“I would think out here in the west there is a shortage of women. If the mail-order option doesn’t work out, I don’t think I’ll have trouble finding a suitable husband.”
“No, neither do I. If Bridgette doesn’t have a groom for you, I’ll help you find a suitable match.” Francesca looked rather pleased with herself.
Evalyn put down her napkin. “That was a lovely meal. I may go to the courthouse and talk to her husband, the mayor.”
“Sterling Merritt is a fine man. And if you ask me, I think he is a little disgusted by his wife’s schemes. He will help you.”
“I may wait another day. I don’t want to appear pushy.”
“Dear Evalyn, you traveled all the way to the outer limits of civilization, I would say you are entitled to be a little insistent about your future. I would.”
Evalyn didn’t doubt that Francesca would be demanding, but Evalyn never had been. Content to let life play out in front of her, she’d gone along with whatever came her way. Writing to Bridgette to be a mail-order bride had been her one bold action. Now, it looked as if it may have been for nothing.
The clock chimed once. Francesca jumped. “Oh, my. I didn’t think it was so late. Pierre will wonder what has happened to me. I better go. Stop by again if you want to have lunch. I’ll be praying for you and the man you are to marry.” She waved and ran for the door.
With relief, Evalyn saw that she’d left money to pay for her meal. It had been nice to have someone to talk to, although not so nice to find out she was to be married off to an outlaw.
***
Bridgette sat nervously with Sterling in his office. She hadn’t had the nerve to tell him of her latest predicament. Yes, the others had all worked out, but Reid Cahill was nowhere to be found.
She’d checked with Levi, and he said he hadn’t seen Reid since the day he put him in jail, and Brigette had let him out. He’d taken his money from the bank, and the last she’d seen of him was out the dining room window when he whooped and galloped out of town. That was two days ago.
“Bridgette, what is it you have to tell me?”
She glanced at Sterling. “Tell you?”
“Yes, dear. You’ve been as nervous as a cat in a dog pack.” He looked at her and frowned. “Why do I get the feeling there is another mail-order bride in town?”
Bridgette shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
“Bridgette?”
“Oh, all right. She’s here. Evalyn is a lovely woman, but Reid is gone.”
“Gone? Who is gone? The bride?”
“No, my Bounty Brigade man. The last I saw of him, he was galloping out of town. He took the bounty money, which is perfectly fine. But he hasn’t even met Evalyn.”
“I see. What do you propose to do about it?”
Bridgette smoothed her skirt while she thought about an answer. “I can introduce her to some eligible bachelors. We have several in town. Preacher Brett, Gregory Adler, and Jerry Winters come to mind.”
Sterling winced and shook his head. “The preacher is an ex-outlaw, and Gregory is more of an outlaw than anyone. I wouldn’t trust him with my dog. Jerry, I don’t know.”
“I’m sure there are others. Not to mention the ranches. I know there are many men wanting wives who work at the mines.”
“Bridgette, you’ve met this woman. Does she look like the kind who would want a ranch hand or a miner?”
“No. She’s more of a delicate flower. I’m not even sure Reid would have been a good match.”
“Dear Bridgette. Maybe this will show you that you shouldn’t meddle with people’s hearts. I hope you told this woman we would pay for her hotel.”
“And continue her allowance. I will not let her be on the street and hungry.” Bridgette huffed. “Things will work out.”
“Yes, I agree. You better go to her and tell her you think her man has left town and you need to find her another groom. And for goodness sake, take Gregory Adler off your list.”
“Yes, dear.” Bridgette patted her husband’s steady hand. It always made her feel better to talk to him even if he scolded her.
Chapter 5
After her lunch with Francesca, Evalyn decided to see the rest of the town. Francesca had told her of the lovely park and swing. The weather was changing, and Evalyn could see that there wouldn’t be many nice days left.
Today was filled with sunshine. The air was cool but not uncomfortable. Evalyn saw the doctor’s office and the park just beyond it. Someone had the vision to make such a lovely place for the small town.
