn’t let himself get closer. Sure, he liked to play with Rosie, and made a point of doing so several times a day. But the moment the two of them seemed to be anything that could be described as intimate – even a hug – he pulled away before it could develop into anything else.
It was disheartening.
He reached up and handed her the boxes. Placing them in her hands, she felt the warmth of his skin. Her hands lingered longer than they should. He stared at her for long moments.
Mail Order Hannah Page 4
