Colorado Courtship: Winter of Dreams / The Rancher's Sweetheart

Chapter Five

The afternoon sun streaming through the front windows enhanced the color of Violet’s eyes, which always appeared so dark. In this light they were a rich deep mahogany, flecked with gold and green. The last thing Ben Charles wanted to do was impose on her and scare her off. Apparently she had no one else, and everyone needed a family. His might be small, but he and Tessa had a lot to offer.

“We have a new player to draw into our games?” his sister said as she settled beside Violet. The last word had ended on a higher note, indicating her question.

“I was hoping to make a good impression this first weekend,” he replied with good humor. “Not send her packing.”

“What games are you referring to?” Violet asked.

Tessa got up and took one of the game boards from the wall.

“I thought those were colorful lithographs,” Violet said with surprise.

“They’re game boards,” Tessa replied. “This one is my favorite.”

The game she referred to was ’Round the World with Nellie Bly. Tessa had loved to play this one since she was a child. “She’s read Nellie Bly’s book a dozen times,” Ben Charles told Violet.

“Have you read it?” Tessa asked, her expression animated.

“Indeed I have,” Violet answered. “I was twelve when she made headlines. My father and I followed her column in the New York World from the moment she left New Jersey, through the Mediterranean, across the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean, to Japan, all the way until she arrived in New York City. It was the most exciting adventure a girl could imagine.”

The pleasure on Tessa’s face was worth a hundred Sunday afternoons of playing her game. “I was too young then to remember,” she said. “But I read the newspaper accounts in the archives at the library.”

Their conversation convinced Ben Charles once and for all that God had answered his prayers and sent Violet. Emotion spread throughout his chest, like a comforting emollient for a previously aching heart. Thank You, Lord. Your mercies are indeed new every morning.

“How do you play?” Violet asked.

From a cabinet Tessa gathered the spinner and worn wooden tokens and explained the simple forward and backward movement in the spiral of spaces. “This isn’t Ben Charles’s favorite game, but he indulges me.”

Violet met his eyes, her appreciation and compassion obvious. She gave him a tentative smile that changed the warmth in his chest to something else. Something hotter and more surprising.

Something that didn’t resemble appreciation in the least.

“What is your favorite game?” she asked.

“I don’t mind a competitive game of croquet,” he replied. “Weather permitting.”

“I keep telling him there is a parlor croquet set in Mr. Levine’s shop.”

He grimaced. “If it must be a board game, then I prefer Carrom.”

“You fling little disks across the board into pockets.” Tessa wrinkled her nose the same way she had since she was five and pointed to one of the larger boards on the wall. “Did your family play games at home?”

“Only checkers,” Violet answered.

“Maybe we could read Around the World in Seventy-Two Days together,” Tessa suggested.

Violet didn’t blink an eye. “I would enjoy that.”

Ben Charles believed she meant it.

Violet joined the play with enthusiasm, and the two young women pointed out the details of the book at each space on the board. His sister’s animation and smile gave him immense satisfaction. The game lasted a couple of hours, until he got hungry. “I’m going to go get us a tray of ham and cheese and bread.”

“I can do that,” Violet spoke up.

“It’s your day off,” he reminded her. “We’re used to fending for ourselves on Sunday evenings. We can pop corn over the fire later.”

It was obvious their routine and customs were new to Violet. He and his sister spent a lot of time alienated from others, but perhaps even in their seclusion they’d been more like a family than anything Violet had experienced.

They shared a simple meal, and later ate popcorn. Tessa played a few pieces on the pianoforte. When she’d finished she said to Violet, “I had a nice time. Thanks for joining the game.”

“It was my pleasure.”

Tessa kissed Ben Charles’s cheek. “Thank you, too. And don’t say it was your pleasure.”

“It’s my pleasure to see you happy.”

She briefly pressed her cheek to his. “I’m going upstairs to read before bed. Good night.”

Once she was gone, Violet stood and leaned over to gather their dishes on the tray. Without standing, Ben Charles extended his hand and placed it on her wrist. “I’ll do that.”

She looked at his hand, but he didn’t remove it.

He should have.

She was new to their household. He intended for theirs to be a strictly working relationship, but he felt a constant need to assure her she was part of their family. He had no business changing their agreement or making her uncomfortable by letting new feelings get in the way.

She’d only been here a few days.

In those brief moments while her gaze moved from his hand to his face, he went over all the reasons why he needed to keep his distance.

