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

you.”
    “It’s no matter. I’ve got it.” He entered my room.
    I opened the door for Jane. “I’ve work to do. You’ve gotten me into trouble.”
    “Hardly.” She tied the sash of the bonnet beneath her chin. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I do hope you’re sober then.”
    I shut the door forcibly, while she laughed. “Ouf!” What was it about family that annoyed one so? Mr. Carlyle held Rosalind in his arms, standing before me. “I can take her to Megan, if you wish. She might be hungry.”
    “She’s fine for the moment.”
    “I’m sorry about that. I…don't know why she came here.”
    “I’ll not keep you from your family, Miss Hampton. I don’t object to people coming to check on your welfare.”
    “Thank you.”
    Rosalind was bright-eyed; her attention was on her father. The resemblance between them was in the eyes and nose, along with the shapes of their faces, although her chin was slightly more pointed.
    “She kept you awake last night.”
    “Only a little. She was a bit fussy. I walked around for a while with her over my shoulder until she fell asleep. I’m sorry it disturbed you.”
    “It was no bother at all. You look a little…tired.”
    “I’m awfully sorry about the sherry. I promise, it’ll never happen again.”
    He smiled. “Think nothing of it. It’s all in the past now.”
    “Thank you, sir.”
    He kissed Rosalind on the cheek. “Well, my little angel, I’ll give you over to your nanny. I’ve a meeting in five minutes with the banker, Mr. Volt.”
    “I can take her then.” I held out my hands.
    “Thank you. I’ll be in and out today with meetings.”
    “I understand, sir.”
    He reached for his hat. “Good morning, Miss Hampton.”
    “Good morning, sir.”
    After he left, I fed Rosalind, bringing her to Megan’s room. Joshua was on the bed, while Judy played with marbles on the floor. Once Rosalind was satisfied, I changed her, wondering if it were possible to have a bath brought up. I encountered Megan in the hallway.
    “Might we have a bath?”
    “Pardon?”
    “I wish to bathe Rosalind.”
    “Water and a bowl should do it.”
    “Isn’t there a tub somewhere?”
    “I have to put in an order for one. They’ve plenty to do in the kitchen today with all the businessmen showin’ up, Miss Hampton.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “No, it’s fine, but it might not happen till the evening. Is that agreeable?”
    “Yes, that’s perfect.”
    “I’ll let them know.”
    “Thank you.”
    Three hours later, when Rosalind was ready for a nap, I joined her, tossing a blanket over my shoulder and finding it surprisingly easy to sleep. It wasn’t until she stirred that I was forced to get up, leaning over her bassinette to find a happy baby. She had been cooing to herself, while her arms and legs flailed.
    “Hello.” I reached for her, while she babbled. “Let’s change your pants. I’m sure they’re wet.”
    “Oh, you’re up.”
    I turned to find Megan, who held Joshua. “Yes. We had a nap.”
    “Mr. Carlyle asked about you.”
    “He did?”
    “I told him you were sleepin’. He came in here, you know.”
    “I…didn’t hear a thing.”
    “I found it rather odd, Mary. He was standing over the bed starin’ at you.”
    “Really?” That revelation was astonishing.
    “I’m not sure what that was about.”
    I didn’t know how to respond; yet some small part of me felt a thrill that I had drawn his attention—even in my sleep. “Well, perhaps he wanted to be sure I was asleep. He obviously wanted to speak to me about something.”
    “He should’a hired the other woman,” she murmured. “There’s always too much temptation with the pretty young ones.”
    “What?”
    “Oh, never mind. I’ve just fed Josh. I’m ready for Rosalind whenever you want to bring her to me.”
    “Certainly. Thank you.”
    We ate lunch a short while later, the hotel providing a meal of buffalo steak and potatoes. Mr. Carlyle returned twice, although he didn’t stay for