A Groom for Christmas (Spinster Mail-Order Brides Book 9) Read online

  “I trust you slept well?”

  Ella opened the door a little more, ensuring no one else was around since she was in her undergarments. “It was the best sleep I’ve had for a very long time. Thank you, Mrs Henderson.”

  “You are welcome, my dear. Now get dressed, and I’ll have your breakfast waiting for you downstairs.” She patted Ella’s hand and then was gone.

  The dining room was near empty when she arrived. Ella expected it to be full and voiced that opinion.

  “My dear girl,” Mrs Henderson said laughing. “It’s mid-morning – everyone else has been and gone.”

  Ella was horrified. “Mid-morning? Oh my goodness – I never sleep that long.”

  A mug of coffee was placed in front of her, along with fried bacon, eggs, and buttered toast. “You must have needed it. Now eat your food, and don’t worry about the time. Mr Winston will be along shortly.”

  “How...?” It was too late – she was gone, but soon returned with another mug of coffee, accompanied by her betrothed. Or was he? She really wasn’t sure anymore.

  “Miss Bryson had a lovely sleep, and is not long awake.” She placed the coffee in front of Mr Winston then left them alone.

  He quirked an eyebrow. “Good morning, Miss Bryson. You must have been exhausted to have slept so long.”

  She felt the heat in her cheeks. “I do apologize, Mr Winston.”

  He waved his hands across in front of him. “Nothing to apologize for. You had a long trip, and a stressful day.” He took a large gulp of his coffee. “Mrs Henderson makes the best coffee in town.”

  She had no idea if that was true, but nodded anyway.

  “Now, what are we going to do about you?”

  Ella almost choked on the mouthful of coffee she’d just taken. She quickly put her napkin to her mouth, lest she spit all over poor Mr Winston.

  He frowned. “Are you alright, Miss Bryson?”

  Mrs Henderson came running with a fresh napkin, then scurried away at Mr Winston’s scowl.

  “I’m perfectly alright, thank you. My beverage went down the wrong way is all.”

  “As I was saying, we need to sort out where we go from here.” He sighed, and Ella was positive he was sending her back to Harken.

  “I can’t go back,” she blurted out, and he frowned again.

  “I’m not sure what you expect from me,” he said, leaning closer, presumably to ensure their conversation wasn’t overheard, but the dining room was empty except for herself and Mr Winston.

  “I expected to be married, Mr Winston!” Her indignity shone through, but all he could do was laugh.

  “My name is Thomas, but you may call me Thomas if you wish. My friends do.” Did she detect a note of softening? For her?

  “Then you may call me Ella,” she said quietly, taking a small sip of her coffee, lest she choke again.

  “Here’s the thing, Ella. I have no wish to marry. My dear sister Melody has been trying to marry me off for years.” He stopped and took a deep breath, as though the words left a bad taste in his mouth. “I don’t need a wife, don’t want a wife. What I do need is a housekeeper.”

  He stared at her, and Ella’s heart sank. He didn’t want a wife. She prepared herself to leave Little Rock later that day.

  She’d enjoyed sleeping in a clean room with crisp white sheets and a warm comforter. The soft pillow topped it all off.

  Her mouth went dry. “I have but two coins to my name,” she said firmly, ensuring he understood he’d have to pay her fare to leave this town.

  His confusion was evident. “I’m not sending you away, Ella. Unless of course, you want to go.”

  He clasped his hands in front of him on the table. “I’m offering you a position in my household. My last housekeeper left because she was with child, and I’ve not had a chance to replace her.”

  She nodded but said not a word.

  “I will provide you with room and board, and a generous stipend.”

  Ella’s heart rate kicked up. This was far better than being sent away, but it wasn’t what she’d been promised.

  “I have assumed you can cook? I expect a hot meal every evening, and a cooked breakfast.” He stared at her.

  Ella tried to stifle a laugh, but failed miserably.

  “What’s so funny? Is my offer so inadequate you find it laughable?”

