“Hello, Miss Jones.” Cole was proud of his daughter for her polite greeting.
“Hello, Mary. Are you having a nice time with Annie?”
The little girl nodded vigorously while her gaze shifted between her father and their visitor. “You aren’t here to take Annie away already are you?” she blurted out before biting her lip in indecision as she glanced at her father. “I’m sorry to be rude. But we’re having lots of fun. And Annie really loves the puppies, don’t you Annie?”
The other little girl looked nervously around the room, uncertainty written clearly on her petite features. Cole was surprised when Miss Jones quickly set the child at ease.
“Good morning, Annie, dear, how are you? I don’t mean to interrupt your time with your friend. I just wanted to be certain that you were comfortable here, as you haven’t slept over before.”
It was the right thing to say for the little girl’s face split into a wide smile and she nodded vigorously. “Oh, Miss Melanie, I’m having a grand time. We’ve been careful not to get hurt like the last time I played over at Suzie’s place.”
Miss Jones laughed. “Well, that’s certainly a relief.”
“Is that why you came to check on me?”
Miss Jones blinked. Cole was heartened by the observation that she clearly didn’t want to lie to the little girl. “I just wanted to be sure that all was well.” Cole had to rub his chin to disguise his amusement over her tactful answer. Despite not having her own offspring, she was clearly used to managing children.
The little girl took her answer in stride. She nodded acceptance. “You must come see the puppies.”
“Are they absolutely darling?” Miss Jones asked, giving her attention completely to the little girls, including Mary in her question.
The two children were talking over each other, eager to share their tales with a receptive adult. Much to Cole’s regret, Leandra didn’t appreciate being cut out of the visitor’s attention and soon interrupted.
“Girls, why don’t you go back outside to play? We grownups are still finishing our tea.”
Cole bit the edge of his tongue to prevent a smile from creasing his face as he watched Miss Jones absorb his sister’s rudeness toward the children. She offered the little girls a kind smile.
“I’ll join you outside shortly, and you can show me the puppies.” Cole was impressed that she was so diplomatic. She didn’t contradict the other adult, but she didn’t exclude the children either.
Mary shifted from foot to foot as she looked expectantly at her father. “I’m not done playing with Annie, Papa. Can she stay over another night?”
Cole was pleased to see the other child’s eyes light up. Obviously, Annie wasn’t averse to the idea of staying another night. “Let Miss Jones and I talk about it, and I’ll let you know, all right? When she comes out to see the puppies she’ll tell you if Annie can stay longer.”
He watched as his daughter’s face fell, but he didn’t want to give away that it had already been planned. He was fairly sure it was the right way of handling it and was pleased to watch as the visitor bent low and whispered to Annie. He could only guess that she was checking with the child to make sure she was agreeable to staying longer. Her vigorous nod to the affirmative set him at ease. He was surprised to feel anticipation toward the woman’s next visit when she hadn’t even left yet from this one.
Cole was feeling quite content until he glanced back toward his sister. Her face looked thunderous. Leandra was not pleased that the children hadn’t yet left the room. Hoping to avoid an altercation, he quickly shooed the girls away. “Run along now, girls. Miss Jones will join you shortly.”
With their giggles trailing behind them, the youngsters clattered from the room.
“Well now, where were we?” Leandra asked before resuming her monologue.
Cole contented himself with watching Miss Jones’ face. He was relieved to see that while a myriad of feelings chased themselves across her features, uppermost appeared to be amusement. Rather than being offended by his sister’s rudeness toward the children, it would appear she was accustomed to it and found it funny rather than off putting. Finally, his sister got to an interesting point.
“Well, Miss Jones, I must say, you are an exceptional conversationalist,” his sister said, which caused their visitor to chuckle.
“That’s terribly kind of you to say, Miss Miller.” Miss Jones sounded sincere despite her amusement.
“But I don’t think you have told me very much about yourself,” Leandra observed. “How do you come to find yourself in this backward place? Surely you won’t be staying for very long.”
