An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4)

by Carré White

  “Yes?” A woman appeared, dressed in an apron.

  “Hello, Mrs. Henderson,” said Jane. “I’ve come to get a few books. Pastor Bailey knows I’m here.”

  Her smile was expansive. “Come in, Jane. How have you been?”

  “I’m well, Lola, thank you. How are you?”

  “Good. I hope you’re enjoying staying at the Weaver’s.”

  “It’s tolerable.”

  I would ignore that response. “Hello, I’m Fanny Hoffman…um…Mrs. Hatch.”

  “How do you do?”

  “Well, thank you.”

  We stood in a surprisingly neat-looking room, which was sparsely furnished with a sofa and a rocking chair and several bookcases filled with leather bound volumes. Jane made a beeline for them, while I lingered, wandering over to a desk. There were stacks of papers, an inkwell, quill, and envelopes. There was a portrait of a woman in a gilded frame. The photograph revealed a sober-looking woman, who wore a darkly colored dress with a lace collar.

  “This must be his mother,” I said.

  Jane glanced over her shoulder. “Yes, it was.”

  “Oh.” She knew far more about the preacher than I did, and I felt a ping of envy yet again.

  She slid a book out, glancing at the title. “I’ll probably take this one.”

  There was a door a few feet away, and I moved towards it, seeing it opened slightly. Peering into the room, there was a bed, which had been meticulously made, and a dresser. A mirror stood upon the furniture with a porcelain bowl and a pitcher of water. Shaving items were nearby with tweezers and other grooming paraphernalia. A coat hung behind a chair, while a pair of shoes lay in a small wooden box. The blanket on the bed was knitted, the colors ranging from whites to blues and greens. Sheer curtains hung before the window, while the breeze caught the material.

  It was strange to stand in the space where he slept. I stared at the bed; the size was not substantial, and it would only hold one person comfortably. The pillow had a dark blue cover. Knowing that he slept here, in this very room, left me oddly disconcerted. He seemed to prefer an orderly, uncluttered environment; his things had all been neatly put away. When the children had been here, it must have been chaotic. How they had all managed in only two rooms was beyond me. I hadn’t even seen a kitchen. It was for the best that they were with me now; I had to admit this.

  “I’m ready,” said Jane, startling me.

  “Oh, good. Did you find the books you wanted?”

  “Yes.”

  “Very well.” We were expected, as every one waited below. “He’s quite neat.”

  “Yes, he prefers order.”

  I hated that she spoke as if they were intimately acquainted. “It’s for the best that we’ve left him in peace then.”

  “I didn’t mind being here.”

  We were in the stairway, our feet shuffling from step to step. “You seem fond of him.”

  “He’s quiet and refined. I like to be around people who don’t feel the need to always speak.”

  That came across rather caustic. “Is that your way of saying that I prattle incessantly?” She said nothing, as we passed through the bakery. “Jane?”

  “There’s really nothing left to discuss.”

  “You don’t think he’s romantically inclined towards you, do you?” I had stopped walking, astounded that I had asked such a blunt question.

  Jane gasped, spinning around, glaring at me. “No more than you think he’s interested in you.”

  Her sharp retort caught me off guard. “I think no such thing.”

  “I beg to differ.”

  Anger flared, quick and hot. “You little—twit! You’re in no position to make such assumptions. You’ve been purposely needling me, and I’m nearly at the end of my rope. I may only be a few years older than you, but I don’t deserve to be treated with such animosity. I’ve done nothing to deserve it.”

  Her gaze sharpened, fury flashing. “The sooner I’m away from you, the better. I’ve no desire to further our acquaintance.” She lifted her chin, glowering at me. It was plain that she found me entirely disagreeable.

  I stared after her, watching as she left the store, striding towards the wagon. Everyone waited for me, and I was frozen in place, my eyes watering. In that moment, I realized that Jane and I might never get along. I had no clue how I would ever win her over, and, furthermore, I didn't care to. She was an insufferable brat, and I would not waste my energies in this capacity another moment. If she desired my companionship, then she would have to extend the olive branch. I was finished with the girl.

