Читать книгу Mail Order Mix-Up - Christine Johnson - Страница 11

Chapter Three

It was good to be home, which is what Singapore had become to Roland since he’d moved here eight years ago. At the time he’d been a clerk in Mr. Stockton’s Chicago emporium. His boss offered him the management of the Singapore general store, and he had leaped at the opportunity. It got him away from the scene of his greatest disappointment.

He had not expected his older brother to follow four years later. Garrett was as different from him as night from day. Garrett preferred to work with his hands. He boasted a massive frame and their father’s auburn hair. He never opened a book other than the Bible and enjoyed playing a harmonica at night. He was as rustic as the society in this lumber town.

What had Eva seen in him?

That’s the question that had haunted Roland for over eight years. He and Eva were the same age, while Garrett was four years older. Roland had taken her to the finest shows in Chicago. He’d spent every spare dollar on gifts for her. He’d shared his excitement over the latest scientific discoveries with her. He sought progress whereas Garrett preferred the stability of tradition. Roland thought Eva loved him, yet she had chosen his brother. She had married Garrett and in rapid succession bore him a son and a daughter.

Then they moved to Singapore.

Seeing her again had been difficult. He had kept his distance, but they could not avoid each other in such a small town. Disputes arose until brother separated from brother. Few words passed between them until Eva died. Even now, the memory of that day scored him to the bone. Every time he looked at Garrett’s son and daughter, he saw her. Garrett must have felt the same way, for he holed up with his grief and ignored the children. Roland made the first move. For the sake of the children. He could still hear Garrett’s hollow refusal. Yet in the end his brother relented and moved in with Roland.

The brothers reached a truce. The children were their bond. The two men did their best, but the children hadn’t rebounded. Little Isaac carried the weight of the world on his seven-year-old shoulders, and Sadie wouldn’t say a word.

“Give it time,” Mrs. Calloway, over at the boardinghouse, had told him. “It’ll take a while for those young’uns to get over losing their ma.”

Months and months had gone by, and it hadn’t seemed to help. Maybe this glassworks factory would be just the thing to pull those children from their self-imposed isolation. With success, he could provide the finest of everything. New toys for Isaac. Fancy dresses for Sadie. The prettiest dolls. Whatever their hearts desired.

To get the factory off the ground, Roland needed investors. Stockton had held back, calling the venture shaky at best, but if Roland could get Holmes on board, Stockton might follow. Two days in Chicago and another aboard ship showed him that Holmes valued honest labor and deep morality—the latter in short supply here, with the exception of his brother.

He called out again to Garrett, who apparently couldn’t hear him above the whine of the saws.

His brother looked this way and that.

Roland waved and pushed past the passengers and curious onlookers. Again he cupped his hands around his mouth. “Garrett!”

“Garrett?” The sharp question came from that new schoolteacher, Pearl Lawson, who stood an arm’s length away with her hands perched on her hips.

If she hadn’t been so obviously miffed, he might have found her flushed cheeks and flashing eyes irresistible. Instead he looked for his brother, who had disappeared again.

“Miss Lawson. I am busy.”

Holmes was walking toward him. He didn’t have time to deal with ladies who mistakenly thought he was in the market for a wife.

She stepped in front of him. “You are not too busy to answer a simple question.”

“Excuse me.” He skirted around her, using his long strides to reach Holmes before she could catch up. “Did Charlie agree to take your bags to the hotel?”

“Yes, he did,” Holmes said with a shake of his head. “Wouldn’t take a penny for his efforts.”

That’s what Roland had hoped would be the outcome when he told Holmes to inform the lad that Roland Decker had suggested him. Later, he would add a little extra to the lad’s wages, but now he had to catch Garrett. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

“Mr. Decker!” That schoolteacher was pestering him again. “I must have a word with you. In private.”

Roland bit back frustration. The candor that he’d once found refreshing was now beginning to irritate him. “As I said, I have business to attend to.”

