Rebecca remembered someone introducing the schoolteacher last Sunday. If memory served her right, Hannah Young was a small woman maybe four feet eleven with black hair and she walked with a slight limp. She’d also seemed very shy and hadn’t spoken much. A flash of humor tugged at the corners of Rebecca’s mouth. Eliza’s fast talking must be the reason Miss Young kept to herself.
The morning flew by as Rebecca enjoyed her visit with Eliza. It didn’t take long to learn that Eliza was lonely. She’d lost her husband two years ago; he’d died when they lived in Silverton, Colorado. According to Eliza, her Charley had been killed in an avalanche during one of the worst snowstorms she’d ever seen. Thankfully, they’d saved enough money for Eliza to get to Cottonwood Springs and purchase this house to start up her hat-and-dress business.
The sound of the bell ringing in the shop had Eliza up and hurrying to take care of her next customer. Rebecca knew it was time to go. She needed employment if she wanted to stay in Cottonwood Springs and get to know her new friend better.
Eliza came back into the room. “That was Mrs. Pierce. She picked up her dress and matching hat.”
Rebecca stood to leave. “I best be going, Eliza. It’s almost lunchtime and I haven’t inquired about employment anywhere but here.” She slipped her shawl over her shoulders and headed for the door.
“Oh, I wish you didn’t have to go.” Eliza followed her. “Do come back when you are done and let me know if you found a job.”
Rebecca smiled. “I will and thanks for the tea.”
Eliza had been right. An hour later, Rebecca walked out of the general store still jobless. Everyone wanted to give her employment, but none of them had the funds to do so—everyone, that was, except Mrs. Walker, the owner of the general store. Rebecca had the impression that Mrs. Walker had taken an instant disliking to her.
Her thoughts went to the marshal. Maybe he’d had better luck in finding a house to buy. She hoped so. If nothing else good came of the day, thanks to Eliza, Rebecca now felt she had a friend close to her age in Cottonwood Springs.
Rebecca’s gaze moved over the town. It was pleasant enough and sat back against a mountain. The mountain resembled a sand rock, but trees lined the river below and, because smaller streams ran across the back side of the town, cottonwood trees shaded the majority of the businesses and homes. A beautiful spot if ever she’d seen one.
The marshal’s voice pulled her from her musings. “Any luck finding work?”
Rebecca searched the shadows of the buildings to locate him. He stood propped against the blacksmith shop. His arms crossed and his eyes narrowed.
His tone indicated he wasn’t a happy man. So she answered in a short, crisp reply of, “No.”
“I thought we had an understanding.” He pushed away from the wall and walked over to her.
Rebecca didn’t like his tone and hardened her voice to match his. “What kind of understanding?”
He crossed his arms again, spread his legs and glared down at her. “That you now work for me.”
“But, that is only going to happen if you find a house. Did you buy a house, Marshal?” She crossed her arms to match his stance.
He relaxed and grinned. “As a matter of fact I did. And, I have already moved in.” The sudden pleasure in his voice surprised her.
Rebecca really hadn’t expected him to follow through with his offer of a job. Her spirits lifted, knowing she now held a position and would be able to stay in Cottonwood Springs. She silently thanked the Lord for yet another blessing and smiled. “That’s wonderful.”
The dimple in his cheek winked. “Would you like to see it?”
“I’d love to, Marshal, and while we walk you can tell me what this job entails.”
He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and began walking. Her heart did a little flutter as tingles climbed up her hand and into her hairline. Seth Billings made her feel alive.
With Jesse Cole dead, could this be the man God sent her to the New Mexico Territory for?
Chapter Four
Seth led Rebecca toward his new home. He hoped she liked it as much as he did. The front was white and had a small porch that led off the right-hand side. Two windows faced forward with dark brown shutters on each side. It was small but could be added on to, should he ever decide to marry and have a family.