But everything about Violet appealed to him and made him feel protective. He told himself he held only a brotherly concern, like that he felt for Tessa, but the lie didn’t convince him.

She didn’t pull her arm away. Her curious gaze searched his eyes and moved to his lips. His chest expanded with warmth, and he reminded himself to breathe.

He wanted to kiss Violet Bennett.

Kissing would definitely be inappropriate. She was in his employ.

“Was there something else you wanted?” she asked finally.

He released her wrist finally. “I’ll carry that to the kitchen and bank the fire. Run along and get some rest.”

His voice was gruffer than he’d intended.

She straightened, wished him a good-night and left the room. Once she was gone, he could breathe more easily. He had a long day ahead tomorrow, and he needed to rest, not stir up his thoughts and reactions to the new cook. He had more fortitude than that.

By midnight he questioned that reasoning.

Chapter Six

Ben Charles and Henry both came to breakfast dressed in black suits and white shirts. Violet couldn’t help a second look at Ben Charles’s neatly combed hair. He wore a ring with a gold letter on a flat black stone on his little finger. She’d never seen the piece of jewelry before. As she served his coffee, she noted the initial was a cursive H.

He smelled good, too—clean with a hint of barely discernible spice. She remembered the warmth of his fingers on her wrist the night before. She hadn’t been able to sleep because of that touch. She’d lain awake thinking of the game the three of them had played and the smiles they’d shared. For brief moments during those hours she’d been able to forget she was alone in the world. In those minutes she’d felt accepted and like a part of something valuable.

This morning, seeing him in his funeral clothing ready to perform his duties, she was forced to remember how different the two of them were. She was curious now about the schedule and events, but too cowardly to speak of it.

Tessa surprised her by joining them, dressed in a lovely black dress with pouf sleeves. A sash belted her waist, the tail of the bow streaming down the front of the skirt. Up close, intricate silver-gray embroidery was visible on the bodice. Tessa would be attending the funeral?

As if recognizing Violet’s puzzlement, she spoke up. “I help arrange the flowers and chairs in the family room, and I greet family and friends as they arrive.” She glanced at her brother. “If a need arises, Ben Charles lets me know and I’m there to handle it.”

“You didn’t know Guy, but the service is at ten if you care to attend,” Ben Charles told her. “Don’t worry about our noon meal. There will be food served after the burial. You’re welcome to join us.”

Just the thought made Violet’s heart beat more quickly. She didn’t know how people could eat after something like that. “Thank you, but I’ll stay here.”

“That’s fine.” Ben Charles finished his second cup of coffee.

“There was a moose on the road this morning,” Henry said.

“Male or female?” Ben Charles asked.

“Male. He wasn’t inclined to move either.”

“Will you check the road again before ten?” Ben Charles asked. “We don’t want that animal hindering our guests’ arrival.” He looked to Violet. “If you go out of doors for any reason, keep an eye out. This time of year the moose can be aggressive. They’re hungry and traveling a long way to look for food. They see humans as threats and will attack.”

She nodded her understanding.

After they’d gone and she’d washed the dishes, she wondered if she’d done the right thing by insisting she stay here. Ben Charles hadn’t seemed perturbed by her decision, and it wasn’t part of her job to attend events at the mortuary.

It was Monday, and as such it was a good day to change bedding, gather the laundry and do some extra cleaning, especially since she didn’t have to plan and cook a meal midday.

Upon entering Ben Charles’s room, her attention was immediately drawn to an enormous stuffed owl perched on a branch atop a round table in the middle of the room. Its eyes seemed to follow her as she stepped around it, a chill spreading up her spine. The room was functional, with heavy pieces of furniture and a collection of feathers under a piece of glass on a long table. She changed the sheets, then dusted and swept the floor.

Tessa’s room was as cheerful as her own, with lacy curtains at the windows and an assortment of bisque dolls on a shelf. On one wall hung an arrangement of four magazine covers, all depicting Nellie Bly in her signature coat and carrying her carpetbag. Violet took a moment to study the colorful images, and she smiled, remembering the girl’s enthusiasm.

Quiet and bookish, Tessa was enamored by the adventurous story and the spirit of a world traveler, but when she’d been sent to boarding school, she’d begged to come home. Violet pictured her in this room as a child, mourning the death of her mother. She was fortunate to have Ben Charles.

Violet went about her work, changed her own bedding and still it was barely after nine. After finding the canvas bags for the laundry and packing it all up for Henry to take to the washhouse, she made herself a pot of tea and sipped a steaming cup.

