Every father didn’t show favoritism and every younger sibling didn’t display resentment. Servants didn’t have to fear their employer. Logan was right their first day here, this was like a different planet.
Jenny served a pear cake for dessert. “You can’t have pie every day.”
Mr. Murdoch smiled at Jenny. “You know we love your cakes, Jenny.” He looked at Aunt Edwina. “I have a real sweet tooth. Those pies last night sure were welcome.”
Her aunt blushed! When had her aunt become like a schoolgirl? Heaven knew the woman deserved flattery after the cold life she’d led to date, but really, she was acting a third her age.
On the other hand, Charity didn’t care if Aunt Edwina and Mr. Murdoch flirted as long as her aunt didn’t get hurt. Not likely that would happen. Surely soon the weather would break and needed equipment could get to Sweetwater Springs to repair the tracks and right the engine.
How eager was she to leave? At first, she could hardly wait. With surprise, she admitted that now, in a way, she liked being here.
She could see how this could be a good—if hard—life. Life in the city might be easier in many ways, but she didn’t look forward to returning to all the restrictions. Or gossip, but she supposed even Sweetwater Springs had gossips.
Chapter Seven
After supper had been cleared and the kitchen cleaned, Aunt Edwina asked Mr. Murdoch if she could speak to him privately. With a smile, he jumped up and escorted her to his office. Charity couldn’t help being curious.
Logan must be also because he came to stand beside her. “That didn’t bode well for Sean and me last time we went in there. You have any idea what’s on her mind?”
“None. Might be something about things we saw in the attic.”
He appeared alarmed. “She was up there?”
Charity was about to explain.
Mr. Murdoch shouted, “You had no right to be there!”
Charity and Logan exchanged worried glances but both stood frozen in place.
In a few seconds Aunt Edwina ran from the office and up the stairs, shoulders shaking as if she were crying.
Mr. Murdoch raced from the office. “Edwina! Edwina, wait. I’m sorry.”
Charity hugged her arms. “Poor Aunt Edwina. She never, ever cries. I need to see about her.”
Logan put his arm around her shoulders. “You need to let Pa do that. Apparently he’s the one who started this.”
“I’ve never seen her the way she is here. On the train, she complained continually and unmercifully. Here she’s more like a… a schoolgirl. She blushed tonight when your father complimented her again on her pies.”
Charity stood frozen in indecision a few seconds. “I really should go see if she’s locked herself in her room.”
He tugged her beside him. “You don’t need to go. Being her companion doesn’t mean you have to be her keeper.”
“I never thought it did. I only want to buffer her so the world doesn’t do her any more damage.”
“I get the feeling neither of you led a charmed life.”
She stared into his face. “Coming from you, that’s a big admission.”
“I can admit when I’m wrong.” He grinned at her. “Of course, me being wrong seldom happens.”
Sean nudged his brother. “If you two are through being so cozy, the guys want to lay out their bedrolls.”
Charity gasped, realizing Logan still had his arm around her shoulders and she was standing so close their hips touched.
Amelia smiled at her with her eyes twinkling.
On the other hand, Logan didn’t act embarrassed. “Think it’s safe to go upstairs?”
“I-I hope so.” Charity grinned at him. “The hands need their rest so the mean son of their employer won’t overtire them tomorrow.”
“Aw, you shouldn’t talk that way about Sean. He’s not that mean.”
Sean shoved him. “Ought to kick you up the stairs but I’m feeling kind after such a good meal.”
“Yeah? The day you can kick me up or down the stairs hasn’t come, little brother.”
They’d reached the landing and Charity whispered, “You two quiet down. I worry about what’s going on and what I should do.”
The four of them remained silent as they climbed the rest of the way.
Charity peeked down the hall. “No one’s in sight.”
Sean squeezed by. “This doesn’t concern me and I’m going to bed.”
“Me, too.” Amelia darted into the room she and Charity shared.
Charity stood undecided.
