Love Inspired Historical June 2014 Bundle: Lone Star Heiress\The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart\The Gentleman's Bride Search\Family on the Range (52 page)

That was true, Evangeline realized. No doubt it accounted for her strange antagonism when she'd watched the two of them together.

Miss Leveson dropped her voice even further. “I happened to overhear her talking to Verity Dawson, whom she treats abominably, poor creature. Miss Anstruther said the girls and the little boy were tolerable, but the older boys were a pair of boisterous ruffians.”

The vague antagonism Evangeline had felt toward Miss Anstruther flared into defensive outrage. How dare she say such things about Matthew and Alfie when she hadn't exchanged a word with either of them? True, Matthew was constantly on the move, always talking and asking questions, but those were signs of his quick intelligence and boundless curiosity. Alfie could be a little bull in a china shop at times, but he had the most open, affectionate heart. Ruffians, indeed!

Her indignation quite choked her, but Miss Leveson seemed to mistake her silence for doubt. “Miss Anstruther went on to say that the boys should have been sent away to school long ago. I don't doubt that is just what she will do if she gains any influence over their father.”

She couldn't, could she? The glare Evangeline shot at the distant figure of Penelope Anstruther might have set the lady's hat on fire. It had been their father's decision to educate the boys at home for as long as possible. With their mother gone and him away so much, he'd wanted his children to have each other's company. He was also reluctant for them to mix with young aristocrats who might shun them for having a father in trade or encourage them in false values like pride and selfishness.

Evangeline supported his decision entirely. She knew that a good boys' school would not be subject to the deprivations of the charity institution where she'd been so miserable. But the reports she'd heard about such places from the brothers of her former pupils did not inspire her with confidence. She feared school might stifle Matthew's curiosity and break Alfie's spirit.

“I thought I would mention it to you,” Miss Leveson concluded, “since you seem so devoted to Mr. Chase's children.”

“Of course,” Evangeline replied rather absently. Her thoughts were racing so, she was scarcely aware of the other woman. “Thank you for this information.”

“I felt it was my duty.” Miss Leveson sounded convinced of her virtue. “I have taken such a fancy to these dear little ones.”

With that, she hurried to catch up with Emma and Mrs. Dawson, leaving Evangeline to trail after the rest of the party, lost in thought.

If what she'd been told was true, it would be a calamity for the Chase children if their father wed Miss Anstruther. On the other hand, Miss Leveson's devious tattling did not paint her in a flattering light, either.

For the first time since she'd come up with the idea for a matchmaking house party, Evangeline questioned whether it was such a clever plan, after all. What would happen if Mr. Chase chose the wrong lady to be his second wife? Could she bear to be responsible for that?

* * *

“I believe I owe you an apology, Miss Fairfax,” said Jasper as his children washed up for their tea.

“Do you, sir?” She had seemed distracted ever since they returned from their fishing expedition.

Jasper wondered if there was something troubling her. “I know I have difficulty admitting I am wrong. But in this case, I must make an exception. I am beginning to think this house-party idea of yours was not such a bad one, after all.”

A rather pained look came over her vivid features.

He tried again. “In fact, it may have been a very good one. I was concerned it would take away attention from the children, but instead it has provided them with more. I enjoyed myself today as I have not for a very long time. For that I owe you my thanks.”

Her expression lightened and warmed in response to his words, though he fancied a shadow remained in her brown velvet eyes. “I am pleased you had a pleasant time, sir. You deserve it after all you do for others.”

Jasper sensed an unspoken “but” and wondered what it might be. Or was he only imagining things? “You did an excellent job today, making everything run smoothly for our outing, so we could all relax and enjoy ourselves.”

“Thank you, sir.” She looked gratified by his praise, yet her gaze seemed to avoid his, as if she'd done something wrong rather than doing everything right. “It was the least I could do after all my meddling in your life. I meant well, but now I wonder...”

“Don't fret,” Jasper tried to reassure her. “Sometimes a person is right to interfere when they see a friend in need of help. Especially if that friend does not realize they need assistance.”

Miss Fairfax still did not seem persuaded. Perhaps the situation called for more than words. He reached out, clasped her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. “It has worked out for the best. Thank you for caring enough about my family to arrange all this.”

