By the time they reached the Murdoch home, Charity had lost feeling in her feet and hands and her face burned. The size of the house surprised her, as did the size of the barn. They were built of logs, but were both large.
The driver stopped even with the house’s door and set the brake. “Here we are.”
Her aunt shivered and whispered, “I think I’m frozen in this position. I’m not sure I can stand.”
“Amelia and I will help, Aunt. I imagine the Murdochs will give a hand if needed.”
Sure enough, Aunt Edwina’s arthritis and the cold had locked her hips and knees. Charity tried to straighten them, but without success.
“Is there a problem?”
She glanced up to see the man who’d driven the team staring at them. “My aunt’s arthritis has locked her joints. She can’t stand until she’s had a chance to warm herself.”
His blue eyes didn’t look friendly, that much she could decipher. He leaned over the edge of the tailgate. “Scoot her over here and I’ll carry her.”
His brother hopped into the wagon bed. “I’ll get her to you, Logan.” The man lifted Aunt Edwina as if she were a pound of coffee.
Her eyes rounded and she clutched the man’s arm. “Oh, my-y-y.”
He handed her off to the one called Logan. In turn, Logan strode to the door. “The house will be warm, Mrs. Shaw. You’ll be thawed in no time.”
Charity climbed down and reached for her valise and that of her aunt’s plus all the bags and totes her aunt insisted on bringing. “I hope I didn’t leave anything on the train.”
Amelia took several of the packages from her. “Let me help. Anything we left is gone now. At least we’re safe, thanks to you.”
Charity had never smelled such clean, fresh air. But, in the north, the sky was dark and clouds drifted toward them.
“Going to start snowing soon.” The other Murdoch nodded toward the house. “You go on in. My father and our housekeeper are inside.”
“Thank you for rescuing us, Mr. Murdoch.”
“Not Mister, I’m Sean. My brother is Logan and Pa’s Kevin Murdoch. Jenny Perkins is our housekeeper and cook.”
Charity trudged the short path and onto the porch. She hated to intrude without knocking but Sean had said she should go inside. With a shrug for Amelia, she opened the door.
A few steps inside the house, Amelia’s eyes closed and she paused. “Blessed warmth. Oh, this is wonderful.”
A man that must be the father gestured to a couch. He was tall, almost as tall as his sons. His face was tanned and lined and his hair silver, testifying to a hard life.
“My name’s Kevin Murdoch,” he said. “Now that you’re here, you might as well have a seat in front of the fire and warm yourselves. Coldest winter we’ve ever had.”
Though nothing about the words themselves was rude, his tone was less than friendly. She supposed having surprise houseguests for an indefinite time would be enough to upset anyone. She prayed Aunt Edwina would remain quiet and not complain. Where could they go if the Murdochs made them leave?
The house was not divided as homes she’d visited before. Charity guessed the parlor was roughly about fourteen by eighteen feet with an impressive fireplace made of smooth rocks. The room was only partially separated from the kitchen.
Apparently there was no separate dining room but the kitchen had a table to seat twelve or more. The range was older, but the largest model she’d seen. She couldn’t tell what lay beyond the other doorways, but a wide stairway led to the second floor.
The two sons brought in the supplies. She still had no idea what either of them looked like. If their father was an indication, they would be nice looking. She stood and removed her wrap, hat, scarf, and gloves then helped her aunt do the same.
Aunt Edwina reached for her cloak. “I’ll spread that over my legs for a while.”
Charity sat beside her aunt and rubbed her aunt’s arthritic hands and arms to help the circulation. Aunt Edwina sat mute, a rare occurrence. Charity prayed the newfound silence would continue.
Amelia sat on Charity’s other side. “I’ve never been so cold. I had no idea humans could survive in these temperatures.”
Their host raised his eyebrows. “They can’t, not for long.” His face fell and he shook his head. “Probably losing a lot of cattle while we sit here, but nothing we can do about it now. We brought the weakest to the pasture behind the barn.”
A woman in her forties stopped in the doorway. Her hair was light brown and she wore an apron with large pockets. “You’ve had a cold ride. I’ll start the fires upstairs to take off the chill.”
