Alice

by Kirsten Osbourne

  Alice

  Orlan Orphans Book 12

  Kirsten Osbourne

  Unlimited Dreams

  Copyright © 2018 by Kirsten Osbourne

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Also by Kirsten Osbourne

  Chapter 1

  “Aunt Alice!”

  Alice Sanders bent down to pick up her tiny nephew. She hugged him and twirled him around.

  “Oh my! I think you’ve gotten even bigger since I saw you last week!” Alice laughed.

  Her nephew beamed proudly. “Daddy says one day I’ll be as tall as he is.”

  “I’m sure you will be,” Alice agreed. “Now, where is your mother? I want to say hello!”

  Ruby Darcy made her way into the room, where she greeted her sister warmly.

  Alice nearly gasped when she saw how pale Ruby’s lovely face was. “Are you all right?”

  Ruby smiled. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. . . . Come on, let’s sit inside.”

  Alice followed her older sister into the home where Ruby lived with her husband, Lewis, and their children. It was smaller than the home Alice lived in but beautifully furnished. Alice knew Ruby had selected many of the fabrics and pieces of furniture carefully and saved up money to purchase them through Lewis’s contacts at the mercantile. The Darcy family owned and operated the Nowhere mercantile on the first floor of the building they lived in.

  Although Ruby was a young mother, she still helped out around the mercantile as much as she could because she enjoyed it. All of Alice’s sisters liked to stay busy, Alice included. In fact, their adoptive parents practically insisted upon it. They had all come to Nowhere together from a small town in New York a few years back. The church in charge of the orphanage took issue with the fact that young men and women weren’t supposed to live in the same residence. They arranged for the girls, fifteen in total, to move to Texas, and sent them on a bus with their matron, Cassie Hayes.

  When they’d arrived in Texas, they’d found that there had been a terrible mistake, and there was no room for them anywhere. The women were going to be separated from the only family they’d ever known. Thankfully, Edna Petunia and Cletus Sanders had stepped in and saved the day. Although they were elderly, they were newlyweds who had always dreamed of having a family of their own, and they were happy to open their home to the young women. Alice was so happy that she hadn’t been separated from her sisters. Since she had been orphaned as an infant, they were the only family she had ever known.

  Now that they had all settled in Nowhere, many of the older girls had married and started raising families of their very own. Alice was curious about what that might be like, but she assumed she’d remain living with her parents instead of marrying. She was much more serious and studious than the other young people she knew. The idea of promising herself to a man for the rest of her life was terrifying. She still didn’t understand how Edna Petunia and Cletus managed to have such a full and loving relationship. Didn’t they ever run out of things to talk about?

  “I have something I need to tell you,” Ruby said to Alice as her son ran out of the room to play. “I’m expecting again.”

  “Congratulations!” Alice exclaimed. It was no wonder that Ruby looked so pale and tired. Alice realized she should have recognized the signs earlier. “Are you feeling all right?”

  “Honestly, I’m not feeling all that well,” Ruby admitted. “I’m not as bad as I was when I needed Sarah Jane’s help, but I feel . . . odd. I don’t know how I’m going to get through the next several months.”

  “When are you due?” Alice asked.

  “Dr. Harvey thinks the baby will come in about six months’ time,” Ruby explained. “I was wondering . . .” Ruby looked at Alice expectantly, like she was about to ask Alice for something.

  “What do you need, Ruby?” Alice loved her family and took her responsibility to them very seriously. If her sisters or parents needed anything, she was always glad to offer assistance.

  “I was wondering if you’d be able to help Lewis out in the mercantile. I work there almost every day to help out and also keep the place neat and tidy. Lewis told me not to worry about the mercantile, but I really think he could use the help. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it was important,” Ruby continued.

  Alice smiled at her older sister. “Ruby, I’d be happy to help out around the mercantile. I would be glad to help your family because you and Lewis have already done so much for me.”

  Ever since Ruby had married Lewis, Lewis had been kind to all of her sisters. He treated them with respect and allowed them to order anything they wanted to be shipped to the mercantile.

  “Really?” Tears brimmed in Ruby’s eyes. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I’m sorry I’m getting emotional!”

  Alice walked over to her sister and gave her a hug. “Of course.”

  “Thank you, Alice. Who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll be able to repay the favor when you’re expecting,” Ruby suggested with a sly smile.

  Alice shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, but I don’t think I’ll ever get married.”

  Ruby looked shocked. “Why not?”

  Alice frowned. “None of the young men in this town take anything seriously. They like to joke and have fun and play pranks. There’s no one I would ever want to settle down with.”

  Ruby laughed. “Oh, Alice. I hope one day you’ll meet a man who can change your mind about that.”

  “With all due respect, I don’t think I will.” Alice straightened her skirt. She knew her sister wanted what was best for her, but Ruby couldn’t possibly understand. Ruby had been lucky enough to meet and marry her soulmate. Alice didn’t think she had a soulmate.

  “In any, case, will you stay for dinner?” Ruby invited. “As a thank you for helping us out.”