Cole watched as Miss Jones struggled to answer her question. She was too polite to contradict her hostess, but he was fairly certain she didn’t consider Bucklin to be so very backward.
“Actually, Miss Miller,” she began before being interrupted.
“Oh, you really must call me Leandra. We absolutely must be friends. I am so very glad to have another woman nearby.”
Miss Jones’ smile was warm. “Thank you, Leandra, I would be happy to be friends. And you must call me Melanie.”
“Very well, Melanie. Tell me, what brought you to this dreadful place?”
Cole’s gut clenched as he watched the pretty woman bite her lip before answering. Her smile was tentative as she began. “Actually, I haven’t yet found anything to be dreadful since I arrived.” Her tone was apologetic but firm. “My friend and I were volunteers at an orphanage in New York City and were assigned the task of accompanying a trainload of the orphans, who were coming out West to join new families here. We had already accompanied children on the trains a few times, but we felt that this time it was going to also be our turn to start new lives.”
“Isn’t your family terribly disappointed to have you so far away?”
“I don’t have any family that needs me.” Her answer was simple but stark. “My mother has been gone for fifteen years. She died giving birth to my brother. My father died a year ago. In between my brother and me, I have a sister. She married six months ago. Life with my brother was no longer bearable, so I decided to get a fresh start here in Missouri.”
“Oh, my dear, I am right sorry.” Despite her selfish ways, Leandra still had a kind heart and hadn’t intended to dredge up painful thoughts for her new friend.
“Don’t be sorry, Leandra. It just is what it is. Mrs. Carter and I are having a fine time getting settled and starting up our seamstress business. She is delighted to have her new daughter, and I am happy to have a life of my own.”
Leandra nodded although she didn’t look as though she believed their guest. But she didn’t dwell on it for very long. She launched into her own thoughts, which Miss Jones politely listened to for a few more minutes before she rose to her feet.
“It has been such a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Leandra, and I thank you for your hospitality. But I really mustn’t keep you from your chores any longer, and I ought to be on my way.”
Again, Cole stifled his amusement as his sister looked confused. She didn’t do very much around his spread, so there weren’t many chores she would be doing once their guest left. He was surprised to see amusement twinkling in Miss Jones’ eyes as though she knew what he was thinking.
“Thank you so much, again, for keeping Annie another night. Mrs. Carter is anxious to keep the child from worrying about her absence. Having her here is an excellent distraction. Hopefully, Annie needn’t ever know that her mom hasn’t been at home. I’m just so grateful that she wasn’t suspicious why it was me checking on her rather than her mother.”
“I’m just as glad to have Mary occupied as well, so we might as well say that it’s a mutual favor,” Leandra answered. “Do promise you’ll stay for another tea when you come round to collect the child.”
Miss Jones smiled but didn’t completely accept. “Perhaps you’ll have the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Annie’s mother. I’ll be sure to tell her to plan for tea if it�
��s she who comes to collect Annie.”
Leandra looked pleased at the prospect of another visitor as she followed her to the door. “Either way, don’t be a stranger.”
Cole accompanied Miss Jones as she stepped out onto the porch. Leandra appeared to be torn. She wanted to prolong her time with their visitor, but she didn’t like to be around the animals. When she saw that Melanie was heading toward the barn, she stepped back into the house.
“I’m sorry about my sister,” Cole began but was quickly cut off by a flash of what looked like anger in Miss Jones’ face.
“You needn’t apologize for her. Your sister is a dear.”
Cole was taken aback and frowned. “I wouldn’t describe her in that way, myself.”
“Well you ought to. Didn’t you say she came out her to help you with your daughter when your wife passed?”
He sputtered a little bit but didn’t know how to reply. She carried on, all trace of awkwardness gone, at least for the moment. “Your gratitude should make you see that she has left all that is comfortable for her, and she is struggling just like everyone else. She is a dear,” Melanie repeated, her firm tone brooking no argument.
Cole grinned. “I see you’re the type who thinks all women should be loyal to each other.”