She sat on the swing and let the sun warm her face. Evalyn closed her eyes and dreamed of her life. How she’d imagined it could have been. Of course, if that was so, she’d never have come to Shirleyville.
Long ago, she’d dreamed of a young man rescuing her from a life of mediocrity. Evalyn laughed. Her life had only taken turns for the worse, and now, mediocrity would be a step up. She’d entered the invisible world.
No one saw her or thought of her. Even now, she’d come all this way to be a mail-order bride, and the groom had either run off or seen her and left. Anyway, she was alone. Again.
Steps crunched on the gravel leading to the swing.
Evalyn turned to see a man in a business suit walking toward her. At first, she thought about leaving the swing and running for the hotel, but she stayed. Maybe she would be seen by the stranger.
He stopped in front of the swing. “Well, hello. I’m Gregory Adler. I own the bank on Second Street.”
Evalyn smiled. “Evelyn Ladd. I was just enjoying the swing and this beautiful park.”
Gregory nodded. “It was a fine idea. I believe Judge Taggart had it built. I donated money to the park as soon as I found out about it.”
“I see.” Evalyn didn’t know what to say but did find it refreshing that he had spoken to her. Perhaps, he wasn’t married. She felt her cheeks warm at the thought. Yet, she did need to find a husband.
He put his hand on the beam supporting the swing. “It won’t be long, and winter will come, making trips to the park scarce. Are you staying in town?”
Evalyn nodded. She was unsure of this chance meeting. “At the hotel.”
“Good. You should be able to stay warm. I have a house just outside of town. It’s secure and warm in the winter.”
Evalyn didn’t know what to say. She had nothing of interest to share with him.
“It’s not often I meet a newcomer to our town. I’d like to invite you to dinner tonight. That is if you’re not meeting anyone.”
Evalyn’s heart raced. Why not? “I’d like that. I’m at the hotel.” This was so unlike her. Now that she was being seen, she wasn’t going to be quiet. Besides, this could be a chance meeting with a man who might be interested in her.
“I’ll come by at six.” He looked at his pocket watch. “Business calls. I better get back to the bank. It was nice to meet such a lovely woman. Till tonight.” He tipped his hat to her and left.
Evalyn was rather proud of herself and decided that missing groom or not, the risk she’d taken had been good for her. The wind picked up, and the chill in the air drove Evalyn back to the hotel.
As she opened the door, she saw Bridgette sitting on the couch.
The matchmaker smiled at her. “Evalyn, I was waiting for you. Shall we go and have a cup of hot tea.” Bridgette looked troubled. “I think we’re going to get some snow this week.”
“Yes, that sounds good. I was at the park on the swing, and the wind changed and made me come inside for warmth.” Evalyn wanted to ask if Brigette had heard from her groom but thought better of it in such a public place.
Bridgette led the way into the dining room and found a table near the fireplace. “I am chilled. I hope you don’t mind being near the fire.”
“Not at all. Even with the new coat that I bought, I am cold. The fire feels good.” Evalyn sat down across from Bridgette and tried to see what the woman was going to say. But Bridgette kept her intentions close and without a doubt wou
ld have made a good poker player.
Bridgette ordered the tea and then took off her gloves. “I have to tell you that I don’t think the man I had chosen for you is going to follow through with his end of the bargain. Reid Cahill left town without a word to me or the sheriff.” Bridgette frowned clearly unhappy to have to give such unfortunate news.
Evalyn was grateful for Francesca’s information and decided to let Bridgette know. “I had lunch with Francesca, and she told me the groom was an ex-outlaw.”
“Yes, I did say in the letter that he would be a man in need of a second chance at life. You are the fourth bride that I have matched, and the others worked out wonderfully. I am so sorry that Reid decided to run.”
Evalyn thought of Gregory and decided that maybe it was all for the best.
Bridgette put her gloves in her reticule. “I do have some other options for you. Let me talk to them, and if they are interested, I’ll bring them to meet you. You’re such a lovely woman that I am sure we won’t have a problem.”