His gesture of gratitude seemed to fluster his children's strong-willed governess in a way he had never seen before. Had he been so remiss about expressing his appreciation that she did not know how to accept praise?

Before he could think what else to say, Rose came running in from the bedroom she shared with Emma. “I'm ready for tea, Papa. Are we going to eat Owen's fish?”

Jasper let go of the governess's hands and turned to pick up his youngest daughter. “Not today, little one. Mrs. Gilman needs to clean and fillet it. She promised Owen to have it ready for tomorrow. If I'd thought, we should have taken along a pan to fry our catch over a fire and eat with our luncheon. Fish always tastes best that way.”

“We would only have gotten a bite each, among so many of us,” said Matthew, suddenly appearing at his father's side. “It wasn't a very big fish.”

“A good deal bigger than you caught,” Jasper said, winking at his son to show he was only teasing. “Besides, you ought to recollect the story of the loaves and the fishes. Sometimes, when we are willing to share what we have, the Lord multiplies it further than we would ever imagine.”

He knew that from experience. Mill profits, which might have evaporated to pay for luxuries, could make a good life for many more working families whose labor kept his business running. In turn, he believed his employees worked harder and more efficiently than the wretched starvelings hired by his competitors. One day he hoped to persuade the other owners that true Christian principles and good business could go hand in hand.

The other children soon joined them and they all sat down to a jolly tea. Each of the youngsters was eager to tell what they had done or discussed with Jasper's guests that afternoon...even Emma.

“I like Mrs. Dawson best,” she replied when her father made a point of drawing her out. “She doesn't make a fuss or treat me like a baby.”

Jasper glanced at Miss Fairfax to discover she was biting on her lip to keep from grinning. He knew they were both thinking of how Miss Leveson had cooed and babbled over Rosie. Jasper pressed his lips tight together and looked away from the governess for fear they might offend his daughter with a burst of laughter.

“She is all alone in the world, you know,” Emma continued in a tone of gentle pity. “She got married to a soldier but he was killed at Waterloo. I think she still misses him.”

The way Emma still missed her mother? The thought gave Jasper a pang. He recalled how his late wife had doted on their first child, such a quiet, contented infant.

“I'm sure she does,” Miss Fairfax spoke up when Jasper's memories rendered him silent. “But I believe she enjoyed herself today and was happy to make a new friend.”

Her words seemed to comfort the child and encourage her to focus on how she could help Mrs. Dawson rather than dwell on the sadness of their bereavement.

Owen looked toward the nursery window where fat drops of rain spattered against the glass. “It's too bad we won't be able to play hide-and-seek in the garden after tea.”

The other children murmured their disappointment, but their governess was quick to offer a suggestion. “What if we play downstairs before the guests come down to dinner?”

Jasper's children immediately cheered up, greeting the idea with enthusiasm.

“We will need your father's permission, of course.” Miss Fairfax cast him a pleading look. “And we must promise to be very careful and not break anything.”

“We promise!”

“Can we, Papa? Please!”

Jasper gave a cheerful shrug. “I don't see why not.”

The children cheered and their governess flashed him a grateful smile.

“Perhaps we should ask Miss Brookes to join our games,” he suggested. “She told me she wished she could have played with us last night.”

Alfie nodded. “I think we should. I like her.”

“So do I,” said Matthew. “Miss Webster, too. Can we ask
her
to play, Papa?”

“If you like.” Jasper wondered if the other children would want to invite their particular friends.

Before any of them should suggest it, Miss Fairfax rose from her place. “Let's get tidied up first. Rosie, how on earth did you manage to get jam on your nose?”

Jasper turned to the nursery maid, who had begun to clear away the dishes. “Jane, will you kindly inform Miss Brookes and Miss Webster that the children will be playing downstairs for the next hour, if they would like to join us?”

“Yes, Mr. Chase.” The girl bobbed a curtsy. “Right away, sir.”

Perhaps this would be an opportunity to become better acquainted with one of the other ladies. Jasper mulled over the idea as Jane bustled off to relay his invitation. Without Miss Anstruther around to claim his attention, it might be easier to engage Abigail Brookes or Margaret Webster in conversation.

