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

  As he strolled toward the kitchen, the aroma of cooking food hit his senses. How long had it been since he’d been able to come home to the enticing aroma of food cooking?

  Last night of course. But prior to that, it had been many months. Perhaps even a year. Mrs Langley had resigned her position to have her baby. When he stopped and thought about it, that baby was close to a year old.

  Had he really let things go for so long? The dining room at the hotel had become like a second home to him. Mrs Henderson wouldn’t be happy at losing her best customer.

  He stood at the opening to the kitchen and stared at his wife in her new gown. She’d placed an apron over the top to protect it. He could see the bow at the back from where he stood.

  The aroma of fresh baking bread was inviting, and he couldn’t wait to eat it.

  She turned around suddenly, her face beaming. She was incredibly beautiful, but he was certain she didn’t realize. He’d known it before, but her worn and tattered clothing didn’t do her justice.

  He couldn’t wait to see what Lizzie came up with, but knew she would do well by Ella. “You look amazing,” he said, reaching for her hands. He took them in his, and pulled her closer. “Did you enjoy your afternoon of shopping?”

  She stared into his face, studying him carefully. “Not really.” He gaped at her. Since when did a wife not enjoy spending her husband’s money? “It is far too much to spend on the likes of me.”

  She turned away and began to stir the stew, then reached for crockery from the overhead cupboard.

  “Ella,” he said, putting his hands to her waist as she stretched to reach into the cupboard. “Let me.” He pulled down the bowls and plates required, then turned her to face him. “I will spend my money how I like. And right now,” he said, touching a finger to her cheek, “I choose to spend it on you.”

  Her features softened, as though she was more relaxed about the situation.

  “I’ll make it up to you. You’ll see – I’ll be a better housekeeper than you had before, and my cooking is high quality. I’ve been told that many times.”

  He stared into her face. Why did she continue to believe she was nothing more than a servant to him? Probably because he’d pressed the issue.

  Her tongue flicked out and licked her lips. He watched the movement carefully, but resisted the urge to kiss her. He had already allowed himself to get too close, and that wasn’t what he wanted.

  His aim, his desire was to keep this simple. Stick to the contract – she was merely his wife in name. She had a roof over her head and food in her belly, and the pay-off was his sister would no longer badger him to marry.

  It was a win-win situation.

  At least that’s what it was meant to be. They’d only known each other for a matter of days, and already Thomas felt a connection with his pretend wife. The woman he’d vowed never to love.

  “Sit down, and I’ll dish up,” she said, breaking into his thoughts. “Did you have a good day?”

  He pulled off his suit jacket and carefully laid it on the back of the chair. “I did indeed. Thank you for asking.” The moment the words were out he knew they were far too formal for a husband/wife conversation. “Did you manage to choose some nice material for your new gowns?”

  “About that,” she began as she dished up the soup.

  He put his fingers to her mouth. “Shhh. Don’t argue – it’s done. Did you say something about crusty bread?” His mouth watered at the mere thought of it.

  She smiled and he worried she would think he only wanted her for her cooking skills.

  “That was delicious,” he said when the meal was finished. “Thank you.” He began to rise but she indicated he should remain.

  “I have apple and rhubarb pie in the oven, and there’s coddled cream to go with it.”

  She was trying hard to please him, Thomas could tell, but what could he do to expel her belief that was all there was to it. He was fighting hard to keep himself from liking this woman too much.

  This had to continue to be a distant relationship – one of an employer/employee status. The question was, could he maintain it?

  Ella was turning into an important aspect of his life, which was far from what he wanted.

  * * *

  The next few days passed like a whirlwind.

  Melody collected her the next day and took Ella to see Thomas’s tailor. Jonas Hicks took all her measurements and presented her with the material and design he suggested for her overcoat.

  “It’s far too expensive,” she whispered to Melody. But she would have none of it.

  “It’s perfect Jonas. There will be a generous bonus if it’s ready before the weekend.” His eyes opened wide, as Ella was sure hers did.

  “She will also require a formal suit. There’s no hurry for that one.”

  He reached for his order book and wrote in it. “I will have the overcoat delivered no later than Friday afternoon. You can count on it. Lovely to meet you Mrs Winston.”

  Ella felt herself blushing. “Ella, please.”

  He lifted her hand and brought it to his lips. “Ella it is.”

  They left the store and Ella returned home, calling in to the law office with the account on her way past.

  As usual, Thomas was busy, so it was only a fleeting visit.

  She was busy in the kitchen when there was a knock at the door. Ella froze – she wasn’t expecting anyone. Melody always warned her of any excursions they might be having.

  She made her way to the door and called out. “Who is it?”

  “I have a delivery for you Mrs Winston. From Miss Rose, the seamstress.” Ella breathed a sigh of relief and opened the door.

  A teenage boy stood in front of her, holding a large number of packages. “I’m Peter Johnson,” he said. “I do deliveries for a number of the storekeepers. After school,” he added quickly.

  He went to hand over the packages, but hesitated. “I’ll take them inside for a few loose coins,” he said. “They are heavy, Missus.”

