The Engagement Charade. Karen Kirst

for hiring Ellie. While he hadn’t been happy about their meddling, and he’d been pulled into his new cook’s affairs, he no longer resented their actions. The Plum was better because of it.

      “How are you getting along, Ellie?” Caroline inquired, her blue eyes softening with fondness. “We’ve come in to eat several times, and we’ve yet to be disappointed.”

      A blush tinted her cheeks. “Satisfying customers is my top priority. It’s nice to hear I’m succeeding.”

      “I’m still learning my way around the kitchen. Eating here is a treat for both of us, trust me.”

      Laughter rumbled deep in Duncan’s chest. Taking hold of his wife’s hand, he placed a gallant kiss on her knuckles. “You’re improving every day, my love.”

      The affection passing between them made Alexander uncomfortable. He glanced at Ellie but was unable to gauge her reaction. She’d only recently lost her husband. Did it pain her to see a couple so deeply in love with each other?

      He ran his finger along the empty spot where his wedding band once rested. The hole Sarah’s death had created was complete. He made it a point not to dwell on how much he missed having a connection to another person.

      The blonde’s next words brought him out of his ruminations.

      “Ellie, have you considered offering classes? I’m certain young women on the verge of marriage would pay for your instruction.”

      “Don’t most girls learn to cook from their mothers? Or grandmothers, as I did?”

      “There are some whose mothers aren’t around or aren’t able to impart their knowledge. Others might wish to further what skills they possess. I’d be your first student.”

      Ellie’s hand drifted to her midsection in a protective gesture, something she did often, he realized. The move struck him as familiar, somehow.

      “I’m not sure. I’d have to give it some thought.”

      Alexander spoke up. “I have serious reservations about such a plan. While a valid one, Ellie is stretched thin as it is. Most of her time is spent planning and preparing meals.”

      Caroline’s gaze reflected concern. “I didn’t think about that.”

      Ellie simply looked surprised he’d voice an opinion.

      Duncan’s grin had a sly slant. “We share your concern for Ellie’s well-being. She’s been an asset to this community.” Rubbing his hand along his jaw, he scrutinized Alexander. “For you, in particular. You’re looking much improved.”

      When he’d been confined to the sickbed over at Doc Owens’s, the Scotsman had been his only visitor.

      “I have benefited from Ellie’s nurturing nature,” he conceded. “She’s made it her mission to nurse me back to health and is always on hand with a glass of cold milk to soothe my upset stomach.”

      A spark of mischief entered her dark eyes. “Don’t let him fool you. Alexander isn’t the least pleased with my interference.”

      Duncan laughed outright. “Oh, I’ve had a taste of his displeasure. You’ve a thick skin, ma’am.”

      “Most of the time,” she agreed, her gaze skittering away.

      Alexander studied her. For so long, he’d been mired in his grief to the point of being oblivious to others’ feelings. Although he hadn’t been outright cruel, he hadn’t exactly been kind. Shame shafted through him.

      “We’ll let you get back to work,” Duncan said. “Caroline and I are taking a ride into the mountains this afternoon.”

      When Alexander remained silent, Ellie followed them to the door. “That sounds fun.” A gust of wind pushed through the opening, tugging at her ribbons. “Have a wonderful time.”

      Caroline’s smile encompassed them both. “Thank you. We’ll see you around.”

      “Thanks for stopping by.”

      They left hand in hand, heads together as they engaged in conversation. This time, Ellie couldn’t hide a wistful expression. She leaned against the closed door and sighed.

      Alexander resumed his spot on the chair. “Let’s get this over with so you can enjoy what’s left of your day off.”

      She complied without a word of objection. They worked in disconcerting silence until every last cloth and curtain had been replaced. What was she thinking about? he wondered. The McKennas and their happy life? Was she considering finding a replacement husband? Alexander hadn’t spoken to anyone of his adjustment from husband to widower. He’d walked the lonely road of grief alone.

      “You did a good job, Ellie.” He felt the need to express his gratitude. “The soft yellow color makes a big difference.”

      He hadn’t realized how dreary and depressing the heavy maroon fabric had made the room seem. Sunlight passed easily through the swaths of cotton she’d chosen. If he’d been invested in his own business, he would’ve made the necessary changes himself.

      “Thank you.” She smiled. “I had hoped you’d be pleased.”

      “I am.” He gestured toward the hallway. “Let me walk you out.”

      “What about the discards?”

      “I’ll take care of them.”

      Outside at the garden, she paused near his cabbage plants. “I can help you finish the weeding, if you like. I interrupted your chore.”

      The breeze ruffled his hair. He impatiently brushed it out of his eyes and studied the sky. The towering white clouds didn’t appear to hold rain.

      “I appreciate the offer, but I can do it on my own.”

      Her smile had a sad quality. “Then I bid you good day, Alexander.”

      She was about to turn away when another strong gust whipped her hair and flattened her skirt, molding the material to her slender body. Almost immediately, she moved to cover her midsection, but not before he saw the distinct bulge that couldn’t be explained by anything other than a developing pregnancy.

      Cold shock shivered through him.

      Her eyes grew round, her lips working in distress. “Alexander...”

      The heat of denial raced through his veins. He felt disoriented. Sarah’s laughing face exploded in his mind’s eye. Memories rushed at him. The day she’d informed him he was going to be a father and the indescribable joy he’d felt. Her frequent sickness and complaints about her growing girth. Then, after months of anticipation, the day came that his beautiful baby boy had entered the world. He’d been giddy with pride.

      Alexander’s muscles locked up. He had no idea what his expression revealed, but he could plainly see Ellie’s trepidation.

      “Why, Ellie?” he scraped out. “Why didn’t you tell me you were expecting a baby?”