An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3) Read online

  “You and Paulina are the lucky ones. You’ve settled nicely with dependable men, until they prove otherwise.” I pursed my lips, as unpleasant thoughts drifted through my mind. “I’ll be perfectly content to teach other people’s children and embroider cushions. I don’t mind being an old maid.”

  Hannah sat forward, her brows furrowing. “You’re far too young to think like this. Don’t be ridiculous, Louisa. There’s a perfect man for you out there. He might not be what you were expecting, but you won’t be able to deny the way you feel.”

  “I’m quite resigned to my fate, Hannah. You needn’t worry about me.” That was not what she had wanted to hear, her frown told me as much.

  The greatest accomplishment for a female was an advantageous marriage. This was her crowning moment, the epitome of womanhood. It was the only goal my sex aspired to, but I had already done that, and look where it had gotten me! I would never apply my energies in this direction again. I had far better things to do.

  After Nathan had locked the henhouse and the smokehouse, I suspected the Montgomery children would now be quite desperate for food. It troubled me endlessly, worrying about how they would now eat, and why that father of theirs did not provide better for them. On the way to church, I sat between Hannah and Nathan, with Letty in her arms. Unbeknownst to them, I had packed a few things in a basket. There was a jug of apple cider, a loaf of bread with fresh butter, and a thick slice of ham, perfectly cured. I suspected I would see the children on the road, and, as we drew near their house, I kept an eye out for them.

  Nathan chewed on a toothpick, his wide-brimmed hat shading his face. He had worn his Sunday best, trousers with a freshly pressed shirt and vest. A revolver was at his side. My sister and I wore crinolines, which were highly impractical, but for church, I could not see wearing anything less. As the wagon rounded the bend, there was movement up ahead, and I recognized Annie, who sat by the side of the road. Her bare legs revealed bruises and scraped knees. She was shoeless.

  “Just as I thought.”

  Nathan glanced at me. “Pardon?”

  “Can we stop?”

  “What are you going to do?” asked Hannah, her look betrayed distress.

  “I have something for her.” I brushed past my sister’s skirts, holding onto the seat, while grasping the basket. “I’ll be right back.” Annie remained seated when I approached her; her face was dirty. “Good morning.”

  “What’s so good about it?” She dug in the dirt with a stick.

  I knelt before her. “It’s the Lord’s Day, and that makes it special.”

  “No one told me that.”

  The sadness in her eyes tore at my heartstrings. “I have something for you and your brothers.” I placed the basket at her feet, moving a checkered cloth away, which exposed the cider and food. “I know you must be hungry.”

  Her expression transformed into wonder. “This looks mighty good, Ms.—I don’t know your name.”

  “It’s Louisa. Just Louisa.”

  “Can I take it?”

  “Yes, of course. If you could bring the basket back after you’ve emptied it, that would be nice.”

  She jumped to her feet, a hand curling around the handle. “I will. I’ll bring it back!” Thin legs moved quickly, the girl disappearing into the prairie.

  “What did you give her?” asked Nathan. “What was that?”

  I approached the wagon. “A basket of food.”

  “That was thoughtful of you, Louisa,” said Hannah.

  “I need to have a word with Pastor Bailey about those children. This can’t go on.”

  Hannah and Nathan exchanged a look, but it was difficult to decipher. I didn’t care what they thought, because I could not let those children starve. Anger pricked whenever I thought about their good-for-nothing father, but he would be dealt with in due time.

  Chapter Three

  I waited as long as I could; Pastor Bailey had spoken to everyone who had approached him, as I loitered, while Nathan and Hannah stood outside with my sister, Paulina and her family. I knew they were waiting, but I had to speak with the preacher. When the woman he had been with walked away; I stepped before him.

  “Pastor Bailey, might I have a word?”

  “Of course, Ms. Hoffman. What is it?”

  “I have a somewhat delicate matter to discuss with you.” I glanced over my shoulder to assure myself no one was listening. “I live with my sister, Hannah Weaver, as you know. There are a few miners who live out that way. There is a family by the name of Montgomery. I’ve seen the children on the road with no shoes on. I know they’re starving also, because they’ve been stealing food from our farm.”

