If the Prospect Pleases Read online

  Annora took no offense at his slightly suggestive tone but held her ground. “There are plenty of blankets. I’ll make a pallet in the girls’ room, and—”

  A raising of his hand cut her off. “Nice of you to offer, miss, but there’s no extra floor space in there.”

  “Well, perhaps—”

  Mr. Brent gave a weary shake of his dark head and grew serious. “Look, the truth is, you should have a place to call your own. Tomorrow I’ll see about clearing out the lean-to on the side of the house. It’s not big or fancy, but it’ll take a narrow bed, and it’s private. You can use that as long as you’re here.”

  The last statement sounded a touch unsettling, but Annora didn’t want to make any more waves than she had already. She gave a consenting nod. “Whatever you say. I’m only sorry I’m making extra work when I came with the intention of being a help.”

  When his compelling eyes turned straight on her, she realized how seldom an occurrence that was—how he seemed to put a lot of effort into never quite looking at her. Annora pondered that knowledge in the brief pause before he spoke.

  “You know,” he admitted, “even though I’d sent all those notices east and was hoping sombody’d show up—I didn’t expect anyone actually would, especially without giving me time to prepare. I should have been ready in case.” The hint of a smile emerged. “And you are a help, I can’t deny that. A man almost forgets what it’s like to have a. . .to have—someone—looking after his house.”

  Taking the comment as a compliment, she warmed under it.

  “So, for the rest of the month, the lean-to will have your name on it.” With a decided nod, he turned and left.

  The warmth she’d felt quickly evaporated, and she stood where she was, staring after him. You must be extremely sure I’m not going to work out, aren’t you? Well, you must never have met a determined woman before.

  Throwing back her shoulders, Annora moved to clear the table.

  eleven

  “Close your eyes,” Melinda said, taking Annora’s hand.

  “It’s a surprise.” Amy slipped her tiny fingers into Annora’s other hand, and the two girls led her away from the well where she had gone to draw water for cooking.

  “How can I see anything with my eyes closed?” Annora teased as she gingerly navigated the unseen, uneven ground under the warm Wyoming sunshine.

  “I’ll tell you when you can look,” Melinda replied.

  Annora did her best to retain a puzzled expression but surmised they were taking her to the lean-to, which had been the source of a considerable amount of hammering, sawing, and muffled mutterings throughout the morning. Her suspicions proved correct when the girls stopped a short distance later and a door squeaked open.

  “Surprise!” the little ones chorused.

  Opening her eyes, Annora saw that the simple structure abutting the house had, indeed, been turned into a room for her. It appeared a mite cramped, and its dirt floor rendered it even less elegant than her attic quarters in Philadelphia, but at least it was private.

  She surveyed the plain narrow cot with the washstand next to it, noting a newly cut window in the side wall that would provide her with light. The interior was fragrant with the scent of the new wood Mr. Brent had used to make shutters. Surely her presence here would no longer seem such an imposition on everyone now that she had a place of her own!

  “Like it?” towheaded Amy asked.

  Annora ruffled the child’s golden hair. “It’s fine. Just fine. It’ll do quite nicely, I’m sure.”

  “There’s extra blankets in the trunk in Pa’s room,” Melinda announced.

  “Good. I’ll get my bed made up for later. Want to help bring out my things?”

  The better part of the next half-hour saw the three parading back and forth between there and the house, readying the new quarters for occupancy. When the last of her possessions had been transferred, Annora excused the girls to run and play while she made up her bed.

  Just as she finished, a shadow fell across the room’s interior. She had not heard approaching footsteps but looked up to see Noah leaning against the doorjamb, his expression unreadable.

  “Probably not quite what you’re used to,” he said.

  Choosing to ignore the quality of familiarity in the young man’s gaze, Annora smiled. “Oh, it’s more than adequate. I appreciate all the trouble this caused you and Mr. Brent.”

  He shrugged offhandedly. “Actually, it—”

  “Don’t you have some chores to finish up?” his brother’s voice interrupted from behind him.

