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

  The bacon was sizzling on the stove, and the aroma made her mouth water. It had been such a long time since her belly had been this satisfied. She felt ill remembering the hunger she’d felt for so very long.

  Edgar Cronk allowed her the leftovers at the end of the day. If there were any. More often than not, there were mere crumbs, or he purposely threw out the remaining food to taunt her. She swallowed at the cruel memory.

  * * *

  The coffee mugs were set out ready for the water to boil, the plates warming in the oven. All she needed now was for Thomas to sit himself down ready to be served.

  She heard him enter and turned to face him. “Good morning,” she said brightly. It was already a good day, and she wanted him to know it.

  He had done that for her, and she would be forever grateful. Even if she knew in her heart he was only tolerating her. He had no feelings for her, nor would he ever allow himself to do so.

  “Good morning,” he said, straightening his tie. “Whatever you’re making smells amazing.” He studied her for long moments, then pulled his eyes away.

  She indicated he sit, and he did as he was told. “Mrs Langley’s food never smelled this good.”

  “Was she a trained cook?”

  He stared at her. “You’re a trained cook?” She could see his thoughts ticking over. All he was interested in was being well-fed. She could certainly do that for him.

  “Well... truth be told, it was on the job training. But I was trained by the baker at my previous position.” The thought of that man made her stomach churn. She’d endured his disgusting behavior for as long as she could manage.

  The only reason she hadn’t put a stop to it earlier, although she had vehemently protested, was that she needed the meagre amount he paid her to survive.

  She served up the food and placed it in front of him. He grabbed her wrist as she tried to move away. “Ella,” he said softly. She looked down into his face. “Thank you.”

  She nodded then turned away. When she returned with his coffee, he had a look of pure satisfaction on his face.

  “This is really good,” he said as he reached for his coffee. “I’ll fix the fire in the sitting room before I leave for work. The cold is beginning to set in.”

  She glanced up at him from where she sat at the other end of the table. “I’ve already done it. That’s a wife’s job after all, isn’t it?” Her words were embittered and he looked up sharply.

  The moment the words were out of her mouth, she wished she could take them back. The pained look on his face said it all.

  It had been her choice to accept the conditions of his contract. What else had he expected?

  “You’re not a servant,” he said quietly. “I will do my fair share, and I certainly don’t expect you to harm yourself trying to do everything.”

  His expression turned to one of annoyance. It had been less than twenty-four hours since they wed, and he was already fed up with her. Was he going to annul their marriage?

  She held back a sob.

  She’d heard the stories of mail order brides being mistreated. In some cases, murdered by their abusive husbands. Thomas was clearly not a violent man, so in that respect she was lucky.

  She had hoped to marry a man who would come to love her. In this instance, she was guaranteed that wouldn’t happen. Her new husband had made it abundantly clear love was not on his agenda.

  He needed a housekeeper and a cook. His very words.

  She swallowed back the emotion that threatened to overtake her. Instead, lifting her coffee to her lips. He stared at her curiously.

  “Are you alright,” he asked gently, putting his own coffee back on the table.

  She nodded, not trusting herself to speak at that moment.

  “I will be home at five minutes after noon for luncheon,” he said as he stood. “I don’t need much. A sandwich and a warm beverage will suffice.”

  She abandoned her coffee and stood to see him out. They stood together on the threshold, and he leaned in and kissed her cheek. Then he turned abruptly and left without a word.

  Her face tingled where he’d kissed her. Ella was certain that kiss meant nothing to Thomas. He was going through the motions of pretending to be married on the chance someone might be watching.

  She stared after him until he disappeared from sight, then closed the door and locked it. Leaning against the heavy wooden door, she finally let her tears flow, wishing she’d never come to Little Rock.

  * * *

  Thomas glanced up as his sister entered his office unannounced.

  Did he really have to deal with Melody today?

  “What did you do with Ella?” she asked, sounding annoyed. “Mrs Henderson said she’s no longer at the hotel.”

