“I put you in the guest room until we can make more permanent arrangements. I have to check on the cattle in the up-country due to the weather, but I will be back in a few hours.”
The guest room? Rosanna glanced around, admiring the white linen sheets and the profusion of peaches-and-cream furnishings. A lush multicolored rug covered the floor and picturesque paintings adorned the papered walls. How she loved his home.
“The doctor has been by for the last four days. It has taken quite some time to get you back.”
Four days? It couldn’t be that long. Rosanna tried to sit up, only to collapse, stunned at the lack of strength in her limbs. Why couldn’t she move? He read her mind and responded to her inaudible question.
“You’re still weak and the doctor wants you in bed for two more days. He says you are fully cured and there is no danger of any outbreaks around here. My mother, I must say, is slightly pleased.”
At the mention of his mother, Rosanna snapped her eyes shut. She did not want to have another discussion with Mrs. Malone ever again. She had been a fool to think she could make a new life for herself and her brother in a foreign land with people she did not know. What had possessed her to consider such a ridiculous notion?
“Rosanna, look at me, please.”
His quiet request urged a response, and her tear-filled eyes turned to his own. “Agatha received a letter two days ago from a lady by the name of Gwendolyn Mason. It seemed she sent it the moment you left. She explained your situation completely and helped us to understand. I am sorry you have been through so many hardships, but I hope you will make your home here with me. Are you still willing to go through with the marriage?”
Rosanna bit back shameful tears. She couldn’t marry him now. Not out of pity or charity. “No. I want to go back home.”
He seemed to understand her dilemma, and expelled a deep sigh. He glanced at his pocket watch and came to a decision. “Your brother is dying to see you, despite Agatha’s attempt to keep him engaged. I will send him up, along with some breakfast, and then you can rest for the next two days. After that, we will see what can be done, all right?”
He did not wait for her response, and left with hurried steps. Rosanna watched him depart and felt even more wretched than before. Maybe he couldn’t wait to get away from her. Why did I come here, dear God? Why?
Chapter 7
Alexander stopped by the Warren’s Emporium to consult with Ms. Hinckley. Her generous form, ample smile, and large-heartedness attracted many customers to one of the most prestigious retail establishments in Cheyenne.
The building itself housed more than twenty different stores, with bright window displays of furniture, musical instruments, and delicate glassware. Sixty feet above the floor, a massive glass cupola greeted all guests, and a ladies’ lounge provided a relaxed atmosphere to indulge even the most demanding of shoppers.
When Mrs. Hinckley saw Alexander, she rushed from behind the front counter to give him a hearty embrace. “Mr. Malone, what a pleasant surprise to see you here. Settled down yet?”
Alexander shook his head with a tired sigh. “No, and please call me Alexander. I am glad you asked that question, because I’m planning to start a family of my own.”
At her raised brow, he elaborated, “You will find out soon enough, so I’d better tell you now: Agatha arranged for me to wed a mail-order bride from Philadelphia.”
Mrs. Hinckley placed a hand over her mouth to muffle the surprised cry, and dragged Alexander down one of the aisles. “Really? Well, this has certainly made my day. Your mother must be pleased.”
Alexander chuckled. Mrs. Hinckley knew his mother well enough to realize nothing could truly please her. “She’ll come around, but I need your help. Rosanna’s friends dressed her as best they could to make the journey, but I’d like a whole new wardrobe made for her. There is only one slight issue to deal with: she had smallpox a few months ago.”
At the older woman’s gasp, Alexander drew her further down the aisle aside to avoid curious ears.
“I know what you’re thinking, but Agatha is planning to help her get rid of the spots, and maybe you know of some home remedies to use. For the moment, I want to keep her away from prying eyes, and when she goes out with me, she will wear a veil until she gets much better. Guess it’s great that it’s winter here, so it will raise much less curiosity. There is also the issue of her brother.”
Mrs. Hinckley gaped and then snapped her mouth shut with a self-conscious smile. Some of her customers waved their farewell and she barely glanced at them, enthralled with the story of Alexander’s future bride. “My stars, dear boy. You do have your hands full.”
“Yes, it seems I do. That is why I need your help. Rosanna is finally up today and ready to receive visitors. I want you to meet her first and then bring some clothing to the house, whatever you think she would like and fits well. I need some for her brother David, too. Agatha will take care of the expenses.”
Mrs. Hinckley flushed and waved away his reminder of payment. “Gracious me, Mr. Malone. You have a standing tab here, so there’s no need to be reminding me of such matters. Just give me the pleasure of meeting this charming young lady.”
Alexander relaxed at Mrs. Hinckley’s willingness to help him. She was the only one he trusted to keep Rosanna’s condition to herself.
Now he had two more obstacles on his hands: convince Rosanna to marry him, and help his mother to overcome her opposition to the union.
He waved farewell to Mrs. Hinckley and chuckled on the way out. The next few weeks should prove to be mighty interesting.
Chapter 8
One month later
Rosanna ambled along the various books arranged in neat rows, searching for one to read. The glowing light of the electric hanging lamps illuminated the library, revealing even the most distant shadows, and she perused the titles with ease.
