Read An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) for Free Online Page A

after nine, my dear. Then I plan a trip to the mercantile. I wanted to see how you were, now that you’ve flown the coop.” She eyed me expectantly. “I also wanted to meet Mr. Carlyle. Is he still asleep?”
    “I believe he’s gone somewhere. He works for the railways. They’re building a line to Denver City.”
    “I’m pleased to hear that.”
    The door swung open behind her, revealing my employer, who removed his hat, hanging it on the coat rack. “Good morning,” he intoned.
    Jane got to her feet, a bright smile lifting the edges of her mouth. “You must be Mr. Carlyle.”
    “I am.” He strode into the room; his gaze was on my sister. “And you are?”
    “Mary’s sister, Jane. Jane Hartsock.” She held out her hand.
    He shook it. “You’re responsible for your sister’s employment.”
    “I…suppose I am. I came to check on her, sir.”
    “Did you know she was prone to drinking?” There was a sparkle in his eye, and, while I wanted to hide my face in horror, I couldn’t help thinking he might be teasing.
    “I’m…dismayed to hear it. I can vouch for her, sir, if you’ll let me. I don’t think she’s ever had spirits before. I hope you can forgive this one…unfortunate lapse in judgment.”
    I’d gotten to my feet, trying desperately to be brave in the face of disgrace. “I’m sorry about it all.”
    “Truly, sir,” implored Jane. “I’ve never even seen her with a glass of wine. I don’t know how she came upon a sherry bottle—”
    “It’s quite all right. I’ve chosen to overlook it. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He turned on his heel, striding towards his room.
    I glanced at Jane. “I’ve made the worst sort of impression. I’ll be lucky to last another day.”
    “He’s dreadfully handsome, isn’t he? He can’t be older than thirty, if even that.”
    “I…suppose.”
    “And you say he’s a widower?”
    “I never said that, but yes, he is.”
    “He’s forgiven you for being a silly drunk too.”
    “I wasn’t silly. I was…hardly drunk.”
    “Hum…” She sat on the sofa. “Do you find him handsome?”
    Reaching for the teacup, I drank the last of it, pouring more from the pot. “That’s neither here nor there.”
    “He’s tall as well and slim. With a full head of hair.”
    “It sounds like you’re auctioning him off. Did you check his teeth?” I giggled at the thought.
    “How long has he been in Denver City?”
    “Not long. Only two days or so.”
    “He’s sure to catch Gwendolyn Phillip’s attention. She’s recently widowed and purported to be well-off.”
    I leaned in. “We saw him enter a parlour house last night.”
    Her eyes widened. “No!”
    “Yes, Unfortunately. We’ve a view of it from that window.”
    “Well, men do…frequent those places…and being without a wife…” she shrugged, “it’s to be expected, I suppose.”
    “He wasn’t there long. No more than five minutes.”
    “Maybe he wasn’t overly thrilled with the selection,” she laughed throatily.
    “Oh, shush! Let’s talk about something else before we get ourselves in trouble.” The sound of crying had my attention. “Well, it seems Rosalind is awake.” I got to my feet. “I’ve work to do.”
    “Gordon is with his grandmother for the morning.” Jane stood, smoothing out her dress. “I should go, but I had to see you first.” She hugged me. “You’ll be a most excellent nanny, if you can stay away from the sherry that is.”
    “Stop that!”
    She grinned. “I had no idea you’d go wild with your first taste of freedom. It’s shameful.”
    “Oh, hush.” Then I had a thought. “Can you bring one of Paulina’s kittens tomorrow? I know she’s trying to give them away. I think the babies would love to play with a kitten.”
    “I’ll see what I can do.”
    “Thank you.” We neared the door, but Rosalind’s crying had brought out Mr. Carlyle. I glanced at him. “I’ll get her now. I’m sorry she disturbed