Christmas Mail-Order Brides: Four-in-One Collection, page 25
“James saved her. He opened the kitchen door, and she tore out and ran under our porch. I couldn’t get her out until this morning, but I finally coaxed her with a bowl of milk and a piece of fish. She’s in our house now, poor thing.”
“Bless you.”
“The fire department came, but the building was so far gone by then that nothing could be salvaged. What do you want us to do?”
“Let me think.” Possibilities whizzed through Amelia’s mind. Should she leave for Kansas City today? “I was going to stay here until Monday, but perhaps …”
“There’s nothing to be gained by cutting short your visit. You did have insurance, didn’t you?”
“Yes. That’s one thing I made sure of when I purchased the property.”
“Well, then, a couple of days won’t make that big a difference.”
Amelia wasn’t so sure. This news was distracting enough to keep her from concentrating fully on her mission to find Lennox a bride. Perhaps she should go upstairs and pack. Her appetite had fled anyway. When he came to take her to tour the fruit-packing plant, she could ask him to take her to the train station instead.
“Deborah, I’m not sure what I shall do. I’ll need some time to think it over. But I shall send you a telegram when I know my plans and let you know my time of arrival.”
“All right. And James will make sure no one pokes about your place until you get home. Amelia, I’m so, so sorry.”
“Thank you.” Amelia replaced the earpiece and sat down heavily in the chair behind the desk. She drew in a deep breath and bowed her head. Heavenly Father, calm my heart. Please show me what to do.
She sat there another ten minutes until a discreet knock on the door pulled her attention back to Sacramento.
“Mrs. Mayberry?”
“Yes.” She stood and headed for the door.
“Is everything all right, ma’am?” the desk clerk asked.
“Yes, thank you. I received some bad news, and I took a few minutes to compose myself. But I shall be fine.”
“If you’re sure …”
She walked past him and toward the staircase. “Yes. Thank you very much.” She would have to remember to leave a tip for him, as well as the chambermaid. A sudden thought caused her to turn back. “I’m sorry, but I forgot to inquire about the charges.”
“We’ll attend to it, ma’am.”
An hour later, a bellboy knocked on the door of her room. “You have a caller in the lobby, ma’am. A gentleman to see you.”
“Thank you.” She handed the boy a nickel and made her way downstairs, taking pains not to hurry.
Lennox waited to one side of the stairs, his hat in his hand. Relief swept over her. He would surely give her sound advice in this matter.
His face lit in a smile when he saw her, but the smile drooped after a moment. He stepped forward and offered his arm. “My dear, is everything all right? I spoke with Helen and Daniel this morning. Please don’t let what happened last evening trouble you.”
“It’s not that,” Amelia said. “About an hour ago, I received word from my closest neighbor that a fire destroyed my home last night.”
He caught his breath. “How awful. What will you do?”
“I’m undecided as to whether I ought to keep my planned schedule and leave Monday or head home immediately.”
“I should hate to see you go so soon, but that is merely selfishness. Have you checked the schedule? There is a train later this afternoon, but it’s a local. I think you might do as well to sleep here and take the morning express. That is, if you feel you must go as quickly as possible.”
“I confess I’m at a loss. The neighbors rescued my cat, for which I’m thankful, but they tell me the house and its contents are destroyed. I only bought the house a month ago, but I did buy insurance on it …” She looked up into his concerned face. “Please advise me, Lennox. What should I do?”
“Perhaps you could send a telegram to your insurance company. Are they located in Kansas City?”
“Yes. That sounds sensible.”
He nodded. “You could tell them your planned itinerary and ask their advice.”
“Would you help me word the telegram? I’m afraid my wits are not to be trusted just now.”
“I’d be happy to, but perhaps you should sit down.”
“I’d like to do this right away. The hotel has a booth right over there.” She pointed across the lobby to where a young woman sat behind a barred window in a small room with the telegraph key.
“In that case, let’s take care of it.”