Yet somehow, he could not dismiss the ridiculous impression that the ladies would be intruding on his family time with the children and Miss Fairfax.

Chapter Five

O
n the fourth day of the house party, Evangeline woke even earlier than usual. After checking that yesterday's rain had stopped, she dressed and arranged her hair with more than usual care. Mixing with Mr. Chase's guests had made her conscious of her appearance. She did not want to be an embarrassment to her employer, after all.

Once she was ready, she crept out to the nursery, where Jane had already lit a small fire and left a pot of coffee. Evangeline had just poured herself a cup when the nursery door eased open and Jasper Chase peered inside. She was not surprised to see him. The day before, he had asked if there was a time he might speak to her without the children present. She'd told him there was only this early morning hour or the evening after her pupils were tucked in for the night. Mr. Chase insisted he did not want to make her wait up.

Now he entered the nursery with quiet footsteps, closing the door softly behind him. Evangeline poured him a cup of coffee as he slipped into the chair beside her at the round nursery table. Of course, it would be easier to speak in hushed tones if they sat close, she told herself.

“Good morning,” he whispered. “I hope you slept well.”

She nodded. “Very well, thank you. I hope you are not tired from having to rise at such an early hour.”

Mr. Chase shook his head as he took a sip of his coffee. “When I'm in Manchester I am accustomed to being up and about early. It is the late evenings sitting up with company that feel peculiar to me.”

“I believe it will be a fine day.” Evangeline wondered when Mr. Chase would explain the reason for his early morning call. “A bit windy, but that will not be a bad thing if you want to fly kites on Red Hill.”

A slow smile spread across his face, beginning in one corner of his lips and rippling over to the other. “We had better, don't you think, after all the work we went to making them yesterday? It was a perfect activity to keep the children occupied on a rainy day.”

Evangeline worked hard to suppress an answering grin. “Some of your guests seemed to enjoy kite-building as much as the children, Mr. Brookes and his sister, especially.”

“Indeed,” he agreed. “They both seem to appreciate this escape from the restrictions of vicarage life. I only wish I'd invited them to Amberwood sooner. I will not be so remiss in the future.”

Reverend Brookes could visit much more frequently if his sister were the lady of the house. Evangeline was tempted to mention it, but something held her back.

Instead, she asked a question that had plagued her ever since Mr. Chase suggested this meeting. “I beg your pardon, sir, but the children will soon be stirring. What is it you wish to discuss with me?”

“Oh, that.” He sounded as if he had forgotten his reason for being there. “You may have noticed the effort I have been making to get better acquainted with the ladies.”

“I have, sir, and I appreciate it,” Evangeline replied.

He already seemed to know Miss Brookes quite well. During yesterday's kite-making, the two had talked a great deal about a number of childhood visits he had made to her home. Though Evangeline was relieved to see his attention distracted from Miss Anstruther, she had not been as pleased as she should to witness his easy camaraderie with Abigail Brookes.

Mr. Chase looked rather self-conscious. “The fact is, I need to discuss the merits of each lady and seek advice about which might make the most suitable match. It would be awkward to broach the subject with my mother-in-law. I doubt Norton Brookes could be impartial since his sister is one of the ladies in question. That leaves you, Miss Fairfax. You know me, my children and my household. I trust your judgment as I do few others.”

Evangeline ducked her head and bolted a mouthful of coffee to cover her intense satisfaction at hearing that.

“Besides,” he continued, “this party was your idea to find me a wife. So I reckon you owe me your assistance.”

“I suppose I do, sir.” She acknowledged his claim with a rueful nod. “I shall be happy to help in any way I can, if you will tell me how.”

“I would like your opinion of the ladies. Miss Anstruther to begin with. Do you think she would suit me and I her? Would she be a good mother for my children?”

Evangeline wanted to shout, “No, no, no!” at the top of her lungs, but she managed to restrain herself for fear of waking the children and perhaps offending their father. Had he taken a fancy to Miss Anstruther and wanted her to confirm the wisdom of his choice? Gemma Leveson's warning ran through her thoughts, yet she was reluctant to voice her opposition too forcefully. A strong-willed man like Jasper Chase might become more stubbornly attached to a lady of whom she disapproved.

