The Marshal's Promise

by Rhonda Gibson

  Chapter Two

  Rebecca stepped into her favorite blue dress and buttoned up the front. She pulled on her shoes and hurried to get her hair fixed just right. Her fingers worked the hair into a French braid and she eased small strands forward to frame her face.

  Today she would look for employment. The night before, she’d talked to the Millers and assured them she would pay for the days she’d stayed with them. They’d been kind and offered to let her stay as long as she needed. For this, Rebecca was thankful to the Lord.

  She walked to the dining room and stopped just inside the doorway. The fragrance of eggs, bacon and hot biscuits greeted her. Rebecca ignored the sound of her stomach as she made her way into the room. Mrs. Miller and the marshal were seated at the table. He held a cup of fresh coffee in his hand. When Mrs. Miller saw her, she motioned for Rebecca to join them.

  “Good morning, Rebecca. The marshal has come to see you.”

  Rebecca acknowledged them with a nod of her head. “Good morning.”

  Mrs. Miller indicated that Rebecca sit with a sweep of her hand. The heavyset woman braced her hands on the table to push back her chair and stand. “Would you like some coffee and eggs?”

  Rebecca slipped into the wooden chair. “Just coffee this morning, thank you.” She had decided the night before not to eat any more than she had to until she could repay the Millers what she owed them.

  “I’ll be right back. You two carry on with your business.” Mrs. Miller lumbered out of the room.

  What business did the marshal have with her? Had she done something wrong? Rebecca shook the thought away. No. It couldn’t be that. Then what? Sensing his brown eyes upon her, she folded her shaking hands on the tabletop. “What did you want to see me about this morning, Marshal?”

  He lowered his cup and took a deep breath. “Yesterday I went out to where Jesse had been living and let his boss know he wouldn’t be returning to work.” His gaze studied her face.

  She still didn’t understand why he was there. “I see.” She met his look head-on. Marshal Seth Billings was a nice-looking man. His light brown hair curved above his collar, chocolate-colored eyes looked back at her and when he spoke, a dimple winked in his left cheek.

  In a soft voice, he said, “I wasn’t finished.”

  Mrs. Miller returned with Rebecca’s cup of coffee. “Here you go, dear. It’s hot.” She set the cup on the table in front of her along with a small sugar bowl.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Miller.” Rebecca pulled both the coffee and sugar toward her. “Please go on, Marshal.” She scooped two teaspoons of sugar into her cup.

  “If you two will excuse me, I’ve work to do in the kitchen.” Mrs. Miller left without waiting for their answers.

  “As I was saying, while I was out there, Mr. Vaughan gave me some of Jesse’s personal belongings. The sheriff and I have gone through them and there are a couple of things we thought you might like to have, Miss Ramsey.” He picked up his coffee and took a sip.

  The marshal continued to study her over the rim of the cup. His eyes bored into her as if searching for something. Rebecca ignored his look. She focused on her coffee instead as her mind raced.

  What could he possess of Jesse’s that she might like to have? His letters from her? Maybe. A family Bible? But wouldn’t that go to his family? The Bible, not the letters, she mentally corrected herself.

  When it became apparent he was waiting for a reaction from her, heat began to fill Rebecca’s face. She set her cup down and asked, “What sort of belongings?”

  The marshal reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a small bundle of letters. When he handed them to her, Rebecca recognized her handwriting on the outside of the envelopes.

  Had he read them? She searched his eyes for the answer. He held her gaze, but she couldn’t read their expression. Now her face felt on fire. She prayed he hadn’t read them. “Thank you.” She laid the bundle on the table and reached for her drink.

  “There’s more.” The marshal reached into the other side of his jacket and pulled out another envelope. He handed it to her.

  She didn’t recognize this one. Rebecca turned the plain white envelope over in her hands. “Are you sure? I didn’t send this one to him.”

  The marshal raised his head and nodded. “Yes. I think you should have it.”

  Rebecca ran her fingertips over the seal. “What about his family?”

