An Unlikely Mother Read online

  John, as Mr. Montgomery had asked George to call him, had gone ahead with Pastor Lassiter to discuss their plan, and George noticed the other man waving at him. He ran to catch up.

  “So,” Pastor Lassiter said with a smile, “I thought there was more to you than meets the eye.”

  “Say no more,” George said, looking around. “I don’t want anyone to know who I am. There are still things I don’t know yet. The more I think about it, the more I have a hard time believing that Dougherty is in on this alone. The man is often too drunk to put two sentences together, let alone come up with such an elaborate plan to steal all that money. Plus, we still don’t know what’s really going on with the mysterious sabotage that’s been happening at the mine.”

  “It’s like I said. He’s an honorable man. George’s father would be proud of him.” John patted him on the back and smiled broadly.

  Pastor Lassiter nodded. “What I don’t understand, though, is how Elias could have allowed things to get so bad.”

  George stared at the pastor. “You knew my father?”

  “Only by reputation. He was a good man. I was sorry to hear of his passing. Such a tragedy. I believe your mother was injured in the carriage accident, as well.”

  “She was. Unfortunately, she has a long recovery ahead of her.” George hated the image that immediately came to mind of her in bed, still unable to walk, even three months later. The doctors said she might be an invalid for the rest of her life, although that might not last long. Some days, George wondered if she’d simply lost the will to live without her husband.

  “It’s a terrible shame,” Pastor Lassiter said. “From what I saw in the papers, she was the light of society.” With a grin, he looked at John. “And based on what you tell me, she led you on quite the merry chase.”

  George stared at the pastor. “I don’t understand. What are you talking about?”

  The men chuckled, then John finally said, “Years ago, before I meet my wife, Elias and I were both interested in Honoria. Honoria Baxter she was back then, and that is how I knew who you were right away. Her father was George Baxter, and you were named for him.”

  John grinned. “Plus you look so much like Elias did at your age, it was almost like looking my old friend in the eye.”

  “You courted my mother?”

  “I did. But once she met Elias, she only had eyes for him. And I’m glad for it. I can’t imagine life without my Anna. Or Flora.” A warm smile lit up the man’s face, and George couldn’t help but be grateful Flora had a father who loved her so deeply.

  “Is that why you and my father had a falling-out? You never said.”

  George looked at the other man. Though John had told him he had every intention of helping him, and that he was on his side, he still didn’t know if he could trust him.

  “In part.” Then John shook his head. “No. We both married, and were happy in our marriages. Then Elias was befriended by a man named Ross Eldridge. He seemed like a swindler, and I thought the investments he wanted your father to make were ill-advised. Ross didn’t like my interference, so he started a rumor that I was still in love with Honoria. I met with her to tell her that it wasn’t true. Elias was out of town, but my wife was with me. Everything in the open, nothing untoward. But Ross saw us. He lied and told your father he saw us embrace. A few of his friends confirmed his words, and nothing any of us said made Elias believe that there was nothing going on.”

  Granted, his mother wasn’t a young woman anymore, but George couldn’t imagine her involved in some kind of love triangle. Especially because his parents always seemed to have such a deep affection for each other. How could his father have believed his mother would do something like that?

  And for Uncle Ross to have been involved with it, as well? George shook his head. No wonder he knew nothing about any of this.

  John sighed, looking out at the scenery like it was transporting him back to that time. “The investments I thought were schemes turned out to make a great deal of money, which, to Elias, was proof that I was just jealous. Originally, Elias had planned on coming to Leadville with me, to oversee his mine as I was overseeing my own. But Ross convinced him it wasn’t necessary, so he stayed behind when I moved here.”

  Turning his attention back to George, John continued. “Elias and I never spoke again, and there hasn’t been a day since that I haven’t mourned the loss of that friendship. Anna and Honoria tried to keep in touch for a while, but I believe it just became easier over time to let it go. From what I hear, Elias wouldn’t even tolerate the name Montgomery to be spoken in his presence.”

  George nodded. “It’s true. He often spoke of you as though you were the worst kind of criminal. He said we weren’t to trust you.”

  “I can imagine.” John looked thoughtful for a moment.

  George nodded slowly, trying to process the other man’s words. “Why would my father believe it? Why would Uncle Ross say such a thing?”

  “Uncle Ross, huh?” John chuckled. “I really thought your father would have seen through his act and sent him packing.”

  Even with the time that had passed since Uncle Ross’s demise, it was still hard to hear of the man’s misdeeds. John wasn’t too far off the mark in his assessment of Uncle Ross, but it was still hard to fathom the man being so devious.

  “He died several years ago in a duel. I know my father was disappointed with some of his choices, but he was still like family to us. We took in his son, who even married my sister.”

  John frowned. “I didn’t realize Ross had a son.”

