Bobbins and Boots (Baker City Brides Book 4) Read online

  Allie’s face lost all color and she leaned back in the chair. Lightheaded, she struggled to make sense of what Mr. Jordan said. According to the man sitting across from her, Joe Lambery was a liar and sent for her because he couldn’t afford to continue seeking out soiled doves.

  Precariously balanced on the edge of shock, Allie worked to swallow the bitter bile rising in her throat. What had she done? What had she gotten herself into by agreeing to marry a man who misrepresented himself and his ability to provide for a wife?

  Jemma set Lily down and snatched up a fan. She flicked it open and waved it in front of Allie’s face. “All will be well, Allie. We won’t allow him to marry you.”

  Thane offered her a look of encouragement. “We certainly won’t. Believe me when I say the last thing you want to do is marry Joe Lambery. You’d be signing up for a lifetime of regret and misery. No one deserves that.”

  Allie glanced at the two couples as they hovered around her. “But I don’t know what I’ll do. He paid for my train ticket and I don’t have money to pay him back.”

  “Don’t you worry about a thing,” Hattie said, patting Allie’s hand. “You’ll stay here with us until you decide what you’d like to do.”

  “That’s why I offered her a position with us, love,” Edwin said, smiling at his wife. “You know, that special position we need to fill.”

  Hattie patted Allie’s hand again, fully aware they didn’t need any help and there wasn’t any special position. Obviously, the girl needed a job and they’d give her one. “It’s settled then, Allie. You’ll work for us and that’s that.”

  Overwhelmed by the kindness of these people she’d just met, Allie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at her strange, completely unexpected situation.

  “Have a tart, Miss Tillman. It’ll make you feel all better,” Lily said, placing a tart on a plate and handing it to Allie.

  Allie accepted the sweet. “Thank you, Lily. I believe it will.”

  Later, after the Jordan family left with a promise to check in on her in a few days, Hattie showed Allie upstairs to a bedroom near the back stairs.

  The woman opened the door to the sunny room and stood back, allowing Allie to enter. “I hope you don’t mind this room. It’s a tad small, but it’s comfortable and quiet.”

  Allie took in the pale yellow curtains fluttering in the afternoon breeze. A yellow and white quilt covered the bed, a beautiful braided rug rested on the gleaming floor, and matching maple furniture shone from a recent polish.

  Sunshine spilled through the sparkling windows, making Allie long to stand in the beams to soak up the warmth and light.

  She turned to her hostess. “Oh, Mrs. Greenfield, I couldn’t stay here. It’s too lovely, too…”

  Hattie squeezed her hand and smiled. “It’s your room for as long as you like. The bathroom is directly across the hall. You’ll share it with two other boarders. Some of the rooms have private baths, but not all.”

  Impulsively, Allie gave her a hug.

  The woman hugged her back then pulled away with a smile. “I serve dinner at six, breakfast at seven, and lunch at noon.”

  “I reckon we better get to fixing something for supper.” Allie set her carpetbag on the floor by the bed then turned back to Hattie, ready to work.

  Hattie laughed and shook her head. “For today, you are a guest, Allie Tillman. Do anything you like this afternoon. Take a nap. Sit on the swing out back. Go for a walk. Read a book.”

  “I can’t read a lick, although my Ma tried more times than you can count to teach me,” Allie admitted. “But sitting in a swing sounds nice. I don’t have a hankering to wander around town and I’m too wound up to settle down for a nap. Besides, I haven’t had one of those since I was in diapers.”

  Hattie grinned and held out a hand to Allie. “In that case, come with me and I’ll show you the swing.”

  The two women walked down the back stairs and along a short hallway to the kitchen. Hattie opened the back door and they stepped outside onto a shaded porch. A large fenced yard held a variety of flowers and plants. Birds darted among the feeders and flowers, happily chirping. A large swing hung from thick ropes tied around a sturdy branch of a tree at the back corner of the yard.

  “It’s perfect, Mrs. Greenfield!” Allie meandered down the steps, admiring the profusion of flowers blooming around the yard. Foxglove, hollyhocks, bellflowers, sweet peas, and pinks scented the air while providing a burst of color. “Everything is so pretty.”