Instead, she tried to be as diplomatic as possible. “Miss Anstruther is a very well-bred lady. She would get on well with your mother-in-law. But I am not certain she has much interest in your children. She has scarcely spoken to any of them since she arrived.”

Mr. Chase gave a decisive nod. “I agree.”

A powerful wave of relief swept over Evangeline. How could she have lived with herself if her actions ended up inflicting that unpleasant woman on her dear pupils?

“It is not her fault,” he continued. “She grew up without brothers and sisters. I am not certain she has ever had contact with children before. Five must seem quite bewildering.”

“That is no excuse.” Evangeline's discretion deserted her. “I was my parents' only child, yet I became a governess.”

That was no testament to a love of children, her conscience protested. She had been obliged to earn a living, and teaching was one of the only respectable ways a lady might support herself.

Fortunately, Mr. Chase did not take offense at her muted outburst. Instead, his blue-gray eyes twinkled. “But we cannot expect a mere mortal like Miss Anstruther to measure up to such a paragon as Miss Fairfax.”

His teasing made Evangeline blush furiously. “I am not a paragon! How tiresome that would be.”

“Compared to Penelope Anstruther, you are.” He pulled a droll face that made Evangeline grin in spite of her embarrassment. “Besides, that is the paradox of paragons. If a lady believes she is one, she cannot possibly be. But if she denies it, chances are she is the genuine article.”

She had heard Mr. Chase employ this kind of banter with his children, but he had never used it with her until this morning. She was not certain how she felt about it.

“Get away with you.” She affected a mock scowl. “You are only flattering me to get me to stay at Amberwood.”

“Perhaps a little,” he admitted. “But that does not make it any less true. I am trying to make up for all the times I
should
have praised you in the past. If I thought flattery would persuade you to stay, I would lay it on with a trowel.”

His eyes danced with mischief that reminded her of Alfie. She wondered if he had been like his son during his younger years. She could not help being amused by the image of him laying on thick gobs of praise the way a stonemason applied mortar.

“But back to my problem,” Mr. Chase continued. “We are agreed that I can remove Miss Anstruther from my list of potential brides. Miss Leveson, too, I believe. Rosie likes her, but I am not sure about the other children. And I fear that giggle of hers would drive me mad inside a year.”

Evangeline told herself she should be dismayed that Mr. Chase had casually rejected half the ladies she'd hoped he might wed. Instead, she felt elated. It must be relief that he could be trusted not to make an unsuitable match. She should have had more faith in his judgment.

“Even if the lady were more to my liking...” Jasper Chase grimaced. “Ì fear I could not tolerate having Mrs. Leveson for a mother-in-law.”

Evangeline clapped a hand over her mouth to contain an unseemly burst of laughter that might rouse the children. They would be waking up on their own soon enough. For now she enjoyed this rare opportunity to talk privately with their father.

“Who does that leave?” He held up four fingers then lowered two. “Abigail Brookes. I believe she sincerely likes the children.”

Evangeline could not dispute that.

“And I cannot deny I like her,” Jasper Chase continued. “She was a wild little scapegrace as a child, but she seems to have matured into a very agreeable woman.”

All that was true, Evangeline acknowledged. Abigail Brookes was not haughty and demanding like Miss Anstruther. Nor did she have Miss Leveson's flighty facade that masked a more calculating nature. Miss Brookes wanted to be a governess, which suggested an affinity for children. Her actions the past few days bore that out.

Then why did a sinking feeling come over Evangeline when Jasper Chase professed his fondness for the lady?

* * *

As he sat in the cozy, quiet nursery discussing prospective brides with Miss Fairfax, Jasper could not escape the feeling that he was a fraud.

In spite of the effort he had made to keep an open mind on the subject, he was still not convinced he wanted to remarry. Were the faults he had found with Miss Anstruther and Miss Leveson only excuses that might have been easily overlooked if he'd sincerely wanted to take a second wife?