It took her a few minutes to gather cleaning supplies. She planned to dust and sweep the two drawing rooms before noon. So far she’d kept away from the windows, and she intended to avoid them so she wouldn’t see the comings and goings next door.

Stopping beside the pocket door that led to the room they’d used the evening before, she set down her pail and rags in the hall, grasped the indented metal finger hold and slid open the door.

The unexpected sight of a dozen people dressed in black took her aback. Men and women mingled, speaking in low tones. Tessa, who’d been listening to a woman speak, glanced at Violet over the person’s shoulder. She gave Violet a soft smile. The woman turned to see who Tessa had looked at, but then distractedly went back to what she’d been saying.

Heart pounding with surprise and embarrassment, Violet tugged the heavy door closed as quietly as she was able. Grabbing her cleaning supplies, she darted into the formal parlor. She stood unmoving for several minutes, absorbing what had just taken place...and what she’d learned.

The lovely room where she’d felt such peace the night before was now being used as a gathering place for mourners. She hadn’t noticed another door on the opposite side until her quick glance today. The space had been open to a hallway on the opposite side.

Neither Tessa or Ben Charles had bothered to mention the room’s use to her. Should she find withholding that information disturbing—or hadn’t either one thought of it? She blocked all thoughts of what was going on next door from her mind.

Violet jerked into action and gave the room a good study before deciding what needed done. She covered all the furniture before dusting the ceiling, wiping the walls and cleaning light fixtures. She wasn’t going to get to the other room today, so she’d focus her attention here and do a thorough job.

Finished with the dusting, she pulled off the furniture drapes and carried them out the back door to shake them.

For the second time that day she drew up short.

Fifty yards from the back door stood an enormous moose. Its size—probably six feet high at its shoulders—shocked her. The beast swung its head to look at her as she exited the house. It had begun to snow and the fluffy white flakes showed up against the animal’s dark hide. The moose’s impressive rack of antlers spread over a foot and a half on either side of its blunt-featured head. The moose stared at her, but didn’t move.

She dropped the cloths in the snow and backed up, nearly stumbling in her haste to get safely back inside. Closing the door securely, she went to the long window. The moose had a huge hump across its shoulders and a long hairy beardlike thing hanging under its chin.

The connecting door opened, startling her yet again. She released an involuntary squeak and spun to discover Tessa.

“Are you all right?” the girl asked. “I brought you a late lunch.” She set a napkin-covered tray on the table.

“The moose,” Violet told her. “It’s outside the back door.”

Tessa joined her at the window. “He’s a big one. I’ll let Ben Charles know, so he can keep an eye out as the guests leave.” She glanced at Violet’s face. “Did you go outside?”

Violet nodded. “I was going to shake the furniture covers. I left them out there in the snow.”

“They’re fine. I’ll help you with them later.”

“What does that thing eat?”

“Roots and shoots. Conifers. They’re like giant deer. You’ve never seen one before?”

“Never.”

“Hunters shoot them for their antlers. For the most part the moose are only looking to survive. This one is big and probably eats a lot of food in a day. Today he got a little too close to town, but we’re living in his territory, after all.”

Violet studied the beast with a different perspective. “Do the hunters eat them?”

“I don’t think so. They just shoot them for the trophy.”

“Seems like a cruel thing to do.”

“I agree.” Tessa moved away from the window. “Try the little sandwiches Mrs. Match brought. They’re delicious. And I got a slice of cake for you before it was gone.”

“Thank you, Tessa. I didn’t get around to eating. I’ve been busy. I’d better think about supper once I’ve tasted the lunch.”

“People will be heading home soon. I’ll stay until the last guest is gone and then put away chairs while Ben Charles and Henry see to the grave.”

Violet’s stomach plummeted. She nodded.

After Tessa had gone, she peered at the food. The thought of eating didn’t appeal to her, but she forced herself to taste the sandwich. Again taking control of her thoughts, she moved a chair before the window, carried her plate and sat to observe the moose.

It had moved farther away and was nibbling at twigs poking through the snow. She nibbled at a slice of pickle. She and that moose were getting by the best they knew how. She found the humor in comparing herself to a moose and finished her funeral meal before setting about preparing supper.

It was still early enough to cook a roast, so she browned the meat and set the covered pan in the oven before peeling potatoes and turnips.