  “That would be Matthias Montgomery. His wife died last year. It’s a tragic story, my dear. But, there are lots of those in these parts.” He looked sympathetic. “I’ll go out to speak to him, but there isn’t much I can do.”

  “What about those poor children?”

  “We’ve taken them in before, right after Abigail died, but he came and got them a while later. I’m not a married man, as you know, so I had to place them with a family in town. They’re rather unruly, especially the boys.”

  “Then that’s it? That’s all that can be done?”

  “He’s grieving, Louisa. Let him process what’s happened. I’m sure he’ll take care of them proper soon enough. He’s a stubborn man. He won’t accept handouts and he refuses help.”

  “But those kids are running amok. They haven’t a bedtime or a curfew. They don’t have food.” I glared at him, but then I felt guilty for directing my anger towards our esteemed pastor. “This is intolerable.”

  “He’s in crisis at the moment. He’s found solace in the bottle, but we shall keep an eye on it. If things don’t start to improve, we’ll have a meeting to discuss it.”

  “Who will be at this meeting?”

  “Local business people and the mining claim club representatives. They’re the only authority around here. The territory won’t adopt a state form of government, as the voters reject that sort of thing. No one wants to be taxed and told what to do; although, if we continue to grow as we are, it won’t be long before it happens. You can’t stop progress.”

  This was welcome news. “Fine then. At least you’re aware of what’s happening. I’ll let you know if things get worse.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Hoffman. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.”

  “I will. Thank you for taking the time to speak to me. I know you have a lot on your plate, because there are many families struggling in Denver City.”

  “We’re all looking forward to the new school. You have a passion when it comes to children, and I just know you’ll be an excellent teacher.”

  I hadn’t expected that praise. “That’s nice of you to say. I hate to see children suffering, especially when it’s their parents who are responsible. If I ever see Mr. Montgomery again…ouf…I have a few choice words for that man.”

  Pastor Bailey tried valiantly not to smile. “I’m sure you do. What I wouldn’t give to be a fly on that wall.”

  “Louisa!” called my sister, Paulina. “We’re waiting for you.”

  I turned, seeing a pregnant woman, who held a baby in her arms. “I’m sorry. I’ll be right out.” We were due to have brunch at Paulina’s house with her husband, Samuel. I had kept them all waiting. “I’ll be right there.” I rushed down the aisle, hurrying for the door.

  Having taken up this new responsibility, I made a habit of regularly leaving a basket of food by the side of the road near the turn for the Montgomery residence. I had some income, as Henry had given me a settlement, which he needn’t have, but he had done so anyhow. He had pulled me aside after our marriage had been annulled and said, “I’ve misrepresented myself, Louisa. I want you to know that I never wanted to marry you. I thought it a horrible idea from the start, but mother kept at me for weeks until I relented. Please accept this small token, as an apology. You might need these funds one day.”

  I ha
dn’t wanted to take the money, but I did so reluctantly, using it to see me safely to Denver City. I’d offered to pay my sister for feeding and housing me, but she wouldn’t take a dime. I had secretly paid for a few things, and I would continue to do so, but she would be affronted if she knew.

  It was several days later that I had taken the wagon out for a ride, intending to leave another basket; although this time, I saw Annie sitting by the side of the road, with her forehead on her knees. She failed to look up as I approached, and I pulled on the reins, stopping a foot or two from where she was.

  “Annie?” I climbed down. “Are you all right?” When she lifted her head, I gasped. There was a huge bruise on the side of her face. “Oh, my gracious. What happened?” I knelt before her.

  “There’s a bad man at our house.”

  “What?”

  “Pa went into the woods to mine. He left us with Sally. She brought the bad man over.”

  Panic gripped me. “Where are your brothers?”

  She shrugged. “They got beat too, worse than me. They’re hiding.”