  He glared at her. It really wasn’t her business, but he wanted her gone as quickly as possible.

  “I married her.” He turned back to his work hoping she’d slip quietly out of the room, but no such luck.

  “You married her?” She moved closer to his desk. “You married her?” she screeched, getting louder the closer she got. “And you didn’t invite me to the wedding?”

  Her glare was enough to kill a man.

  He threw his hands up in the air. “What was I meant to do? You forced me into an impossible position.” Now he was angry. His sister stood there staring at him as though none of this was her fault.

  “Melody, I really don’t have time for this. I have lost far too much time over this matter already.”

  She looked genuinely remorseful for once in her life. “I’m sorry, Thomas. I realize now the error of my ways.”

  Did she? Did she really or was this a ruse to get him back on side? He was certain he knew the answer.

  “What can I do to make this right?”

  It was far too late for that. There was nothing she could do to fix things.

  He glanced up at her. She stood there looking innocent, as though she’d had no part in his downfall. “There is something,” he said, knowing it would be right up her alley. “Ella needs a new wardrobe. Her clothes are few, and what she has needs replacing. She has no nightgown, and I fear to think of the state of her undergarments.”

  She had the decency to look embarrassed at his last words. “Fit her out will you? Do whatever needs to be done to make her look the part.”

  He cringed inwardly.

  “I didn’t mean it like it sounded,” he said quietly. “She’s my wife. She needs decent clothes.”

  Melody continued to stare at him. “When should this happen?”

  “Today. Tomorrow at the latest. Her clothes really are appalling,” he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out an expensive wallet.

  As he pulled out a wad of notes and handed them over, Melody’s eyes opened wide. She stared down at the large sum of money now in her possession. “I can’t carry this sort of money around,” she said quietly. “It’s too dangerous.” She shoved the cash back into his hands.

  Thomas sighed. His sister really was a pain sometimes. “Then tell Lizzie to bill me. I already have an account at the Mercantile, so whatever you need there, put on my account.”

  She nodded and began to walk away.

  “Melody,” he called after her. “Can you wait until after one? I’m getting rather hungry, and Ella will have my luncheon ready at noon.”

  He could tell from the look on his sister’s face she wasn’t amused. He shoved a large bill into her hand. “Luncheon is on me. Or you could come back to the house. I’m sure Ella won’t mind.”

  “I haven’t dined out for ages. Thank you, Thomas. Enjoy your luncheon.”

  * * *

  The newly married couple were standing at the front door when Melody arrived.

  “Right on time,” Thomas said, kissed Ella on the cheek, then left.

  “Hello Melody,” Ella said a little more tersely than she’d intended. After all, this woman had caused her all sorts of trouble.

  Then again, she’d helped put a roof over h
er head.

  Melody leaned in and hugged her tight. “I’m really sorry about all the trouble I caused,” she said quietly. “Did Thomas tell you the good news?” she said, pulling away.

  Ella frowned. “Good news?” She moved into the house, indicating for Melody to follow. “Would you like coffee,” she asked, tidying up the luncheon mess.

  She almost laughed. This mess was nothing compared to what she was used to cleaning up after service at the bakery. They would normally serve at least twenty on an average day. This was a walk in the park in comparison.

  She turned to reach for a coffee mug. “I’ve just eaten, and had coffee too. Thank you though.” Melody frowned at Ella. “Thomas obviously didn’t tell you...”

  Her words trailed off and Ella worried about what her husband had omitted to disclose.

  “I’m taking you shopping,” Melody told her brightly. Ella couldn’t have been more shocked at her words.

  “I have but two coins to my name,” she said, embarrassment welling up inside her.

  Melody stared at her, then smiled. “Oh no...” She stood as she said the words. “This is all on my dear brother, and he said to spare no expense.” Now she was grinning broadly. “He doesn’t do that often,” she added.

  Ella was rather shocked, and didn’t move.