  Alice shook her head. “No, thank you, but I appreciate the offer. I need to get home and finish my chores at the house. Since I’m going to be spending more time at the mercantile, I want to make sure I don’t neglect any of my family responsibilities.”

  Ruby shook her head in amazement. “You’re truly special, Alice. Do you know that? You’re such a responsible and considerate young woman.”

  Alice waved her sister’s compliment off. “I’m only doing my duty, Ruby, the same as anyone else.” Alice stood up and gave her sister a hug.

  Before she left, her nephew ran to Alice and threw himself around her knees. “Bye, Auntie Alice!”

  “Bye, sweetheart. You be good for your mother, do you understand?” Alice kissed him on the top of his head.

  “Thanks, Alice!” Ruby called.

  Alice waved goodbye as she went down the stairs to return to the Sanders’ house.

  The following day, Alice finished her chores early and set off for the mercantile. Though it was not quite seven o’clock, she found Lewis whistling as he stocked various cans and jars onto one of the shelves near the back.

  “Good morning!” Alice called.

  Lewis stopped what he was doing and walked to the front of the mercantile. “Good morning, Alice. Ruby told me you’d be coming to help out for a while.”

  “Yes, that’s right. Where should I start?” Alice asked.
/>
  “Let me think.” Lewis frowned and looked around the store.

  Alice smiled. “I may not know all the details about running a mercantile, but I’m a hard worker and a fast learner. You can put me to work!”

  “Thank you, Alice. I’ll tell you what. I need to do some accounting this morning, so why don’t you start out by sweeping the floors and dusting all the shelves? The mop, broom, and dustpan are in the closet. I’ll think about what other tasks I need your help with and then tell you what they are after you finish cleaning. Does that sound okay?” Lewis asked.

  “That sounds great,” Alice replied. She found the closet Lewis was talking about and got out a broom and a dustpan. She started with the area around the closet and began working her way toward the front of the store, slowly and methodically. She swept all the dust and dirt into the pan and disposed of it outside.

  As she swept up the last bits of debris, there was a knock at the door. Alice looked up, startled. The mercantile didn’t open until eight o’clock, and it wasn’t half past seven yet. She put her hand over her brow so she could get a better view.

  Standing at the front door to the mercantile, staring inside and looking directly at her, was the most handsome gentleman Alice had ever seen.

  He wore a dark suit and carried his hat in his hand. He also carried a brown leather briefcase. He looked at her with his deep, dark eyes, and Alice had the strange sensation that she knew him even though she had never met the man before. It was an odd but powerful feeling she had never in her life experienced.

  Alice wondered if she should go tell Lewis that a strange man was at the door. Instead, she walked closer to the entrance and opened the door. “Can I help you?” Alice asked in a halting voice. Why was she so nervous?

  “I’m Mark Brooks,” the handsome stranger said. “May I come in?”

  “I don’t know about that. Please tell me your business, and I’ll let Lewis know. He’s the owner of the mercantile,” Alice explained, still feeling a bit shaken by the man’s appearance.

  “I own a small merchant business, and I’m delivering our newest catalog. Is Lewis your...husband?” Mark asked Alice.

  Alice blushed. “Oh, no. He’s married to my sister Ruby. I’m Alice, and I’m just here helping out since she’s expecting another child.” Alice couldn’t believe she had blurted all that out to a man she had just met. “I’m sorry. You didn’t need to know all that.”

  Mark laughed. “It’s okay. It makes it interesting. I have to admit, I’m a little relieved to hear he’s not your husband.”

  Alice looked down at the ground. “Why would that be?”

  “Because if he’s not your husband, I doubt you’d have a husband. No respectable man would allow a woman as pretty as you to work in such close quarters with another man. Would I be right in guessing you’re not married?” Mark looked at Alice with kind, questioning eyes.

  Alice couldn’t think straight. She couldn’t believe how forward this man was acting with her, but she also found herself enjoying talking with him. “Yes, you’re right. I’m not married.”

  “Hm.” The man’s eyes sparkled. “I hope that I’ll be able to change that one day soon.”

  Alice frowned. She needed to politely excuse herself from the situation. She was getting flushed and didn’t know how to handle Mr. Brooks’s remarks. “I need to go get Mr. Darcy.”

  “Thank you, Alice.” Mark smiled at her, and Alice thought she was overreacting. He was a salesman, and this was probably how he treated all the women he came into contact with.

  Alice brushed off her skirt as she walked quickly toward the back of the mercantile. When she approached Lewis’s desk, she cleared her throat to get his attention. “Excuse me, Lewis, but there’s a man here to see you. His name is Mark Brooks, and he said he’s a merchant.”

  “Thank you, Alice.” Lewis stood up and nodded. “Merchants visit all the time, often wanting to sell me some of their latest products or share a new catalog. Mark Brooks . . . that name sounds familiar, but I don’t quite know why. I’ll go meet him.”

  Alice continued cleaning the shop as Lewis went to talk to Mark. She was close enough to hear their conversation.