He liked the fact that it was on a side street and that there weren’t many other houses close by. Cottonwood trees surrounded the house, giving it plenty of shade. He stopped in the yard and waited for her reaction.
Her eyes seemed to drink in the front of the little house. She sighed and pulled her shawl closer about her shoulders. “It’s wonderful, Marshal.” Rebecca turned to look up at him. She tilted her head sideways and smiled up into his face.
Seth felt as if he would drown in the blue pools of her eyes. “Thank you. I’m glad you like it. I’m thinking of adding a couple of rosebushes to the front, under the windows. What do you think of that?”
She stared at the windows as if she could picture the flowers already in full bloom. “They will look and smell wonderful. What color roses?”
He reached up and gently brushed aside a wayward curl from her cheek. Seth was surprised when she turned to face him. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink. “Pink, I think.”
Rebecca stepped away from him and nodded. “I’m sure they will be lovely.”
Seth realized he had embarrassed her with his actions, and moved forward to open the door. She followed him up the steps and waited. His boot heels clicked against the hardwood floor as he stepped inside the doorway and allowed her to pass.
His gaze swept the sitting room trying to visualize how the space must look to Rebecca. It was small with a couch and end table. A bookshelf rested against one wall, empty of books at the moment.
It felt empty, but Seth had been blessed that the Wilsons were willing to sell it at such a low price and were willing to leave some furniture behind. Granted, he had plenty of money sitting in the bank, but he had hoped not to have to touch the money until his days of marshaling were over.
“This is beautiful, Marshal. I love that the living area is open to the kitchen.” She spun around the room, touching the furniture. “It needs a thorough dusting and the floors require a good sweeping, but other than that it is great.”
He leaned against the door frame and watched as she flittered from room to room. It wasn’t a big house—two small bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen with a dining area. Each room opened off of the sitting room. With her gasps and excited squeaks, you would think it was a mansion on a hill.
Seth couldn’t stop the smile that lifted the corners of his mouth. For some odd reason he felt pleasure at her excitement. “Thank you, Miss Ramsey.”
Her skirts swirled about her ankles as she hurried to the kitchen. “How did you get moved in so quickly?”
Seth pushed away from the frame work and followed her. “It came fully furnished and I don’t have that many clothes.”
Her gaze moved about the rooms. “That was very fortunate for you.”
He nodded. Her eyes sparkled as she ran her hands over the shelves and stove. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was envisioning the kitchen as her own. Maybe she was, it was easy to do.
Seth decided right then and there to continue taking his meals over at the diner. The last thing he needed was to have Rebecca Ramsey getting too comfortable in his kitchen. Women and marshaling didn’t mix. He couldn’t live through another woman’s death caused by his job.
Rebecca looked about the area and spread her hands. “You will need a few kitchen things.”
“Kitchen things?”
Rebecca grinned. “Yes, kitchen things.”
Seth crossed his arms. He’d just decided on eating over at the diner like normal. He didn’t need kitchen things. He set his jaw and started to tell her that he didn’t need another thing in the kitchen.
“Wouldn’t you like to have a fresh pot of coffee first thing in t
he morning?” she asked, once again mimicking his stance and arms.
How did she know what he’d been thinking? A fresh pot of coffee first thing in the morning did sound nice. He nodded and grunted his agreement. All right, he’d give in on the coffee, but other than that, Seth refused to give in any further.
And then she walked over to the stove. A wistful longing sound entered her voice. “I can cook some marvelous dinners at this stove. Just think, a hot meal at the end of the day.”
The last part seemed to be more a thought to herself than a statement for him. He stepped closer to her. The hopeful sound in her voice pulled at his heartstrings. “Sounds like you miss cooking.”
Rebecca tilted her head to the side and studied him. “I do. Cooking was one of the few things I enjoyed back home.”
The desire to make her feel at home, in his house, overwhelmed him. “It’s a good thing, then, that I said I’d need a cook, too.”
As if she’d forgotten, joy filled her face. “That’s right, you did.”