“It will only take a minute.” Her jaw was set and her gaze did not waver. “It is most urgent.”

Holmes nudged Roland forward. “I can wait. Please take care of the lady.”

Roland did not care to address what he was certain she would ask, but to deny her would throw doubt on Holmes’s opinion of him and his project. He glanced up to see his brother had halted on the docks, staring up at the steamship, doubtless looking for him. Roland had a moment to calm the brewing storm.

“What is it, Miss Lawson?”

Holmes had thoughtfully stepped out of hearing range.

She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a tattered newspaper clipping, which she held out to him. “Did you or did you not place this advertisement?”

Roland had placed an advertisement in the Chicago papers looking for investors, but he couldn’t imagine why Pearl Lawson would get upset over that. He accepted the clipping from her gloved hand. It took only seconds to recognize the wording, but how on earth had it leaped out of the fire and onto the pages of a newspaper?

Garrett. It had to be. He must have taken Roland’s prodding seriously and rewrote the advertisement from memory. Roland pulled off his stifling hat. His brother’s memory was better than he’d figured. This advertisement was word for word what Roland had written as a joke.

“Where did you get this?” he asked Pearl.

“From the New York newspaper.”

“New York?” He faintly recalled that all the ladies attempting to claim his affections hailed from that city. He swallowed the lump building in his throat. How it had gotten to New York was only the tip of the problem. The fact that it offered no means to whittle down prospective brides meant these four women might be the first in a deluge.

“When?” he choked out.

“When what?”

“When did this advertisement appear?”

“Two weeks ago.”

“Two weeks.” He attempted to calculate precisely how many women might arrive in Singapore, for this advertisement stated that all applicants must apply in person. Why, it could be hundreds. “How many of you are there?”

One perfectly arched eyebrow lifted. “I assume you are referring to candidates for your hand, not a twin, which I do not have. In answer to your question, there are three. On this ship.”

“Including you?” Something about the idea of his brother marrying Pearl Lawson set Roland’s teeth on edge.

“As I told you, I am here to teach school.” For the briefest moment, disappointment flashed across her face before she reined it in. “Then you did place the advertisement.”

He swallowed again. “In truth, I’m not sure how it got in the newspaper.”

She snorted in disbelief. “It didn’t happen by itself. Are you or are you not Mr. Garrett Decker?”

At least on that he could speak with certainty. “I am not.”

Both her eyebrows shot up this time.

“Let me explain,” he said before she could get spitting mad again. “I am Roland Decker. My brother—my older brother—is Garrett.”

She breathed out with what looked suspiciously like relief, and a little chuckle escaped her lips. “Then you are not the one seeking a wife.”

“I am not.” But he wasn’t entirely certain his brother was, either. Surely he would have said something if that was the case.

Since Garrett had finally spotted him and was striding in their direction, they would soon have the answer. Then Roland could send the hopeful ladies off with his brother and get back to the business of courting Mr. Holmes’s patronage.

* * *

Pearl struggled to hide her relief. Mr. Decker—Roland—had proven not to be a scoundrel. She mentally reviewed all his responses on the voyage. He had answered truthfully in every instance. No treachery or deceit had been involved, though she could not imagine why he didn’t know his brother was seeking a wife, especially since the advertisement stated that all interested parties needed to inquire at the mercantile. That laborer had told her that Roland ran the store. Surely there could not be more than one general store in such a small town.

Regardless, she owed him an apology. “Please forgive me. When we heard your name and that you hailed from Singapore, we naturally assumed you were the one who sought a wife.”

“An understandable mistake. I hope it did not cause you too much trouble.”

His smile sent her insides fluttering again. She pressed a hand to her stomach. It must be a result of overindulgence at last night’s meal. She was not accustomed to such rich food. He grinned, and she realized she had not replied to whatever he had asked. She searched her mind. Oh, yes, something about troubling them.

“Not at all. Amanda will be relieved that it wasn’t you.” But not as much as I am.

