Read Online An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) by Carré White - Free Book Online

ago, and the boys were in the bunkhouse. Nathan had just checked on them.
    “She seems nice,” said a voice I recognized as Mary’s.
    My hand was on the knob, but I remained still, wondering what they were discussing.
    “She’s putting on a fine act.” That sounded like Jane. “I can see right through it.”
    “This house is nicer than Pastor Bailey’s. We can play outside. I think the baby chickens are divine.”
    “You would think that, Susanna. I wouldn't make yourself too comfortable here. I suspect it’s only temporary. She’ll get rid of us at the first opportunity.”
    “Really? I don’t get that feeling,” said Mary.
    “The old people are building a house. We can live there when it’s done.”
    “I doubt we’ll be here long enough. You need to trust me on this one. I’ve always been right about things. I’m thinking of taking matters into my own hands soon. I’m tired of being tossed around like a bag of rice.”
    “What are you planning?” asked Susanna.
    “A solution will present itself. It always does. When I say my prayers, I’ll ask for guidance on this matter. He’s never let me down.”
    I wasn’t exactly sure what she was talking about, but the conversation was worrying. Jane’s siblings listened to her advice, as they had been alone with her for more than a year, but I would have to watch her carefully. My knuckles grazed the wood on the door, as I pushed it inward.
    “Does anyone need to go to the privy?” I’d flattened my expression, lest they know I had overheard them.
    “No, Mrs. Hatch,” said Mary. “We’re fine.”
    “Do let me know, if you need to go out.” I slid into the bed, which I shared with Jane. She glanced at the blanket to avoid looking at me. “Well, isn’t this cozy? So many of us in the same room.”
    Jane slid off the bed, falling to her knees. “I need to say my prayers.” She clasped her hands together, bringing her chin to her chest.
    “Yes, of course. I’ll do mine too.” I glanced at Mary and Susanna. “You don't have to say them out loud, if you don’t want to. I do mine silent mostly.”
    “Yes, Mrs. Hatch.”
    Dear, Lord. Please watch over the children. Help them to understand I’m sorry for what they’ve been through. I’m sorry I wasn’t more polite with Pastor Bailey, but he’s a…horrible man. I don’t know what came over me today. Please help me to survive this ordeal. Why have you done this to me? Oh, never mind. This is either a punishment for something or a lesson, as usual. I seem to be on the receiving end of an awful lot of lessons lately, Lord. I’m not all that happy about it either. I…this prayer has been a disaster. Just…just bless the children and me, and please watch over us. Amen.
    Jane crawled into bed, pulling the blanket to her chin. She turned, her back to me. I couldn't help wondering what she had prayed for.
     

Chapter Seven
     
    The girls were surprisingly easy to rouse in the morning, but their brothers were another matter. It was my responsibility to have everyone dressed and ready for school. I was in a state of near panic finding shoes and socks for the boys, while the girls were in the kitchen having breakfast. Hannah’s housekeeper, Maria, was indispensible, as she had prepared eggs and ham with fresh bread.
    “There now,” I said, brushing Peter’s hair. “That looks better.” One wayward strand would not behave, so I wet it with saliva, hoping it would stay down.
    “None of my socks match, Mrs. Hatch.”
    “That’s fine. We’ll sort it out later. You can call me, Fanny, you know. We don’t need to be so formal.”
    He grinned. “I like you, Fanny. I don't know why my sister hates you, but you seem nice to me.”
    I hadn’t been expecting that. “Thank you. I’m sure once Jane gets to know me things will go better. She’s done a very good job looking after you.”
    She’s been like our ma,” said Connor. “I sure do miss my ma.”
    “Of course you do. She’ll always