  Did she have any coins? She thought for a moment. She had two – the two coins she’d arrived with. “Please take them into the sitting room, while I fetch some coins.”

  He was sitting on one of the chairs when she returned. “I’m sorry – this is all I have. I’ll make sure I have more next time. I’m expecting more packages over the next week.”

  His face lit up and he took the coins gleefully. “Thanks Missus. Good day to you,” he said, tipping his cap, and then he was gone.

  She took the boxes one by one into the bedroom. She couldn’t let the boy, Peter, take them there – it wouldn’t be right.

  She opened the first box with trepidation. Then the next, and the next. With each additional box her heart sang. There was a mixture of materials and colors. There was silk, taffeta, and linen gowns in a variety of bright and muted colors.

  Ella couldn’t wait to try them on.

  A handwritten note in the most beautiful cursive said the remainder would be delivered next week. In her mind, there was already more than enough. When on earth would she wear them all?

  She pulled each item out of the boxes and laid them carefully across the bed, then hung each one lovingly up in the wardrobe. What ever would Thomas have to say about this extravagance?

  Included in the last box were two nightgowns and several undergarments as well as a sealed envelope addressed to her husband – the account, no doubt.

  She held a chemise to her face and touched it to her cheek. She’d never seen such folly before. Nor had she experienced the indulgent material it was made of.

  She was in her glee, but at the same time felt overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of it all.

  She carefully put each box aside in case Thomas decided to return them.

  * * *

  “Did you know you had a vegetable garden?”

  Thomas glanced at her. “A vegetable garden did you say?” He looked confused. “No idea I’m afraid. Mrs Langley did whatever she felt necessar
y.”

  “It needs a good tidy up, but it will save quite a bit of money.”

  He frowned. “Money is not an issue, Ella. I’ve told you that before.”

  “Perhaps not, but fresh produce is always better.” He nodded and proceeded to remove his jacket.

  “I have a roast cooking,” she said. “Along with some vegetables from the garden. I will spend some time tidying it up, but it’s very overgrown and will take quite a while to get into a decent state.”

  “I can get a gardener to do that.”

  She pouted. “Please don’t. I enjoy pottering in the garden.”

  She could be quite stubborn at times. “If that’s what you prefer.”

  She pulled the roasting dish out of the oven and transferred the meat and roasted vegetables onto a large plate, placing it in the middle of the table. “I’ll make the gravy while you carve.”

  He stared down at the roasted meat sitting on his mother’s favorite serving platter. He recalled days gone by when his parents were still alive. When he and Melody were still children and sat around the dining room table gawking over the Sunday roast made by their mother. It was his favorite meal of the week.

  Father would always carve – he told them it was his job as head of the family. His father was always a stern man, a man who dished out strong discipline to his children, and demanded the highest of standards in everything they undertook.

  As much as Thomas vowed not to have a real marriage with Ella, he’d always envied his father. He demanded respect at a mere uttering.

  “Thomas.” Ella’s voice brought him out of his thoughts. “Are you alright? The gravy is almost done.”

  “Sorry, I was daydreaming.” He proceeded to carve the meat with the same knives his father had used, then dished the meat onto each plate. Ella served out the vegetables.

  He lifted the gravy jug and poured a portion on Ella’s plate, then his own. Then he tucked in.

  “You’re right,” he said once he’d emptied his mouth. “These vegetables are far better than those we get from the Mercantile. Not to mention what a great cook you are.”

  He winked at her and she beamed. It warmed his once-cold heart. “Can we compromise on the gardener? What say I get a fellow in to clean it up, then it’s all yours? He could even plant anything else you’d like.”

  He took another mouthful then glanced up. She looked thoughtful.

  “Perhaps that is a good idea,” she said slowly. “It would give me more time to get the house in order and to cook for you.”

  He put down his cutlery. “Please don’t consume your days with cooking and cleaning. There is more to life than that.”

  She stared at him. “Like what?”

  His heart thudded. What on earth had she endured over her short life? “Like gentle strolls around town. Playing in the snow. Visits with friends. Rides through the forest. Surely you’ve done some of those?”

  His heart pounded waiting for her response.

  She looked down into her clasped hands. “No. Never,” she said quietly. Her chin quivered and he felt like a heel for bringing it up.

  He shoved back on his chair and went to her. “Please don’t cry,” he said gently. “We will do all those things and more. Together.”

  His arms went around her, and a thrill rushed through him. She looked up at him with tears pooled in her big brown eyes.

  He held her close. Keeping his distance was proving hopeless.

  “I’m alright,” she said softly. “Finish your supper.”

  He nodded and returned to his place, but studied her carefully throughout the meal. Where would this all lead?

  He couldn’t even begin to imagine what sort of a life Ella had led before arriving in Little Rock.

  Saturday the office closed at noon. They would spend time together following one of those endeavors he’d mentioned earlier.

  It was the least he could do, especially now he’d got her hopes up.

  The moment she finished eating, she jumped up and removed dessert from the oven. “Peach Cobbler,” she said, noticing him crane his neck.

  She cleared the table, placing the soiled crockery in the sink full of boiling water. He jumped up and pulled down two bowls. “We really should bring these lower,” he said. “You really struggle to reach that high.”