“Is that so? Your friend finds me lacking as a potential husband?”

Oh, dear. Heat rose to her cheeks as she realized what she’d said. “I didn’t mean to infer that she thought you inferior in any way. Because you aren’t.” She fanned her face with her hand. “My, it’s hot in the sun.”

He ignored her discomfort. “And you know her mind on such matters?”

Now he was having fun at her expense. “Mr. Decker!”

He chuckled. “Roland, please.”

She warmed to the change of direction. “Like the valiant knight.”

A grin spread across his face. “Precisely. I aim to bring progress and prosperity to Singapore.” He swept his arms wide, encompassing the less-than-impressive array of buildings. “That is why I cannot consider marriage at this time.”

For some irrational reason, her buoying spirits plummeted. She averted her gaze and took a deep breath. After all, she could not consider marriage, either. “I understand, Mr. Decker.”

“Roland.”

“Roland.” His name rolled off her tongue with such pleasantness that she could easily imagine saying it every day of her life. She sighed. “Too bad business and marriage are mutually exclusive propositions.”

His smile never wavered. “They might not be for some men, but I would never subject the woman I loved to such loneliness. I work long hours, Miss Lawson.”

“Pearl.”

That smile of his softened, and the blue eyes twinkled. “Pearl. It would not be fair to her.”

“Shouldn’t that be her decision?”

Once again he cocked his head in that charming manner. “You are rather an independent sort, Pearl.”

She had heard that sentiment before. She was too outspoken, too insistent, too independent. That’s why men walked away after their first meeting. Roland would, too, though for different reasons. “I consider independence a virtue.”

He let loose a great burst of laughter. “Do you turn everything on its head?”

“Only things that need turning about. An independent woman can take care of herself while providing all that her family needs.”

“Is there no room for a man to assist her?”

Her stomach fluttered alarmingly. He could not seriously want a relationship with her, not after stating he would not marry anyone.

She touched a hand to her hot cheek. “Of course. If he is committed to her.”

His gaze narrowed. “I see.”

She dropped her hand as her silly hopes deflated. What had she thought would happen? He was a confirmed bachelor. She could not marry without losing her new position.

“First and foremost, Mr. Decker, I am a schoolteacher.”

Roland stiffened and bowed ever so slightly. “And I am a businessman with duties waiting.”

Her gaze sought Amanda, who waited on the dock with their carpetbags and the other two bride hopefuls. It had taken a stern warning to keep Fiona at bay, but Louise had gratefully accepted her help sorting this out. All three women watched intently. Fiona clutched the handle of her fine parasol. Louise pressed a book to her chest. Amanda nibbled on her lower lip. In Pearl’s estimation, Amanda was the loveliest by far, but none of them could predict what a man might think.

“Good day, Miss Lawson.” Her companion bowed to take his leave.

“Roland?”

He halted and gave her an inquiring look.

She took a deep breath. “Might you introduce us to your brother?”

* * *

Something about Pearl captivated Roland. Maybe it was the determined set of her chin or the flash of fire in her eyes. Maybe it was the way she protected her friend or took charge in difficult situations. She wasn’t afraid. Except perhaps of him. He’d noticed the pleasant flush of her cheeks and didn’t think for a minute that it had anything to do with the sun. Rather, he’d been relieved to learn that she not only wasn’t answering the advertisement for a wife, but also accepted his statement that he would not marry.

She had a good head on her shoulders and would make a fine teacher.

Once he’d introduced her to Garrett, he asked her to tell her friends to wait a moment. He must warn his brother before unleashing the women on him. Pearl gave him a peculiar look before returning to them. She didn’t trust him. He probably deserved that. If he’d been the object of the women’s attention, he would have run back on the ship and headed for the next port. Garrett, on the other hand, needed a wife. And Roland needed to determine if his brother had placed the advertisement.

Garrett gazed at Pearl’s retreating back. “Seems like a decent schoolteacher.”