Evalyn nodded, thinking how we didn’t have a problem. Only Evalyn had the trouble of being alone in a strange city. “That would be fine. I’m also going to look for work.”
“I will extend your advance so that you can enjoy your stay in the hotel. Don’t worry about money.”
“Thank you, but I really would feel better if I was doing something.”
Bridgette smiled, but the grin was edged with pity, and that was something Evalyn did not want to see. “Do you want another tea?”
Evalyn shook her head. “No, this is fine.”
“I’ll be on the lookout for another match for you. Unless you want to return to your home?”
The sting of tears warned Evalyn before she had a chance to think about why she’d never go back. She shook her head, looked down, and answered in a low voice. “No, there’s nothing for me in Ohio. My future is here.”
Bridgette handed her a hanky. “We’ll find someone. This is a good town, and I know there are men who would like to marry such a fine woman like yourself.”
Evalyn wiped her eyes and smiled. “Things will work out. There will be someone.” She thought to the man who’d asked her for dinner. At least now, Evalyn was free to entertain other men.
“Well, I better be going. I’ll be in touch as often as I am in town. If you need anything, let me know, and if I’m not here, you can tell my husband. Sterling Merritt. His office is in the courthouse.”
“Thank you, Bridgette. Don’t worry about me. Something will turn up. For now, I think I’ll stop by the café and see if they need any help. Then Francesca also mentioned Hollander’s General Store.”
Bridgette gathered her reticule and stood. “As long as you know that I will provide for you until I can find a man for you. A suitable man, too.”
“I’ll be fine, thank you.” Evalyn watched as Bridgette walked confidently out of the dining room. Thinking about asking for a job, Evalyn decided she’d borrow some of that confidence. She had no doubt that when Bridgette walked into a room, everyone noticed her.
She was a beautiful woman, but it was more than that. Evalyn saw the way people admired her and acknowledged that she was someone to be reckoned with. Yes, Evalyn thought to herself, that’s one thing that she would work on.
Evalyn had never been a confident person and had always hidden in the shadows. People didn’t notice her. She would have to change that. Who knew, that could have been one of the reasons her groom galloped out of town. Perhaps he’d seen her and decided she wasn’t worth marrying.
That was going to change.
***
Brett was just walking toward the café when he saw Bridgette come out of the hotel. He called to her.
Brigette stopped and waited for him.
“Mrs. Merritt, I was wondering if I could ask you something?”
“Yes, of course, and it’s Bridgette.”
He nodded. “I know you find mail-order brides for the men who come out of prison, would you find one for me?”
Bridgette smiled. “Yes, of course. In fact, I have one lovely woman who came into town for one of my men, and he rode out of town like the wild wind. I don’t look to see him again unless it’s in Levi’s jail. Would you like to meet her?”
“Yes, I would.”
“She’s a wonderful young woman. From Ohio. Let me talk to her, and I will get back to you tomorrow?”
“That would be great. Thank you, Bridgette. A man does get lonely out here and with winter coming—”
“Say no more. I understand. Let me talk to her.”
“I’m on my way to the café for dinner.” Brett tipped his hat to her and walked down the street. The idea of having a warm, kind woman at his side filled him with joy. And what providence that the woman had been left by the man Brigette had chosen for her.
He entered the café and was instantly met by Gloria Calhoun. She was one man-hungry woman who made sure to meet any unmarried man who came into the café. She was one reason that he avoided the place and usually went to the hotel dining room.
But the café was cheaper and had good food.
“Preacher Brett, so glad to see you. Are you here for dinner?” Gloria smiled at him. One of those deep smiles that was supposed to allure him to her.
“Yes, I’ll have the special.” After Gloria left him, he frowned. Could he even afford a wife? The offerings were small, and the parish house even smaller. He better consider his options. He could go to Sterling and see if he could get a raise and have the parsonage renovated to be large enough for a family.