  “Jesse moved here six years ago. During that time he never mentioned family, so since you were to be his wife, the sheriff and I decided you should receive that, as well.” He nodded his head in the direction of her hands and grinned.

  He’d discussed this with the local sheriff? “What’s in here?” Her hands trembled. Was she really ready to take whatever was inside the envelope? Was it a deed to the farm he had talked about in his last letter?

  A warm chuckle brought her attention back to the marshal’s face. A woman could get used to the sound of his easy laugh and handsome features; she jerked her mind away from such foolish thoughts.

  His eyes twinkled. “Why don’t you open it and find out?”

  Rebecca’s mouth dried, she picked up her coffee and sipped the bitter sweetness, allowing it to wash over her tongue. Then she took a deep breath and slid her fingernail under the envelope flap.

  Within the depths of the envelope lay a letter. She pulled it out and carefully unfolded what she saw to be a blank piece of paper. Hidden within the paper were money notes. She counted the money and realized there was enough there to pay the Millers for the time she’d spent with them and she’d have a little left over to stay for maybe a month longer. Rebecca silently thanked the Lord for meeting her needs.

  “Are you sure it’s all right for me to keep this?” She searched his features once more. His eyes were serious; the chocolate color that had just twinkled with amusement now seemed almost to caramelize as he stared back at her.

  He nodded and then finished his coffee. “That money was in his possessions. I’m sure he’d want you to have it. I’d say there is enough money there to take you home, Miss Ramsey.”

  Rebecca shook her head. “No, it’s enough to pay the Millers what I owe them. And, I’ve already told you, I’m not going back.”

  He stood. “So you are determined to stay here?”

  How many ways did she have to say she was staying? She looked up from the money. Then she felt it. Something wasn’t quite right, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. Did the marshal suspect her of some wrongdoing? Or was this just his normal way of dealing with what he might consider a grieving fiancée?

  Rebecca stared at the handsome man before her. His jawline tightened and his eyes narrowed. She raised her chin and returned his stare. “Yes, Marshal, I am. You needn’t worry about me. I am an upstanding citizen and, God willing, I will find a job today.”

  * * *

  Rebecca Ramsey hadn’t reacted the way he’d thought she would when she opened the envelope. Maybe she didn’t know about the rest of the money he’d found in that suitcase. And then again, maybe she did and was sticking around town to find it. What had Jesse been doing with so much money in money notes, diamonds and gold?

  Was that the reason Jesse had begged him to keep watch over her? Did the Evans gang know about the stashed treasure in Jesse’s possession? Would they come after her, thinking she had it? The questions swirled through his mind like a Texas twister.

  What if she really was just an innocent and had no clue Jesse had been an outlaw? Or that he was far richer than he’d let anyone know. Seth’s protective instincts surged through his stomach.

  Seth admitted to himself that he found Jesse’s girl attractive. She seemed young and naive. What kind of woman ventured alone to answer a mail-order-bride ad that would take her to an isolated place like the New Mexico Territory?

  He’d read her letters. They were simple letters telling Jesse her age, what she looked like and when she would arrive. She’d asked no questions of Jesse Cole. From
what he’d read, it seemed as if Rebecca Ramsey had simply come with no knowledge of anything about her soon-to-be husband.

  His first promise to Jesse echoed in Seth’s ears. I’ll take care of her. He tilted his head sideways and studied her. If she really was just a girl looking for work, he should help her. He’d promised, and Seth Billings never broke a promise. “What kind of work are you looking for?”

  “I’m not picky, Marshal, and I’m a hard worker, so it really doesn’t matter.” She shrugged her shoulders, picked up her morning coffee and took another sip.

  The blue in her dress brought out the blue shades within her eyes. Small ringlets of blond hair drifted about her face as she bent to the hot beverage. Miss Ramsey smiled as she savored the drink. Seth stared at her soft lips and then shook himself mentally. The young woman in front of him was quite attractive, but no lady liked to be stared at.

  “Why? Do you know of a position?” Her question pulled him from his musings.

  She gazed into his eyes as if she were looking into his soul. What did she see there? He didn’t want to know.

