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

are other families who teach at home. I’ve books on the subject, if you care to look at them.”
    My shoulders slumped. I’d never been this responsible for anything before in my entire life. “I…suppose.”
    “This is only your first day, Fanny. I know it’s overwhelming right now. It will get better. I had to adjust to Matthias’s children. The boys were like wild animals. They still have to be corralled and disciplined. Their natural instincts are to run free. Your bunch seems to behave.” Jane led her brothers and sisters from the school, bringing them to the wagon. “And that girl has it under control. She’s put together well.”
    “I suppose. She’s not fond of me.”
    “You’ve only been with them a day. It takes time to build relationships. Once they get to know you, they’ll love you, Fanny. You’ve the biggest heart of anyone I know. You’re always in good spirits. Things will come around. Just wait.”
    I wasn’t as optimistic, but I would continue to pray for guidance. “It was delightful talking to you, Louisa.” I hugged her. “You’re full of good advice.”
    “Only because I’ve had to learn it all through trial and error. I’m not perfect, Fanny. None of us are. We can only do our best. That is all that’s asked of us.”
    “Will you come to the house on Saturday?”
    “Of course.” There was movement behind her, as Hugh and Oscar came bounding over, screaming. “Oh, pipe down!”
    “Loretta’s got a frog! I don't wanna catch warts,” cried Hugh. “Run!” They raced by us, but Oscar had grabbed Louisa’s skirt, sending it out behind her.
    “See. It could be so much worse. Be thankful.” She stepped into the wagon. “Get in, boys, or you’ll have to walk home.”
    “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “We can have coffee, if you want.”
    “I would really like that. It’s been ages since we’ve been able to talk.”
    “I have to hurry home. I’ve dinner to prepare.”
    Jane and Mary waited patiently, while the boys and Susanna sat in the back with George, whose tongue dangled from the edge of his mouth. “How was your day?” I glanced at Jane, who stared straight ahead.
    “It was fine, Mrs. Hatch.”
    “Did you have a good day, Mary?”
    “Yes, I did. Thank you.”
    There were a few wagons waiting in the yard. The other children lived in Denver City or nearby, and they had disappeared down the street.
    “Miss Cox made us do sums all mornin’,” said Susanna. “I don’t care for math, Fanny.”
    “I can help you with your homework, if you have any.”
    “No, ma’am,” said Peter. “We don’t have homework.”
    I glanced at Jane. “Is that true?”
    “Yes, we did our work at lunch.”
    “Well, that’s efficient.”
    “It only made sense seeing all the chores we’re required to do once we get home.”
    Oh, goodness. She seemed so severe. “I doubt they’ll take more than an hour.”
    She folded her hands in her lap. “That remains to be seen.”
    “What did Pastor Bailey have you do when you stayed with him?”
    “We dusted and swept the church. Peter and Connor helped him make a bookcase.”
    “A bookcase?”
    “A big one with lots of shelves. The boys sanded, and the girls had to paint.”
    “Did you enjoy that?”
    “I suppose.”
    We were in the center of town, passing the saloon and the post office, while horses and wagons trundled by. “What sorts of hobbies do you like? Are you good at painting?”
    “Mary and I finished the bookcase. It turned out lovely.”
    “Have you ever used oil paint or watercolors?”
    “No.”
    “What about you, Mary? Would you like to paint like that?”
    “Maybe.”
    “Do you like sewing? I embroider cushions occasionally and knit. I’ve extra material. I’ll share it, if you want. Then we can buy more for special occasions.”
    Susanna was behind me, and, to my surprise, she wrapped her arms around my neck. “I want to sew, Fanny.” Her sweet breath was near my face. “We should make stuffed