Mail Order Bride: Deception (Historical Western Romance): Clean Romance Series (Western Mail Order Brides Book 1) (7 page)

Chapter 11.

After Austin had collected everyone from his mother’s home, he went to Jed’s residence. The two young boys were waiting by the window. From the wagon, Leah could hear their screams of delight before she saw them.

Jed took a firm hold of each boy’s hand, as he walked them briskly toward the wagon. He picked them up in turn, and placed them in the back of the wagon, before he introduced the boys to Leah.

Leah liked the boys at once. They were polite and well mannered, even though they looked as though they might be a handful if a close eye weren’t kept on them.

Jed sat next to Leah. Leah felt at ease with him, and hoped he felt the same. She asked him questions about his children and their routine. The oldest was due to start school shortly.

The day was to be a long one. A great many people were at the old fort. In the middle of the day, speeches were read about the joining of North and South. There was a flag raised commemorating the end of the war. A hush fell over the crowd when a prominent member of the community read the Declaration of Independence.

Before they traveled back, Jed sought a moment alone with Leah. “I would like it if you would work for me, Leah, and watch the boys. I can’t offer you much, but of course, it would be a live-in position. It doesn’t look much from the outside, but there are five large bedrooms, and two sitting rooms.”

She’d been through too much to be looking for more adventures. Board and lodgings looking after two well-behaved boys were what she’d hoped for when she left Chicago. “I’d very much like to accept your kind offer, Jed.”

Jed smiled broadly.

“When would you like me to start?”

“How does Monday sound? You can move in whenever it suits you. I’ve got a room ready.”

After her conversation with Jed, Leah found Austin, and told him that she had accepted the job. She was taken aback with how short and snappy he was with her, as she tried to thank him. He brushed past her, and called everyone to the wagon.

Leah fought back tears over Austin’s treatment of her. She’d thought that he’d come to terms with what she’d done. How could she stay in the town with him treating her like that? Jed worked with Hank, so she was bound to run into Austin at some stage since he often called in to see Hank. The newspaper office was close to where she would be living as well.

When they all got home that night, Albert retired early, while Beth and Austin stayed up and told their mother about the day. Leah sat up with them, but kept quiet.

“And how did you enjoy yourself today, Leah?” Mrs. Wright asked.

“It was a wonderful day, and I accepted a position with full board looking after Jed Palmer’s two boys.”

Mrs. Wright pushed her lips together. “Is that what you want?”

Leah nodded, and fixed a smile on her face. What she wanted was to turn into Victoria, wind back the clock, marry Austin, and be a perfect wife and mother. That way, Austin would look at her the way he used to look at her.

“I’m glad you’ll be staying in town. We’ll still be able to see each other,” Beth said.

Leah smiled at Beth. “Yes, that will be good.”

“Well, it’s time for this old lady to retire. Good night, all.” Mrs. Wright rose to her feet.

“I’ll get going too,” Austin said.

“Why don’t you leave Violet here? She’ll sleep through the night and you can fetch her in the morning,” Beth suggested, since Violet was already asleep in one of the upstairs bedrooms.

“Are you sure?” Austin asked.

Beth stood up. “Of course, I’ll look after her.”

“I’ll be back here early.” He turned and looked at Leah. “Good night, Leah.”

“Good night, Austin.” Leah watched Beth walk Austin to the door.

Once Austin had left, Beth sat down next to Leah. “Are you sure this is what you want? To work for Jed?”

“It’s the perfect arrangement, isn’t it? He’s a good man, and that’s just what I was looking for when I came here. I mean, employment and a place to live.” Leah gave a little laugh. “I wasn’t looking for a man, although, of course, I’d like to be married one day.”

“I would’ve liked things to work out differently, that’s all,” Beth said.

“It just wasn’t to be.”

“But, you do love Austin, don’t you? I’m sure you do. I can see it in your eyes when he’s around.”

“It doesn’t matter what I feel, Beth. It doesn’t matter at all. I’m not going to get any fancy notions in my head. It won’t do me any good.”

“Oh, Leah, he’ll come around in time. He had a shock when he found out that you weren’t Victoria. He’s very fond of you, I know he is, I can tell.”

Leah stood up. “I’m glad I came here to meet you, Beth. You’ve been such a marvelous friend to me. Now, I better get some sleep.”

“Why? It’s only early. Come and sit by me so we can talk.”

“I can’t, Beth. I can’t speak of Austin.” Leah held her stomach. She just wanted to be left alone, and to put Austin completely out of her mind. It was what was best for everyone.

“I’m sorry, I won’t speak of him again. Just sit by me a little longer, or I’ll have no one to speak to; Albert’s already asleep, and so is Mother.”

Leah sat back down. “I’m weary. I hope I’m doing the right thing by working for Jed.”

“It’ll be good. His boys are wonderful, and they’ll be excited that you’re looking after them.”

Leah smiled. “I do like children. I’ve missed looking after them.”

“And there’ll only be two, not too many like you had to look after before.”

