An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) (13 page)

I bit my lower lip, conflicted. “I…won’t lie to you.”

“What?”

“I…do enjoy kissing you.”

He neared, reaching for me, and I was in his arms again, which felt heavenly. “I know you do. This is becoming a frustrating experience. We need to see a preacher.”

“You never did truly propose, or did you?”

“I wanted to get a ring first, but,” he got down on one knee, “I shouldn’t wait another minute.” His smile was endearing. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I’ve courted you abominably, and I’ve behaved like a rake, but I’ll make it up to you, if you’ll give me your hand in marriage.”

“That’s possibly the worst proposal I’ve ever heard.”

His head dropped, feigning shame. “I know. I’m sorry. Please forgive me, but first marry me.”

“You don’t find me too provincial? I know your sister thinks little of me.”

“I’ve never cared all that much for her opinion. Now, is it yes or no? I’m on my bad knee.” He grasped my waist, staring up at me. “Mary?”

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes, I’ll marry you.”

“Oh, thank God.” He got to his feet, but he never once let go of me, bringing me to him. “I hope you won’t object to more kisses.”

“We should…wait—”

“No,” he growled near my ear. “I want to get married as soon as possible. Go buy whatever you need tomorrow, and meet me at the church.”

It took all my will to resist him, and, in the end, I failed. “Oh, Brandon.”

“The surrender in your tone is music to my ears.”

“You horrible man.”

He laughed, “Indeed. We may come from wildly different upbringings, but we are well-suited.” He held my face, gazing at me tenderly, but I could feel the tension in him. “I’ve your father’s permission, and Elizabeth will come around in her own time, but I’ll not wait any longer to be joined with you. When you find the one you wish to share your life with, you want that to begin as soon as possible. It’s ridiculous to wait.”

“You’re very impatient.”

“I am. I’ll go as mad as Anne Hennis Trotter Bailey, if I don’t get my way.”

“Gracious, we can’t have that.”

“No, we can’t.”

“Fine. I’ll do what I can to hurry the proceedings.”

The edges of his mouth lifted. “Excellent. Now kiss me.”

“No.”

“I beg your pardon.”

“It’s…we really shouldn’t.”

“Please.”

There would be little I could do to deny that sweet entreaty. “All right, but…just a small one.” He enfolded me in his arms, his lips meeting mine, and after several minutes of mindless pleasure, I realized that he had taken advantage of me—again.

Chapter Fourteen

Rosalind slept through the night, much to my delight, but she was wide-awake before six, and I was forced to disturb Megan to feed her. I was dressed in my nightclothes and robe, and, when I returned to my room, I heard voices in the parlor. Pausing at the door, I listened.

“I hoped that you would temper your disdain.” Brandon had spoken.

“It’s not disdain,” said Elizabeth. “It’s concern. What on earth has happened to you? How could you ever consider her appropriate for you? Your conditions in life are so vastly different.”

“I’m not looking for a society wife. I’ve already had that. I adored Georgette, but we were hardly ever alone. Our days were filled with appointments, meetings, parties, and traveling. We were barely in a residence together for more than a day or two. The conception of Rosalind was a miracle in itself.”

“I’m utterly confused now. Are you complaining about your life, or running away from your responsibilities? There are people who count on you to keep their businesses afloat.”

“And they have been working successfully in my absence. I’ve mostly investments now, and I’ve hired people to manage those. I’ve no reason to complain about my life. I’ve been blessed, Beth, I truly have. But I’ve also lost a great deal.”

“Yes, and now you’ve lost your mind.”

“I’m perfectly sane. My business decisions are my own affairs. I dictate what’s to be done and pay people to do it. Why are you so vexed with me? Is this lecture about my work or my private life?”

“Oh, dear. You hate me now.”

“I don’t hate you, but please don’t meddle in things you know nothing about. You may not approve of Mary, but I love her. I don’t need to attend a million parties to know that. She’s a simple, quiet, lovely woman. She’s everything I want.”

“And you’re considering staying here? Brandon, be serious. You can’t possible be thinking—”

“I am. I’m looking into several business interests as we speak. I’ve received some information regarding the location of a possible silver mine. I’m going there today, as soon as I can extract myself from this conversation. People are waiting for me.”

