A Niece for Christmas Read online

  Ethan’s lips tightened. “Jessie, you’ve said enough. I know you did it with good intentions, although you shouldn’t have done it.”

  The child’s bottom lip quivered.

  “It’s not her fault,” Clemmie said. “I don’t know why she didn’t think you could find a woman on your own, you’re not bad looking. Maybe it’s your nasty disposition which puts women off.”

  “I don’t have a nasty disposition.” He ground the words out. “It was a mistake.”

  Jessie clutched her hand. “Don’t go, Clemmie. Otherwise Mary-Lou will grab Uncle Ethan. She called me a cripple.”

  Clemmie gasped and glanced at a tight lipped Ethan, before making sure the blanket covered Jessie’s knees.

  “It doesn’t matter,” he said.

  “Doesn’t matter! I’ve traveled miles to get here.” She forced her voice to remain steady, even though she wanted to scream.

  “We can still get married.”

  “What are you saying?” She would have wrung her hands in anguish had Jessica not been clutching them so tightly.

  “I’m saying, I’m prepared to marry you.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “Because I need a wife to keep another woman off my back.”

  “Why not just tell this woman you don’t want to marry her?” He began to go down in her esteem for being so spineless. A shame when she was beginning to like him.

  “It’s complicated. We were betrothed once.”

  “She hates me,” Jessie piped up. “I can’t help being crippled.”

  “What a horrible woman. She isn’t worthy to be an aunt to a pretty girl like you. You know something, I’ve always wanted a niece, and if I marry your uncle, I’ll have you. You could be an early Christmas present for me. I’m so excited about becoming an aunt.” How despicable this Mary-Lou sounded.

  “So, will you marry me?” Ethan asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Thank goodness we’ve got that sorted out. We can see the preacher on our way past and maybe he could marry us tomorrow.”

  “There you go, Jessie. We can have long walks together at the ranch. I’m used to pushing racks of clothing around, so I’ll easily be able to manage your wheelchair. I’ll be able to make you pretty dresses. We can be the two best dressed ladies around here. I design bonnets as well.”

  The child smiled and clapped her hands.

  “Now, I need to speak with your uncle. Grown up talk, you understand?”

  The little girl nodded.

  “We need to get a few things cleared up,” she said.

  “Thanks.” He glanced at Jessie. “For how you handled her. I’m prepared to marry you for her sake, and like she said to ward off Mary-Lou’s unwanted attention. She left me standing with the preacher at the front of the church in front of a hundred wedding guests.”

  “It must have been awful for you.”

  “I was besotted with her and she betrayed me by running off with another man. I won’t let that happen again. This will be a marriage in name only.”

  She gasped.

  “You’re not happy with that?”

  They were still outside the coach depot.

  “Actually, I am. I gave my heart to a man who smashed it into a thousand pieces, and I don’t want to put myself through agony like that ever again.” She tried not to let the bitterness spill out of her mouth.

  “Good, it’s agreed. A marriage in name only and we do it as soon as possible.”

  “Yes.”

  “Right. It’s only a short drive to the church, the preacher comes in from La Grange every second week. He should be here now, there was a funeral here today, so hopefully he’ll still be there and we can book a time.”

  Chapter Four

  Clemmie couldn’t believe it when the preacher agreed to marry them straight away. Luckily she always wore her mother’s wedding ring on a chain around her neck. Twenty minutes after meeting each other, they were married. She was Mrs. Ethan Douglas for better or for worse. She certainly hoped it was for the better. He seemed pleasant enough and was obviously devoted to Jessica.

  What was the child’s story? It was a tragic one she had no doubt. As for this Mary-Lou creature, she couldn’t believe any woman would say such cruel things to a child.

  ****

  Ethan stared at his new wife as they drove down the main street. He had expected a hag of a woman, but for Jessie’s sake would have married her no matter what. Clemmie was beautiful. Those soulful blue eyes, a man could almost drown in them, combined with smooth white skin. What was wrong with him? Surely he wasn’t regretting his stipulation of a marriage in name only?