  “I might. The sheriff and I were talking this morning and I’ve come to the conclusion that I need a house here in Cottonwood Springs.” Those cornflower eyes continued to study him. “If I find one, I’ll need someone to clean, do laundry and cook for me when I’m in town. Would you be interested in something like that?”

  “When will you know if you are going to take up residence here?” Her gaze moved to his left hand.

  The urge to tuck it into his pocket proved mighty powerful. He didn’t want her looking to him as a replacement for Jesse. “I’ll let you know by this afternoon. How does that sound?”

  Her small smile turned into a big grin. “It sounds like something I wouldn’t mind doing.”

  Seth nodded and then headed for the front door. He had a lot of work to do if he planned on having a home in Cottonwood Springs by this afternoon. The soft swish of her skirts informed him that she had followed him. “I’ll see you later,” he promised and then left.

  He shook his head as he climbed into the saddle. Seth Billings, you are going to have to stop making promises.

  Chapter Three

  Rebecca pulled her wool shawl over her dress, picked up the money and then carried her coffee cup into the kitchen. “Mrs. Miller, I am leaving now to look for employment.” She placed the empty cup beside the older woman.

  Mrs. Miller’s hands were up to her elbows in hot soapy water. A pile of dirty dishes was stacked to her left. “Your business with the marshal is finished?” She looked over at Rebecca. Mrs. Miller’s gaze moved to the envelopes in her hand.

  Rebecca tucked the letters she’d sent to Jesse under her arm and then opened the packet that held the money. She turned her body so that Mrs. Miller couldn’t see the full contents of the envelope. “I’m not sure. He’s offered me a job.”

  Mrs. Miller dried her wet hands on a dish towel and rested a hip against the counter. “Then why are you looking for another one?” Her brows arched as she watched Rebecca count out the money.

  “Well, it’s not a for-sure job and I can’t continue living here if I can’t pay for my stay.” Rebecca knew Mrs. Miller wanted to ask her about the money. The older woman opened her mouth and then closed it again. Almost as if she realized it was none of her business.

  Rebecca handed her what was owed. The other woman took the money and dropped it into her apron pocket.

  “Will you be back in time for lunch?” Mrs. Miller returned to the dishpan full of dirty dishes.

  Cottonwood Springs wasn’t that big of a town and Rebecca could return in plenty of time before lunch, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to. Mrs. Miller was nice enough, but Rebecca sensed the other woman would like to have some time to herself and, to be honest, Rebecca felt the same. “Probably not.”

  “Have a good day, dear. I’ll see you at supper.” And just like that, Mrs. Miller dismissed her.

  Rebecca walked to the front door, stood in the doorway and looked both ways down Main Street. The town’s dirt street and light breeze had sand drifting in the air. She focused her mind on the business in town and not the fact that she hated flying dirt.

  Across the street from the Millers’ general store was the newspaper office; next to that stood Mrs. Kelly’s hat and dress shop. She studied the false fronts of both businesses. The newspaper office wouldn’t offer much employment, but maybe Mrs. Kelly could use another seamstress. She’d start with these two businesses and then make her way around town, should she not acquire employment at either establishment.

  As she crossed the street, Rebecca lifted her skirts to keep them from getting dusty. A light breeze picked up from the direction of the river and she shivered. Early spring in New Mexico seemed to be rather cold. Truth be told, Rebecca preferred the heat of summer, at least she had in Maryland. Who knew what New Mexico summers would hold for her?

  When she arrived at the door of Mrs. Kelly’s hat and dress shop, Rebecca hesitated. She took a deep breath, smoothed out her skirt and slowly exhaled before she entered. A little bell over the door announced her arrival.

  A female voice called from the back, “I’ll be right with you. Feel free to browse around.”

  Rebecca walked farther into the room. Sunlight shone through the big plate-glass window, creating a cheerful and warm environment. Colorful dresses, shawls, coats and hats took up most of the room. Toward the back, where the mysterious voice had come from, was a curtained-off doorway.