  “Thank you, Allie. Please, call me Hattie and my husband Edwin. There is no need to be so formal among friends.” Hattie smiled at her again. “Come in when you’re ready. You have nearly two hours before we eat, so enjoy yourself.”

  “Thank you, Hattie.” Allie sat down on the swing big enough for two and grabbed the rope in her hands. By some unexplainable miracle, she’d gone from a jilted, homeless bride to having a job in a home that seemed more like a castle than a house. It was by far the nicest place she’d ever been. And to think, she’d get to stay there for as long as she liked.

  Her long legs pumped as she set the swing into motion and let her thoughts wander. Worry niggled at her about Joe Lambery, about what he would do when she refused to marry him. Determined not to let it steal the joy of the moment, she jumped off the swing and hurried inside, intent on earning her keep.

  Chapter Two

  Mindful of the sweat about to trickle down his forehead into his eyes, Ben Amick removed his hat and swiped the moisture away with his shirtsleeve.

  He settled the dusty Stetson back on his curly brown hair and hid a grin as young Jack Jordan copied his every move.

  Rather than go into Baker City with his parents and sister, Jack had asked if he could help Ben fix a section of fence. In truth, Ben didn’t mind the sprout’s company, so he agreed to allow the boy to tag along.

  Jack often followed him like a second shadow, but Ben didn’t mind. He recalled trailing after his employer in a similar manner when he first arrived on the Jordan Ranch more than six years ago. He’d been so excited when Thane Jordan agreed to hire him, he wanted to do everything he could to learn how to be just like the successful rancher.

  Thankfully, Thane had taken him in and taught him everything he knew about life in general, ranching in particular. Due to Thane’s influence, Ben had grown into a responsible, good-hearted young man, even if he had a fun, rascally side.

  He watched as Jack tucked the last of the fencing supplies back into his saddlebag.

  “Come on, Jackeroo. We better head back or we’ll be late for supper.” Ben swung onto his horse and grinned as Jack pulled himself up on his mount. “Do you think Sam made chili?”

  Jack shook his head. “Not with Mama planning to eat at the bunkhouse. You know she doesn’t like chili.”

  Ben laughed. “No, she does not. Remember the first time she ate it?”

  The boy’s face split into a wide grin. “I thought her eyes might pop right out of her head.” Jack leaned toward Ben, as though he shared a confidence with him. “I’m not sure if it was the spicy beans or the fact Dad told her she wasn’t a thoroughbred like me and Lily that made her most upset.”

  “Probably a little bit of both,” Ben said, leaning over in his saddle to open a gate. He waited for Jack to ride through before urging his horse through the opening and closing the gate behind him. A few strides later, he caught up to the boy as they continued toward the house. “What did your folks go to town to get today?”

  “Dad needed to order lumber from Ian. He told Mama at breakfast that he wants to put in more line shacks before winter, and he wants to build another corral over by the cabin. Mama and Lily went along so they could visit the Greenfields.”

  “How do Hattie and Edwin like running the boardinghouse?” Ben asked. He was glad Jemma’s English friends decided to remain in Baker City. She and the kids had practically begged the couple to stay at the ranch when they discussed returning to England. Everyone seemed pleased with the
couple’s decision to purchase the boardinghouse. Although the Jordan family didn’t see their friends every day, at least once a week Jemma paid a visit at the boardinghouse. They also saw each other at church on Sunday.

  Occasionally, Hattie invited them all for lunch after church services. Ben greatly looked forward to each invitation. The plump, grandmotherly woman had served as a cook most of her life and made meals so delicious, his mouth watered just thinking about them.

  “They seem to enjoy it. I’m sure glad they’re here,” Jack said, pointing to a badger as it attempted to hide in a hole beneath the scraggly shade of a big sagebrush. “Mama said she thinks the boardinghouse is the perfect thing for them since they know all about running a house and such. I’m just glad Hattie’s here and shares her marmalade.” The boy glanced over his shoulder with a sly look. “Mama’s isn’t the same, but don’t tell her I said so.”