  “Come on, get your things and we’ll go.”

  She took her well-worn reticule from the bedroom and returned. Melody stared at it as though it was poisoned meat. “On second thoughts, leave it here. You won’t need it anyway.”

  Stirring the slow cooking stew one last time before they left, Ella dropped her battered reticule on the table. She’d never had anything new. Her entire life, even when her parents were alive, she’d had hand-me-downs.

  Careful not to show her elation, she followed Melody outside and locked the door. Inside she was beaming, and far more excited than she would ever let on.

  They walked down the main street then stopped at the dressmaker’s shop. Ella stared through the window.

  She must be dreaming. Surely this was a mistake. These gowns would be incredibly expensive and out of the reach of many people.

  The sign on the store window read Elizabeth J Rose - Dressmaker. Underneath in smaller print it said Custom Clothing.

  Her head was reeling. Not only was she getting new gowns, they were to be made especially for her. Ella’s eyes filled with tears as she stood outside the little store.

  “Oh Ella!” Melody pulled her into a tight hug. “What’s wrong?”

  Her chin quivered and she tried to turn away but her new sister wouldn’t allow it. “I’ve never had new clothes before,” she said quietly. “Or new anything. It’s all...a little too much.”

  Melody produced a handkerchief. “Dry your eyes. Your life has changed for the better.” She stood waiting patiently as Ella composed herself. Then they went inside.

  “Good afternoon, ladies,” the store owner said, greeting them at the door.

  Melody looked around briefly. “Good afternoon, Lizzie. This is Ella, my new sister-in-law. Thomas wants her fitted out with new gowns.”

  Her eyebrows rose curiously. “Thomas is married? When did this happy event occur?”

  “We were married yesterday,” Ella told her. “I don’t need much. Two gowns will be plenty.”

  Melody stepped in. “We need at least five day gowns, and a Sunday best, thank you, Lizzie.” The dressmaker beamed at the two women.

  “Do you have anything that Ella can take home now?” She glanced across at Ella, obviously calculating her next words. “Her luggage was lost on her way here, and all she has is what she is standing up in.”

  Now Lizzie looked shocked, but strutted to the back room. “Follow me, ladies. I have some gems out here. Recently finished, and not even put on display yet.” She pulled out a tape measure and jotted down some figures.

  “Stay here,” she said, indicating they should stay in the fitting room. She returned with a salmon colored gown made of the softest material. “Silk Faille,” she said, when she noticed Ella staring at it. “The color will go with your eyes beautifully. This one may need some slight adjustments.”

  Her heartbeat accelerated to a point Ella thought she might faint.

  “I’ll leave you alone to try it on. I believe I have another suitable gown that’s ready to go.” She disappeared before Ella could object.

  Pulling the gown against herself, Ella stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror. “It’s beautiful.” She fought back tears, and Melody helped her into the plain, but pretty garment.

  “Knock, knock,” Lizzie called before entering. “Are you decent?”

  “Come in,” Melody called. “Doesn’t she look gorgeous?”

  “My dear lady,” Lizzie said, looking as though she was tearing up. “That gown was made for you. It’s perfect... except the length. And it needs a little tuck at the waist. I’ll need to fix those before you can take it.” She did another quick measurement, and handed Ella another gown. This one was a completely different style, with a gathered bodice and embroidery that ran from the low-cut top to the waist, and was also on the edge of the sleeves. The first one was much more plain, but Ella loved them both.

  The second gown was medium blue with white trim. It fitted perfectly except for the length.

  “You’re a tiny thing, aren’t you,” Lizzie said in jest, but Ella frowned. “Oh dear,” she said. “I didn’t mean to offend you.” She turned to Melody. “What else do you need? Anything specific?”

  “We’ll take both of those today, if you can manage it. At least one, anyway. Ella needs a coat, a shawl, and she also needs a cardigan. Can you arrange that?”