  “Arthur. He’s a good man. He’s been helping me sort through my father’s estate. I don’t think he realized how bad things were at the mine. He tried getting me to go back to school, but I felt it was my duty to do what I could here while Arthur sorted out the rest of Father’s businesses. Arthur doesn’t know I’m here. He was so set on me fulfilling Father’s dream of sending his son to college. Poor Father, I think he put money in just about every investment he thought had a chance. He truly wanted to help people make something of themselves.”

  For the first time since coming up to Leadville, George felt slightly melancholy over his father’s death. Perhaps Uncle Ross had advised him poorly on a few things, since many of his father’s investments had been suggested by him. But George knew that if a man had a good idea and seemed to be a good sort, his father would always invest in his ideas. Which was why the family’s disappointment in Uncle Ross had had more to do with his drinking and other profligate activities. His father used to say that Uncle Ross was a good man until the drink got hold of him. That was the thing George had loved best about his father. He always saw the good in people. Except, apparently, for John.

  “That’s what we all admired about him, son.” John patted him on the shoulder and Pastor Lassiter nodded. “I always hoped I’d be able to keep him from being taken advantage of, but from what you’ve told me, and what I’ve seen, his mine managers have been robbing him blind for years.”

  George had been afraid of that. He only hoped that they’d be able to find a way to turn things around before it was too late. All of his father’s recent investments had been losing money, and while Arthur was desperately trying to keep them from bleeding the family dry, George feared that the only way to keep his family from going under was to save the mine.

  “Is there any hope?” George asked.

  “There’s always hope,” Pastor Lassiter said cheerfully. “But I believe we’re coming upon the mine now, so we’d best keep our confidential discussion to a minimum.”

  “Thank you,” John said. “One last thing before we are among others. When are you going to tell my daughter the truth about who you are and make your intentions clear?”

  George should have expected this question. It had been hanging in John’s watchful glances ever since he learned George’s t
rue identity. But what was George supposed to say? Sometimes he wasn’t even sure of what any of this was. And yet, he knew with a high degree of certainty, all his reasons for not courting Flora remained the same.

  “With all due respect,” George said slowly, “I can’t tell her who I am until this situation with the mine is resolved. Right now, she keeps me at arm’s length because I am a miner, not a gentleman. Back when we departed camp, she cautioned me against being too good of a friend because the others wouldn’t approve of her friendship with a miner.”

  Both John and the pastor nodded. “If I tell her now who I am, she won’t be as guarded near me, and people might guess who I really am, or at least be able to tell that I am not who I appear, especially if you seem to approve. I’m already uncomfortable with the two of you knowing my secret. I can’t risk anyone else knowing, not until I can resolve the situation.”

  George took a deep breath and looked at the mine spread out before him. “Working here, getting to know the men, I owe it to them to figure out what’s really going on and to make it better. Technically, they’re my employees and under my care. I can’t jeopardize their well-being, even though it pains me to be less than completely honest.”

  But there was one thing George needed to be completely honest about. At least in dealing with the father of a young lady. “All that said, I have no intention of courting Flora. I’d like to be her friend, yes, but only as far as propriety allows. My family’s financial situation is bleak, and I don’t see a way out. Flora is used to a life I can’t guarantee I can give her, and it’s not fair to ask her to live otherwise.”

  John looked like he was about to say something, but George shook his head. “I will not marry a woman for her money. And I will not marry a woman who has the expectation of a lifestyle that I may or may not be able to provide for.”

  Taking a deep breath, George thought about Shannon and the gift she’d unwittingly given him in breaking off their engagement. “I was engaged before my father died. She was a lovely young woman, and when rumors of our financial troubles hit, she called off the wedding. I realized that anything can happen to a person—money is a thing that can be gained or lost in an instant. I want a wife who will love me for richer or for poorer. Flora is a lovely woman, and I like her very much. But I can’t see her being happy about accepting a marriage for poorer.”

  Pastor Lassiter clapped him on the back. “You are a wise man. Far wiser than most of the men who come into my church to be married. But I hope you don’t give up on love because you’ve underestimated a woman’s ability to cope with changing circumstances.”

  John wore a thoughtful expression. “I’d like to agree with the pastor, but he’s never had to pay Flora’s shopping bills. She’s already asked me to take her into town to buy a few things for Pierre.”

  “She is determined to spoil that boy,” Pastor Lassiter said, chuckling.

  “And so she should,” George said. “That’s who Flora is, and it’s part of why we all have affection for her. I can’t ask her to be someone she’s not. It might start off as a fun adventure, but ultimately, she’d grow resentful of not having the finer things in life. Of not having the social standing. I see how she tries to act like she’s all right with living a good life but not having the regard of her old friends, but when she thinks no one is watching, she looks miserable.”

  George took a deep breath as he looked at John. “Sir, I have too much respect for your daughter to encourage her down a path that will only lead to her misery. Let some other man tempt her with the treasures of this life. I cannot.”

  “I understand.” John held out a hand and George took it. “I agree that my daughter is too fond of her worldly goods, which is partially why I wanted her to come on this expedition. It’s good for her to know that not everyone has a fine feather mattress and people waiting on her constantly. Our family comes from a humble background, and I suppose we spoiled her, giving her everything she wanted, making sure she never went without.”