  She noticed an area for sewing in the far corner. A long table and two sewing machines occupied the space. The two machines gave her hope that the other woman might need help.

  A brown dress caught her eye. She walked over to it and touched the soft fabric. Its color reminded her of the marshal’s eyes. Rebecca admired the way the waist seemed to tuck inward. She took it off the hanger and held it up against her front.

  “I like that dress, too, but brown doesn’t seem to be your color.”

  Rebecca glanced up and found a woman who looked to be a little older than she, standing off to the side shifting though a rack of dresses. Soft brown hair peeked out from under a stylish green hat that matched the dress she wore. Straight strands of hair escaped the stylish hat and now rested on each side of her heart-shaped face. She stared at Rebecca with interest.

  She pulled a light yellow dress off a hanger beside her. It looked to be the same style, just a different color and with a soft print of small blue flowers. “The flowers in this one will accent your eyes beautifully.” The woman held it out to Rebecca.

  Rebecca handed the brown over and took the yellow. Again she held the soft fabric up to her front. It had been a long time since she had a new dress, and this one flowed about her ankles and looked as if it would cinch in her waist. What was she doing? She couldn’t afford a new dress. “Thank you, but I can’t buy a dress right now.”

  The woman smiled at her. “That’s quite all right.” She took the dress back and hung it on its hanger. “So if you aren’t here to buy a dress, what can I help you with? A hat perhaps?”

  Rebecca shook her head. “No, not today. My name is Rebecca Ramsey and I need to speak with the owner of this shop.” She thought that sounded like a good way to start business.

  “It is nice to meet you, Miss Ramsey. I am Eliza Kelly and I am the owner.” She smiled broadly.

  Rebecca hadn’t expected Mrs. Kelly to be so young. She’d pictured an elderly woman running the dress shop. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Kelly. I wondered if you had a position I might fill.”

  Her eyes saddened. “I’m afraid not. This is a one-woman show for the time being.” She tugged at a strand of her hair.

  “I see. Thank you, Mrs. Kelly.” Disappointment filled her voice and Rebecca wished she could take it back. She offered a smile to show she wasn’t upset and then turned to leave the shop.

  The other woman followed her. “Aren’t you Jesse’s girl? I mean… I was just about to make a pot
of tea. Would you be interested in having a cup with me?”

  Rebecca started to refuse, and then saw Mrs. Kelly’s cheeks had turned pink and her eyes held warmth. She hadn’t meant her inquiry to sound as rude as it had. Did the whole town think of her as Jesse’s girl? Rebecca hoped not.

  The thought of a nice cup of tea swayed her decision to stay. It had been weeks since she’d had a sip of her favorite beverage. “Yes, I am, or I was, Jesse’s girl, and I’d love a cup of tea, Mrs. Kelly.”

  “Oh, thank you. I was so worried I’d overstepped my bounds. And you must call me Eliza.” She turned to walk into the sitting room. “I hope you can find employment, Rebecca, but I’m afraid if the other merchants are having as hard a time as I am they won’t be open to offering you a job. Have you tried the other shops?”

  She followed Eliza into the sitting room, through the dining area and into the kitchen. “No, I came to you first.”

  Eliza picked up the teapot and filled it with water. “That is so sweet. I really wish I could afford to hire you. It would be wonderful to have another lady to talk to during the day.”

  The statement sounded odd to Rebecca. “Don’t you talk to women all day? I mean, this is a dress shop.”

  “Well, yes, I guess I do, but not real talk. You know, my customers are here to talk about dresses and they share gossip, but I want something more, you know?”

  Rebecca did understand. “I believe I do.”

  Eliza smiled. “I just had a feeling you and I would understand each other. It’s strange how that works. Hannah is fun to talk to, but she only comes to visit once a week. You know Hannah, don’t you?”

  At a shake of Rebecca’s head, Eliza pressed on as she made the tea. “Hannah Young. She’s the schoolteacher. She’s about our age and has no husband. But she is devoted to her work as a teacher and only allows herself to visit on Saturdays, and then of course Sunday is full of church.”