  “My dear Melody, you should know by now I can arrange anything. Our local tailor, Jonas Hicks, will have to make the overcoat.” She raised her eyebrows at Melody. “What about, er,” A touch of pink tinged her cheeks.

  “Everything. At least five sets of undergarments, preferably seven of each, a few nightgowns and a robe.” She brushed Ella’s protests aside. “As I said, Ella’s luggage was lost. She has nothing.”

  She was very grateful for the story Melody had devised. She didn’t want the whole town to know how poor she was.

  “If you need boots, go next door and arrange those. I’ll adjust the gowns while you’re gone.”

  Melody hooked her arm into Ella’s and dragged her outside. “Now for boots,” she said, lifting Ella’s dress slightly. “Urgh. You definitely need new ones.”

  Today was one of the most exciting of Ella’s life. Despite the happiness it triggered, it also caused a lot of sadness.

  Chapter Five

  They called into the law office on the way back home.

  “Look at your beautiful wife,” Melody said, presenting Ella to her new husband as though they were total strangers.

  He glanced up briefly at first, then stared. She wasn’t sure what to make of it. Until he came out from behind his desk and whistled low.

  Standing beside her, he took Ella’s hand and spun her around. “You look amazing,” he said softly, brushing back a stray hair from her face. He turned to his sister. “She looks like a completely different person.”

  She beamed. “Of course. I know clothes, as you very well know. And Lizzie is an amazing seamstress.” She handed him an account. “This is for the two gowns taken today. The remainder will come later.”

  Ella waited for an outburst, but he glanced fleetingly at the account, and didn’t bat an eyelid. She didn’t know the amount, but knew it wouldn’t be cheap.

  “Oh, and here’s the one for the boots. We’re yet to visit Jonas and arrange for an overcoat.” She handed over the second account, and Thomas reached out for it.

  “Jonas is a good tailor. Do that soon, will you? The cold is beginning to set in.” He finally let go of Ella’s hand, and a shiver went through her. His warmth was comforting, and she missed it when it wasn’t there.

  “I’m sorry, but I have a lot of work to do.�
� He hugged her briefly, then leaned in and kissed her cheek. Ella resisted the urge to hold her face where his lips connected with her face.

  “And I must attend to supper. I don’t want it to burn.”

  His face lit up. “What’s on the menu tonight?” She watched as Melody’s eyes shifted from one to the other of them, a slight grin forming. It was obvious she’d tried to hold it back.

  “Stew with warm crusty bread.”

  He sighed. “How did I survive without you?” He reached for her hand again. “I really must get back to work,” he said, regret in his voice. “But I look forward to supper.”

  The moment they were out the door, Melody began to quiz her. “You two seem to be getting on well.”

  Ella glanced across at her. She thought carefully before answering. “Your brother likes his food.”

  “He does, but he likes you too.” She reached for Ella’s hand and squeezed it tight. “Give him time to get used to you, and things will improve.”

  “He wants a cook and a housekeeper. He told me as much himself.” They reached the front gate, and Ella opened it.

  Melody shook her head. “I’m sure that isn’t true.”

  If only that was the case.

  She invited Melody to supper, but the offer was refused. “I have to get back to my own family, but thank you. Tomorrow we’ll visit with my brother’s tailor, Jonas Hicks, and arrange for a thick overcoat for you. As Thomas said, the days are getting colder. It won’t be long and you’ll be unable to leave the house without one.”

  She leaned in for a quick hug, and left.

  Ella knew she was the luckiest woman in town. She’d been thoroughly spoiled today. Now she had to earn her keep, repay Thomas for his kindness. The only way she knew to do that was by ensuring the house was always clean and tidy, and the food she served was of the highest quality.

  It was the least she could do.

  * * *

  “I’m home.”

  Thomas called out from the front door the moment he was inside. He didn’t want a repeat of last night. He’d scared her half to death.

  He dropped his briefcase on the low table kept at the door for that very reason, and hung his coat on the rack.