When she saw Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, she exclaimed in delight. Jules Verne. She loved to read about his imaginary worlds and fantastic voyages. With boundless enthusiasm, she pulled out a chair and sat down with a grin. It was going to be great to have a moment to herself.
Was it only a month ago that she had entered Alexander’s life, full of hopes and dreams? He had certainly proved a gracious host, purchasing more clothing than she could wear in her lifetime and indulging her every whim.
Her slender form had even filled out in tasteful curves, requiring some clothing to be readjusted. Rosanna blamed the chef, Mrs. Petersen, for her delectable cooking.
Feeling better than she had in years, she enjoyed the attention lavished on her at every turn. But she knew it wouldn’t last; Rosanna made up her mind to tell Alexander that it was time to go.
Mary never missed a chance to revile her at every turn, and Rosanna had lost the will to continue endless fights. Although she had planned to make a go of it with Alexander, she did not want to live in endless warfare with his mother.
“Rosanna, David is looking for you. What are you doing in here?”
The object of her thoughts strolled in with a soft smile hovering around the edges of his mouth. He was dressed for evening dinner in a tailored suit, and the glow of the hanging lamp played with his hair, creating a halo effect Rosanna found enchanting. He looked very much like the knights in King’s Arthur’s Camelot. “Found something interesting to read?”
She caught her breath at his piercing look and struggled to make sense of his request. “Yes, I’m reading.”
His eyes brimmed with laughter and he pointed to her hands. “Anything interesting?”
Rosanna glanced at the opened book. She loved the way he spoke to her with patience and understanding. Her smile blossomed, and she felt a strange pitter-patter in the depth of her heart. It would be so easy to love and care for him, but she couldn’t drive a wedge between him and his mother.
“It’s by Jules Verne. The one about Captain Nemo and the Nautilus.”
He inclined his head with a bright sm
ile. “How did you know?”
At her questioning look, he explained, “It’s my favorite book to read—apart from the Bible, of course.”
Rosanna swallowed at his comment, overjoyed to hear of his continued faith. “Me, too!”
He looked down with friendly eyes and said, “Maybe we can read the Bible together sometime? I’ve heard you reading to David at night. Why don’t we plan to read together sometime?”
Rosanna laughed in genuine surprise at how elated his request made her feel, and for one moment, she pretended that everything would go well between them. “That is a wonderful idea. You know, I saw the book The Mysterious Island on the shelf. I want to read them both before I—”
He paused for her to finish the comment, but when she suddenly fell silent, he did not probe. He checked his watch and stretched out his right hand. “Time for supper. Care to join me, my lady?”
Rosanna’s heart stopped mid-beat. He’d called her my lady. No one in her life had ever referred to her in such a charming way. She wanted to curl up and die from the heartache of leaving it all behind.
“That is very kind. Are you sure you won’t mind? Your mother doesn’t seem to like me eating with you all.”
His eyes held a curious glint, and he stepped forward. “Leave my mother to me, and let’s enjoy our meal. I had our cook prepare your favorite for tonight.”
Rosanna laid the book on the table and took his arm; he radiated a warm glow that drew her like a magnet. Her imagination went wild at how wonderful her life could be at his side. He must have felt the depth of her emotions, because he pulled her closer, and she allowed him to lead her to the dining room.
Alexander, it will break my heart to say goodbye.
Chapter 9
The sun had just dipped its shadow behind the horizon the next day when Mary corned her son on the front porch. With a high-pitched voice and flared nostrils, she demanded, “Alexander, how long is this charade going to continue? It’s been over a month now and that girl is still here. You’re not thinking of making her your wife, are you?”
Alexander stopped in his tracks with a frown after a hard day’s work. As one of the wealthiest cattle barons in Cheyenne, he had many duties to occupy his time. But since Rosanna’s arrival, he’d hoarded every spare minute he could to return home and check on her progress. He was continually amazed at how quickly she had blended into his life. The impression lingered so strongly that he couldn’t imagine coming home and not finding her there. “Mother, why do you dislike her so much? She is very sweet and kind, and her brother is no trouble at all.”
“Nonsense.” Mary refused to reason on the subject. “She could be still sick and kill us all in our beds. Who knows where she came from? That Gwendolyn woman said her parents were two of only twenty that died in Muncie. It sounds to me as though divine retribution came upon them. Although I must confess, Agatha seems besotted with the boy. He can stay, but the girl must go.”
Frustrated by her inability to recognize his feelings, Alexander strolled toward the front door, eager to remove the grime of the day. “Mother, we will talk about this later. I have to check on Rosanna and make sure she is all right.”
When his mother glared at him, Alexander thought for a moment and murmured, “Mother, please read about the golden rule and see if you can try it with Rosanna. You just might grow to care for each other.”
Chapter 10
Alexander treated Rosanna to a memorable evening with a visit to the opera theater with its majestic winding staircase and radiant chandelier above the main auditorium. The program in blue and pristine white silk impressed her, as did the delicate perfume aroma embedded in the invitation.
Keeping to the shadows and wearing her veil, Rosanna enjoyed the play more than anything she had ever seen in her life. The constantly changing sets on the massive stage with its bright lights and excellent cast made for an amazing ensemble—one she could never forget.