After they sent off a rather businesslike telegram, Lennox took her hand. “And now, dear lady, you look like a woman who could use a cup of tea. Why don’t we ask for a pot to be sent into the lounge while we await a reply to your telegram?”
Amelia smiled wearily. “That sounds delightful.”
Lennox stepped to the front desk and asked the clerk to speak for refreshment for them, and then he led Amelia into the side room, which was empty.
As they sat down near the fireplace, he did not release her hand. “I cannot tell you how vexed I am to hear about your house. If there is anything I can do at all, please don’t hesitate to ask. Even when you return to Kansas City.”
“I can’t imagine what you might do from here.”
“Well, I can imagine several things. For instance, if the insurance company is slow in dealing with your claim, I could wire them or telephone them and urge them to settle your case quickly.”
“Oh, I hope it won’t come to that.”
“So do I, but we both know that some businessmen are not as quick to tend to things for a woman as they are for a man. It’s unfortunate, but I’ve seen it happen. I’m offering my services if you need them.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. She had no doubt that Lennox could scare an insurance agent into prompt action.
“I wish your property weren’t so far away, or I could tend to it for you.”
“Please don’t worry about it, Lennox. I’ve been praying, and I’m sure the Lord will work things out.”
“But you’ve lost all your belongings, excepting the things you brought here with you.”
She frowned. “That does trouble me a little, but you know, all those things were wood, hay, and stubble, not riches that will last for eternity.”
“That is true, but there must be things you will need.”
“I am traveling with the photograph of Micah and me. I admit I shall miss my business records—but, after all, I was about to retire from business. It’s not like I have open transactions.” Other than yours, she thought. “As to my furnishings and decorations, they are replaceable.”
“I admire your spirit.” Lennox looked up as a maid entered carrying a tray.
“Here’s your tea, sir. Madam.” She set the tray down and curtsied. “The cook put on a plate of sandwiches and some digestive biscuits.” She placed the dishes on a low table before them.
“That looks lovely.” Amelia reached for a cup, realizing her stomach wanted lunch, even if her mind had rejected it.
“I had lunch an hour ago, but I must say those sandwiches look attractive.”
“I agree.” Amelia placed a quarter-sandwich on the edge of her saucer.
“Mrs. Mayberry?” The telegraph operator entered the lounge, still wearing her eyeshade. “We have a reply from Kansas City.”
“Well now, that was fast,” Lennox said.
“I’ll get back to my station,” the operator said. “If you want to send a reply, simply bring me the message.”
“Thank you.” Amelia opened the paper. “‘Our man will inspect property. Contact us on your return.’” She looked at Lennox.
“There, now. No need to rush. Do you feel at ease staying over until Monday morning?”
“Why, yes, I think I shall. Thank you so much—just having you here to discuss this with has made it less daunting.”
He smiled gently, and the fine lines at the corners of his eyes deepened. “Then perhaps you’ll feel up to inspecting the plant when we’ve finished our tea. Or, if you prefer, we can skip that and go straight to the Crocker House. The gallery there is worth seeing.”
Amelia sipped her tea, feeling its warmth comfort her.
“Oh, and I’ve a message from Helen,” Lennox said, reaching for a sandwich.
Amelia froze. “From Helen?”
He smiled. “Don’t look so apprehensive. She realizes she was less than cordial last evening, and she said she hopes that if you’re still in town tomorrow, you’ll attend church with our family.”
“Helen said that?”
“She most certainly did. Amelia, she didn’t set out to hurt you. I fear she’s carried the sting of Mrs. Enderly’s words for the last two years, and other wounds I didn’t know of since childhood. Apparently she suffered more than I realized from teasing and ridicule because of her Sioux ancestry. I’d hoped she would toughen up and learn to ignore it, but perhaps I expected too much.”
“You mustn’t blame yourself.” Amelia sent up a swift prayer of thanks for Helen’s change of heart. “And I should be delighted to sit with your family in church tomorrow.”