  “Oh, my God!” I glanced towards the house, seeing nothing out of the ordinary, although there was a wagon out front. “You have to come with me. You can’t go back.” I held out my hand. “Come on. You can stay with me.”

  “What about Oscar and Hugh?”

  “We’ll come back and get them.” Just looking at her broke my heart. She was so thin and now…there was a horrible bruise with a fair amount of swelling. How someone could strike a small child such as this left me feeling ill with anguish. “I’ll help you up.” She sat on the seat next to me; her thin arms were around her tummy. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”

  “No.”

  Turning the wagon around, I headed back the way I came, forgetting to leave the basket of food. I would beg Nathan to find the boys, and, if I had to throw myself at his feet to do it, I would. It was ten minutes before we reached the farm. I didn’t need to help Annie down, as she jumped from the seat. Maria had been in the henhouse, and she ambled over, holding a bowl of eggs. She caught sight of Annie, who now sat on the porch.

  “Oh, my. What happened to that child? Her face looks terrible.”

  “Some…” I bit my tongue…“man hit her.”

  “No, that’s not good. She needs ice. I’ll break some off from the block in the cellar.” She shook her head, murmuring, “Esto no es bueno.”

  Hannah came to the door, holding Letty. “What’s happening?”

  “Where’s Nathan?”

  “Having lunch.” She held the door open, her gaze resting on Annie. “You brought the Montgomery child here.”

  “Yes, I did. I need to speak to Nathan.”

  Annie got to her feet, facing Hannah. “Oh, my…oh, what happened to her face?”

  “That’s what I’m going to speak to Nathan about.” I rushed down the hallway, entering the kitchen. “I must talk to you.”

  He was eating a sandwich, his mouth working. “What is it?”

  “I know you’ll be angry, but I found Annie by the side of the road. Her pa’s gone mining, and he left them with some woman, some Sally person. Anyway, she brought a man over, and he’s beating those children!”

  Annie appeared in the doorway. The huge purple bruise took up all of her left cheek. The swelling had begun to bring up the skin beneath an eye, producing an unsightly bulge. Nathan stared at her, while Maria drew near, holding ice in a cloth.

  “You need to come sit down, girl,” she said. “Put this on your face.”

  “What happened, Annie?” asked Nathan.

  “Bad man hit me.”

  “Where are your brothers?”

  “They’re hiding.”

  “Your pa went to the woods?”

  She nodded, while holding the ice to her face. “Yes.”

  Nathan took a deep breath, while getting to his feet. “Lunch is over.” He strode from the room without another word. Hannah had been listening in the doorway, and we followed him down the hall. He retrieved a shotgun from a case in the parlor, holding it firmly in his right hand. Hannah glanced at me, her expression concerned. Nathan left the house, his booted feet clunking on the porch.

  “Jerry!” he shouted.

  “Yes, Mr. Weaver?”

  “We’ve got some boys to find! Saddle up the horses.”

  He spied the shotgun. “Right away, sir.”

  “What are you going to do?” asked Hannah.

  “Goin’ to get them boys. I’ve had enough of this now. I won’t stand by while some mudsill beats on children. That’s where I draw the line about sticking my nose in somebody’s business.”

  “I know you’ll get them, but please just be careful.” She went to him, her face a mask of fear.

  He held her. “Nothin’s gonna happen to me, darlin’. I’ll be fine. Jerry and I are gonna flush ‘em out. We’ll take care of it. There’s room in the bunkhouse for the boys.”

  I stood on the porch, feeling elated that Nathan had taken matters into his own hands. “Annie can be with me,” I said. My mind flooded with all the things I wished to do with the children, starting with baths and haircuts. Then Maria and I would see about clothes and shoes. “I’ll say a prayer for your safe return, Nathan. You’re doing a wonderful thing.”

  Jerry brought out two horses, and Nathan took the reins of a brown mare. “I’ll be back.” He glanced at Annie, who stood on the porch. “You think they’re near the house or further out?”

  “In the woods behind the house. We have a fort there.”