“You’re buying a mine?”

“If it’s viable, yes.”

“Where are you going?”

“To Georgetown. They’ve found silver there, but things have been put on hold because there aren’t enough smelters, but I can help with that. I have the capital to build them. It’s one of the many projects I’ve been working on.”

“I see.”

“I need your help. I’m going to marry Miss Hampton, and I would greatly appreciate it, if you would make her feel as welcome as possible. She’s going to be my wife and the mother of my children. It’s as simple as that.”

“When will you be back?”

“Soon enough. Now, do I have your word that you’ll make her feel welcome? She’s not of the city as you are, my dear, but she’s a fine woman. I ask that you help her with her bridal gown and all those other silly things your sex adores when it comes to weddings. Can I rely upon you to do this?”

I stood in the hallway reeling from everything I had just heard, feeling as if my heart would explode with the sheer force of my happiness.

“I will.”

“You won’t belittle her and make her feel like some poor, redheaded stepchild?”

“No, of course not. I really don’t like all of this, but…you’re leaving me with no choice, Brandon. Goodness, I’ve never seen you like this.”

“I hate that I have to go, but Mary needs a few days to prepare and I…need to be gone. I…am rather impatient for things, and it’s fortuitous that I’ll be away.”

“I see. You’re harboring quite the burning passion. There are means to take care of that without having to marry—”

“You should know nothing about that,” he said crisply.

“But, I do,” she laughed. “If it’s female companionship you crave, a parlour house will—”

“Shush! Now you’re being impudent.”

“We’ve always spoken plainly. We needn’t stop now.”

“I don’t want a painted clown for a partner, Beth. I want a warm-blooded, compassionate woman, and I’ve found her. Now will you help me?”

“I’ve said yes. I will.”

“You’ll treat her with kindness and respect.”

“If you continue down this line of questioning, I shall be insulted. Yes, of course. She’s the one you’ve chosen, and there is nothing I can do to change it. Once we free her of those dreadful calicos, she might clean up rather nicely. I see it as a bit of a challenge, actually. Then we need to do something with that hair. I think some fat sausage curls around the face would do wonders for her.”

“You always did like a project.”

“And there is plenty to work on here.” She giggled, but then stopped. “Please don’t worry about anything. Clarissa and I shall manage it all, and, by the time you return, your bride will be ready to sashay down the aisle.”

There was a lengthy moment of silence, until Brandon said, “Thank you, Beth.”

I glanced down the hallway, seeing them embracing.

“Please travel safely. I hope you won’t be gone long.”

“I will. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to say goodbye to Mary and Rosalind.” He turned from her, spying me in the hallway. “Did you overhear every word?” His smile was ambiguous.

“Yes, I did. You’re leaving?” I approached him, not daring to look at Elizabeth.

“For a few days. I’ve some business to attend.” He drew me to him. “I’m sorry, but it came up at once. Allette’s packed my things.” There was a knock on the door. “That’ll be the staff.” The maid emerged from his bedroom, hurrying to let two men in, who quickly brought out a traveling bag. “I’ve spoken to my sister. She had better be civil to you, or else I’ll be very unhappy.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. I just…wish you didn’t have to go away.”

“This will give you time to make all the arrangements. You may buy anything you wish, my love. I’m sorry I haven’t a ring for you yet. I had meant to get one.”

“I don’t care. I just…” tears filled my eyes, “wish you didn’t have to go.”

The pad of his thumb brushed away the tear. “We’ll see each other soon enough.”

I clung to his coat, inhaling the woodsy aroma of his cologne. “Then hurry back, please.”

His face descended, as his lips captured mine. The kiss wasn’t nearly as long as I wished it would be, but his sister stood in the parlor watching us. For propriety’s sake, we had already pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable.

“I shall return by the end of the week, my dear. Then we’ll be married.”

“On Saturday?”

“That sounds lovely.”

A tingle went down my spine. “I’ve so much to do.”

“You’ll be far too busy to miss me.”

“No, I won’t.”

“Is Rosalind asleep?”

“She’s in with Megan.”

“I need to say goodbye to her. People are waiting on me.”

“Of course.” With reluctance, I disengaged myself from him, feeling instantly bereft. “I’ll get her.”