  Ben gave the boy a solemn nod. “I won’t say a word. I promise.”

  Jack grinned at Ben as they rode up to the crest of a hill. The ranch headquarters spread out in the valley below them. Thane and Jemma’s new two-story house, the barn, bunkhouse, various outbuildings and corrals made the place look homey and welcoming. A little cabin was set back from the other buildings. Thane lived there for several years as a contented bachelor until he came home from England almost a year ago, married to Jemma, with Jack and Lily in tow. They’d managed to stay in the cabin through the winter, but as soon as the snow melted, Thane began construction of the big house.

  Significant changes had taken place in the past year on the ranch since Thane returned from settling his brother’s estate overseas. It wasn’t just the new house, or the addition to the barn. Nor was it the fact every cowboy on the place kept an eye on the children and Jemma, determined to keep them safe from harm.

  No, it was the feeling of family that settled over the ranch like a warm blanket on a cold day. It was cozy, comfortable, and comforting. Although they accomplished as much work as before, more laughter and joy existed in the everyday living at Jordan Ranch than there had been before Jemma arrived with the children.

  Jemma planted flowers and grass around the house, and insisted everyone use their best manners. Thane no longer worked from before daylight to after dusk, and he didn’t expect his ranch hands to either. Evenings had become a special time once the chores were completed. They all gathered to listen to Jemma read, or one of the ranch hands play his harmonica, or Lily sing her silly made-up songs.

  A woman’s civilizing touch on the ranch had been something none of them realized they needed, but they had. For so long, it had been all men on the place. They’d nearly forgotten how to behave around a lady. Since Jemma was the Lady Jemma Bryan before she married Thane, she brought an almost royal presence to the place along with a gentling influence.

  An influence Ben was willing to admit had been good for all of them.

  “Race you to the barn,” Jack called as he kicked the sides of his horse and charged down the hill.

  Ben leaned forward and whispered to Cisco, his horse and faithful friend. “Are you gonna let that whippersnapper win?”

  Cisco shook his mane and raced after Jack. Although he could have won by several lengths, Ben pulled back just enough to let the boy take the lead and win.

  “Aw, you let me win again, Ben.” Jack gave him a narrowed glare as he jumped off Nick and led the horse to the barn.

  “Would I do such a thing?” Ben asked as he removed Cisco’s saddle.

  “All the time,” Jack admonished, struggling to loosen the cinch on his saddle.

  Ben turned to help him but the boy insisted on removing the saddle by himself. Only ten, the youngster often tried to take on more than he could handle, eager to prove himself. Experienced with that driving need, Ben stood back and let the boy do the job himself.

  Jack carried the saddle to the room in the barn where they kept all the tack, but Ben helped him set it on a saddle rack. They’d just turned the horses into the pasture when Ben noticed dust rolling on the road and clapped a hand on Jack’s shoulder. “Looks like your folks are almost home.”

  “Good. I’m hungry, and Mama doesn’t approve of me snitching a snack right before supper.”

  More than once, Ben had been on the receiving end of Jemma’s admonishment not to spoil his dinner, so he could commiserate with Jack. He would have ruffled the boy’s hair if he hadn’t been wearing a hat. Together, they walked over to the house where Thane pulled the buckboard to a stop at the end of the back walk that led directly to the kitchen door.

  “Hi, Ben!” Lily leaped from the back seat into his waiting arms and hugged him tight around his neck, knocking his hat askew.

  “Well, Miss Lilypad, I thought maybe you’d decided to stay in town to take over running the mercantile.” Ben pulled a funny face and she giggled.

  “No, silly!” Lily shook her head, strawberry-blond curls springing to life.

  Ben leaned back and gave her a serious glance. “Oh, I forgot. You decided you want to take over for Sheriff Barrett. Is that right?”

  “No!” Lily rolled her eyes and patted Ben’s cheeks with her tiny hands. “I can’t be the sheriff. That’s Uncle Tully’s job. ’Sides, they don’t let little girls be the sheriff. That’s for grown up mens.”