Charity kept massaging her aunt’s arms then her shoulders. The woman’s shivering had stopped but she still huddled as if freezing. The way her host watched them made her nervous, but she didn’t want anyone to know.
“Don’t worry, we’re safe now, Aunt Edwina.”
Aunt Edwina took a deep breath as if a statue come to life. “Could… could I have a drink? Maybe something warm?”
Jenny was stepping off the bottom tread of the stairs and must have heard. “I’ll fix you a cup of hot coffee. Logan and Sean will need one when they get inside from caring for the animals.”
Charity rose and followed the cook. “I’ll give you a hand. Unexpected visitors mean extra work, but we’ll try not to be a burden.”
The housekeeper took down an assortment of cups and mugs from the shelves. “Glad to hear that. Taking care of six men sure is a big job.”
Six? Charity counted only three. “There must be others who eat here in the house.”
“Three cowboys live in the bunkhouse but take their meals with us.”
Dear heavens, Aunt Edwina was a snob if there ever was one. What would she say come mealtime? Charity sent up another prayer that her aunt wouldn’t get them relegated to the barn or taken back to town.
Amelia came into the kitchen. “Your aunt wants her drink.”
“I’ll take her water.” Charity grabbed one of the mugs and filled the cup, happy to see that in spite of the weather, the sink’s pump still worked.
In the living room, she handed the cup to her aunt. “The coffee isn’t ready yet. This will quench your thirst.”
Leaning near her aunt’s ear, she spoke in a low voice, “Remember our talk. We don’t want to be taken back to town or moved into the barn here, do we?”
Her aunt’s eyes rounded in shock, then narrowed. “You’ve made your point, Charity. Don’t belabor it.”
Charity straightened and smiled at her host. “I’ll bring you both coffee as soon as it’s ready.” She turned and went back to the kitchen.
Jenny took a loaf cake from the pie safe and sliced it. “We’ll be short dessert for supper, but I don’t suppose you’ve had lunch.”
Amelia said, “The young men shared and we each had two biscuits with sausage. They were most welcome. We didn’t get breakfast before the crash so we were hungry.”
Jenny set two slices of the cake on a tray with a couple of the mugs. “One thing’s for sure here and that’s we eat well. Mr. Kevin insists everyone be well-fed so they can do their jobs.”
“My aunt suffers from severe arthritis and has very limited ability to move due to getting so cold, but Amelia and I will help wherever we can.”
Jenny shook her head. “On a ranch, everyone pitches in. Can your aunt mend?”
“I-I suppose she can.” Charity had never seen her aunt mend anything but the woman had done embroidery and crochet.
Jenny filled the two mugs. “I do all the men’s mending and laundry. I don’t mind mending because it gives me a chance to sit, but your aunt could take over that chore.”
“I’ll tell her. Um, do you have a dab of cream to add to her coffee?”
With a “Humph,” Jenny slammed the cream pitcher on the table. “As soon as she’s had her coffee and cake, I’ll show you where you’ll be staying. There are only two guest rooms, so two of you will need to share.”
Amelia said, “We won
’t mind, Jenny. We’re grateful for a warm place to stay while the train is out of commission.”
Jenny pinned her with a stare and put her hands at her hips. “And how long will that be?”
Charity and Amelia exchanged worried glances. “We’ve no idea. Sheriff Mather promised to send word as soon as the trains are running again.”
“I see.” Jenny motioned to the tray. “Take your aunt and Mr. Kevin their coffee and cake. You two can have yours in here.”
Charity had no wish to get on the housekeeper’s bad side, so she quickly did as asked. Rather, as ordered. She was surprised to find her host talking to Edwina about the ranch and Montana. Stranger still, her aunt was listening intently.
Aunt Edwina even smiled when she took her mug and slice of cake as did their host. He didn’t sound so fierce now.
Charity felt like curtsying but she merely said, “If you need anything else, just call me. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
She and Amelia were seated at the table with Jenny when the Murdoch boys came in. Charity saw at once they were not boys, but men. When they unwrapped, they were also handsome.