  That evening, as we sat in the parlor listening to the shared reading, I thought about the events of the day, finding that the only bright spot had been church and my conversation with Pastor Bailey. Our relationship was on the mend; my anger towards him had dissipated. It had been unfair to feel thusly about him in the first place. He wasn’t to blame for my predicament.

  My gaze drifted to Jane often, resenting the way she sat there with a bland, yet haughty, look, clearly finding me lacking in every possible way. Perhaps, I needed to shift my focus from trying to befriend her to finding her a suitable husband. She was ready for this responsibility.

  Later that night, after we had gotten into bed, I turned to face her, although she shifted to her other shoulder, refusing to look at me.

  “There’s a social in town this week. Do you like to dance?”

  “Are you speaking to me?”

  “Of course. Do you think I’d ask this of Mary?”

  Having heard her name, Mary sat up in the cot. “What?”

  “Nothing. Go back to sleep.”

  “Oh.”

  “I plan to attend the social. You should join me. There are quite a few eligible bachelors in town. It might do us good to meet some of them.”

  “No, thank you.”

  I sighed deeply. “Well, let me know, if you change your mind. I’ll be going Wednesday night.” She said nothing in reply, and I ceased to speak, wishing I had a room to myself where I could have an ounce of privacy.

  In the morning, I was awake before the girls, having gone down to drink coffee. Upon returning to the bedroom to rouse the others, I heard talking in the room, and I listened at the door.

  “She means to marry me off, you know.”

  “No, she doesn’t.” Mary had spoken.

  I pressed my ear to the wood.

  “She wants to find me a husband, that stupid cow.”

  “She’s not that bad, Jane. She’s trying quite hard to befriend you.”

  “She needn’t bother. I’ve no interest in being her friend or anything else.”

  “She means well.”

  “I’m not sure how much more of this I can stand.”

  “Please,” Mary implored. “Just stop it now. Stop being so rude. I find her to be a fair person. She’s trying her best to see to our welfare.”

  “You’ve been hoodwinked by her. She’s reeled you in like a fish on a line. I’m not falling for it. I have no desire to be one of the sheep.”

  “Oh, Lordy. You’re giving me a headache.”

  “I can see that I’m alone in this. You could care less. Susanna hasn’t a clue, and the boys are idiots. I’ll take matters into my own hands.”

  “What will you do?”

  “Nothing for you to worry about.”

  “Will you be quiet?” said a tired-sounding voice. “I’m sleeping.”

  I took that moment to knock on the door, but I couldn’t help wondering at Jane’s prophetic words. It would be necessary to watch her closely to find out what she had planned. “Good morning. It’s time to get ready for school.” This was met with a chorus of negative responses.

  Chapter Ten

  The week began smoothly, the children getting off to school each day without incident. By Wednesday, the routine had been firmly established, and I was able to run my errands in town and do my chores at the house with relative ease, although I had to keep one eye on the clock m
ost of the day. Jane had declined to go to the social in town, and I, not wanting to go alone, had stayed home as well.

  I was in the kitchen early Thursday morning, having a cup of coffee, while Hannah sat across from me. Her look was bleary. “I’m exhausted. Letty woke us three times last night.”

  “I thought I heard crying.”

  “I’ll need a nap.”

  My parents were asleep in the third bedroom, although I had perceived father already heading out to the privy. “I would love a house in town. All I do is drive back and forth.”

  “You should’ve gone to the social.” She grinned. “There are plenty of bachelors to choose from. You could’ve had your pick.”

  Maria appeared, carrying a basket full of eggs. “Good morning, ladies.”

  “Good morning.”

  “I make coddled eggs for the little ones.”

  “That sounds lovely,” said Hannah. “Where is my husband?” She glanced towards the kitchen door that led to the backyard. “He’s going to town later to see if Jerry has arrived. He’s been mining in Georgetown. We’ll need an extra cot for one of the boys then. He’s out in the bunkhouse typically.”