  He smiled. “I bet you do.” His booted foot slid into a stirrup, as he pulled himself up. Jerry did the same, and they galloped off, the hooves kicking up a fair amount of dirt.

  “Hurry back.” Hannah wrung her hands.

  “They’ll be fine,” I said. “Everything will be fine.”

  “You just never know what other people will do. Whoever hurt these children is a violent person.”

  “Denver City’s in dire need of lawmen. The innocent and the infirm need protecting.”

  She nodded. “So, Annie, have you had lunch today?”

  “No.” The little girl wore a torn dress, while the bottoms of her feet were nearly black.

  “I think some food’s in order and then a bath.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I haven’t had a bath in months.”

  “I don’t doubt that.”

  I went to her, holding out my hand. “Come on in, Annie. Your brothers will be here in a few minutes.”

  “Will they get food too?”

  “Of course. As much as they can eat.”

  Maria said, “I get the tub ready, Mrs. Weaver. I need to boil water.”

  “Thank you, Maria.”

  “It’s no problem.”

  Hannah and I made eggs and bacon, along with sliced fresh bread and butter. Annie held the ice pack to her face, although the bruising wouldn’t go away for days. She ate heartily, murmuring her appreciation. My sister was worried about Nathan, as she glanced up whenever she thought she heard a noise. It wasn’t until Maria had the bath ready for Annie, that the sounds of voices reached us.

  “I’ll feed the boys in the dining room,” said Hannah. “That way Annie can have her bath in here.”

  The metal tub was partially filled, the little girl sitting in the water, while I poured water over her head from a small pitcher. Maria and I lathered her with lye soap, which was harsh on the skin, but it worked wonders for filth removal. The water in the tub was dark grey by the time we were finished rinsing Annie. I was relieved to find no other bruises on the girl, other than scraped knees. A towel was over her head, while I rubbed vigorously.

  “What do we have for her to wear?”

  “I might have a shirt,” said Maria. “She can wear it until I clean the dress.” The torn and soiled garment was in her hands. “Oh, this is not good. I might be able to mend it, but…these children need new clothes.”

  “A trip to town’s in order.”

  �
�Sí, Ms. Hoffman. I mean, yes.”

  Annie sat before me in a chair while I combed out the tangles. “Well, at least you don’t have lice. Things could be worse.”

  Nathan appeared in the doorway. “Where’s the soap? I’m gonna take the boys to the pond.”

  “It’s in the bucket over there. Did you have any trouble finding them?”

  “No. I had a little talk with Howard Granger while I was at it. He’s the person responsible for hurting the kids. I’m reporting him to the mining district later today. Somebody’s gotta do somethin’ about what’s happened here.”

  “I hope they’ll take action.”

  “It’s doubtful, but I can’t keep quiet about this.” He grasped the chunk of soap. “I’ll be at the pond, if Hannah asks where I am.”

  “Will do.”

  He glanced at Annie. “She sure cleaned up nice. I had no idea she was a blonde.”

  “It’s amazing what a little soap and water can do,” I laughed.

  “That’s what I’m about to find out.”

  I helped Maria mend clothes, while she scrubbed them over the washboard. The water in the tub was filthy. The garments were rung out and hung on the line; the heat of the sun would dry them within a half an hour. The boys were rambunctious, and Nathan and Jerry had their hands full in that regard. I tried to get them to settle down, so I could cut their hair. They sported various bruises as well, and Hugh had a chipped tooth. This had enraged Nathan, as he had sworn up a storm in the backyard, venting his anger at the situation. It was strange, but Annie remained by my side no matter where I went. If I was on the porch, she was there. If I went into the kitchen, she followed. It was like having a silent shadow, but I didn’t mind.

  When we sat down for dinner, there were so many of us that Hannah and I brought in the kitchen chairs to use in the dining room. It was a jovial affair with candles, gleaming plates, and plenty of food. There was chicken, ham, and steak, which Nathan had grilled over a fire in the backyard. The boys weren’t accustomed to using forks and knives; their manners were atrocious. These would be things that Hannah and I would have to teach them.