An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

your farm, Mary?”
    “We have cows and horses and chickens. Pigs also.”
    “Are the baby pigs fun to play with?”
    “I suppose.” I speared a flaky piece of trout with a fork.
    “I’d like to have a baby pig for a pet, ma. Can I?”
    “Oh, for heaven’s sake. They’re not pets, Judy. They have to be close to their mothers. They feed often.”
    “Like Josh and Rosy?”
    “Yes, sweetheart.”
    “That’s all babies do and cry.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s annoying.”
    I smiled, while chewing. “You were a baby once too.”
    “I still say we should have a pet. I’d love a little cat.”
    “We can’t have pets. This is a hotel, and we’re workin’ for Mr. Carlyle. He’d be angry with us for bringin’ in animals.”
    “One of my stepmother’s sister’s cats had kittens a while ago.” I stared at the wall, while tapping a finger to my lips.
    “Oh, no. You better not,” warned Megan. “I only just got this job, and I don’t want to lose it.”
    “I’ll ask him about it.”
    “Why cause a fuss? I say, leave it be. Men prefer their lives ordered and neat. They don’t want cat hair on their clothing or furniture.”
    I smiled innocently. “What harm could a little cat cause?”
    “Exactly, Ma!” Judy grinned, revealing missing front teeth. “I really like Mary. She’s good people in my book.”
    Megan scowled. “You don’t know a thing about Mary, Judy. One shouldn’t judge anyone until they’ve shown their true colors.” She glared at me. “And this one’s heading for trouble.”
    “Oh, don’t worry,” I said lightly. “I won’t cause any trouble. I promise.”
     

Chapter Four
     
     
    After Rosalind and Joshua went to sleep, I prepared for bed, brushing and braiding my hair. Then I washed my face and hands in a bowl of tepid water, while staring at my reflection in the mirror. The lamplight cast soft shadows across the room. I had never considered myself a beauty, and I had always envied Jane, who was truly lovely. My eyes were dark blue, surrounded by lengthy lashes, while a smattering of freckles fell across the bridge of my nose. My skin was milky white and blemish free, although I had suffered from them when I had been younger. I appeared acceptable enough I estimated, yet entirely unremarkable.
    A knock on the door startled me. “Are you awake?” whispered a voice.
    I glanced at Rosalind, worried that she had stirred. “I am.” I grasped the knob, peering out. “What is it?”
    “I sometimes have a bedtime sherry,” said Megan. “Care to join me?”
    “Um…all right, I suppose.” I had never imbibed spirits before, but what harm could come from a few sips? We were in the parlor, while the sounds of revelry abounded. “What’s all that noise?”
    “The saloon.” She held a small crystal glass, taking a sip, while pulling the drapes back. “Look at ‘em, the vagabonds. My husband used to spend a great deal of time drinkin’. He’d bend an elbow nearly every night of the week. He’s probably drunk somewhere right now.” Bitterness laced her tone. “There’s your glass. It’s not bad, but it’s awfully strong.”
    I held it up, examining the amber fluid. “I’ve never had wine before.”
    “This is fortified wine, girl. It’s good. It’ll warm your belly.”
    I took a tentative sip; the fluid burned a path all the way into my stomach. “Oh, my stars. It’s strong.” I came to stand next to her, staring out the window at the spectacle below. “So many of them.” The lights from the Criterion saloon blazed, as the establishment was filled to capacity with an assemblage of men. “Are they there all night?” I had another sip, feeling a delicious warmth spreading within me.
    “Yeah, the wastrels. They’ve got nothin’ better to do than lose their time and money on drink and women.”
    “Those are the saloon girls?” I pointed, although it wasn’t clear what I was pointing at. “They’re pretty.”
    “If I looked