  She pulled herself together. “I apologize, Mr... er, Thomas. My last position was in a bakery where we also served meals.”

  His face lit up. “A bakery? My word – that is excellent news.” He rubbed his hands together and grinned. Then his features turned quite stern. “One would assume you have references?”

  “References?” She gulped. The last thing Ella wanted was for Edgar Cronk to speak to anyone about her. He was bound to tell a bunch of lies to cover his own dirty deeds.

  And she certainly didn’t want him to know where she was.

  It was then the reality of it all sank in – she would never be free of that disgusting man.

  “I’m afraid I can’t accept your generous offer, Mr Winston,” she said, exaggerating his name. “I was promised to be wed.” She sat straighter and lifted her chin.

  He stared at her, but she didn’t flinch away.

  His offer was generous, and she knew it, but the truth of the matter was Ella needed stability. She’d been homeless too many times in her life, and wasn’t prepared to do it again. She’d come a long way to be wed, and that’s what she intended to do.

  If he rejected her again, she’d try to take up his previous offer, but knew it was highly unlikely he’d allow it.

  “Blasted Melody!”

  Her eyes opened wide at the sudden outburst. “Oh my goodness,” she said, leaning away from him, but she wouldn’t back down. Not yet anyway.

  He suddenly jumped up from his seat and paced around the empty dining room. She felt herself stiffen.

  Mrs Henderson came running. “Is everything alright, Mr Winston?”

  Ella watched as the older woman followed him around the room. “No, it darned well isn’t!” he bellowed, and she quickly disappeared.

  If she hadn’t been so shocked at his sudden change of temperament, Ella may well have made herself scarce too.

  “I...” She was about to back down and take up his initial offer when his head shot up and he glared at her.

  “I think I have a solution,” he said gruffly. “I’ll meet you back here for a late luncheon, and we can discuss it.”

  Before she had a chance to agree or object, he almost ran out of the dining room. Ella watched as he returned to his office.

  * * *

  It was after one before Thomas Winston returned. Ella had sat patiently on the wooden bench outside the Royal Hotel, and sipped homemade lemonade. Mrs Henderson was so kind, and continued to look out for her well-being.

  As she took another sip, she looked up at a sound.

  He sat down beside her, his hands full of papers. He looked apologetic, but seemed happy to see her. “Shall we go inside?”

  They were the only words he spoke, and it worried Ella. What were all the documents he held?

  It made her nervous because he was a lawyer, and she would never understand all the legal waffle he might include.

  “Have you enjoyed your day so far,” he asked, a false smile on his face.

  They were shown to a table, and she placed her half-empty glass in front of her. “I’ve been sitting on that hard bench waiting for you to return.” She sounded more terse than she’d intended, but the look on his face meant she’d hit her mark.

  “You could have taken a stroll around town perhaps.” He began to shuffle the papers about. “I’ll organize a menu, and we can talk while we wait for our food.” He smiled at her, and Ella wondered if he was displaying his lawyer disposition.

  She glanced at the menu, then ordered. “Hearty beef soup with crusty bread,” she told the waitress.

  He stared at her. “That doesn’t seem much. You can order whatever
you want.” He seemed determined to fatten her up.

  “I am quite happy with soup, thank you,” she told him, trying not to glare.

  He sighed. Was he already tired of her. “I’ll have the same, thank you.”

  He played with the documents again. “I’ve drawn up a contract,” he began.

  “Of course you have,” Ella said quietly.

  “It’s to protect us both, Ella.” He fidgeted about in his chair. If he was used to delivering bad news, surely he’d know how to do it without becoming agitated? “This first document says I promise to marry you provided you agree to become my housekeeper and cook.”

  She stared at the words on the page. Wasn’t that what a wife did anyway?

  “As we discussed earlier, I will provide you with a stipend. That will allow you to have your own money for clothes, or whatever else you need.”

  Ella gasped at the amount he’d written down. It was more than three times what she’d earned working in the bakery.