  One side of Noah’s mouth tightened, and he turned his eyes upward. “Yes, sir,” he said, snapping around with overplayed compliance. He wheeled about and strode away in a huff.

  Mr. Brent came closer and peered inside. “We’ll try to get a proper floor in here in the next couple days,” he said, his tone apologetic, “plus make sure it won’t be drafty at night.”

  Annora gave a cursory nod as she watched his glance roam the limited space. He had taken to shaving every morning, and she couldn’t help but notice how much younger he appeared, despite a persistent five o’clock shadow that resurfaced by midday. Still, she was far from comfortable in his commanding presence, and she switched her attention to the immediate area around her before her thoughts wandered any further.

  “Have to make a trip into town tomorrow,” her employer said after a short lapse of silence, “to take another load of potatoes to the store and pick up a couple of mares due to come in on the train. You’re welcome to tag along and pick out some yard goods for a curtain.”

  “Thank you. I’d like that very much.” Her subdued answer belied the sheer delight caused by the opportunity of going to some actual shops.

  “We’ll make a day of it, then. It’ll be a treat for the girls.”

  “Shall I make a basket lunch?”

  Mr. Brent shook his head. “We’ll leave after breakfast and pick up something while we’re there.”

  ❧

  After a surprisingly restful night in her new bed, Annora rose early and dressed, then enjoyed some quiet moments in prayer before starting breakfast. She had heard the farmer exit the kitchen door a short time ago and assumed he was seeing to his morning routine, which included taking the stallion for his usual daily workout.

  The girls were still in bed when she went inside, but their quiet whispers and darling giggles carried easily to Annora’s ears. She knew the little ones had to be excited about the planned outing. Tiptoeing to their open doorway, she peeked in at them, catching their bright smiles. “Good morning, sweethearts.”

  Melinda sprang to a sitting position. “We’re goin’ to town today.”

  “All of us,” her sister added. “You, too, Pa says.”

  “That’s right. So how about washing up and putting on your prettiest dresses,” Annora suggested. “And don’t forget to make your bed.”

  “Aw. . .are we gonna haveta do that every day?” the older child asked. “Pa never made us.”

  “Well, that’s because you were just little girls up until now. But since you’ve been helping with chores so nicely, you’re starting to become young ladies.”

  “Ladies?” Amy sputtered into a giggle. “Like Miss Rosemary?”

  Melinda poked her in the ribs. “No, silly. She said young ladies. That means—” She thought for a second. “—big girls. Right?” The questioning expression she raised to Annora was almost comical.

  “Right.” Annora was hard pressed to contain a smile. “And even better, it shows you have love in your heart. That’s what families do. Each person helps the other, then everybody is happy.”

  A dubious glance passed between them, then the older sibling nodded. “Happy is nice. We’ll make the bed. Come on, Sissy.”

  As the two settled to their task, Annora returned to the kitchen to strain the pail of fresh milk on the sideboard and prepare breakfast. But reminded again of the elusive Miss Rosemary, her curiosity was piqued.


  After the family finished eating and the kitchen had been set to rights, Lucas Brent went to hitch up the wagon. The girls wasted no time in jumping aboard. Annora climbed up with proper decorum, only to discover she would either have to sit between the two Brent brothers or ride in back with the girls. When she chose the latter, her employer clucked the workhorses forward.

  The Indian summer day added gentle beauty to the open countryside, and soft breezes stirred the drying grasses and fading vegetation as the wheels crunched along the rutted road.

  While Melinda and Amy giggled over the excitement of going to town, Annora watched the play of sunlight against Mr. Brent’s muscular shoulders as he and Noah chatted quietly up front. In his form-fitting jeans, work shirt, and Stetson, the farmer fit in naturally with this open, untamed country. She could not even imagine him in a proper dark suit, confined behind a desk in some city office.

