The Convict and the Cattleman by Allison Merritt Read Free Book Online Page A

every reason to be proud. Bess’s story about his sister interested her more than smelly livestock. “Can you tell me something about your niece?”
    He shrugged. “She’s a baby. Three months old. What more is there?”
    “Her name, perhaps?” Bridgit suggested.
    “Olivia.” His voice was flat and gave no indication that he felt anything for her.
    “It’s a beautiful name. Is she called after someone?”
    Mr. Andrus’ demeanor turned rigid. “Her mother picked out the name. I’ve no idea why she chose it.”
    Bess’s attitude emboldened her. “You never asked?”
    “I wanted her to call the baby Laura, but she insisted on Olivia. I’m sure Bess went over the whole story with you.”
    She didn’t deny it. “We’ll get along fine, Olivia and I. Until you find the right woman.”
    “New settlers are arriving all the time. My solicitor is handling the search for a nursemaid. Olivia is an Andrus no matter what kind of louse her father is. She deserves the best care.”
    His tone was edgy and she realized Bess was right. He was afraid people would gossip about his sister. And he was aware of the father’s identity. Parentage made no difference. The job sounded easy enough. If only it was for a longer time.
    The best woman for the job wouldn’t come from a gaol. Her scars stood out against her skin. Marks of shame on an otherwise unblemished life. If she hadn’t been frightened of losing Bonnie and Donovan to sickness, if Collin had found work, if a thug with a knife hadn’t murdered Da, she’d be there with them right now. Sewing ribbons on hats and planning for Christmas. A hollow ache settled in her chest.
    Mr. Andrus had brought her here, but he still seemed unhappy about it. She had no place and no one to turn to.
    The mountains sloped into rolling hills and grassy land. Caught in her misery, Bridgit hardly noticed until they turned off the road on a long drive. At the end of it, a house stood out against fenced pastures.
    A massive garden filled with blooming flowers bright as birds caught her eye. She doubted it was Mr. Andrus’s idea to plant and care for flowers. The landscape was impressive, but the house dominated the scenery. The building rose two stories and the exterior gleamed with whitewash. A wide porch wrapped around the front, shading two rocking chairs. They looked so homey and inviting, Bridgit longed to have a seat there. Glass windowpanes reflected the sunlight like glittering jewels. It wasn’t a mansion, although it was more elegant than she’d expected.
    Mr. Andrus looked smug and relieved at the same time. The mare, sensing home, picked up the pace until they reached the porch. A dark-skinned man came out of the barn, his smile wide in greeting. A red dog with a long tail and pointed ears trotted after him, barking with joy when it saw them.
    “Jonah! We expected you back early this mornin’, mate.”
    The black man’s grasp of English impressed Bridgit. He had to be of aborigine blood and apparently trusted by her employer. She felt out of place, knowing the kind of woman Mr. Andrus had intended to bring back. She waited for the man’s assessment of her, but if he was surprised he didn’t reveal it.
    “Anything happen while I was away, Rupe?” Mr. Andrus asked, descending from the seat.
    The smile faded, replaced by agitation. “Yeah, Rob Langnecker was by. He ain’t lettin’ up, keeps askin’ questions. I told the men to watch out for him.”
    Mr. Andrus stiffened, clearly disturbed by the news. “Damn his sorry hide. Martha didn’t let him in, did she?”
    “No. We sent him packin’.”
    “Good. I won’t have him sniffing around here. If he comes back and looks like a threat, shoot him. We’ll deal with the authorities later, although we’d likely be doing the territory a favor.”
    The hair stood up on the back of her neck. Did he mean a bushranger? Would they kill the man?
    Mr. Andrus rounded the gig, offered his hand and helped her down.
    Surprised, but