  He stared at her. “Not enough?” His shoulders slumped.

  “Oh no, Mr Winston. It is far more than I expected.” She slapped her hands to her mouth. Perhaps she should have kept her thoughts to herself.

  He leaned in close. “If we’re to be married, you need to start calling me Thomas. People will talk.”

  “Alright Mr... Thomas.”

  “Sign here, and that part is done.” He handed her a fountain pen, and Ella sighed her name.

  He took the document back and picked up another one. “This one,” he said extra quietly, “Is regarding the marriage.”

  She frowned. What was there about a marriage that needed a document?

  He shoved the paper in front of her. “It states we will have a marriage of convenience.” She picked up the fountain pen and signed once more.

  “My dear lady,” he said exasperated. “You didn’t even read it!”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “I couldn’t do any worse than my last position. Besides, I trust you,” she said, already regretting having said too much.

  Their luncheon arrived, and Thomas rolled up the documents and shoved them into the inside pocket of his jacket. “Now we eat. Later we’ll pay a visit to the Pastor.”

  Ella picked up her spoon. As she began to eat, she studied the man sitting opposite her. He was quite handsome, and if he’d let himself, he would surely make a good husband. Alas, according to their contract, they would never be a real couple.

  She promised herself not to worry about that now. At least she would have a roof over her head, and would eat daily. That’s more than Ella could wish for.

  * * *

  Thomas snatched up her worn out carpetbag and hooked his arm through hers.

  “We’ll drop your luggage at my office, then visit the Pastor.” She nodded, but didn’t speak. There was more to Ella Bryson that she was letting on, but he wouldn’t grill her. That wouldn’t be fair.

  “What if we can’t marry today?” She looked quite concerned. “I can’t possibly stay at your house until we are married.”

  She was right. His last housekeeper was married and returned home each night. He couldn’t put Ella in that position. “If we can’t wed today, then you’ll go back to the hotel. Mrs Henderson won’t mind.”

  He knew that was true. She would take his money in a flash, but that wasn’t what this was about. He saw the way she’d stared at Ella, curious as to their relationship. It didn’t take a genius to work that out.

  The woman was a gossip, if ever there was one. She was certainly in the right place to fulfil her most favorite past-time – gathering and distributing the latest news.

  Right now she was in her element. The moment they married, it would be all over town. He didn’t know how she managed it, but she knew everybody’s business before even they did!

  They entered his office, and he placed the carpetbag behind his desk. “We shall dispose of that...” He wanted to say piece of garbage, but didn’t have the heart. “You deserve a whole new wardrobe and the best carpetbag we can find.”

  She’d been tense and his words didn’t help. She tensed up even more. Ella Bryson was such a beautiful woman but she always looked so sad, and it covered her best feature – her face.

  “The church is not far,” he said, taking her arm again. “You look rather beautiful today,” he said, trying to fill in time. But he knew it was true.

  Yesterday she’d been disheveled and exhausted, and was still beautiful. Today she was rested and flawless despite the worn and tattered gown she wore.

  If he had wanted a wife, she would be perfect for the position.

  “Ah, here we are.” They headed for a little cottage beside the church, and he knocked. The door was opened by the Pastor’s wife. “Good afternoon, Mrs Gillis.” He introduced Ella and explained why they were here.

  “He’s out in the garden,” she said. “I’m sure he’ll be able to accommodate you. Follow me.”

  They found the preacher kneeling on a small towel, tending to his vegetable garden. “Ah, Thomas!” The Pastor always seemed happy to see his parishioners.

  After introducing him to Ella, and making their request, they followed Pastor Gillis into the small church. “I need to ensure you’re not doing this against your will, Miss Bryson,” he said. She assured him she wasn’t, and soon the ceremony was underway.

  The entire ceremony took around ten minutes. Thomas had always thought when he was ready to marry, it would be a rather large affair with all his family and friends. It made him wonder how Ella was feeling about the whole situation.