  “When will they begin the other house?”

  “We’re waiting for the supplies to arrive. It might be another three weeks.”

  “Gracious. Does the building go quickly after?”

  “If there are enough people.”

  “I’m sorry we’ve intruded upon you like this.”

  “It’s fine, Fanny. It’s temporary. We had Paulina here when she first came to town and then Louisa. I don’t mind.”

  The door opened, and Nathan entered dressed in denim pants and boots, which were scuffed. “We’ve got a problem.” He removed his hat; his hair was messy.

  “What now?”

  “One of the wagons is missing along with a horse.”

  “How could that be?”

  “Someone went somewhere.”

  “Everyone’s accounted for,” I said. Then I got to my feet. “Oh, I’ll be back!” An unpleasant feeling lodged itself in my gut, an inkling of trouble ahead. I hurried up the stairs, striding down the hallway. Opening the bedroom door, I glanced at the sleeping girls, noting that Jane’s side of the bed looked lumpy. Pulling away the blanket, I glimpsed a pillow. “Oh, for Pete’s sakes.” I shook Mary gently. “Where is your sister?”

  “Hum…”

  “Mary!”

  Her eyes flew open. “What?”

  “Where has your sister gone?”

  She turned her head, seeing an empty bed. “I…” she sat up…“haven’t a clue.”

  “Did she say anything about running away?”

  “No.”

  “A wagon’s missing!”

  “I can’t believe she’d do it.”

  “Then you do know something?”

  “She wasn’t happy, Fanny. I tried to talk to her, but she’s so stubborn. You’ve seen how she is.”

  “I wish you would’ve said something.” I glared at her suspiciously. “Do you have any idea where she went?”

  “We’ve distant family out in California. I suspect she’s thinking of joining the wagon train that way.”

  “That’s utter madness!”

  “She’ll never make it. Don’t you see? She’ll die of stupidity long before she ever meets up with a wagon train.”

  “Oh! When I catch up with her! I’ll wring her neck!”

  Susanna sat up. “What’s happening?”

  “Get dressed, girls. I’ll take you to school. Then I’m going to find your sister.” An idea hit me. “I wonder if she’s gone to Pastor Bailey’s? Maybe this is some sort of ruse, and she’s with him.” I hurried from the room. “Get dressed, girls!” In the kitchen, I encountered a worried-looking Hannah. “I’m taking the children to school. I suspect she’s at the preacher’s place.”

  “Why would she go there?”

  “She’s infatuated with him. That’s the first spot I’ll look.”

  “Do you want me to go with you?” asked Nathan.

  “No. I’m sure that’s where she is, the little brat.” I patted my hair, realizing I hadn’t made myself entirely presentable yet. “I’d best get ready. Oh, goodness! What a disaster.”

  An hour later, after the children were safely at school, I guided the horse to the church, spying a wagon around the side. Tying the animal securely to the hitching post, I entered the building, hurrying up the aisle towards the office in the back. The door was open, and a light was on.

  “Pastor Bailey!”

  He sat at his desk, his eyes widening for a moment. “Hello, Mrs. Hatch.”

  “Oh, please don't call me that. I loathe it. I’m Miss Hoffman, sir. I was hardly even married, for heaven’s sakes.”

  “What’s wrong?” He got to his feet.

  “Jane’s gone missing. She took a wagon. Is she with you?”

  “Why would you think she’s with me?”

  “She seems infatuated, sir. I can’t help thinking she’s harboring romantic feelings for you.”

  His mouth fell open. “That’s ridiculous.”

  “Yes, but she’s young and…and stupid! She’s liable to do anything. Now she’s gone, and we haven’t a clue where she is. Mary thinks she might’ve left to join a wagon train to California!”

  “Good Lord.” He looked thunderstruck. “That’s not possible.”

  “Then she’s at your residence.”

  “I’ll look, but I doubt it.” He snatched his hat from a hook on the wall. “Come with me, and you shall see I’ve nothing to hide.”