A giggle escaped Leah’s lips. “I suppose that’s true. It’ll be easier work than I’ve had before.”

After Leah had stayed talking to Beth for an hour, she went to bed. Once she slipped between the covers, she did her best to put Austin out of her mind. If only he would treat her as he had first treated her. When they first met, there was a gentleness about him; he looked at her with softness, and it was as if he adored her.

She banged her head into the pillow, while scolding herself for her lies. There were many other things she could have said to him. He was the one who’d started the conversation there at the railway station. She could easily have said that she was new to town, and looking for a place to stay. It would’ve been perfect; especially since the real Victoria had changed her mind about coming to Dodge City.

Tomorrow was Saturday, and Leah was sure that she’d see Austin in the morning when he came to fetch Violet. Leah wanted nothing more than to be anywhere else besides Austin’s mother’s house, but she was a guest. She was duty-bound to stay and help wherever she could, especially since she was leaving late Sunday afternoon to move into her new lodgings.

* * *

Austin arrived home to his dark, cold house. He didn’t want to be alone, but Violet was better off staying at his mother’s house, where she was settled and warm. It would’ve been selfish to bundle her up and take her home in the carriage with him, just so he wouldn’t be alone.

He lighted the gas lamp that he kept near the door, and then threw himself heavily onto his couch in the living room. Deep inside, he wanted to be with Leah. There was something that drew him toward her, but now, he’d driven her away. It wasn’t going to be easy with Leah living so close to his office. They were bound to run into each other from time to time.

Chapter 12.

The next morning, Austin hitched one of his carriages and drove to his mother’s house to fetch Violet. He wondered if he’d see Leah; things were awkward between them now. At one stage, she must have been fond enough of him to pretend she was Victoria, unless she’d just been hoping to better her station in life. Austin didn’t fault her if she’d had either one of those reasons, or both; it was the deception that niggled at him. No, he couldn’t bring a woman like that into their lives.

Austin opened the door of his mother’s house, and poked his head through.

“We saw you drive up; come in. You’re just in time. Leah is making pancakes.” Beth grabbed her brother’s arm, and pulled him into the kitchen. Their breakfasts were eaten at the long table in the kitchen, and their formal meals were eaten in the grand dining room.

Leah looked up when she heard them enter the kitchen. “Morning, Austin.”

Austin saw Violet was awake, and sitting in the highchair. He looked from Violet to Leah. “Good morning, Leah.”

“We’ve got one more for pancakes, Leah.”

Leah turned back to the stove. “Okay.”

Austin sat next to Violet. “How was your sleep, Violet?”

“She had a good sleep, she’s only just woken.” Beth handed Austin the bowl of porridge she’d been feeding Violet. “Here, you might as well feed her.”

Austin offered Violet a spoonful. She eagerly opened her mouth when she saw the food coming.

“Do you want to come and see the house today, Austin? Albert’s over there now doing some work on it,” Beth said.

“I suppose I should see how it’s coming along. I’ll be back to work next week, and that’ll take all my time.”

“Good, you can drive us,” Beth said, while setting another place for breakfast.

“Us?”

“Yes, Mother and Leah are coming as well.”

Austin nodded, and glanced over at Leah cooking pancakes. Why did he feel better when she was around? Something about her presence comforted him.

Mrs. Wright joined them at the breakfast table, and soon there was a stack of pancakes in the center of the table. Throughout the meal, Austin noticed that Leah was quiet, and only spoke when someone asked her a question.

When Austin had finished his last mouthful, he said, “The pancakes were very nice, thank you, Leah.”

Leah gave him a tiny smile. “Thank you.”

“Well, Mother, I’ll get the wagon ready. I only brought my carriage, and that won’t fit all of us.”

“Do what you must,” Mrs. Wright answered.

Austin turned to Beth. “Can you look after Violet while I get the wagon ready?”

“Of course,” Beth said.

* * *

As Austin walked away, Beth gave Leah a look.

“Don’t start,” Leah whispered.

“He’s coming with us.” Beth looked pleased with herself.

“Stop it, Beth. It’s too late. Things have gone bad between us.”

Beth leaned in. “I can tell he still likes you, and I know that you like him.”

“I’ve dishes to clean.” Leah leaned across the table, and gathered all the empty dishes.

“Leave those, Leah, I’ll do them,” Mrs. Wright said.

Leah looked up to see Mrs. Wright, dressed and ready for the day ahead.

“Nonsense, you go and sit in the living room. I’ll tend to these, it won’t take me long,” Leah said.

“I’ll help then,” Mrs. Wright insisted.

“Well, while you two fight over the dishes, I’ll get Violet and myself ready.” Beth scooped Violet up out of her high chair.

Once they were all ready and out of the house, they climbed into the wagon. Leah was grateful that Mrs. Wright took the seat next to her son. It wasn’t a long distance, but Leah would have felt awkward if she’d been forced to sit next to Austin.

When they arrived at the construction site of the new house, Albert rushed to greet them. He took them on a tour through the nearly finished building.