Talking to one another, they pulled up chairs and sat down. Jenny hopped up to pour their drinks while they helped themselves to cake without a plate or fork. They held the slice in their hands as they bit off pieces.
Sean nodded to Charity and Amelia. “You warmed up yet?”
Amelia smiled. “Yes, thank you. Jenny and your father have made us welcome.”
Logan set down his mug. “They have?” He leaned forward to peer at his father in the other room. “Well, I’ll be damned… pardon, um, darned if he isn’t talking to Mrs. Shaw.”
Sean stood so he could lean forward and witness for himself. “Never thought I’d see the day. He don’t hardly talk to Jenny.”
Jenny bristled. “I don’t need talking to. I just do my chores and mind my own business.”
Sean patted her arm. “Now, Jenny, you know I didn’t mean nothing bad. I’m surprised Pa’s talking to a woman visitor. You know how he acts toward women.”
Logan swallowed his last bite of cake. “Figured he’d go off in another room or something to escape company. Is there more cake?”
Jenny shook her head. “Not ’til supper.” She stood and faced Charity. “Looks like your aunt’s finished her coffee. I’ll show you your rooms now.”
Charity stood. “Certainly. I’ll collect the cups and plates from the parlor.”
“Parlor?” Logan guffawed. “We call it the living room. No parlors hereabouts in the country. That’s a citified term.”
She took offense at his tone. “I’m from a city, so of course I use so-called ‘citified’ words.”
Amelia stood. “But we appreciate your country hospitality and look forward to learning more about ranching.”
Charity took a breath and smiled. “Yes, we do appreciate you rescuing us.” She strode to the living room and gathered the eating utensils. “Aunt Edwina, Jenny can show you to your room if you’re thawed enough to stand.”
Amelia hurried to Edwina’s side. “I’ll help you while Charity returns those to the kitchen.”
A solemn Jenny took the tray from Charity while Logan and Sean watched. None of the men stood when the women did. How uncivilized were these people?
Chapter Three
When Charity had settled Aunt Edwina under the covers for a rest, she hurried to the room she and Amelia would share.
Charity plopped onto the bed. “I don’t know what to think about our rescue, do you?”
Amelia busily unpacked her valise. “I’m puzzled. Our rescuers are definitely handsome, but no one wants us here. We’re stuck, so I guess we have to make the best of the situation.”
“My question is, are we rescued or jailed? I hate being where I’m not wanted. Darn that sheriff for arranging this. At least in the livery stable we could have gone to the businesses in town.”
Amelia peered out the single window. “I don’t think so. We’re fortunate to be in a warm house. The snow’s really fierce. All I can see is white.”
Charity joined her. “Good heavens. I didn’t know there could be such dense snowfall so fast.”
“We’ll be buried out here. Even when the railroad track’s cleared, how can anyone reach us and let us know?”
“They won’t be able to clear the track in this weather, Amelia. We’re marooned on an iceberg.”
“What do you think of the sons? How old do you think they are?”
Charity considered a few seconds. “Logan looks about thirty, so he’s four years older than me. Sean looks a little younger, maybe twenty-seven or twenty-eight.”
“I’m twenty-three, so I’m the youngest. They’re both handsome, aren’t they?”
“But not well-mannered. I’m surprised the sheriff was able to convince them to bring us here.”
“Lucky for us they did.” Amelia opened her valise. “Do you want to rest?”
“No, I want to sit in front of that fire while you put away your things. I don’t want to go back downstairs until we have to. Maybe we can volunteer to do the dishes to make up for not helping with supper.”
“I won’t mind. We have to do something to pass the time.”
Charity sat with her feet near the fire. At least she was regaining feeling in them. “I dread what Aunt Edwina is going to say when the three cowboys join her at the kitchen table for the meal. I’ll have to talk to her again before we go down.”
“Don’t you hate always being on guard? Honestly, I don’t know how you’re able to be so patient with her.”
Charity laughed off the compliment. “Sheer obstinacy, I assure you. Besides, she’s family. I know what’s made her the way she is.”