  He looked like he had more to say, but Pierre came running up to them. “George!”

  As he always did, George picked up the little boy and swung him around. Pierre’s laugh rang out, filling the air with so much joy, it was hard to remember they were here for far more serious matters.

  Flora joined their merry group. “Pierre,” she said with a smile, then spoke in rapid French to the boy. She looked up at them. “I asked him not to run away like that. Even though he saw you, I did not, and for a moment I was quite frightened, wondering where he’d gone off to.”

  The worry in her voice touched George in a way he hadn’t thought possible. He knew Flora cared for the little boy, but this spoke of something deeper, more powerful. Once again, he found himself wishing others could look past the prejudice they felt toward her and see the love in her heart. If only he could have something like that for himself.

  * * *

  Flora wrapped her arms around the squirming boy, knowing that he didn’t understand that moment of terror when she didn’t see him. But she couldn’t help pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

  “Time to go work,” she said, letting go of him and holding out her hand.

  Pierre looked longingly at George, but George made motions with his hands that Pierre should go with Flora.

  They made a good team, Flora and George, and she was grateful for his assistance. If only their stations in society weren’t so different. Hopefully, like all the other passing fancies in life, this would soon be replaced by something else. What, she didn’t know, since she hadn’t met a more honorable man than George Baxter.

  As they rejoined the women, Flora caught Sarah looking askance at her. It was tempting to ask her what was going on, but having endured the whispers on the walk, Flora wasn’t sure she could stand another round of criticism.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her father walking with George over to an angry-looking man. Whatever their conversation, it looked heated and unpleasant. Surely not something having to do with Pierre’s father?

  The man made a motion with his arms, and they followed him into a nearby building that held the mine’s office. Please let it not be bad news for Pierre, she prayed.

  “You can’t take your eyes off him, can you?” Sarah’s voice sounded behind her, and Flora jumped.

  Flora turned to face the other woman, who wore a nasty smirk on her face.

  “I’m curious to know what he and my father have found about Pierre’s father. In case you didn’t notice, my father was with him.”

  “Interesting that your father is allowing you to have such a suitor.” Sarah gave a tiny laugh. “But, of course, no one else will have you, now, will they?”

  Her former friend’s words stung, especially because Flora could remember all the times she’d confessed to Sarah about wanting to marry well and how she’d feared never finding a suitable husband.

  “I suppose we all have our difficulties in finding suitors,” Flora said. “Who would have thought we’d both still be unmarried at our age?”

  Yes, the kinder, gentler Flora wasn’t supposed to make digs anymore. But she was growing weary of turning the other cheek, especially because no one seemed to care that Sarah was being so unkind.

  Sarah blanched and Flora knew she’d hit her mark. But it didn’t give her the same satisfaction as it would have in the past.

  “I’m sorry, Sarah. That was uncalled for. I knew as soon as it came out of my mouth that I shouldn’t have said it.” Flora took a deep breath. “It’s hard, being reminded of a state that neither of us thought we’d be in. But I’m learning that God has a plan for me, just as I know He has a plan for you. Perhaps it’s still possible for us to have that double wedding we used to dream about.”

  “You wish.” Sarah spun and stomped away.

  Pastor Lassiter approached, and Flora sighed. He�
��d seen their interaction, and he probably wasn’t pleased with the outcome.

  “It was my fault,” Flora said, not waiting for him to ask. “She provoked me, and I responded in kind. I realized what I did, and I apologized, but the damage was done. I keep praying for better control of my tongue, but sometimes, people’s words are so hurtful that my mouth takes over.”

  The pastor nodded. “It is hard to resist hurting someone who’s hurt you. But I wonder, have you thought about the hurt Sarah must be feeling? How hard it must be to see one’s best friend turning her back on the life they used to lead together?”

  Flora thought for a moment. “But it was wrong for us to go on as we did.”

  “But she hasn’t changed from who she was back then. Even though you haven’t condemned her behavior, perhaps it feels to her as though you are, given that you are continually apologizing for that behavior and trying to live differently.”

  “But only for my behavior,” Flora said. “I’m not fit to judge Sarah.”

  He looked thoughtful as he nodded, then inclined his head to where the other girls were talking among themselves. “But could it appear to her that your rejection of that lifestyle is also a rejection of her? Could she feel judged by you?”

  It seemed a particularly cruel form of irony that in attempting to be less judgmental of others, people would view it as a judgment against them.

  Flora sighed. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.” She looked over at the other women, who were now busying themselves with preparing what was needed for the miners. “I only meant to condemn my ways, but I can see where it would appear as a condemnation of her.”

  Then she turned her attention back to the pastor. “So what do I do? The more I apologize for my behavior, the more it points out to her that her behavior is less than exemplary. But I can’t join in on the kind of meanness I was once party to.”