Coulson's Wife (The Coulson Series) Read online

  “Not meaning to speak ill of the dead, but the elder Mr. Coulson, well he was rather rough on his son. Was of the mind that sparing the rod spoiled the child. I’m afraid young Randall often found himself on the receiving end of an angry riding crop.”

  “His father beat him?” While Mary Ellen’s father saw nothing wrong with giving one of his children a firm backhanding, he never used a whip or belt on them.

  “I’m afraid so. But please, don’t discuss this with Mr. Randall. I just thought it might help you, to better understand him if you knew something of his past. He’s not the most talkative of men when it comes to personal matters. But he is a good man.”

  “No, he isn’t talkative, at least, not with me. I promise, I won’t repeat what you’ve said.”

  “Anyway, one day Mr. Randall failed to properly close one of the gates, in a rush was he to meet Mr. William. The day before he’d received a harsh whipping and his back was still raw. When his father caught up to him that day, he intended to give the boy a second whipping. Mr. William was there and lied to Mr. Coulson, told him he left the gate open, not Mr. Randall.

  “Mr. Coulson was furious, said he couldn’t whip Mr. William but Mr. Randall would be punished for associating with such careless friends. Mr. William begged him to punish him instead, and promised he wouldn’t tell his grandparents.”

  “Heavens, my husband’s father didn’t do it, did he?”

  “Oh yes. My younger brother worked in the stable and witnessed the whole thing. Mr. Coulson was so enraged, he beat Mr. William even harder than he did his son. Mr. William took it and didn’t cry out, but my brother said he saw tears. From both boys. I think Mr. Randall had a lot of guilt over letting his friend take the beating. Especially since it was so brutal.”

  “Did William ever tell his grandparents?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “What was my mother-in-law like? Did she try to protect her son?”

  “She was a quiet woman. I really don’t remember much about her. She had her hands full with the twins—Mr. Randall’s younger brother and sister were twins. They were the ones killed in the house fire.”

  “Mr. Hunter is here for Mrs. Coulson,” Lily interrupted the conversation. She stood at the entrance to the dining room.

  Chapter Seven

  “It’s a lovely morning,” Mary Ellen noted as she looked out the car window and watched the landscape roll by. Steering the motorcar down the drive, William glanced over at his passenger and smiled. She looked lovely this morning, wearing a crisp new lavender dress, her hair pulled back in a matching bow.

  “I was wondering, Mary Ellen, would you be up to going to a picture show later this week? Tarzan of the Apes is playing.”

  “Oh my!” Mary Ellen looked at William, clearly delighted with the offer. “I wanted to see that movie, but my father wouldn’t let me.”

  “Why not?”

  “He said he didn’t want his daughter watching a movie where people are running around the jungle half naked.”

  William chuckled at her response.

  “I read the book and am curious to see the movie. I discussed it last night with Randall, and he said you could go with me, if you want to.”

  “You spoke to Randall?”

  “Yes. Hasn’t he called you?”

  “No. I really don’t expect him to. We never talk much when he’s here. But yes, I would love to go with you. I’ve also read the book. It’s actually one of my favorites.” Mary Ellen looked back out the car window and smiled, content for the moment.

  Instead of responding, William silently considered the fact Randall was not making much of an effort to develop a deeper relationship with his young bride. He was treating Mary Ellen the same way the elder Mr. Coulson treated Randall’s mother. William cringed at the thought and told himself he must convince his friend to cultivate a deeper relationship with Mary Ellen.

  “My father told me Randall’s parents were killed in a house fire. Did you know them?” She already knew the answer, but she didn’t want to betray Mrs. Parker’s confidence and she was curious to learn more about the man she married—and his best friend. William looked momentarily startled at the question, because he was silently thinking of the couple when Mary Ellen asked.

  “Yes, we were neighbors. He also lost his brother and sister that day.”

  “That must have been devastating to him, losing his parents and siblings.” Mary Ellen turned to face William, whose eyes were fixed on the road ahead.