“You’ve done a fine job, Albert,” Austin said, when he’d finished showing them over.

“Thank you. I’m just glad you saw fit to sell us the land so we could build it,” Albert said, as he dusted some grime off his cheeks with his chubby fingers.

Austin nodded.

Mrs. Wright came over a little tired, and Albert found a chair for her to sit in.

“Austin, why don’t you show Leah over the land, while I sit here with Mother a while?” Beth suggested.

“Very well.” Austin turned to Leah. “Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Austin led the way with Violet in his arms. Once they had walked a distance from the house, Austin said, “They might want us out of the way so they can talk about us.”

Leah giggled. “And what might they say about us?”

Austin stood still, and looked across the prairie. “Something’s occurred to me, and I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.”

“What is it?” Leah stopped still beside him.

He looked down into her eyes. “I have a job at my newspaper. You would be perfect for it.”

“I can’t do anything like that.”

“You could learn, and you could stay on at Mother’s. I know she likes your company, and when Beth and Albert move out, she’ll be very lonely. I’ll pay you more than Jed would have paid you.”

Leah’s heart thudded steadily against her chest. “I’ve accepted a position already. I start on Monday, and move into my lodgings on Sunday night.”

“Tell Jed you’ve changed your mind.”

“I can’t, Austin.” Leah looked down at the ground. “I can’t go against my word.”

“When did you start behaving so morally? You can tell me you’re someone else, but you can’t tell someone you’ve found a better job with a higher salary?”

Stunned at his outburst, Leah looked up into his eyes. What she saw was something she had never seen in his eyes before - anger. “You think I have no morals?”

He shrugged. “People have different morals and different standards. You and I have different standards.”

“I do not have different standards, and I have good morals.” She put her hands on her hips. “It sounds like you think you’re better than me.”

They stared at each other for a moment, before Austin said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that as it sounded. It’s just that some people have a different view of things, and you and I obviously view things quite differently.”

“Austin, I think your meaning was clear. I said that I was sorry, and from the bottom of my heart, I regret what I did. I made a mistake, and I apologized for it. I made one mistake, and you are taking that one mistake to represent the person that I am. I am not my mistake.” Leah knew what she meant, and hoped that she was expressing herself well enough to relay her meaning.

Austin took his eyes from her, and looked out over the prairie once more, just as a gust of wind blew over them. Leah pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders. It was clear to Leah that Austin did not understand her, and simply saw her as a person of low standards. “I’m heading back to the others.” Leah walked away, leaving him standing there, with Violet in his arms.

“Wait, Leah.”

Leah turned and said, “I’ll not wait to hear any more of your insults, Austin Wright.” She turned around, and walked quickly back to Mrs. Wright and Beth. She wanted to run, but didn’t want anyone else to know that Austin had upset her. When she arrived back with the others, they seemed to know that there was something wrong.

“What’s the matter, Leah? You look flustered,” Mrs. Wright said.

“No, nothing’s the matter.”

Beth looked over her shoulder. “Where’s Austin?”

“He’s coming, he’s not far behind. The place is beautiful, Beth, you’ll be very happy here.” Leah smiled, trying to cover how she was feeling.

“I know, it’s lovely, and it’s not too far from Mother.”

Mrs. Wright smiled.

Their chatter was hushed when Austin arrived.

“I guess we’re all ready to go back now?” Austin asked.

Leah did not look at him, and kept her eyes to the ground.

“Yes, we’re ready,” Mrs. Wright said, as she pushed herself up from the chair.

The drive back to Mrs. Wright’s house was spent in silence, except for Violet’s babbling and gurgles.

When they arrived back at Mrs. Wright’s house, Austin tended to the horses, swapped over to his carriage, and drove home with Violet.

As soon as Mrs. Wright went for her daily nap, Beth pulled Leah aside. “What happened out there?”

Leah took a deep breath. Although Beth had quickly become a good friend, she was still Austin’s sister. She didn’t know how much she should tell her. “He just doesn’t think I’m a good type of person.”

“He said that?”

“Not in so many words, but I can tell that’s what he thinks. He mentioned morals and standards, and it’s clear he thinks I’m lacking in both.”

Beth pulled Leah to the couch by her arm. “Sit and tell me exactly what was said.”

Leah relayed to her exactly what she remembered Austin had said to her. She even told Beth of his job offer.

Beth scratched her forehead. “He likes you, and he’s struggling with his issues.”

“Well, none of it is my problem.” She looked at Beth. “Oh, Beth, I don’t mean to sound harsh, but I did like him, I mean, I really did like him.”

“I know, I can tell. You two would be good for each other, if only you would both stop fighting each other.”

“It’s not like that, Beth. I can’t ignore the things he said to me, and besides, I’ve already accepted Jed’s offer. I can’t go back on it now. He needs someone to help him with his boys.”

Beth nodded.

“Please, Beth, don’t breathe a word of what I’ve told you to anyone.”

“I won’t breathe a word.”

Leah patted Beth’s arm. “Good.”