She insisted on seeing his place of business, and the vastness of it impressed her.
“In the harvest season, this place would be humming, even on a Saturday,” Lennox said. But because fruits were not ripening in the orchards, only a few people worked that day. He showed Amelia his office, the sorting and packing areas, and the loading platform. “Agriculture has replaced mining and cattle raising as the number one source of income in the Sacramento Valley.”
“It’s easy to see why. You have such good soil, and such a beautiful climate.”
They took his carriage to the Crocker House and toured it, admiring both the architecture and the collection of paintings. By the time they’d seen all the exhibits, Amelia was ready to retire to her hotel room and rest.
“I’ll leave you alone for a quiet evening,” Lennox said as he helped her out of the carriage in front of the Royal. “In the morning, I’ll call for you at ten o’clock, if that suits you.”
“It suits me very well,” Amelia said. She hadn’t brought up her offer to find him another match yet. She’d hoped Lennox would mention it that afternoon, but he hadn’t. Tomorrow would be her last chance. She determined to open the subject on Sunday if he didn’t, yet the idea saddened her. She had come to care more deeply for Lennox than she’d expected. It seemed somehow disloyal to steer him toward another woman. Would she always feel a pang of regret for doing so?
Buck up, she told herself. She’d come all this way to do the job, and she’d be going home to a pile of ashes. All her possessions were gone. She sensed that would distress her more when she stood before the ruins, but for now she would concentrate on her purpose. For all she knew, the insurance company might find some reason not to pay her, in which case she would have to go back to work.
She resolved not to leave California without at least trying to fulfill her mission. If she had to reopen the Society, it would be with a spotless reputation.
Chapter 6
Helen and Daniel met them in the vestibule of the church the next morning. Lennox’s apprehension was put to rest when Helen greeted Amelia warmly, taking both hands in hers. “I was terribly rude the other night. Can you forgive me? What happened was not your fault.”
“Of course, my dear,” Amelia said. “Thank you for being so understanding. The matter has troubled me as well.”
Daniel held the baby during this exchange. “We hope you and Mr. Bailey will join us for dinner after the service.”
Amelia looked to Lennox.
He smiled. “We shall be delighted.”
They spent two pleasant hours with his daughter and her family after church, but Lennox began to fidget. This was Amelia’s last day in town, and he wanted to have some private time with her as well.
At last he deemed enough time had passed for him and Amelia to leave without offending Helen. She had conversed amiably with the guest and seemed to have truly put away her ill feelings toward Amelia.
“I do hope we’ll see you again, Mrs. Mayberry,” Helen said, as she walked them to the door. “I can see that you’re good for Papa.”
Amelia smiled and kissed her cheek. “Thank you so much. I cherished your mother’s regard, and it would grieve me if we couldn’t be friends.”
“Do let us know your situation after you get home. We all wonder whether you’ll rebuild your house or find another place to live.”
“I shall drop you a line soon. But to set your mind at ease, I plan to stay with my friend, Deborah, and her husband, at least for a short time.”
They drove at a leisurely pace back toward her hotel. Sunday was Richard’s and Anna’s day off, and Lennox held the reins himself today.
“Lennox,” Amelia said a bit tentatively.
He turned to look down at her. She made a charming picture in her forest green hat and merino wool dress. “What is it? You look worried.”
“It’s only that I’ve wanted to discuss finding a potential bride for you. I did hope you would come to a decision before I left.”
“You said you were ready to retire and stop matchmaking.”
“Yes, but I’d like to do this one bit of business as my last case. I have three ladies, any of which would make a charming wife, housekeeper, and hostess for you. I’d be happy to send a letter of introduction for you to any of them. May I tell you a little about them?”
Lennox’s heart sank. He’d become fond of Amelia over the last week, and he’d hoped she had forgotten about trying to marry him off. Apparently not.