  “I am not short,” she said between gritted teeth.

  Her words shocked him. Had she been bullied over her height? “You are a little,” he said gently. “I only want to make your life easier.”

  “Thank you,” she said, her eyes averted from him, then proceeded to dish up the dessert without another word.

  Life with Ella was proving to be...different. He couldn’t complain – having her here was giving him a reason to come home each night.

  He hoped being here was giving her a reason to live.

  Chapter Six

  Ella had done the laundry early since Thomas said they’d be going on an adventure this afternoon. Shortly she’d prepare luncheon.

  “I’m home.”

  She froze. She hadn’t expected him for at least another hour. She turned to see him standing in the doorway studying her.

  “You look beautiful, Ella.”

  She felt the heat travel up her face, and could only imagine what she looked like. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “You’re home early. I was about to begin preparing the luncheon.”

  He grinned. “I thought we’d have a picnic.” He produced a picnic basket from behind his back.

  She almost jumped with joy, clapping her hands, then slapping them to her face in her embarrassment.

  He laughed at her antics.

  She stepped forward and glanced into the basket, but it was covered with a clean kitchen towel. “No peeking,” Thomas said sternly, then grinned. “I want it to be a surprise. Take off your apron and get your coat. It’s rather chilly outside.”

  “Where are we going,” she asked as he helped her into her new overcoat. It fitted perfectly, and was lovely and warm. Jonas had done an amazing job and in such a short time too.

  She stopped in her tracks when he opened the door. Her heart pounded. Surely not.

  “Do you like my surprise?” Thomas glanced from Ella to the buggy that was sitting out the front of their home.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said, stepping slowly toward the majestic black horse attached to the buggy. She reached out her hand, and his eyes followed her. The horse didn’t flinch when she ran her fingers down his face. “He’s beautiful.”

  Thomas looked at her curiously. “You like horses?”

  “I spent a lot of time with them as a child.” She glanced across at him. “Before my parents died.”

  Tears pooled in her eyes and Thomas moved closer. His presence warmed her. No one had ever made her feel the way he did. His nearness always made her feel comforted and protected. It was a feeling she’d come to love, even over such a short time.

  “We better go,” he said softly. “The sooner we go, the more time we’ll have to explore.”

  She quirked an eyebrow at him. Where were they going?

  He placed the basket behind the seat and lifted Ella up onto the buggy, then got up himself. He placed a blanket across their knees.

  She relished the feel of his legs against hers. This was one of the most intimate moments they’d shared.

  He flicked the reins and they moved forward. The ride was smoother than she’d expected, and although she knew little about buggies, this one seemed expensive. Not something your average man could afford.

  “Is this your buggy,” she asked gently.

  He stared at her curiously. “I hired it from the livery. I don’t have a lot of use for a buggy. At least I didn’t until you arrived.” He smiled and she felt exhilarated. How could a mere smile do that to her?

  “You haven’t asked where we’re going.” His eyes never left the road, but glanced across at her now and then. She wasn’t sure what to say, so kept quiet. “We’re going up into the
hills,” he offered. “I promised you a ride in the hills, and I don’t break my promises.”

  “Thank you, Thomas. I appreciate it.”

  He frowned at her. “Of course.”

  They rode for some time, until they came to a clearing. “This looks like a good spot. Let’s picnic here.”

  He climbed down from the buggy and put on the brake, then helped Ella down. He held her by the waist and slowly brought her down to the ground.

  She was suspended in mid-air, and he stared into her eyes. “You have beautiful eyes, Ella,” he said softly, then gently placed her on the ground in front of him.

  She stared into his face. “You have a very handsome face,” she said, not sure what she should say. His hands were still around her waist, but she didn’t want him to let go.

  His hands suddenly dropped to his sides, and she was dismayed. She could have stood here with him all day.

  “I guess we better get this picnic sorted.” He sounded as disappointed as she felt. He flicked the blanket across the grass and began to empty the food onto it.

  “Where did you get this?” she asked curiously.

  “From the bakery. They have nice food there, and besides, I wanted to surprise you.” He lay everything on the blanket and indicated for her to tuck in.

  Ella snatched up an egg sandwich and began to nibble on it. Thomas handed her a glass of water. “I know we didn’t get off on the best foot,” he said. “But I have come to look forward to seeing you each day.”

  She wasn’t sure how to answer that. Or even if she should.

  “I appreciate everything you’ve done since you arrived, Ella, and want to apologize for being such an ass in the beginning.”

  Words failed her and she nodded. “I was angry because my sister had bullied me into marrying you.”

  Her heart thudded. Was he still angry? With her, or with Melody?

  “I’m sorry,” she said quietly. Is that why he had brought her here? To ask for an annulment? “Don’t worry, I won’t contest an annulment,” she said, chin held high. “I shouldn’t have forced you into marrying me.”

  “No. No!” he said. “You misunderstood. I’m no longer angry, and I certainly don’t want an annulment.” He reached across and dragged her into his lap. “I’m falling in love with you, Ella.” He leaned forward and gently kissed her neck.