  “Good to meet you. I’m Mark Brooks. My uncle was Frank Brooks.” Mark shook Lewis’s hand heartily.

  “Nice to meet you, Mark. Yes, I know your uncle. I haven’t seen him in quite some time. At least a year or more,” Lewis said, putting his hands in his pockets.

  Mark looked down at the ground. “I’m afraid that he passed away after a lengthy illness.”

  “My condolences,” Lewis told him. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Thank you,” Mark replied. “I’ve inherited his business, and I’m going around to each of his previous customers to see if there are any outstanding orders —or new orders you’d like to place.”

  “That’s a fine idea. I’m sure you’ll learn the ropes of the business in no time at all with a head like that on your shoulders,” Lewis said, seemingly impressed by Mark’s actions. Alice knew that Lewis didn’t give out compliments lightly. A person had to earn them.

  Mark chuckled. “I’m not so sure about that. My uncle did teach me a lot during the summers I spent working for him, but I wish we’d had more time together. There’s a lot to learn. I only hope that I’ll do as good of a job as he did in keeping his customers satisfied.”

  Lewis put his hand on Mark’s shoulder. “Your uncle was a very good man. You have big shoes to fill, but I’m sure with a little patience and hard work, you’ll do well.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I appreciate that. While I’m here, I wanted to see if you would be interested in looking at our newest catalog.” Mark pulled it out of his briefcase. Alice finished dusting and moved to the back of the store, where she couldn’t hear what they were saying. She watched as Mark animatedly spoke to Lewis, and Lewis nodded and gave a few short responses.

  She had to admit, Mark Brooks was an incredibly handsome man. She had rarely seen someone who looked as good as him in the town of Nowhere. Most of the young men she knew were ranchers she had known for years. They were often raucous and loud, with dirt covering their faces and clothing. Mark was completely different. He wore a finely tailored suit and classy shoes, and he carried a fancy briefcase. Still, she knew she needed to be careful about men like that. Her father, Cletus, had warned her about men who traveled for a living. He always said it took time to get to know a person enough that you could trust him.

  Alice watched as Mark and Lewis shook hands, and Lewis returned to his desk in the back of the mercantile. Mark walked toward the door, then hesitated. He turned back toward Alice. “Do you work here every day of the week?”

  Alice felt her cheeks turning red again. She busied herself with her broom and dustpan. “I’m only helping out while Lewis’s wife is expecting. But yes, I work here every day except for the weekends.”

  Mark held his hat to his chest, as he had when he had first introduced himself. “Well, that’s lucky for me. Lewis asked me to stop by tomorrow so we can finish discussing his needs for a big order he’d like to place. I’m glad to hear that you’ll be here waiting when I get back.”

  Alice couldn’t help herself from making a face at Mark’s comment. “I won’t be waiting for you. I’ll be doing my work, just as I do every day.”

  Mark looked surprised but quickly smiled. “Of course. You’re right. I didn’t mean to be so bold.”

  “It’s all right. I really should get back to my work now.” Alice suddenly felt shy around the man.

  Mark tipped his hat as he placed it on his head. “It was a true pleasure to meet you, Alice.”

  “Nice to meet you as well,” Alice replied softly as he walked out the door. She watched his broad shoulders and slender, strong frame disappear into the distance. For the rest of the day, no matter how hard she tried to focus on her responsibilities at the mercantile, her thoughts kept drifting back to Mark Brooks, the handsome traveling merchant.


  Chapter 2

  The following morning, when Alice arrived, Mark and Lewis were sitting at a table in the middle of the mercantile, talking and laughing. She was surprised at how close they had gotten in only a day’s time.

  Alice noticed that Lewis’s coffee mug was empty. “Would you like more coffee?”

  “Just a little more, Alice. Thank you,” Lewis answered.

  Alice turned to Mark. “Would you like some as well, Mr. Brooks?”

  Mark grinned at Alice, revealing a dazzling white smile. “I’d love that. Thank you, Alice.”

  Alice felt her cheeks redden as she rushed toward the back of the mercantile to make some coffee for the men. She didn’t understand the effect the traveling salesman had on her. He made her feel silly and special, all at the same time. Silly because she didn’t care for young women who only paid attention to the way men treated them. Special because she genuinely felt like Mark was interested in her as a person. Alice sighed. It was all so confusing. She wished Ruby were there. She’d surely know what to do.

  Alice made coffee and brought two steaming mugs to the men. She set them down in front of Lewis and Mark. Mark flashed her a special smile as she walked away, and Alice felt a tingle inside of her stomach that she had never experienced before. She tried to ignore it and hoped it would go away. She wondered if she was getting sick, but she had a feeling that the tingle had something to do with Mark Brooks. She didn’t like it.

  Alice threw herself into her chores that morning, scrubbing the mercantile like she had never scrubbed before. Each time a customer came in, Alice would pause her cleaning and assist them with whatever they needed, since Mark and Lewis were still talking. Before noon, the floor was sparkling, the shelves were in meticulous order, and each piece of furniture and item had been dusted or polished.