  “Congratulations to you both,” Pastor Gillis said, echoing his wife’s words.

  Thomas reached into his pocket and shoved some notes into the Pastor’s hand.

  “No need for that, my boy,” he was told, but Thomas insisted. A small parish like this could always do with a helping hand.

  Ella was very quiet on their way back to the office to collect her luggage. “Are you alright?” She looked a little pale. At least this time he knew it wasn’t due to a lack of food.

  She nodded. “Everything has happened so quickly,” she said, and he realized she was probably quite overwhelmed.

  “My house is not far away. We can walk there, and then I must return to the office.”

  “I understand.”

  Did she? It was not the sort of thing a newly married couple would normally do, he realized. Get married then the husband rush back to work.

  But of course, they were not a normal couple. They didn’t even know each other. He sighed. She must have heard because her head shot around to stare at him.

  “We can still get an annulment if you’ve changed your mind,” she said quietly. He knew that wasn’t an option.

  Thomas felt as though he’d been backed into a corner, but not by Ella. It was his sister who had caused this problem. He felt like ringing her neck, but he wouldn’t, except in his mind.

  “Well here we are,” he announced, and glanced across at his new wife. She was beaming.

  “Seriously?” She gasped. “Your house is nearly as big as the hotel.” She leaned in and breathed in the fragrance of the roses growing in the garden beds.

  “I inherited it from my parents when they died. It’s far too big for a family, let alone a bachelor.”

  “You’re not a bachelor,” she said quietly, and he realized his mistake.

  He grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the front door. “I’m not, am I?” he said as he unlocked the door and scooped her up. The gesture was for her benefit, not his.

  He didn’t want his new bride to feel neglected, even if their marriage was for show. Her arms slid around his neck, and it felt nice, but he wouldn’t allow himself to be drawn in.

  They moved into the sitting room, and he gently settled her on the floor. He stood looking down into her face, and his hand absently lifted to caress her cheek.

  Her face flooded with color, and Thomas stepped back. “Forgive me,” he said, as he backed away.
“I must return to the office. Any supplies you need to prepare supper, you can get from the Mercantile. Put it on my account.”

  Before he could relent again, he was gone. He stood with his back to the front door and breathed a huge sigh of relief.

  Chapter Three

  Ella wandered around the house admiring the various rooms and furnishings.

  She found what appeared to be Thomas’s room – and therefore hers. Despite being a marriage of convenience, they’d surely share a bed? For appearances at least.

  She placed her carpetbag in the wardrobe after unpacking her few meagre belongings. Then she began to explore the kitchen.

  She was quite impressed. There were more cooking utensils and equipment in this kitchen than the bakery had. She rummaged through the cupboards and pulled out a large frying pan, then found a large bowl.

  She checked the pantry, only to discover very little in the way of any sort of staple items. Even the cooler had no milk.

  Ella made a list and made her way to the Mercantile. She stopped outside the store, and stood there for a moment working up the courage to step inside. When she finally did, it wasn’t as bad as she’d imagined.

  “Good afternoon!” She spun around to see a middle-aged woman standing behind a counter. A man, presumably her husband, stood beside her.

  “Good afternoon,” Ella said quietly, feeling like the newcomer she was.

  “You must be Ella Winston. Welcome and congratulations!”

  Ella felt rather bewildered. How did this stranger know who she was? “Why, yes, I am,” she said. “But how...?”

  “Word gets around quickly, and besides, we don’t get many strangers in town.” She stepped out from behind the counter and pulled Ella into a warm hug. “I didn’t think Thomas would ever marry. He certainly proved me wrong.” The couple glanced at each other and grinned. “I’m Mary Nelson, and this is my husband George.”

  Still a little bewildered, Ella exchanged a few niceties then began her shopping. George Nelson followed her around with a box, and she filled it with everything she needed for the next couple of days.

  She paused when she stumbled across the pretty gowns, hidden in a corner. Alongside those were ladies personal items. Ella felt herself blush.