  I left my wagon at the church, while Pastor Bailey drove me to the bakery in his; the ride wasn’t long. There was no sign of Jane’s wagon out front, other than those belonging to the store’s customers. We hurried inside and up the stairs, flinging the door open to the apartment. Lola wasn’t at home.

  “Jane!” He strode to the bedroom, opening the door. “Jane? She’s not here, Fanny.”

  “Then where is she?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Now I was truly worried. I had every expectation of finding her at the pastor’s. “That stupid girl!”

  “What will you do?”

  “I’ll have to go find her. I don’t know.” Tears pricked my eyes. “She’s been impossible to get along with. She hates me, and now this. What is she thinking? Why must she be so difficult?”

  “She’s an emotionally damaged person. She’s had a great deal of trauma in her life.”

  “And I should feel sorry for her? She’s going to get herself killed! Anything could happen to her. There are miners who wouldn’t think twice about…about using a girl like that for nefarious purposes. What if she’s taken by Indians?” Panic gripped me. “Oh, goodness!” I wouldn’t ask him for help. This wasn’t his responsibility. I’d already made a nuisance of myself where he was concerned. “I’ve got to go.”

  “Wait! I’ll bring you to your wagon.”

  “Don't trouble yourself, sir.” Our eyes met, as tears formed in mine. “It’s not your concern. I won’t waste another moment of your time. Excuse me.” I hastened from the room, bounding down the stairs.

  Once at the wagon, I untied the horse, cursing Jane under my breath, but praying at the same time that she had come to her senses and returned home. She was a sensible girl. She had to know that going off into the prairie alone was suicidal. Once I pulled into the Weaver farm, there was activity out front. Nathan had saddled a horse; the animal was fully outfitted with tack and ready to ride. There was a bedroll affixed on one side.

  Hannah held Letty in her arms. “You didn’t find her with the preacher, did you?”

  “No.” I glanced at Nathan, who had a weapon secured to his belt. “What are you doing, sir?”

  “Gonna go find her. She’s not gone far.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “This is my fault. I should’ve done more to improve our relationship. I
could’ve tried harder. Now she’s gone. I’ll grab a few things.”

  “I’m headin’ out now. I’ll be back in an hour. There’s no need for you to trouble yourself, Fanny. She’s not far.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Darlin’, she’s in a wagon. She ain’t gonna be more than four or five miles away.”

  “But how do you know which direction she went in?”

  “I’m gonna ask the neighbors. Somebody saw somethin’.”

  Relief flooded me. “Thank you, Nathan.”

  “When she comes back,” said Hannah. “I’ll paddle her myself. This nonsense must stop.”

  “I agree with you there.” He placed his foot in a stirrup, swinging a leg over the horse. Tipping his hat, he said, “Be back soon. Don’t look so worried. I’ll bring the little minx home. Then we can all take turns tanning her rear end.” He grinned, flashing white teeth.

  When he was out of earshot, I said, “I do like your husband, Hannah.

  “Oh, that girl. Haven’t we had enough drama?” She transferred Letty to the other hip. “I need another coffee.”

  “I’ll join you.”

  It was nearly an hour later when Maria entered the house, carrying a basketful of clothing. “Mr. Weaver’s back.”

  I sprang to my feet. “Oh, thank goodness!”

  “He’s not alone. The preacher’s come as well.”

  “What?” I glanced at Hannah. She placed her knitting on the sofa. “Why would he be here?”

  “Let’s go see. They better have Jane, that’s all I have to say.”

  We emerged onto the front porch, the heat of the midday sun beating down upon the ground. Mother approached from the side of the house. She had been in the garden. “Did you find her?”

  Nathan had dismounted; his look was grim. “Where is she?” I asked. Pastor Bailey had tied his horse to the post; his attire was similar to Nathan’s, although he wore trousers and a calico shirt, which was hidden beneath a sack coat.

  “She had more of a head start than I thought. She was seen heading east, although I’m not sure exactly where.”