  “He was never close to his father. And his mother, well, she really didn’t pay much attention to him. But his younger brother and sister—they were twins—he seemed quite fond of them. Of course, they were much younger and didn’t spend a great deal of time with Randall. But losing his entire family in one day, it was rough.”

  “But you were there for him, weren’t you?” Mary Ellen asked softly, already knowing the answer. She suspected William was always there for Randall, when he needed him.

  “We were at different schools when it happened. I left for college a year before him. But my grandfather—I was raised by my grandparents—sent me a telegram, telling me about the fire. I came home that weekend to give Randall my support.”

  “Did he go back to school after the funerals?”

  “Not right away. His father raised horses, and none of the animals were hurt in the fire. Both of us pulled out of school for a while—until he could settle his father’s estate and sell off the horses and land.”

  “You pulled out of school too?”

  “The term was almost over, so I went back to finish up, then dropped out for a year. Randall was pretty devastated by the event and didn’t have any other family. He stayed with me and my grandparents at their home, since his house was gone.”

  “And he didn’t want to rebuild and carry on his father’s business?”

  At that question, William let out a laugh before answering.

  “Oh no, Randall hated—and I mean hated horses. He hated everything about the ranch. He was the sole heir, so he sold everything, and used that money as capital to fund our first business venture.”

  “Which was a success.”

  “Yes. I was reluctant at first; I had my own plans, but Randall begged me to go into business with him. I told him I would, after I finished college. That was important to my grandfather, and at the time, I only had a year left.”

  “So you both finished college?”

  “No, actually, I finished, Randall was too impatient. He dropped out when I graduated, but it all worked out for him. Oh, and by the way, maybe forget what I said about your husband begging me to go into business with him. I doubt he would appreciate that characterization of the events.” William chuckled.

  Mary Ellen was so enthralled with the conversation, she failed to notice William had pulled off the road and was driving the motorcar into a lovely park area. Maple trees lined the landscape, their leaves fluttering in the late morning breeze.

  “Where are we?” Mary Ellen asked when he stopped the car.

  “I thought we could get out, stretch our legs a bit and take a walk. Before we head back home, perhaps I can convince you to have lunch with me.”

  “I had a nice breakfast, but I confess, I’m kind of hungry already.”

  William chuckled then said, “That’s to be expected.” Mary Ellen blushed, embarrassed because he thought she was pregnant. She wanted to tell him the truth, but she was afraid he would tell Randall, and she couldn’t risk that. Especially not now that she was enjoying herself so much.

  Why can’t my husband be more like William? Mary Ellen asked herself. She wished it had been William instead of Randall who made the bargain with her father. She suddenly wondered how William would treat her in the marriage bed. For some reason, she believed he would be different. She could almost imagine him saying sweet things to her as he helped her undress. Foolish girl, Mary Ellen reminded herself—your husband doesn’t even remove your clothes, he just tosses up
your skirt and forces his way in.

  William turned off the engine and got from the motor car. Mary Ellen fitted her hat on her head as she waited for William to open her car door and help her out. Without thought, William tucked her right hand under his left elbow and held it in place as the two strolled down the grassy lane between two rows of maple trees.

  “It’s getting rather warm today. I have a feeling we’re in for a hot summer.” Mary Ellen noted.

  “Yes, it’s rather warm.” But I’m not sure the rise in temperature is completely due to the weather, William silently speculated.

  “It’s rather sweet of you, taking me out today and promising me a movie later this week. But I’m sure you have other more important things to do.” Another woman, one a little older and more experienced, might sound as if she were fishing for a compliment. When Mary Ellen asked the questions, it sounded sincere, devoid of an ulterior motive.

  “I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing,” he answered with sincerity. Without thought, his right hand gave the hand he held a reassuring pat. Mary Ellen blushed at his response.

  “Surely, you have some special young lady in your life?” Mary Ellen couldn’t imagine such a handsome man wouldn’t have beautiful women fluttering around him.