Surely if he had been eager to wed, he would not have been so pleased when Miss Fairfax agreed that neither of the ladies was likely to suit him.

Now he raised the possibility of Abigail Brookes. He was certain her brother would approve of such a match. In turn, he would be delighted to have Norton for a brother-in-law. But could Abigail care anything for
him
or only his children? Jasper told himself perhaps the latter might be for the best. Then she might not feel neglected when he was obliged to be away so much on business.

Did Miss Fairfax guess the thoughts that were going through his mind? Perhaps, for her smile faded and an anxious look crept into her eyes. “Miss Brookes is, as you say, most agreeable. Matthew and Alfie are both quite taken with her. If they were twenty years older, you might have a pair of rivals for her hand.”

It sounded as if Miss Fairfax might have her heart set on him wedding Abigail Brookes. Jasper was sorry to disappoint her, but something in him resisted her efforts to choose a wife for him. “I like Abigail, as if she were my sister or a friend, but I fear my feelings can never be more than that.”

He expected Miss Fairfax to betray her frustration with him, but clearly she possessed even more self-control than he gave her credit for. The tension in her features eased and she released a soft, slow breath. “Do not be too sure. People's feelings can change, you know.”

“Perhaps.” Jasper could not conceal his doubts. “That leaves only Miss Webster. She seems pleasant enough, though we have had little opportunity to become acquainted. If I did not know better, I would say she was avoiding me.”

The governess shook her head. “I am certain she is not.”

Jasper shrugged. “At least it makes a refreshing change from being openly pursued.”

“Or secretly stalked,” Miss Fairfax muttered under her breath.

“Do you suppose it would be fair to Miss Webster if I tried to court her?” he asked. “Any romantic spark I ever possessed was snuffed out long ago by my responsibilities to my family and my business.”

“Are you certain?” Miss Fairfax glanced up at him with a teasing half smile. “Perhaps it has only been hibernating and needs to be woken.”

Her challenge seemed to stir something in him that had lain fallow for a very long time.

At that moment, Matthew popped his head out of the boys' room and Rosie out of the girls'. When she spied her father sitting at the nursery table, Rosie scampered across the room and scrambled onto his lap.

“Good morning, Papa!” She flung her dimpled arms around his neck and gave an affectionate squeeze. “What are you doing up so early?”

Jasper returned his little daughter's embrace with equal warmth. “I wanted a few minutes to talk to Miss Fairfax before she got busy with all of you.”

Rosie contorted her face into an endearing look of puzzlement. “What did you want to talk to her about—us?”

Partly to avoid answering his daughter's question, Jasper opened one arm to Matthew. He was pleased when his son responded to the invitation by dashing over and exchanging hugs. He feared that all too soon the boy might consider himself too grown up for such gestures of affection.

“Will we be able to fly our kites today, Papa?” his son asked.

Jasper nodded. “I have consulted Miss Fairfax and she agrees that conditions appear ideal for kite flying.”

“Can we bring a picnic again?” asked Rosie. She seemed to have forgotten her previous question.

“I believe that could be arranged.” He gave her nose a playful tap with his forefinger. “After breakfast, why don't you go ask Mrs. Gilman. She cannot seem to deny you anything.”

Their conversation soon roused the other children. Owen stumbled out, rubbing his eyes while Alfie yawned and stretched. Emma peeped out like a shy woodland creature from her den, but ventured out more boldly when Jasper smiled at her.

Miss Fairfax rose from her chair to begin her duties for the day. “Matthew, you should get dressed.”

She approached Jasper with her arms open. “Come with me, Rosie, and pick out a dress for the day.”

The child gave Jasper a parting kiss on the cheek then let her governess scoop her up and carry her away.

As the other children approached to receive some attention, Jasper realized that Miss Fairfax had subtly removed Matthew and Rosie to make room for them. Basking in the warmth of their affection, he reflected on the way his guests seemed to prefer one or the other of his children. Would he be able to find a wife capable of loving them
all,
different as they were?

Once Matthew and Rosie finished dressing, Miss Fairfax summoned the other children to get their clothes on. By the time they were all dressed and combed, the nursery maid had arrived with breakfast and they sat down to eat.