Logan put his hand at her waist and whispered. “Go on and check her room. I’ll wait here in case Pa’s in there.”
She widened her eyes. “You don’t think… Surely not.”
He tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “He’s a man and your aunt’s a woman. Come to my room with me and I’ll show you exactly what that means.”
She sent him a reproachful look. “You are so full of… never mind, I don’t use words that describe that. Wait right here until you hear me speak to her.” She opened the door a crack. “Aunt Edwina, do you want help getting ready for bed?”
There was no answer, and Charity opened the door further. The room was empty. She turned around to see Logan looking as surprised as she was.”
He toed off his boots. “Wait here.” He pointed at the floor then tiptoed in sock feet to his father’s door.
He put his ear to the door for a minute then came back. “They’re in Pa’s room talking.”
Charity wrung her hands. “Was she crying?” For an unknown reason she had the sensation of being lost.
“Couldn’t tell. Heard both their voices, though.” He held her shoulders and pulled her to him in a friendly, not amorous, hug. His hands caressed her back.
She clung to him as if he were a lifeline and she was awash at sea, which is how she felt.
He pulled her closer and nuzzled her neck. “You should go to bed, Miss Kelso, before the Big Bad Wolf sweeps you into his bedroom.”
“You’re not so bad, Logan. In fact, I think you’re sweet even though you try to make me think otherwise.”
He caressed her face. “Aw, Sunshine, you make me into a better man than I am. Those two could be a while. Go on in to bed, Miss Kelso, before I lose what little control I have left.” He released her.
She smiled because he hadn’t emphasized the Miss. “Thank you for helping check on them. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight.” He stood watching her.
Inside her room, she leaned against the door until she heard his close.
Amelia sat up in bed. “Well?”
“She’s not in her room. Logan heard her and Mr. Murdoch talking in his room.” Charity quickly changed into her nightgown.
“My word. Who’d have thought?”
“Not me. Now I don’t know whether or not to wait up for her.”
Amelia plumped up her pillow and snuggled under the cover. “You’re not her mother. Come to bed and go to sleep.”
Charity laid out her dress for tomorrow and crawled into bed. “Thanks for feeding the fire. Room’s nice and warm.”
“I wonder how much longer we’ll be here? This situation is starting to be otherworldly.”
“My thoughts exactly, although I no longer find being here unpleasant. But, I’m sure the sooner we leave the better off everyone will be.”
She meant herself. Having Logan act kindly toward her was dangerous. She couldn’t afford to fall under his spell further than she had already. Her heart couldn’t withstand another blow.
The next morning after she was dressed for the day, Charity went next door. She rapped gently before entering her aunt’s room. Her aunt sat on the edge of the bed, still wearing the same dress as she had yesterday.
“Aunt Edwina, are you all right? I was so worried.” She closed the door behind her.
“You needn’t have been concerned, but that’s kind of you, dear.” Aunt Edwina didn’t meet her g
aze. “I fear I made a silly fool of myself last night.”
Charity helped her aunt out of her wrinkled dress. “Nonsense, but I take it Mr. Murdoch upset you. I hope he apologized.”
“He was very kind and we talked well into the night.” Her aunt’s voice sounded wistful. “He walked me back to my room, but I could hardly ask his assistance. After he’d gone, I couldn’t unfasten my dress and I was sure you were asleep.” She grinned conspiratorially. “Except for the train, this is the first time I’ve ever slept in my clothes.”
“How about wearing the blue dress for today? It makes your eyes brighter.” She held the dress for her aunt to don.
“Charity, I owe you an apology for being so difficult before we arrived at the Murdoch ranch. I’m truly sorry for being so wrapped up in my own misery that I made life unpleasant for you. I’m fortunate you accompanied me on this trip. I knew you were intelligent and you’d always been polite, but I had no idea what a nice young woman you are.”