After the play, Alexander took her to an elegant restaurant to enjoy a well-prepared meal. Rosanna loved the atmosphere with the tinkling plates and cutlery, the buzz of patrons in endless chatter, and the aroma of delicious cooking emanating from the kitchen.
They sat next to a lush potted plant in a cozy corner with a view to the outdoors, and enjoyed the sights beyond the framed glass windows.
“There is so much to see around here. I am used to life in faraway places, where few people know you and even fewer care that you’re alive.”
Rosanna’s voice took on a nostalgic affect, which altered the mood between them. Alexander leaned toward her with a questioning look in the depths of his eyes. “Do you want to share what happened with your family?”
Rosanna shifted uneasily. She hadn’t meant to say anything on the subject, but it would seem childish to deny his sincere request. “There’s not much to say. My parents did their best to raise me, although we never had much in the way of money. My mother taught me to read and write and do needle-work.”
She paused for a moment, biting back a flood of tears and finished off in a rush, “They died and left me with David. I used their savings to get to Philadelphia with a friend, and when I got there, Gwendolyn took me in. She helped me and told me God would answer my prayers. And then I found myself here with you and your family.”
He did not accept her blasé summary, and raised a curious brow. “That sounds rather simple for what you’ve been through according to the letter we received, but I know what it means to lose someone. When I lost my father to fever, it was one of the hardest years of my life.”
Rosanna didn’t want to dampen the beautiful night and raise dark memories, so she decided to drop the subject. When Alexander’s hands covered her own, she forgot to breathe under the warmth of his touch. How could he affect her in such a way?
“When are you planning to leave?”
Rosanna gasped, thrown for a loop. How did he know about her plans? His eyes seem to devour her innermost feelings, and she lowered her head in shame.
“Agatha discovered your secret. She said David told her you were traveling in the big metal box soon. I hope that is not true.”
Rosanna shivered despite her warm cloak. She didn’t want to leave, but she didn’t have much choice. “Your mother can’t bear to look at me. Frankly, I can’t bear to look at myself. How will I marry you? You are a fine man with lots of responsibilities. You need a wife who can be a credit to your household.”
He thought about her words for a while and cleared his throat. “If it bothers you that much, Agatha talked to Mrs. Hinckley from Warren’s Emporium and she has something that will help to remove the scars from your face.”
Rosanna raised her head slowly, her eyes brimming with hope. “She does? You mean you can take them away?”
He smiled and signaled the waiter, who hurried over. “Yes, she swears she can. Some mixture of honey, lemon oil, tomatoes, and raw garlic. She swears by her mother’s grave it will work. One thing you will realize when you live here is that Mrs. Hinckley never swears, and when she does, you can believe it.”
When the waiter arrived, he said, “Please ask the cook to prepare her finest dessert.”
Rosanna barely heard the request or saw the waiter scurry away. Her mind was full of the news that she might have the chance at a whole life again.
“Does this make you feel better?”
How could she not feel better? She longed to tear the veil from her face and throw herself into his arms. “Yes, it makes me feel so happy. I don’t know how to express myself other than to thank you from the depths of my heart for such kindness. What you have done for me and David I cannot ever repay. Please let me find a way to show my appreciation to you.”
He latched on to her last statement and leaned forward with an intense gaze in his eyes. “Marry me. That will show me how much you really care.”
Rosanna hesitated, unwilling to take the final leap. A sliver of fear still nestled in her heart. “Your mother—”
“S
he will have to make up her own mind. My heart and my mind are clear. What is yours telling you?”
Rosanna couldn’t refuse his offer. She would give anything to keep a happy smile on his face and gladness in his heart. “Yes, Alexander. My answer is yes.”
Chapter 11
That night, after Rosanna kissed David good night, she prayed as she had never prayed before. Her tears and prayer reminded her of Hannah from the Bible, begging for wisdom and guidance for the task ahead.
When the morning light graced the horizon, she hurried to get ready with one eye on the clock. Alexander told her he would tell the family at breakfast, and she hurried to find Mary before Alexander shared the news.
She found her in the living room attempting to knit a sweater with clumsy hands. Closing the door gently behind her to keep their conversation private, Rosanna sat beside her with a smile.
Mary ignored her attempt to visit and continued with the work, not bothering to acknowledge her presence.
Rosanna took a deep breath and moved closer. Then she put her arm on Mary’s shoulder. At the look of utter shock on the woman’s face, Rosanna said, “Mrs. Malone, Alexander has asked me to be his wife.”
Mary tossed her knitting to the floor and jumped to her feet, dark clouds brimming in her eyes.
Before the conversation ended, Rosanna rushed to finish her heartfelt speech. “I beg you to hear me out, please. I promise I will not try to take your place in your son’s heart, and I will be the best daughter-in-law you will ever have. You will never need to fear for Alexander, as I will care for him with all my heart. And if needed, I will work my fingers to the bone beside him.”
When Mary wallowed in uncertainty, Rosanna finished her plea with a fervent gaze. “I will pray each morning that God keeps you all safe and do my best to make you happy. I swear this on the grave of my parents.”
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