  Nevertheless, Annora had dismissed immediately upon arriving at the Brent farm the farfetched notion of this position ever leading to marriage. Truth was, she was in no hurry to wed anyone—ever—especially a man much older than she. All she wanted was for this trial period to work out so she could stay until a better opportunity presented itself. She was determined never to return to Philadelphia as long as she lived! Pressing her lips together in confirmation, she diverted her attention to the passing landscape, catching an over-the-shoulder glance from Noah as she did so. It was not the first she’d noticed in the last couple days, but she paid him no mind.

  Cheyenne, never peaceful or idyllic even at the best moments, was its normal bustling self, with a liberal assortment of humanity thronging the dusty streets between business establishments. Reading the hand-painted signs identifying those the wagon passed, Annora was mildly surprised when Mr. Brent halted the team before, of all places, a millinery.

  He turned to her. “I have to pick up some mending we left here last time. You might as well come in. After that, I’d appreciate it if you’d ride herd on the girls while Noah and I take care of business.”

  “Of course.”

  “Think I’ll check with the postmaster while the rest of you go in there,” Noah announced, helping Melinda down while Annora handed Amy to her father.

  Wondering if word would come soon from another applicant for her position, Annora quashed her uneasiness, then allowed Mr. Brent to lower her to her feet. She purposely did not permit herself to reflect upon how strong his touch had felt upon her waist but joined him and his daughters as they clomped over the wooden walkway to the store’s entrance.

  A small bell above the door tinkled as they went inside, the sound bringing a slim young woman from the back room. Petite in stature, she was scarcely an inch taller than Annora and was impeccably attired in a rich shade of sapphire that accented the flawless, fair complexion beneath her coronet of golden braids. The few wispy hairs that formed curls alongside her face only added to the delicacy of her feminine features.

  “Good day, Miss Rosemary,” the little ones singsonged.

  “Girls.” The polite smile curving the lady’s lips split into a warm grin as her shrewd hazel eyes settled on Mr. Brent. “Lucas.” They narrowed almost imperceptibly when they came to Annora.

  “Rosemary,” the farmer said, tipping his hat. “Thought I’d stop by for the mending.”

  “I see. It’s in back. I’ll just be a moment.” Flicking another glance in Annora’s direction, she went through the curtain panels separating the main room from the work area and returned seconds later. “You have company?” she asked pointedly, handing him a wrapped parcel.

  “Miss Annora’s our new housekeeper,” Melinda said proudly.

  “Housekeeper.” The bonnetmaker’s tone fairly dripped with incredulity.

  “She’s been sleepin’ in Pa’s room,” Amy elaborated. “But Uncle Noah helped him build a new one for her.”

  Annora felt her face flush with the implication that could be taken from Amy’s innocent comment and thought she detected a noticeable ruddiness about Mr. Brent’s neck as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

  He cleared his throat. “I’d like you to meet Annora Nolan, Rosemary. She’s from the East. Came in answer to my notice. Annora, this is Rosemary Evans, a friend of ours.”

  “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, ma’am,” Annora said, mustering her friendliest smile.

  The woman stared in cool appraisal momentarily, then she gave a perfunctory nod. “Housekeeper,” she repeated in disbelief. “Now I’ve heard everything.”

  Trying very hard not to be offended by the less-than-enthusiastic greeting or the insinuation behind it, Annora chewed the inside corner of her lip and averted her attention to some of the fashionable hats on display stands about the room.

  Mr. Brent finally responded. “Yes, well,” he said with a shrug, “thanks for taking care of these. I’ll settle up with you when I get back from the bank.”

  Mildly annoyed that he hadn’t bothered to explain, Annora stole a quick glance through her lashes at the store’s owner.

  If Rosemary Evans was put off by his obvious omission, she concealed the fact. “No hurry. I trust you, Lucas. You should know that by now.”

  He nodded, then offered his free hand to his younger daughter. “Come on, pumpkin. We’ll let Miss Rosemary get back to work. How about you and Melinda showing Annora around while your uncle and I see to business?”

  “Oh, goodie,” Amy said, raising her adoring gaze to him.