His words seemed to deflate her inexplicable anger, and she offered him a weak grin. “I am, yes. It might make me a little unreasonable at times.”
With a shrug and a nod Cole admitted, “Maybe so, but I think it’s admirable anyway. And since I love my sister despite her ways, I appreciate your loyalty on her behalf.” They walked in silence for a beat before he added, “And you needn’t thank us for keeping Annie. As you might have noticed, Leandra doesn’t have all that much patience for noisy play, so it’s good for Mary to have company to be able to play out of doors. I think she sometimes finds it boring to try to play by herself all the time despite what an imagination the girl has.”
Miss Jones nodded but looked uncomfortable once more. Cole was relieved they had reached the barn and could hear the girls playing in an empty stall.
Cole was impressed once more when she kept her voice low but called out to the girls. “Hello? I’m here to see the puppies.” She had the sense not to disturb the animals even if she hadn’t been on a farm before.
The two giggling girls called from the stall they were in. “Over here, Miss Melanie.”
When they reached the partition, Cole watched Melanie’s face rather than looking in. He was quite familiar with his daughter’s appearance and had already spent time with the puppies himself, so he wanted to enjoy the woman’s first experience with the young animals. He was so glad he did. The wonder and joy that spread across her face as she watched the little girls playing with the wriggling balls of fur was a pleasure to behold. It was obvious the woman had a deep sense of inner peace despite her occasional social awkwardness.
“Aren’t they the most darling things you’ve ever seen, Miss Melanie?”
“That they are, Annie,” the woman promptly replied. “But doesn’t their mother mind you playing with her babies?” She was obviously a worrier.
“No,” Mary answered simply.
This was obviously not enough of an answer for Miss Jones. She turned a face full of inquiry toward Cole, and he quickly soothed her concerns. “The puppies’ mother is a sweet, gentle dog that we’ve had since Mary was a baby. She’s quite used to Mary’s attentions. And this is her third litter of puppies, so she isn’t a nervous mother.”
“But they look so tiny. Are you certain the girls won’t hurt them?”
Cole grinned at her hushed tone. He wasn’t sure if she was trying to avoid hurting the children’s feelings or if she didn’t want to disturb the puppies. He found it endearing.
“Puppies are tough despite how little they look. But they actually aren’t so very young. It’s not as though they were just born. They are already almost three weeks old. They can’t stray far from their mother, but it won’t hurt them to socialize with the girls.”
Cole grinned when she turned her attention back to the puppies after she had searched his gaze for confirmation of his sincerity. It seemed to him as though her gaze on the little dogs was full of longing.
“Would you like to hold one yourself?”
“Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly.”
He chuckled softly. “Is that your response to everything?”
Her cheeks turned pink, and she looked mortified as she turned to him but then quickly cast her gaze to the ground in a bashful manner. Cole felt bad for teasing her. He quickly reminded her, “It’s what you said about helping me with the foal, and about naming the horse.”
Her cheeks remained brightly colored, but comprehension flooded her face. “I’ve never held a puppy before. Any animals we ever had were stray cats my brother or sister found. Cats, when they finally allow you to handle them, are either watchful and guarded or relaxed and prone. Those little balls of fur look like they would wiggle right out of your hands if you aren’t very careful.”
Cole could see that she had actually given the matter some thought, and he felt even worse about teasing her. “Why don’t you sit down on that overturned pail, then you’ll be able to hold the pup in your lap. I’ll grab one from the girls for you.”
He couldn’t help smiling as the woman looked nervous but eager while he grabbed what he hopped was the least squirmy of the litter. When their hands connected as he settled the warm bundle in her lap, Cole felt a jolt that he quickly fought to ignore. It suddenly dawned on him that he was attracted to the pretty woman, and that just wouldn’t do. She obviously had emotional issues to which he wasn’t privy. And he had enough emotional females on his hands with his bitter sister and motherless daughter. He didn’t need another one, no matter how soft and sweet she seemed or how kind she was as she crooned gently to the small animal cradled in her hands.