  It was rather disquieting she had so eagerly agreed to a marriage in name only. He wasn’t vain, but always felt he was presentable enough to be attractive to women.

  A man had hurt her badly. He read the signs and knew exactly how she felt, but there was more. Combined with sadness, was it fear darkening her eyes almost to navy?

  He waved to a couple of people he knew. They stared at Clemmie, obviously wondering who she was. Well, let them wonder for a while. He didn’t like having his private life bandied around.

  Just as he passed by the bank, Mary-Lou sashayed out. “Ethan! Ethan!”

  He was tempted to keep driving and ignore her. Probably better for her to find out he was married from him rather than anyone else.

  “There’s Mary-Lou,” Jessie said. “I don’t want to talk to her.”

  “You don’t have to.” Clemmie put a protective arm around the child.

  “What are you doing in town, Ethan? Unlike you to tear yourself away from that ranch of yours? Is that your new housekeeper? About time you replaced that useless, lazy Agnes.”

  “Aren’t you going to introduce us, Ethan?” Clemmie asked.

  His name coming out on a faint sigh quickened his heartbeat.

  “I’m Clementine, his wife.” She reached over Jessica and picked up his hand, for all intents and purposes the devoted wife.

  “Darlin’ I’d like you to meet, Mary-Lou.”

  “Is this some kind of trick?” As she spat the words out Mary-Lou’s eyes flashed. “Her? You would marry someone like her?”

  “A man can’t help who he falls in love with.”

  “You love me,” she all but shrieked. “You always have. I want to be your wife.”

  “Sorry, Mary-Lou, was it?” Clemmie smiled. “Unless he commits bigamy, Ethan can’t marry you. I’m sorry if you had feelings for him.”

  “I hate him.”

  “Oh, well that’s all right then.” She laughed. “No harm done.”

  “You, you, harlot,” Mary-Lou spluttered. “You’ll be sorry, Ethan.”

  He stared into her eyes and saw the sign of, was it madness in them? A chill ran down his spine.

  “I’m sorry, you’ll soon find yourself a man much better than me.”

  “Of course you will.” Clemmie’s smile was tight, even though the other woman wasn’t close enough to see. “You’re beautiful, you must have dozens of beaus beating at your door.”

  Mary-Lou swung away and started to stomp off. Suddenly she stopped. “You’re welcome to him and that little cripple of his.”

  Ethan slapped the horse’s backside with the reins and they took off.

  “What a horrible creature,” Clemmie said, promptly letting go Ethan’s hand once they were past the bank.

  Jessica had said nothing, although her lips trembled.

  “It’s okay, darlin’, she’s a nasty person. Don’t take it to heart.”

  “Uncle Ethan is right, she is nasty, jealous too.”

  “Jealous? The childish voice rose in surprise.

  “Well, of course,” Clemmie said. “It takes a woman to pick up jealousy in another woman.”

  “It does?”

  “Yes, Mary-Lou knows you’re much prettier than her, and she doesn’t like it. That’s why she’s so mean.”

  “Really?”

  Ethan could only
watch in amazement as Clemmie’s words boosted the child’s self-esteem.

  “And just wait until I make your new clothes. Did you know, some rich women in New Orleans wore gowns that I made? Silk, taffeta, French lace. I’m going to love making things for you. Every designer wants beautiful women to wear their clothes. It enhances their work. You’ll be the envy of every woman under fifty in Guilford Crossing.”

  Jessie smiled happily now. He couldn’t believe how well Clemmie had handled this nasty situation. Had she really worked with the society women of New Orleans? He didn’t know much about female clothing, but her dress looked pretty even though it was creased up. She was a beautiful woman with a kind heart. Keeping this a marriage of convenience wasn’t going to be easy.

  ****

  After about an hour they arrived at the Crossed T ranch. She knew it was called that because it had been written on a wooden archway at the beginning of his property. The home pastures, well she guessed you would call them that, had post and rail fences. Behind a clump of trees, smoke spiraled skyward.