After we had said our goodbyes, Elizabeth and Clarissa followed us to the lobby, where several men waited for Brandon. A stagecoach sat before the doors, while the servants affixed the luggage to the back with leather straps. I tried my best to appear unaffected, but his sudden departure sat ill with me. It was common to travel into the mountains, as many miners and trappers did so, but there was danger to be had in spades. Although the Indians had been driven west and south, there was the extreme cold, the possibility of a bear attack, and rock slides. Any number of disasters could befall the weary traveler.

A hand was on my back. “He’ll be fine.”

I glanced over my shoulder at Elizabeth. “I hope so.” I worried for a moment that she would say something cutting or unpleasant, but her look was stoic.

“He knows how to handle a revolver.”

“Does he have one on him?”

“Always.”

I wasn’t sure what else to say to her, and, as Brandon waved one last time before disappearing inside the conveyance, the dull emotion of unhappiness registered.

“How long will he be gone?” asked Clarissa.

“A few days.” Elizabeth smiled gently. “I’m sure he’ll hurry back as soon as he’s able. There’s quite a lot that’s holding his interest here.”

“You’ve spoken to him then?”

“I’m to help with the wedding preparations.”

A delicate eyebrow lifted. “So, it’s official then.”

“It was before too. I just didn’t want to believe it.”

Brandon’s carriage ambled from sight, and I stood in the doorway to watch as it disappeared down the lane.
Come back soon, please. I miss you already.

“Well, that’s all finished then.” Clarissa shrugged. “He was never inclined towards me anyhow.”

“I’m sorry,” said Elizabeth. “Forgive me for making you come all this way on a fool’s errand.”

I turned to the ladies, feeling as if I were eavesdropping on a private conversation. There were several people in the lobby; most were men, loitering, while in conversation.

“You needn’t apologize,” said Clarissa. “Coming here was my decision. I was in the dining room earlier, having tea. I…” she smiled guiltily, “there are some interesting men here. There is something compelling about a rugged and swarthy ranger.”

Miss Carlyle’s mouth hung open. “Oh, my gravy. Don't say such things.” Her worried gaze darted into the lobby. “At least not so loudly.”

“Let’s have tea,” giggled Clarissa. “Come along, Mary. I’ve yet to hear about your family. I’ve been told there are quite a few of you here.”

“Yes, dozens.” My worry that I would be treated poorly had begun to dissipate. Clarissa had easily accepted the fact that Brandon wasn’t romantically attached to her.

“Shall we gather in the dining room or go to our room?” asked Elizabeth. “We’ve wedding plans to discuss as well.”

“Tea in the dining room first, then wedding plans upstairs.”

“I can’t be gone too long. I’ve Rosalind to manage.”

“We can all take turns with the little one,” said Elizabeth.

The change in her demeanor was heartening. “She’s going to be very spoiled when this is all over.”

“As she should be,” laughed Elizabeth.

After we had taken our tea, discussing the hazards of mountain travel, among other things, we returned to the room, preparing to make a list of all the things that needed to be accomplished before the end of the week. A knock on the door startled us, and, after Allette ran to answer it, Fanny and Jane appeared.

“I hope we’re not interrupting,” said Fanny. Her bonnet was trimmed with lace. An easy smile graced her face, while she eyed Elizabeth and Clarissa.

We’d all gotten to our feet. “This is Mr. Carlyle’s sister, Elizabeth, and her friend Clarissa Hamilton. They’ve come to visit. This is my sister, Jane, and my stepmother, Fanny.”

“How do you do?” asked Clarissa. “It’s my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Mine as well,” said Elizabeth assertively. “We’ve been discussing wedding plans. You’ve arrived at the perfect time, actually. I hope you have a moment to spare.” She glanced into the hallway. “Allette.”

“Yes, Miss Carlyle?”

“Bring tea and sandwiches, please.”

“Yes, Miss Carlyle.”

“Do sit, please,” said Clarissa.”

“Thank you.” Jane took the seat next to me, grasping my hand and squeezing. “When’s the wedding?”

“This weekend. On Saturday.”

Her eyes widened. “So soon?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, my,” said Fanny. “Then we haven’t one minute to spare. Have you mentioned this to Jack? I hope he’s available.”

“Will you ask him, please? I need him to officiate.”