Page 54 of The Gold Rush Bride

Sadie burst into tears. “Oh, my God. You don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that. My home is the perfect place to raise my baby. Thank you. Thank you so much.”

He stood and came close, handing her his handkerchief. “There, there now. All will be well. I’m sure your husband is on the way to you as we speak. He probably just missed you. You’ll be reunited soon, I’m sure.”

The thought of not seeing Barnaby was too real. Her chest ached when she thought about it, and yet she didn’t believe he would come for her. He didn’t love her. “I’m not. What if he never comes?”

“That isn’t something you should be worried about. You have a baby to think about. I’m sure you need to purchase things for yourself and for the little one on the way. Clothes. Furniture. So many things that a new little child will need.”

“You’re right. I need to concentrate on the baby, for now. Barnaby can do whatever he pleases. I intend to raise my child alone.”

“What do you need of me, besides the deed to your home?”

“I’d like for you to become my man of business, just as you were for my father. I have over twenty-thousand dollars that needs to be invested and managed. Less the money you gave me for the house. But you always did so well with my father’s and with my money that I’d like for you to continue.”

“I’d be happy to. I’ll have the papers drawn up and bring them over myself.” He reached into his top right-hand drawer and withdrew an envelope. “Here are the keys to your home. I’m sure you’d like to spend the night in your own bed.”

Her eyes teared. “Yes, I would like that more than anything. Thank you. Thank you so much for this. It’s the best gift I’ve ever received.”

He walked over to her, handed her the envelope and patted her hand. “You’re welcome. I’m glad it has worked out this way.”

Levering against the chairs arms, she stood. Sadie kissed his cheek. “You are such a dear man. Thank you.”

His color rose. “Anytime. Anything for John Thompson’s daughter.”

She left the office and took a Hansom cab to her home. Her steps were light as she walked up to the door. She removed the key out of the envelope and a note fell out.

My dear Sadie,

I never wanted to sell your home. Your father would have haunted me all my days if I’d left you homeless. All the clothing and furnishings you left behind are still here and haven’t been sold.

I hope you will enjoy being back in your grandmother’s home and that she and your father keep a watch out for you.

Your friend,

Angus Murphy

Tears filled her vision, and she wiped them away with the palms of her hands. She turned her face skyward. “Thanks, Daddy, and you, too, Gran, for watching out for me. Now, if you can let Barnaby find me, I’d be most grateful.”

She took the key and stuck it in the door. The mechanism turned flawlessly and the door swung wide.

Picking up her duffle, she stepped up into the foyer with its white marble floor and delicate chandelier. The signs of luxury her grandmother had insisted on when she’d had the house built were even more beautiful after so long in the Yukon Territory. But one thing the house didn’t have was Barnaby. Would she ever see him again? Would he come after her?

She sighed as she ascended the carpeted stairs which led up to the bedrooms. She took her bag up to the master bedroom. That had always been her parents’ and even after her father left, she’d never felt right about moving in there. Now, they were both gone, and she was the mistress of the large house, about to have a baby. She couldn’t stay anywhere else since they had attached the nursery to the master bedroom.

She headed to the kitchen to see if there was anything to eat, but the cupboards and icebox were empty, as she expected. Since it was early afternoon, she had time to go to the market. The house was only about four blocks from there, so she could easily walk the distance.

An hour later, she walked up the path to the front door and let herself in again. Carrying the bags of groceries wasn’t easy. Thankfully, she was in good shape because of the heavy physical labor she’d done working the gold claim. She carried the groceries to the kitchen and put the teakettle on. A nice cup of tea would be lovely.

By the time she’d put all the groceries away, the kettle was whistling. She measured one-half-teaspoon of tea into the bottom of a cup and poured the water over the leaves. She found the matching saucer and set the cup on the table.

A knock sounded at the front door.

She opened it and saw Mrs. Underwood, her old cook. With her hair as white as snow and her little round spectacles, she was a friendly face, which Sadie realized she needed more than anything.

“Well, if you aren’t a sight for sore eyes.” She folded Sadie into a tight hug.

“Won’t you come in and have a cup of tea with me?”

“I’d love one.”