  “Wait until Agnes and Jack find out you’re married, Uncle Ethan.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be surprised, and happy you’re so pleased about it.”

  They stopped outside of a large ranch house. It was built from wood and stone. Trees encircled the house ensuring privacy. Stables, a huge barn and maybe a bunk house were all neatly laid out and built of split logs.

  A cowboy strode over to them. “Howdy, Boss, Miss Jessica.”

  “Howdy Lonnie, I’d like you to meet my wife, Clementine.”

  “Oh?”

  Surprised was clearly registered on the man’s face. “I didn’t know you was getting hitched, boss.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Lonnie.” She didn’t like the way his eyes ranged over her, but didn’t let it show. Maybe he didn’t mean to be so bold. She was probably over-reacting. It had been a long, eventful day.

  “Howdy, Mrs. Douglas.”

  “What about me, Lonnie?”

  “Howdy, Miss Jessica.”

  She was beginning to worry about Agnes and Jake, who were obviously well thought of by Ethan and Jessica. What if they didn’t like her?

  “You can take the buckboard for me.” Ethan jumped down. “Give this girl a good rub down.” He patted the horse’s rump.

  After he helped her down, Ethan turned to pick up Jessica. “Before you attend the horse, would you mind putting the trunk on the porch?”

  “Yeah, boss, will do.” Lonnie touched his hat.

  The moment they stepped on to the wide porch, a tall, elderly woman greeted them. She was thin, with angular features, although her smile was welcoming.

  “This is Clementine,” Ethan said. “My wife.”

  “You did it.” The woman smiled. “I didn’t think you would. I’m Agnes, he’s Jake.” She pointed to the elderly man standing next to her.

  “Congratulations, Mrs. Douglas.”

  “Please call me Clemmie. Jessie has told me all about you. She smiled. “Things are a little unusual I guess you could say.”

  “Don’t stand on the porch.” Agnes stepped over to the door to let them in. Ethan entered first carrying Jessica.

  “How are you feeling, Princess?” Jake said.

  “Good. I like Clemmie, she’s kind.”

  They entered a large sitting room with a huge fireplace taking up half of one wall. The flames burned brightly. The furniture was good quality, solid and masculine looking.

  Ethan placed Jessica in a wheelchair. “There you go, darlin’, I swear you’re getting so big you will have to start carrying me soon.”

  She giggled. “That’s silly, Uncle Ethan.”

  “Could you show my wife to her room, please Agnes? She might like to wash up before supper.”

  “That would be lovely, I feel grubby and bedraggled.”

  “You don’t look it,” Agnes said. “You’re a pretty girl.”

  “Hardly a girl, I’m twenty-eight.”

  “I’m sixty-five so you’re a girl to me.”

  She liked this friendly woman. “Tell me exactly what is wrong with Jessie. That Mary-Lou creature called her a cripple.”

  Agnes sniffed derisively. “She’s pure evil if you ask me. Ethan had a lucky escape getting out of her clutches. This is your room.” She opened a door to a large bedroom with a double bed covered by a pretty patchwork quilt.

  “Ethan’s room is a couple of doors away.”

  “Oh?” She wondered what was behind the connecting door.

  Agnes followed her gaze. “It’s Jessie’s room. Ethan and I take turns to look after her at night. His room is on the other side. I usually sleep in this room when it’s my turn.”

  “Oh, Agnes, I can’t take your room.”

  “Jack and I have our own separate quarters at the back of the house. Poor Jessie. She watched her parents drown and the shock it well, left her legs paralyzed. They just won’t seem to work.”

  “What do the doctors say?”

  “Well, they don’t seem to know what’s wrong. Ethan has taken her to different doctors in Austin and Houston, nothing seems to help. All they say is to rub her legs to keep the muscles working.

  “I’ll gladly look after her,” Clemmie said. “She’s such a sweet little girl.”

  “We’ll have to see how things go,” Agnes said.

  It was understandable that she would have to win the trust of these people before they let her look after Jessica.

  “When you’ve refreshed yourself, make your way to the kitchen. I’ll make you a coffee before supper.”