They sat in their room until Sean knocked on the door. “Supper’s ready and the food won’t wait.”
“Thank you. We’ll be right there.” Charity intended to get her aunt but she was too late.
Sean was escorting Aunt Edwina down the stairs.
Oh, no, what would her aunt say? There was sure to be trouble.
She and Amelia hurried down the stairs and arrived as Aunt Edwina was seated by Sean. At least one of the Murdoch men had manners. Charity gave her aunt a look that she hoped conveyed silence.
Her aunt almost spoke when Jenny sat down at the table. When the three cowboys stomped their feet at the door and entered to sit with the family, that was too much for Aunt Edwina.
She turned to Kevin Murdoch. “Do your employees always eat with you?”
Jenny scowled defiantly but the three cowboys stared at their plates and acted embarrassed.
Their reluctant host picked up his fork. “Of course. Them as don’t like it can do without and go elsewhere.”
Charity held her breath.
Aunt Edwina stuck her nose in the air. “I didn’t say I didn’t like it, Mr. Murdoch. I was inquiring about the custom. You know we’re new to ranch life.”
When Mr. Murdoch didn’t speak, Aunt Edwina looked at him. “Would you care to introduce me to your male employees?”
He took a breath and glared at her for a few seconds before he answered, “We don’t call them employees, they’re hands.”
Aunt Edwina brightened and nodded. “Yes, I see, helping hands. How appropriate. Would you care to introduce me to your hands?”
With an exaggerated exhale of his breath, Mr. Murdoch gestured with his cup. His words were laced with sarcasm. “Mrs. Shaw, may I introduce my ranch hands? There on the left is Everett Bridges and we call him Whitey because of his hair.”
The young man must be prematurely gray because he looked to be only in his twenties. He nodded. “Ma’am.”
“Next to him is Judd Black.”
Judd stood and smiled. “Mrs. Shaw.” Judd was a black man whose smile ignited sparkles in his dark eyes.
“Next to him is Anselmo Gonzalez and we call him Elmo.”
“Señora Shaw, my pleasure.” Elmo was a wiry, mustached man who stood and bowed.<
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Whitey growled. “Aw, you two are just trying to make me look bad.” He left his chair and came around to where Edwina sat.
He took her hand and kissed her fingers. “Mrs. Shaw, welcome to Montana.” Then he turned on his heels and took his chair amid hoots from the other hands and the Murdoch brothers.
“Gentlemen, nice to make your acquaintance.” Aunt Edwina turned to Mr. Murdoch. “See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“Mrs. Shaw, you have a lot to learn about life on a ranch.” Mr. Murdoch shook his head and picked up his cup for a swallow of coffee.
With a sigh, Charity picked up her fork. “We’re eager to learn about your life here, Mr. Murdoch. Each of us has always lived in a city.”
Amelia nodded at she took a helping of ham. “This is all new and fascinating.”
Logan snorted under his breath. “I suspect it will become less fascinating as you become more acquainted with the hardships.”
Charity met his gaze. “You’re mistaken if you think city life is always easy. All places have hardships and bonuses.”
“Huh? Yeah, I’ll bet you had servants and a Daddy who gave you anything you wanted.”
“You’re right about the servants, but very wrong about my father. And having servants doesn’t mean I didn’t do my share of the work.”
Logan pointed his knife at her. “Good, then you’ll be able to do your share here.”
“We intend to.” Charity cut her meat with such fervor she scraped the knife against the plate. “I beg your pardon.”
Sean frowned. “Why?”
“I shouldn’t have cut so hard I damaged the plate with a knife mark.”
Logan shook his head. “Lady, you are not just from a different kind of life, you’re from a different planet.”
“Our planet is a lovely place. Men are gentlemen.”
Logan rested his wrists on the table edge. “Yeah? If it was so great, why’d you leave?”
“I’m accompanying my aunt to visit her son in Portland. She could hardly travel alone.”
He raised an eyebrow. “But why are you the one who’s with her.”
“That’s none of your business.”
Aunt Edwina hissed, “Charity. Heed your words.”
Montana Sky: Murdoch's Bride (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 3) Page 2