“The children will like her.” Roland had to settle that point before he got to the next. “I had ample time to talk with her aboard ship. She will do well. But there’s another matter we need to discuss, and we haven’t much time.”

In fact, the three bride hopefuls were staring at him as Pearl talked. It wouldn’t take long before they realized Garrett was the object of their hopes. He doubted even Pearl could hold them back then.

“No investors?” Garrett asked.

Roland shook his head. “That’s not it. I’ve brought Edward Holmes to look over the project site and layout of the land.” A second urgent thought occurred to him. “In fact, I’m hoping you can join us. He will be impressed by your work. I could convince him that you should be the factory manager.”

“Manager?” Garrett’s brow creased as if the job was the worst he could imagine.

“Added responsibility comes with additional wages.”

Garrett scowled. “If I told you once, I told you a thousand times. I’m not interested in managing anything. I like to work with my hands.”

“Mr. Decker!” The fiery Fiona O’Keefe interjected herself into their discussion without waiting for introductions.

Roland shouldn’t have expected less. After all, she had done the same with him. This time, her attention centered on Garrett, whose ordinarily ruddy complexion grew even more so at the sight of the elegantly dressed redhead. As usual, Roland’s brother was at a loss for words.

“Garrett, may I introduce Miss Fiona O’Keefe.” Roland gestured to the redhead and then proceeded to introduce the other women. His gaze drifted to Pearl, who hung outside the ring of anxious women, but she was scanning the town.

Garrett cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable. “Pleased to meet you, ladies.” He managed to look each one in the eye but showed no sign of particular interest in any of them. “What brings you to town?”

Roland groaned. That meant his brother either did not place the advertisement or had forgotten about it. Unfortunately, Roland had not had time to tell Garrett what to expect. Judging by the expression on Fiona’s face, he would soon feel the wrath of four upset women if Roland didn’t step in.

“Now, ladies, shouldn’t you settle in at the hotel or boardinghouse before we get down to business?”

“Business?” Garrett questioned, so obviously perplexed that Roland pitied him.

“We most certainly will not,” Fiona stated. “We have come all the way from New York in answer to this.” She waved the advertisement in front of Garrett’s nose. “And we expect an answer.”

Roland’s brother blanched. “An answer to what?”

This was going in a terrible direction, and to make matters worse, Holmes had drawn close enough to overhear the entire discussion. If this went the way Roland expected, his brother would lose the goodwill of four women, and Roland would lose an investor.

“Now, now,” he said calmly. “You can’t expect my brother to make a decision without getting to know each of you.”

“A decision on what?” Garrett asked.

But Roland had managed to quiet the fire in Fiona O’Keefe’s eyes.

Her anger subsided. “I suppose you’re right. When do you want to begin getting to know us? At dinner this afternoon?”

“Uh, uh,” Garrett stammered, backing away.

Roland noticed Pearl’s expressive lips begin to tilt upward. He might be able to save both his project and his brother. “Supper would be better. If you ladies agree, we would be delighted to invite you all to supper tonight.”

“We would?” Garrett said.

“Yes, we would.” If nothing else, it would give the women their first glimpse of the children—a detail not mentioned in the advertisement. “The invitation extends to you, too, Miss Lawson. Shall we say six o’clock? I shall personally escort all of you from your lodgings.”

Pearl nodded slightly. “We will be at the boardinghouse.”

Amanda and Louise Smythe drank in his words without question.

Fiona O’Keefe relented. “Very well, then, we shall see you tonight at the boardinghouse.” She turned her gaze back to Garrett. “But I expect a decision soon, Mr. Decker.”

“Decision on what?” Garrett choked out.

Roland motioned for his brother to stop, but he must not have noticed, for he plowed right on.

“I can’t see what decision I could make that would affect you ladies.”

Fiona O’Keefe twirled her parasol and cast Garrett a provocative smile. “Why, which one of us will become your wife, of course.”