~~~
Melanie stared down at the brown ball of fluff in her lap. She was holding a puppy! The one thing her sister had always wished for, she thought wistfully before a grin split her face when the little animal started to lick and chew on her fingers. In that instant, Melanie’s heart melted. How would she live without the warm little bundle in her life? She quickly chastised herself for the ridiculous thought. You’ve managed to reach the ripe old age of twenty-five without ever once having a puppy in your life. You can certainly live through the experience of playing with one for a moment and then giving him back.
But oh, how she didn’t want to return the little creature. Not that she had any need for such a complication, she reminded herself. Just think of how you reacted when Katie said she wanted to adopt Annie. You thought the younger woman was foolish. And now, you wish you could have a dog? You scoop this little bundle up and return him right this minute, Melanie Jones! The silent lecture didn’t help her very much. She scooped up the little animal but instead of handing him back to the rancher, she cuddled it closer to her chest, a sense of peace permeating her as the puppy licked her once more and then settled down as though it were going to sleep. Melanie was so surprised she didn’t know what to make of the development.
She blinked and met Mr. Miller’s gaze as he watched attentively. Melanie wondered if he was worried she would hurt the animal. His smile did disconcerting things to her tummy while also assuring her he wasn’t overly worried about the pup.
“I think the girls tuckered him out before we even got here. I hope you aren’t disappointed that he isn’t a little more playful.”
Melanie was pretty sure her gaze was full of longing as she returned it to the sleeping animal. “Not at all. He’s almost as restful as a purring cat.”
“Do you prefer cats?” His tone led her to think he wasn’t as impressed with her preferences.
She shrugged. “I wouldn’t say I prefer them. I just have never held a dog before. We did have cats, though. In the city, it wasn’t uncommon to have rodents invade. It was always a challenge to have a balanced animal –
one that was able to hunt, but also would willingly accept the affections of my little sister and brother.”
Again the man grinned, and the flutter it caused in her chest made Melanie surge to her feet while being careful not to disturb the sleeping puppy. “I really ought to be going,” she stated firmly without meeting Mr. Miller’s gaze. “Annie, if you’re sure you want to stay another day, I will let your mother know that you are behaving nicely and having a good time.”
“Thank you, Miss Melanie,” the child answered politely despite being preoccupied.
Melanie was amused by the youngster but felt her smile fading as she turned to Mr. Miller to take her leave. “Thank you so much for your assistance, sir. Mrs. Carter and I are both very grateful.”
“I told you, no thanks necessary. I appreciate Mary having a little friend to play with.”
“Very well, then.” Melanie needed to be brusque in order to excuse herself. “I will wish you a good day, then, Mr. Miller.” She gently passed the puppy into his large hands, turned on her heel, and marched out of the barn without a backward glance.
Chapter Six
M elanie was berating herself every step of the way home. How could you be so ridiculous as to go and get all aflutter about a handsome man? You are surely much too old for such nonsense. It’s not as though you have any interest in pursuing a courtship with him. He’s a father, for land’s sakes! The father of a girl child besides, so you can be sure he’ll be after having a son. No, Miss Melanie Jones, you are to get all thoughts of handsome ranchers with deep voices and cleft chins out of your head. You are a senseless woman who can barely leave the house. What you do not need is fluttery feelings about a man.
Trying to cast her thoughts elsewhere, Melanie thought about the animals she had seen while visiting the Miller place. The horses had been magnificent. Having so rarely been that close to one, she hadn’t realized just how majestic the beasts were. No wonder most people were mad about them, she thought with a wry twist of her lips. Perhaps she and Katie ought to think of getting a gig or carriage of some sort and a lovely horse to pull it. It would certainly make Katie’s task of visiting their customers much easier. Of course, if you have a horse, you have to know how to care for it. Melanie shuddered slightly. She didn’t think she could cope with the responsibility. It was best to think of something other than the lovely creatures she had spent time with, she decided with a little shake of her head.
Orphan Train Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 4 Page 32
