Read Online An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) by Carré White - Free Book Online Page B

already had some success with it. The cat was rather smart, figuring things out easily. Paws slept with Rosalind in the bassinette, which was adorable.
    Megan had finished the newspaper, and it was in my possession now, while I sat on the sofa. The door opened, and I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Mr. Carlyle, but he wasn’t alone. I recognized the woman with him, my stomach dropping. Mrs. Gwendolyn Phillips, who was recently widowed, now stood in the room. I got to my feet, folding the paper, as a rush of disappointment raced through me.
    “I’ve seen this suite before,” she said. “They’ve not changed it much.” She was turned out elegantly in a heavy silk, peach gown. Her bonnet was adorned with fake flowers and lace. “You’ve a view of the street as well.”
    “Yes, we do.” He glanced at me. “Good afternoon, Mary.”
    “Good afternoon, sir. Rosalind’s asleep. I’ll be in my room.”
    I went to pass them, when Gwendolyn said, “You’re one of the Hoffman clan, I believe. Which one are you?” She smiled pleasantly, holding her handbag in gloved hands.
    “I’m Fanny’s stepdaughter, ma’am.”
    “And now you’re employed here?” She eyed me, judiciously.
    “Yes, I’m Rosalind’s nanny.”
    Her smile was engaging. “The little darling, I presume. I suppose I won’t see her, if she’s sleeping.”
    “Oh, we can have a peek, if you want, Mrs. Phillips,” offered Mr. Carlyle obligingly. “She’s right this way.”
    I was going to object, but he was too fast, reaching the doorknob and turning it, before I could speak. He ushered her in, and they stood over the bassinette. I followed Mrs. Phillips, stepping into the path of her floral perfume. I knew then that I might have some explaining to do, seeing that Rosalind was asleep, but she was not alone. The kitten was curled up next to her. They were silent, gazing at the baby for a long moment before moving from the room. He turned to me in the hallway, after the door had been shut.
    “I see there have been some changes in my absence.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “I don’t recall having a pet cat, Mary.”
    “No, sir.”
    “And where did it come from?”
    “Fanny’s sister, Paulina came to visit. She…brought it, sir.”
    “Is that so?”
    “I…had wanted to discuss it with you. I didn’t know she’d bring it today.”
    Mrs. Phillips glanced between us. “Is there a problem?”
    “Not at all,” he said briskly. “Mary and I will have a discussion about this later.” He smiled stiffly, holding out his arm. “Will you join me for tea or must you go now?”
    “Of course, I’ll join you,” she enthused. “Rosalind is beautiful. What a lovely baby.”
    “Thank you.”
    I knew I would be chastised later for the cat. Was he courting the widow? I knew little about her, other than that she was young and pretty. She had been the wife of a mining overseer, and she had come from money. Perhaps, Mr. Carlyle had asked for her assistance with the subscription issues he was having. None of this mattered, though, as it wasn’t my business to pry and ask questions, yet I could not help thinking about it. Glancing at the calico dress I wore, with its modest collar and long sleeves, which were slightly frayed, I could never hope to compete with the likes of Gwendolyn Phillips. She oozed confidence, breeding, and money…while I looked like a poor farmer’s daughter, which I was.
    A voice intruded into my musings. “Did the cat die?”
    I glanced at Megan. “What?”
    “You look like somebody died.”
    “No, the cat’s fine. She’s sleeping with Rosalind.” I thought to mention the fact that Mr. Carlyle now knew about the pet, but I decided to keep it to myself. “We should send Allette for some tea.”
    “I had a nap.” She yawned, stretching. “Tea would be nice. I need to wake up.” Wandering to the window, she drew aside the drapes, eyeing the street. “It’s nice out there. Not a cloud in sight.”
    “It was lovely this