  “My mistake,” Ben said, tickling her sides as he swung her over the fence around the yard and set her down in the grass.

  He turned in time to watch Jemma give Thane a loving look as he helped her out of the buckboard. Although when the couple first wed, they seemed to fight like cats and dogs, Ben was happy to see they both finally surrendered to love. He’d never seen Thane as happy as he’d been since right before Christmas when he and Jemma seemed to work out all their differences and admit they loved one another.

  Someday, he hoped to love and be loved by someone as special as his boss’ wife.

  “Need some help?” Ben asked, lifting a box from the back of the buckboard.

  “If you’ll carry that in, Jack and I will put the horse away,” Thane said, grinning at his adopted son.

  “Can I drive him down to the barn, Dad?” Jack asked, already scrambling up on the seat and lifting the reins in his hands.

  “Sure, son. Just take it slow and easy,” Thane said, settling beside him.

  Ben grinned and followed Jemma down the walk and inside the kitchen. She motioned for him to set the supplies on the counter near the sink then offered him a warm smile.

  “It looks like Jack had fun this afternoon. Thank you for taking him with you,” Jemma said, removing her hat and gloves.

  “He’s a good boy and a hard worker. It’s a pleasure to have him come along.” Ben watched as Lily skipped in the door, humming a tune known only to her. He glanced back at Jemma. “How about you ladies? Did you have a nice time visiting Edwin and Hattie?”

  Lily ran over to him, clearly excited. “We had cookies and tarts and met a princess!” She leaned against his legs and turned her face up to him with a happy smile.

  “That sounds like a high ol’ time, Lil.” Ben sent a questioning gaze to Jemma as he picked up Lily and swung her around once. “A princess?”

  Jemma smiled. “Edwin noticed a distraught woman when he was at the depot picking up supplies for the boardinghouse. She’d just arrived on the train. She came to Baker City as a mail-order bride but the man who sent for her failed to make an appearance. With nowhere to go, Edwin insisted she come to the boardinghouse. He and Hattie offered her a job until she could decide what to do. Lily proclaimed she is a princess, waiting to meet a prince.”

  “Will the feller show up and marry her, you think?” Ben asked, tossing Lily in the air, eliciting a round of giggles from the child.

  Jemma looked like she’d eaten something that left a bad taste in her mouth as she shook her head. “I should hope not. Why, if I ever meet that Joe Lambery, I’ll give him a piece of my mind.”

  All humor fled him as Ben set Lily down and stared at Jemma. “Did you
say Joe Lambery?”

  “I did. Do you know him?” Jemma offered an inquisitive look.

  Ben’s tone held a hint of loathing when he spoke. “Only enough to know he’s a worthless, lying, lazy, no-good skunk. What would any decent woman want with a snake like him?”

  “She replied to an advertisement he’d placed in a newspaper, greatly misrepresenting himself. Regardless, he did send her money for a train ticket. Miss Tillman is quite concerned about what will happen if Mr. Lambery demands they wed. I’m under the impression she’s nearly penniless. Nevertheless, I assured Hattie if anything happens to get word to us and we’ll reimburse Mr. Lambery for the price of the ticket.” Jemma picked up Lily and washed the little girl’s hands at the kitchen sink. “Thane was quite adamant she not even consider marrying the man.”

  “He’s right, Jemma. That gal would be better off dancing barefoot through a nest of rattlers or facing a dozen crotchety badgers than marrying Joe Lambery.” Ben took Lily from Jemma. “How about we mosey on over to the bunkhouse, Lilypad? I’m so hungry my backbone’s knocking against my ribs, begging for supper.”

  Lily peered over Ben’s shoulder as he carried her, trying to see if his backbone had indeed moved.

  Ben and Jemma both smiled as they walked outside and out of the yard. He shortened his steps to keep stride with the woman who had become like the sister he’d always wanted but never had. Halfway to the bunkhouse, Jack ran up to them, telling his mother all about fixing the fence and racing Ben back to the barn.