  “At the moment, no. I’m not seeing anyone. Although Randall did point out it was time I got married.” William chuckled.

  “Perhaps he wants your children raised with ours?”

  “Perhaps. But when I marry, I plan to do so for love.” He instantly regretted his words, and wanted to kick himself for being so insensitive. He could feel Mary Ellen tense. Stopping in his tracks, William turned to face her, releasing her hand so he could place his on her shoulders.

  Looking into her face, he could see his careless words had chased away the joy that had been in her eyes just moments before.

  “I’m sorry I said that. It was thoughtless of me. Marrying for love is a fanciful notion. The truth is, love grows over time. I’ve no doubt love will grow between you and Randall. He’s a good man. Someday you’ll love him, especially now that you’ll be sharing a child. Just give it time.”

  Without thought, William raised his right hand to her face and gently brushed the back of his fingertips down along the length of her left cheek, and whispered, “I can’t imagine Randall not falling hopelessly in love with you.”

  Mary Ellen’s clear blue eyes widened in surprise and she let out a little gasp. Her heart raced, and in that moment she wished he would kiss her.

  Startled by the yearning so clearly reflected in the innocent blue eyes, William once again cursed himself for his foolishness and turned to resume their walk, tucking her hand again under his elbow.

  Biting her lip, Mary Ellen told herself to steady her breathing and stop acting like an infernal ninny. William Hunter was simply being kind, and she was a married woman. The man believed she was carrying the child of his best friend.

  When they reached the restaurant an hour later, she was grateful to have an opportunity to wash up. After the server showed them to their table, she excused herself to visit the facilities. William tucked a coin in her palm, assuming she would need it to gain access to one of the stalls. The gesture made her blush, but she appreciated his thoughtfulness.

  Over lunch William brought up the topic of the movie again, which lead them to a discussion on books and literature. He recalled Randall’s comment about how his bride knew how to read, yet by his tone it sounded as if she had only a rudimental grasp on reading and writing. By the books she discussed, it was obvious she was a voracious reader. He wondered if Randall had any idea how bright his young bride was.

  “I’ll admit I was a little surprised Randall’s estate didn’t include a library. For some reason I always imagine estates, such as his, would have one.”

  “No, Randall has never been much of a reader or collector of books. But I’ve quite an extensive library and you’re welcome to borrow anything that interests you.”

  “Oh, I would love that! Thank you. I’ve never asked, do you live very far from us?”

  “Not too far. It’s about a fifteen minute drive. My humble estate is modest in comparison to your new home. My one indulgence is my library. It’s a passion inherited from my grandfather, I suspect. I have his collection, and have added to it over the years.”

  “Do you have family back in Kentucky?”

  “No. My mother’s parents raised me after my father died. She was an only child, as was I. I don’t remember either of them. According to my grandmother, she came down with a fever when I was just a baby and died. My father was killed shortly after, in a carriage accident.

  “I never knew my father’s family, although I know he had several brothers and a sister. From what I understand, they moved to Oregon before my parents were married and my father never really kept in contact with them.”

  “So you and Randall, you’re like family.”

  “I suppose so. I love him like a brother. Sometimes I want to throttle him.” William chuckled then added, “Yet I would throttle anyone that would do him harm.”

  Mary Ellen smiled softly and took a sip of water.

  Chapter Eight

  William didn’t have dinner at the Coulson Estate that night. After spending the morning and early afternoon with Mary Ellen, he needed to get back to the office and intended to work into the evening.

  Wanting to finish her room, Mary Ellen instructed the cook to bring a tray with dinner upstairs. Lily brought the tray of food and silently set it on the dresser. She didn’t extend another offer to help Mary Ellen right the room, but left mumbling under her breath about the mess and was convinced the misguided bride would eventually come whining to the household staff begging for help. She’s clearly in too deep, thought Lily.