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s so difficult, trying to get to know someone who is so far away. You can’t truly see what she’s like until you meet her, and I’d hate to ask another lady to make the journey. No, Amelia, I think we’d best let well enough alone.”
She let out a little sigh. “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and I shall be leaving. I so hoped to give you this gift—that is, to start the introductory process—before I left Sacramento.”
“But these three women—are they expecting something from me?”
“Oh no. I’ve promised them nothing.”
“Good. Where do they live?”
“One lives in Baltimore, one in Cincinnati, and the third in Hartford, Connecticut.”
“Hmm. Well, let’s leave them there. What do you say?”
Her eyes flickered, and he was sure she struggled to keep disappointment from marring her features. “Whatever you wish, Lennox.”
“Would you like to take a detour and drive a little way along the river? It’s such a beautiful day, and I’d hate to take you back to your hotel so early.”
“All right,” she said.
He headed the horses away from town, toward the farmland that grew the best fruit.
“Lennox,” she said after they’d gone a good mile.
“Yes?”
“What if I knew another woman who was not very far from here? Now, wait.” She laid a hand on his sleeve before he could protest. “Hear me out, you dear man. This lady is within a day’s journey, and I’m positive she would accept and respect your family and make you a good wife.”
He shook his head, amazed that she was still trying. Tenacity, that’s what she had. “Sorry. I’m not interested.”
“Oh.” Her features slid into a frown. “I didn’t mean to badger you about it. I care too much for you to bother you with a frivolous pursuit.”
“You see it as necessary, then, to find me a wife?”
“Well, not necessary exactly. But I did think you’d like to have a companion.” She shook her head. “Forgive me. I’ve been selfish. I hate to go back a failure, and my friend, Deborah, tells me that is my stubborn pride. Perhaps she is right. But if you won’t accept this effort as a Christmas gift from me …”
Lennox looked down into her brown eyes. His pulse accelerated as he gazed once more on her sweet face. “I do hope I haven’t disappointed you too badly. The first attempt did leave me a little gun-shy, it’s true. I’m not going to start over with someone I don’t know. I’ve decided there is only one woman I would ever consider proposing to.”
Amelia blinked, and her eyes looked suspiciously moist, as though tears had pooled in them. Almost inaudibly, she said, “Oh.”
He nodded firmly. “Yes. I’ve thought it over, as you asked me to. But this one woman kept coming to mind. My dear, I shall forego your services, and if she turns me down, I’ll live out the rest of my life a bachelor.”
“Really! You never told me you had your eye on someone. I wouldn’t have pressed the issue if I’d known. Please forgive me. I’ve overstepped—”
“Nonsense!” He reined in the horses and turned to face her. “Amelia, I didn’t have anyone in mind—that is, not until this week. Not until you came and reminded me how delightful it is to spend time with a lady of character and grace. It’s you I want to marry, Amelia. No other. Will you consider becoming my wife?”
She stared at him for a full ten seconds, and then she said again, “Oh.” Slowly, a smile spread over her face. “I find the prospect intriguing.”
Lennox smiled back. He wrapped the reins around the dashboard and slid his arm around her. “Amelia, my dear, I think we should suit very well.”
“I totally agree.”
“Then allow me to give you my Christmas gift now. I picked it out yesterday, hoping you would say yes.” He brought a small wooden box from his pocket and opened it.
Amelia looked down at the ring nestled in the velvet lining and sighed. “That is the loveliest Yule gift I’ve ever received. Thank you.”
He kissed her thoroughly, until the horses began to stamp. He sat back with a laugh.
Amelia blushed prettily, her eyes dancing.
The next Friday, Amelia and Lennox sat opposite Helen and Daniel in the carriage, as Richard drove them from the church to the train depot. Helen held little Samuel facing his grandfather so that he could coo at him while they rode.
“The wedding was lovely,” Helen said with genuine approval.
“Thank you.” Amelia looked over at her new husband. “For such a hastily planned affair, I thought so, too.”