“What a lovely thing to say, Aunt Edwina. I’m glad I came also. We’ve become closer and I’ve seen and experienced things I never would have in Albany.” Charity sighed. “I wish you’d been my mother, except I hope you won’t be offended when I say I wouldn’t have wanted Uncle Horace for a father.” She wouldn’t want Reggie for a brother, either, though he was far kinder than her sister Anne.
“That’s good of you to say, Charity. I wish I had never married Horace, except that then I wouldn’t have Reggie. I understand why your mother doesn’t stand up to Billy and defend you. He’s terribly vindictive to anyone who crosses him.”
Charity took a deep breath before broaching her concern. “You know we’ll only be here another week or two. I hope you’re not developing tender feelings for Mr. Murdoch that will cause you heartache when we leave.”
“I hope so, too. I admit I’m quite taken with him.”
“He’s the first man to be kind to you, Aunt. Don’t let that turn your head unrealistically.”
“You needn’t lecture me, Charity. I won’t lose my heart so easily after my life’s experiences. You be sure you take your own advice.” Her aunt set her jaw.
She stepped away. “Me?”
Her aunt snapped, “I see the way Logan looks at you now—rather like the hands looking at my pies, as if he’d like to devour you. And you look at him with more than a little interest.”
“I’m sure you’re mistaken. He looks at me as if he wishes we’d never come. I don’t know what to think about him, so I probably simply look wary.” And she wondered if he’d kiss her again—and hoped he would.
Aunt Edwina took her hands. “Charity, face facts and admit you’re attracted to Logan. I can’t blame you, for he’s very handsome and masculine. I certainly won’t deny I’m attracted to Kevin. He’s the first man who’s ever come close to understanding me.”
She leaned her forehead against her aunt’s. “Then I’d say we’re in trouble, Aunt Edwina. We’ll be leaving soon and never see the Murdoch men again.” She finished her aunt’s hair and slid in the last hairpin.
“That thought makes me rather sad but you’re correct. We won’t see them again after we leave.” Edwina stood. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to help you tend to your poor hands last night. Take the gloves with you today and I’ll do better tonight.”
They went down to breakfast together.
Logan watched them come into the kitchen. “Someone die last night? You two look as if you’re going to a funeral.”
Charity glared at him. “Not everyone can be as sparkling as you each morning. Some of us need coffee.”
Mr. Murdoch came to help Edwina to her chair. “Are you all right this morning, Edwina?”
“Yes, of course. Thank you for asking. And yourself?”
He sat beside her. “Fine.” He lowered his voice but Charity overheard him. “I’m glad we had our talk last night.”
Edwina smiled at him. “Me, too.”
Logan nudged Charity. “You gonna make me stand here behind this chair all morning?”
Surprised, she sat then he took his seat beside her. Amelia and Sean were already seated, as were the hands.
Jenny set fried potatoes, ham, biscuits, and eggs on the table. “Hens aren’t hardly laying with the weather so cold. We may not have eggs tomorrow so better enjoy these.”
Charity was puzzled. “The weather affects the chickens’ egg production? I didn’t realize that.”
Logan said, “There’s a lot about a ranch you don’t know, Sunshine. Hens don’t like this kind of weather any better than we do. We try to keep them warm by putting them at one end of the barn. They’re stupid birds, but not dumb enough to be fooled.”
Amelia asked, “How do you keep the barn warm enough for the animals and chickens?”
Logan reached for more ham. “With the animals’ body heat in an enclosed space, the barn’s not unbearable. Nothing like in here, of course, but warm enough to keep them healthy. Same with the hogs in their small barn.”
Sean set down his cup. “Chicken coop has an outside door but is actually inside the barn and the fowls benefit from the larger animals’ heat. Can’t let the birds out in winter, of course, but most of the year we let them peck around the ranch yard in daytime and pen them up at night. They keep down bugs.”
Mr. Murdoch nodded agreement. “The horses and cows grow thicker coats in winter. Our cattle are breeds that can withstand our colder temperatures. That is, in most winters.” He scrubbed a hand across his face. “I’ve sure been worried about those away from the headquarters here, for we’ve never had weather this cold.”