  Mary Ellen closed the door behind the maid and continued with her reorganization project. Instead of sitting down to eat her supper, she nibbled on bites of food as she worked. Earlier she discretely washed her soiled rags in her private bathroom, and they were almost dry, due to the unseasonably warm July evening.

  It was a quarter past ten when Mary Ellen finally finished with her project. Propping her balled fists on her hips, she surveyed the room and smiled. She had managed to rearrange some of the lighter pieces of furniture along with her personal belongings. Now the only thing that looked out of place was the empty food tray atop her dresser. Snatching up the tray, she set it on a table in the hallway then went to her bathroom to wash up for bed.

  Lily found the empty tray outside Mary Ellen’s room the next morning. The bedroom door was still closed and Lily couldn’t hear anyone moving around on the other side of the wall. She suspected the mistress of the house was still sound asleep and she was dying of curiosity to see if the room was still in shambles. Succumbing to her curiosity, she gingerly opened the door, careful not to make any sound.

  The curtains were still closed and the room was virtually dark, save for a faint hint of sunshine peaking in around the edges of the window coverings. Lily tiptoed into the room, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. She could see a lump on the bed under the coverlet–Mary Ellen was still sound asleep. Or so she thought.

  Tiptoeing around the bedchamber, Lily nosily looked around, surprised that the girl had actually managed to straighten up the room. She even noticed several pieces of furniture had been rearranged. She wondered how Mr. Coulson would feel about that.

  From the bed, Mary Ellen opened her eyes slightly, enabling her to identify the intruder while still playing possum. There were no damp rags drying in her bathroom, so she wasn’t concerned Lily would be seeing something she didn’t want her to see and allowed the maid to continue snooping while she quietly watched from the bed.

  After thoroughly inspecting the room and peeking into several drawers, Lily tiptoed back to the door, and quietly let herself out. Mary Ellen didn’t know if the nosey maid had her fill of snooping, or if this would be a regular inspection. She didn’t i
ntend to take any chances, nor did she want to get the maid discharged. That would only create hard feelings with the rest of the household staff, and the last thing she wanted was to be surrounded by vindictive servants.

  At breakfast Mary Ellen summoned Mrs. Parker, as she had the previous morning. The housekeeper sat across the table from her young mistress and poured herself a cup of coffee.

  “I was wondering about the locks for my bedchamber. How many keys do you have that fit the lock?” Mary Ellen asked as she spread strawberry preserves onto her biscuit.

  “Your bedroom door? Why, I believe there are two keys that fit that lock. There wouldn’t be more than that–and I don’t recall ever losing that key, so yes. Two.”

  “I would like them please. Both of them.”

  “Excuse me?” Mrs. Parker frowned.

  “Since I’ll be cleaning my bedroom and bathroom, there really is no reason for anyone to have a key to my room, except me. Of course, when my husband returns, I’ll give him one if he wishes. But for now, I would like them both.” Mary Ellen smiled sweetly, as if her question was most rational.

  The request caught Mrs. Parker by surprise. She stood up and pulled a key ring from the pocket of her skirt and then sat back down and fumbled through the keys, looking for the desired one. At that moment, one of the maids came into the dining room with a fresh tray of breakfast pastries.

  “Please send Lily in here,” Mrs. Parker asked the woman bringing the pastries. The woman gave a little nod, set the plate on the table and left to go find Lily. A few minutes later, the summoned maid entered the dining room.

  “You called for me, Mrs. Parker?” Lily asked, paying little attention to Mary Ellen, who was sampling one of the newly arrived pastries.

  “Last month I gave you a key to Mrs. Coulson’s room. Can I have it please?”

  “Excuse me?” Lily looked nervously from Mrs. Parker to Mary Ellen and back to Mrs. Parker.

  “I don’t believe my request was difficult to understand. The key to Mrs. Coulson’s bedchamber please, now.” Mary Ellen almost choked on her pastry, finding it amusing that Mrs. Parker snapped at Lily for her response when asked for the key, while Mrs. Parker gave the very same one when she was asked.