“Continue,” Nate said, not unkindly.
“My dear sister caught the scarlet fever, and within days she was gone.” She grasped Angel’s hand. “She was never a strong person.” She sighed, obviously upset with her sister for dying and leaving her in dire straits.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Indeed,” Sylvia sniffed. “Anyway, I knew the only one I could turn to in my time of need was my dear stepdaughter.” She inhaled deeply and flashed a brave smile.
Nate hesitated. “You mean the same stepdaughter you sent on a train to travel thousands of miles by herself to marry a complete stranger?” He pushed himself away from the back of the chair and stood up, hands on his hips, regarding her in stony silence.
“But,” Sylvia flushed as she looked from him to Angel, and twisted her handkerchief, “It all seems to have worked out. Angel tells me she’s happy.”
He grinned and ran his fingers through his hair. “Truthfully, I can’t thank you enough for sending my wife to me. And yes, I believe she’s happy, as am I. However, that doesn’t excuse what you did to her. After the shenanigans you pulled, I’m all for putting you on the next stage out of town.”
At her startled look, he softened. “But it seems my wife has a tender heart, so I’ve agreed to let you stay. But I want to make it clear that Angel is not a maid. You’ll do your share of the chores, and make no extra work for her. Is that clear?”
“Of course.” Wide-eyed, her hands fluttered to her throat.
“You are free to use this room for your purposes, but I’ll be readying a room downstairs for you that will be available shortly.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Hale.”
“It’s Nate. And you’re welcome, ma’am. Have a good evening.” Nodding at the older woman, he winked at Angel and left the room, closing the door softly.
“My, he is certainly a handsome man, Angelina. And so forceful. I imagine you must be very happy.” Heat rose to Sylvia’s cheeks.
“Yes he is, but his handsomeness is as much inside as out.”
Sylvia squeezed Angel’s hand. “You must believe me when I tell you I am so glad things have worked out for you. In the years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you look so happy and content.”
“I’m glad it worked out, too. I couldn’t have picked a better man. But now I need to make sure the boys get washed and into bed. Finish your tea, and I’ll get the tray in the morning.” Bending over, she gave Sylvia a kiss on her forehead.
“All things considered,” Angel said as she reached the door, “it’s good to see you again.”
Chapter 15
Sylvia finished her tea, and lay down after extinguishing the lamp alongside the bed. She placed her palm against her thumping heart, and relaxed for the first time in months. Her coolness had been all bluff, based in abject terror.
Even though Gerald had been sick for two years, it had still shocked her when the doctor pronounced him dead. Terrified at being alone in the world, she turned to his solicitors for guidance, only to discover she was penniless. A shiver ran through her when she recalled that dark time after the solicitor’s visit.
She’d walked the floors all night, wringing her hands. Not only did she have herself to worry about, but Angelina had been pampered and spoiled her whole life, and with the scandal about to break, there would most likely be no suitable match for her.
She’d had to get them both out of New York, and fast. The Bride Agen
cy seemed a godsend after her sister, Louise, told her under no circumstances was she to bring her stepdaughter with her. Curse the woman. The only way Sylvia was able to present the plan to Angelina, without breaking down herself, was with a stiff backbone.
The trip from New York to Virginia had been bleak, and she’d cried most of the way, feeling as though she’d failed her husband’s daughter.
As terrifying as that ordeal had been, the Yankees taking over Louise’s house, the hurried trip to Richmond, and her sister’s death shortly after their arrival had almost stolen her sanity. The friends who had taken them in made it known in no uncertain terms that Sylvia’s presence was no longer welcomed.
She sold the last of her jewelry to buy a train ticket west. She had little to eat from the time she left home, hoarding the small amount of money left from the purchase of the train ticket for the stagecoach ride that would take her from the train’s last stop, to Oregon City. If Angelina had not been home to pay the driver who brought her and her luggage from town, she would most likely be sitting in jail right now.
Nathan would allow her to stay. A great weight lifted from her shoulders. Thinking about Angel’s family, and all those children, she knew things would be hard here, but she was more than ready to help if at all possible. Never again did she want to feel the horror of being alone in the world with nowhere to go, and no one who cared what happened to her.
Turning over, she bunched the pillow into shape, and enjoyed the best night’s sleep she’d had in over four months.
Nate lowered the newspaper he’d been reading as Angel came into the room. He set the paper on the table next to him, and crooked his finger. “Come here.”
She walked to him, crawled on his lap, and laid her head on his shoulder. He kissed her temple, and rubbed circles on her back.