Brett had been so sure it was the right thing until he sat down to eat and thought of how little he made. Even if half the time the owner of the café canceled his bill, he wasn’t so sure that would happen when he had a wife by his side.
Brett almost ran out of the café to stop Bridgette, but instead, he stopped himself and ate the peach cobbler. He chided himself. Here he was a preacher, a man of the cloth, and a believer. Where was his faith?
How could he ask his little flock to believe when he ran in doubt? He’d prayed about the decision to find a wife and believed that the Lord had blessed his decision. That settled it. He would go ahead and hope that Bridgette could find him a suitable wife.
Brett did wonder about the woman that was already here for one of Bridgette’s Bounty Brigade ex-outlaws. Would she be suitable for a preacher? Brett laughed to himself. He was an ex-outlaw himself.
Gloria came by to fill his coffee. She sashayed around him, making small talk.
“Thank you, Gloria.” She was a nice woman and probably just as lonely as he was, but he wasn’t drawn to her.
He smiled at her and rose to leave the café. He paid his bill and walked outside. A cold wind met him. Brett buttoned his coat tight about him, realizing that he needed a new one. A warmer one. This winter looked to be kicking up some cold winds.
Yes, the sooner Bridgette could find him a wife, the better. He was tired of living alone.
Chapter 6
Reid rode into the small town. The fourth since leaving Shirleyville. The weather was colder, his pocket lighter, and mood fouler. By the third town, he hated himself. Bridgette had set him up. Had even convinced him of an idea for a good business. And she had a woman all set to marry him.
He stopped his horse at the saloon and looked at the animal. He’d not taken good care of the buckskin gelding. Maybe it was time he did. He rubbed the horse’s nose and then walked him to the stable.
The livery was little more than a rundown barn in a rundown town. “Anyone here?”
After a few minutes, an older man stumbled from what must be the office. “Yeah, hold your horses.” He laughed. “Most folks laugh when I tell ’em to hold their horses.”
Reid wasn’t in any mood to laugh. “Funny.” He growled. “I need a stall and grain for my horse.”
The old man took the reins from him. “Your horse has been ridden hard. It looks like you have, too. You have the dollar it’s going t
o cost you?”
Reid pulled out his money and flipped it to the man. “I’ve got plenty.”
“You rob a bank?”
Reid glared at him. “Once. Paid my time, but this money is mine, all legal.” Thinking about Bridgette and the deal she’d made him added to his foul mood. He’d let her down. Worse, he’d let himself down, and he knew it.
“You look troubled, son. You can talk to me if you want while I take care of your horse.”
Reid didn’t want to talk to anyone, yet, he was tired of being alone. Tired of having to talk to himself. “Just take care of my horse.”
“Fine, fine. That’s a fancy hat you got on. You make it?”
Reid took it off and looked at it, feeling as if he were holding his future in his hands. “Yeah, I did make it.”
“Bet you could sell it for a good amount. Men would pay a lot for a nice hat.”
“Maybe. There a hotel in this town?”
The old man shook his head. “Just at the saloon, but I wouldn’t advise you to go there if you want to keep your money. I got a stall here, or you can bunk down in my office. I have a small stove that keeps me warm. I’d enjoy the company.”
“Might take you up on that. I’m tired of saloons.” Reid leaned against the hard slats of the stall. “I’m sorry for my horse. I didn’t treat him well.”
The old man nodded. “I see that. The thing about horses, they’re mighty forgiving. I think he’s looking at you and thinking that you’ve been having a hard time of it, and he understands. After a full belly and some soft hay to lay down in, he’ll be ready to go again.” He handed Reid a brush. “Might brush him out a little to let him know that you don’t have anything against him.”
Reid took the brush and began brushing the buckskin. The horse leaned against him and looked as if he really enjoyed the brush against his soft coat. “You’re a good horse, Buck. There I gave him a name.”
The old man smiled. “That’s a start. Speaking of names, I’m Gus Spalding.”
“Reid Cahill.” Reid darted a glance to the old man to see if he remembered the name from his outlaw days. But Gus didn’t seem to.
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