She had time later to wash and change before supper. Henry didn’t join them that evening. “The sky is threatening snow, so he went on home,” Ben Charles explained after he’d prayed. “He looks after his elderly grandfather.”

“He never mentioned it,” Violet replied.

“News is there’s a storm farther north, and it’s heading this way. I strung a rope from the back door to the stable before I came in.”

“What for?”

“If visibility is poor, I can find my way there and back to feed and water the horses.”

“I can help you.”

“We’ll see what it looks like in the morning. I wouldn’t mind the company.”

They ate, and the siblings were unusually quiet. Violet assumed they were tired from their long day.

“I liked the biscuits,” Tessa told her.

“Klenor,” Violet explained. “Sweet cream makes the difference. I made trivilies for dessert.” She brought a tray with a plate full of the pastries and cups of coffee. Hot tea for Tessa. The walnut and oatmeal sandwich cookies held a layer of date filling.

“There wasn’t anything this tasty at the luncheon today,” Ben Charles said. “You go to a lot of work for us.”

“I could make these in my sleep,” she said. “At the bakery I made hundreds at a time. Even a dozen seems like a lot for us. The extras will be in the pantry.”

“Not for long,” Ben Charles said, reaching for another.

The dining room was on the side of the house against the funeral home, so there were no windows. Violet was surprised when she returned to the kitchen to hear the wind howling against the door and window. She peered out to discover a flurry of swirling white flakes obscuring the backyard and the stable.

“I grabbed the cloths that were in a heap in the yard,” Ben Charles said from behind her.

“Oh, thank you. I’m afraid I dropped it when the moose startled me.”

“Henry thinks he’s moved on. The animal must have sensed the storm coming and come foraging.”

“I never knew a moose was so large!”

“That’s why I cautioned you to be alert.”

“I’d have run from that fellow even without forewarning.”

Tessa helped her with the dishes, while Ben Charles went next door.

That evening Violet selected a book and sat with Tessa in her upstairs getaway. Later the hallway grew chilly, so they decided to move to their rooms where they could stoke their fireplaces.

Alone in her room with the wind battering the window, Violet was thankful for her job and for a warm place to sleep at night. This home was built of brick, and inside they were safe from the elements. She was comfortable here, and the Hammonds treated her well. Church and Ben Charles’s prayers were new to her, but he and Tessa set great store by God, and Violet had no evidence they were wrong.

At a tap on her door she stood from her chair, with her shawl wrapped around her, and opened it.

Ben Charles stood in the hallway, holding an armful of logs. “I’m sorry to disturb you. I’m afraid I got busy, but I wanted to make sure you had enough wood to last the night.”

She took a step back. “Thank you. I’m keeping quite warm, thank you.”

He placed the wood in the bin beside the fireplace and brushed bits of bark from his sleeve, then picked them up and tossed them into the fire. After striding back to the door, he turned momentarily. “Sleep well.”

She closed the door behind him and listened to his footsteps move away down the hallway. A feeling of well-being akin to nothing she’d ever experienced washed over her.

She wasn’t sure how she knew it, but she belonged here.

Chapter Seven

Ben Charles awoke to the sound of the wind. During the winter months when he wasn’t tending to graves or grounds, he had time to work on headstones. He found it immensely satisfying to create monuments that would last through the ages and bless the families of the departed.

In his workshop were stacks of flat cut marble and he had been looking forward to time to work on them.

The tantalizing smells of coffee and bacon drew him to the kitchen, where Violet coached Tessa on cutting circles from a layer of dough. “What are you ladies up to?”

“Violet’s teaching me to drop doughnuts.” Tessa took two of the circles she’d cut and turned to place them in an enormous skillet of grease.

The resulting popping sounds and the smell made Ben Charles’s stomach rumble. “I have an idea where you can drop a couple of those doughnuts.” With a grin, he poured himself a cup of coffee.

“I’ll fix you a plate,” Violet offered.

He stopped her with a raised hand. “I’ll get my own. You’re busy.”

The oven held pans of bacon and a platter of pancakes she’d kept warming.

“I helped make those, too,” his sister called.

Ben Charles sat to eat, enjoying Violet and Tessa’s chatter as much as the food. “The road must have been too bad for Henry to venture out this morning.”

“I can’t tell if there’s more snow falling or if all that snow in the air is coming from the roof and the trees,” Violet replied.

Ben Charles got up for more coffee and stopped at the window. “Looks like a little of both.” He filled his cup. “Will you two be all right today if I fill the woodbins and then go work in my shop?”