Charity heard the concern in Mr. Murdoch’s voice. His livelihood depended on the health of his cattle. What would happen if the cattle had all frozen? She couldn’t ask for fear of causing even more anguish for her hosts but that didn’t stop her wondering.
Whitey gestured with a biscuit. “First break in the weather, we’ll go feed ’em. Reckon most are huddled up in ravines but we’ll find ’em.”
Logan grinned at Charity. “We can send Miss Kelso. She’s a good rider and has a pair of dungarees now.”
Charity elbowed Logan. Mr. Murdoch sent his son a stern look.
Aunt Edwina dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. “I’m impressed your water pump hasn’t frozen.”
“Before I built the house, I dug the well and the cellar then constructed the house over them. I actually lived in the cellar while I was working on the barn and then the house. Barn pump is under the barn, too. I knew there was no way to prevent a pump from freezing otherwise.”
“What a clever man you are, Kevin. I’m impressed with the care with which you’ve arranged your home and buildings. This house is strong and the storm hasn’t affected it. You must spend a good part of the summer cutting wood.”
“That we do. We have trees on the property near the river. As we cut, we replant hoping the new trees will grow enough before the old ones are used up completely. Don’t imagine you can tell much in the snow, but mostly this part of the state is prairie.”
Charity intended to look at her host but found herself facing Logan. “How close is the nearest town other than Sweetwater Springs?”
“Morgan’s Crossing is two days away by wagon. It’s a gold mining town and doesn’t depend on the weather.”
“Do you have gold on your land?”
He grinned at her. “Gold fever hit you, Sunshine? I don’t think you’d like mining. Morgan’s Crossing’s a pit mine.”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “I wouldn’t be interested anyway. I’ve heard that usually the only ones who get rich from mining are the people who supply miners’ equipment.”
“In this case, that’s the man who owns the mine, Michael Morgan. Nice man, but they’re isolated.” He chuckled. “Not that we aren’t, you understand, but they make us look like downtown St. Louis.”
Aunt Edwina said, “You’re really not that far from town. In more agreeable weather, I imagine you get to town a couple of
times a month.”
Their host shook his head. “More than that. In pleasant weather, we go every week, sometimes more if we go to church. By horse, we’re only half an hour so the men can ride in on errands easily.”
Aunt Edwina nodded. “This is ideal then. You’re close enough for convenience, but far away enough for privacy.”
Mr. Murdoch sent her aunt a broad grin. “Glad you see it that way.”
Logan leaned near and whispered. “I can’t believe how much Pa’s changed since your aunt’s been here. He’s a different person.”
“My aunt, too. I’ve never seen her this happy. In fact, this is the first time in my life I’ve seen her happy.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Let’s hope this continues.”
She shook her head and touched his arm while she whispered, “No, what if she’s falling for him? She’ll be devastated when we have to leave. I’m beginning to dread hearing the railroad is repaired and the trains are running again.”
An expectant expression crossed his face but his eyes danced with mischief. “Because you can’t bear to leave me?”
She rolled her eyes. “Why am I even confiding in you? You’re crazy.”
His wicked grin stirred her senses. “Naw, admit it, I’m irresistible and you’ve fallen under my spell.”
She couldn’t let him know how true his words were. “Excuse me, did I hear you say someone fell into the well?”
He put his hand to his heart. “I’m crushed.”
Mr. Murdoch pushed back from the table and stood. “Time to get busy, men.”
Chapter Eight
Charity watched her aunt. “You’re making a lot of progress on the rug. Soon you’ll have it ready for the living room.”
“I’m determined to finish before we have to leave. At least we’ll have left one tangible contribution to the household.”
“Logan said his father is much changed since we’re here. I think you can count that as a good you’ve done.”
Her aunt met her gaze and Charity read pain there. “Do you believe that?”
Montana Sky: Murdoch's Bride (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 3) Page 6