  The woman must have read her mind. She was choking for a drink. This was a nice room and the ranch looked to be well laid out and cared for. I could be happy here.

  “Oh, Agnes, before you go. I want you to know that I’ll look after Jessie as if she were my own child. She’s so sweet.”

  “I’m glad you like her. Ethan knows we’re really too old for this.”

  “Don’t worry, she’ll be safe with me.”

  After Agnes bustled off she glanced at the dresser. All the furniture was of a light honey colored wood. Lace curtains and blinds covered the windows. A knock came to the door. “Come in.”

  “I’ve got your trunk,” Ethan said. “Where would you like it?”

  “Thank you, anywhere will do.” She waved an arm about. “I’ll unpack it later. For now, I’ll just hang my dresses up and hopefully the creases will drop out.”

  “By the way, we don’t dress for supper.”

  She nodded.

  “Jessie likes you.”

  “I like her, too.”

  “I’m sorry about the scene in town with Mary-Lou, it was uncalled for; she’s always been spoilt and vindictive.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’m not going to give the horrible creature a second thought. She’s lucky I didn’t jump out of the buckboard and scratch her eyes out.”

  His eyebrows formed peaks. “Remind me not to fall foul of you.” He grinned. Ethan turned to step out of the room.

  “Do I need to do anything for Jessie?”

  He shook his head. “Agnes is organizing her, but I know she’ll be glad of your help. It’s been hard.” He sighed. “I’ve tried getting someone to come and look after her. I’ve got a ranch to run so I can’t be here all the time.”

  “Don’t worry, from now on I’ll care for her. I’ll probably need a little help sometimes. May I see her room?”

  “Through the door.” He pointed and started toward it.

  “I can go by myself. I just want to familiarize myself with it, without her being there.”

  After he left, she had a quick wash. I’ll have to ask Agnes about bathing facilities. She changed out of her travel worn gown and slipped on a blue long sleeved one with deep blue velvet trim on the cuffs and stand up collar. After tidying her hair, she ventured into Jessica’s room.

  It was furnished in a similar style to hers with two single beds, a dresser and large closet. Th
ere was a commode chair in one corner. The curtains here were pink.

  A couple of dolls sat on either side of the dressing table, a large teddy bear, with a pink bow, sat on the bed. It was a pretty, feminine room any little girl would love. She didn’t know whether Ethan was rich, didn’t really care, although he was certainly not poor.

  What would Harold and Ivy be doing? She couldn’t believe she’d given them a seconds thought. They were both despicable and deserved each other. I’ll never set foot in New Orleans again.

  Hopefully, when no new designs eventuated, Glovers would lose their exclusiveness and people might realize how Harold had stolen her ideas and passed them off as his own. Ivy certainly wouldn’t be any use. Jane was probably their best bet, although she didn’t have much imagination and needed supervision.

  Chapter Five

  Once she was ready, Clemmie made her way to the kitchen by following her nose. Something smelled delicious. To get to the kitchen meant passing through a dining room, which had a large table with ten chairs positioned around it. Maybe they had a lot of visitors. So much for the solitude and isolation she had expected.

  The furniture throughout the house was of solid good quality. It cried out for a woman’s touch. New curtains, a few mats, it wouldn’t take much to pretty it up a little.

  At the kitchen door she hovered, wondering what to do. It was a big room with a large cook stove set into a brick fireplace. Shiny pots and pans of various sizes hung on a beam suspended on chains near the stove. Agnes took pride in her kitchen and it showed.

  Jessie was sitting at a small table mixing what looked like batter in a bowl and she glanced up. “Clemmie, Clemmie.” The little girl’s smile lit up her face. “You found us.”

  Agnes swung around and nodded. “See what a good girl we have here. I wouldn’t be able to run this kitchen without her.” It was obvious a close bond existed between the child and the housekeeper.

  “I can see that. I hope she’ll be prepared to help me, I’ve got a few sewing projects planned.”

  “I can help. I can help.”

  “I was hoping you would volunteer as I don’t know whether I would have been able to do it all on my own.”