  Claiming Melinda, Annora followed her employer to the door, aware of those icy eyes watching her departure. She was relieved to step back out into the sunshine once more. But the chilly reception she had received from the bonnetmaker stole some of the enjoyment from Annora’s day—especially when a passing glance or two at the millinery during the next hour or so revealed the Evans woman staring out at her. Realizing the lady must actually view her as a rival for Mr. Brent’s attentions, Annora shook her head, sloughing off the ludicrous possibility.

  ❧

  Later that night, after the weary girls had been tucked into bed, and the men had gone to the barn to look after the new horses, Annora sought the sanctuary of the lean-to.

  Neatly folded atop her coverlet lay the yard goods she’d chosen. She picked up the material and shook it out, then held the fabric up to the window. The bright yellow calico would definitely add cheer to the dismal room, she decided with satisfaction. Setting it aside, she gazed at her other purchase, one which a small amount of her remaining traveling funds had provided—a supply of writing paper. She had only begun to realize how much she missed Lesley.

  After lighting the bedside lamp, Annora sat cross-legged on her cot and smoothed a sheet of paper over the lap desk she had borrowed from the house. She thought for a moment, then began writing:

  Dear Lesley,

  It seems ages since I last set eyes upon that smiling face of yours. I missed you from the onset and thought of you throughout my long, exhausting rail journey. The Lord did provide me with a rather nice woman friend on the train, but I will elaborate on her another time. There is far too much other news to tell you just now.

  I pray you and Michael did not suffer undue consequences for my fleeing Philadelphia. My conscience still pricks over having deceived my guardians, as I know they truly meant well. Nevertheless, I am convinced I made the right choice in coming to Wyoming.

  This farm is several miles outside Cheyenne, so I had to get used to being somewhat apart from even that limited amount of civilization. I do like the open country, especially at sunset, when the whole sky is ablaze with vivid color.

  I must admit, my sudden appearance here caught everyone off guard. Somehow my letter had gotten waylaid, so I actually arrived before my missive. It made things a bit awkward at first, but I pleaded for Mr. Brent to give me a month in which to prove myself. If that works out, I shall be satisfied to remain here indefinitely. I am not entertaining the slightest notion of someday marrying the man. He seems a decent sort
but is somewhat older. I also believe there is a woman in town who has designs on him.

  I do love his little girls, however. Melinda and Amy are adorable. They seem to enjoy having someone around to read to them and spend time with them, but at the same time, they show a natural possessiveness about their late mother’s things. Once their father assured them I am here only temporarily, they were more able to accept my presence.

  Tapping her pencil against her teeth in thought, Annora debated whether to mention Noah, then continued:

  Mr. Brent’s younger brother, Noah, also lives here on the farm. He does not impress me as much more than a shiftless prankster, but he is quite handsome. No doubt he turns a few heads among the eligible young women in town, but he has not spoken of any in particular.

  We have not as yet attended Sunday services. That does feel strange, after having almost lived at church during the past three years. I shall inquire about going this week’s end. Surely my employer is concerned about the eternal fate of his daughters’ souls.

  In case you have no time to spend reading overlong letters, I shall close for now. But please know, dear Lesley, that I shall perish unless I hear from you soon. Until then, do take care. Give Michael my warmest regards, and may the Lord bless you always.

  With deepest affection,

  I remain your friend,

  Annora

  Scanning the entire letter through, Annora folded it and tucked it into an envelope to be ready for delivery on the next trip to town. But it took awhile for the pang of homesickness for her best friend to subside.

  Annora could not help wondering if she would ever feel at home anywhere, ever again.

  twelve

  Annora’s immersion into the backlog of household duties made the next week pass quickly for her. Harvest and its related field work had all but come to an end, along with the long laborious hours of backbreaking toil that normally occupied the men during the warm weather. Mr. Brent was free to turn his attention to other matters—and with the acquisition of the two mares he’d sent for, his high spirits lent a more buoyant air to the atmosphere around the farm.