Seth crossed his arms to restrain himself from reaching out and hugging her. So much for taking his meals at the diner, his inner voice taunted. Rebecca was getting too close and he couldn’t afford to allow that to happen.
He took a step away from her. “I need to get back to work. You go and get the things needed for cooking and cleaning from the Millers’ store.” His boots pounded across the wood floors as he hurried to leave.
“Have Mrs. Miller charge whatever you feel is needed to my account.” Seth rushed out the door and across to his horse. He needed to put some space between himself and Miss Ramsey.
* * *
Rebecca wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and followed him out the door. She pulled the door shut behind her. What had happened? One moment he’d been smiling and seemed happy she’d taken an interest in his home and her new job, the next he’d exited the house like a cat that had been threatened with a bath. She shook her head. The marshal was turning out to be one complex man.
He mounted his horse and rode out of town. His wide shoulders swayed in the saddle. He was attractive, and for a few minutes earlier, she’d thought he might kiss her. His touch on her cheek had been warm. She shook her head. Get those thoughts out of your mind, Rebecca Ramsey, she reprimanded. Now that Jesse was gone, Rebecca knew she could only rely on herself. Her own father had deserted her. No man could be trusted not to cast her aside.
She focused instead on what having a job and money coming in would mean for her. If she saved enough, maybe the bank would allow her to buy a house. She’d need a down payment. Rebecca thought about writing to her father and asking for money, but just as quickly tossed the thought aside. No, it was time she depended on herself.
A few minutes later, she entered Eliza’s hat-and-dress shop. The bell announced her arrival. Within seconds Eliza arrived to greet her.
“Oh, Rebecca, you’re back!” She grabbed Rebecca’s hand and pulled her into the sitting room. “How did the job hunting go? Did anyone hire you? Did you try the druggist? What did he say?”
Rebecca laughed. “If you will stop asking so many questions, I’ll tell you.” She noticed that Hannah Young sat at the table sipping from a small china cup. “Hello.”
The schoolteacher answered in a very soft voice. “Hello.” Her blue eyes sparkled with amusement.
“Well, tell us,” Eliza demanded. “Rebecca has been looking for employment,” she informed Hannah, as if she’d not told her of Rebecca’s earlier visit, and then she filled another teacup.
Rebecca eased onto the soft cushion of the kitchen chair. “Thank you.” She took the tea that Eliza held out to her.
“Did you?”
“Did I what?” Rebecca teased, setting the cup down.
Exasperated, Eliza huffed, “Get a job?”
“I did.”
Eliza squealed and then demanded, “Really? Where?” She put the sugar bowl in front of Rebecca.
Hannah set her cup down and folded her hands in her lap. She didn’t say anything, but simply waited.
Rebecca spooned two teaspoons of sugar into her hot tea. She glanced at Hannah and they shared a grin. At a snail’s pace she stirred her tea.
Eliza burst. “Oh! Come on, tell us.”
At the same time, the little bell over the door jingled the arrival of a new customer.
Eliza groaned. She leaned forward on the table and whispered, “Don’t say a word until I get back.” Her brown eyes drilled into Rebecca. “Especially you.” She shook her finger in Rebecca’s direction.
“I promise, I won’t say a word about the job until you get back.” Rebecca took a sip of her tea.
Hannah stifled a giggle but not before Eliza pinned her with her brown gaze.
“I promise,” Hannah said, still grinning.
Satisfied they wouldn’t discuss Rebecca’s new job without her, Eliza left the room in a swirl of skirts. They heard her call out a greeting to the lady who’d entered.
Rebecca leaned toward Hannah and asked in a soft voice, “Is she always like that?”
Another giggle escaped Hannah before she answered, “Always.”
They sipped their tea in comfortable silence. Rebecca’s thoughts were on the trip she planned to make to the Millers’ store. She intended on stocking the marshal’s kitchen with a big coffeepot, lanterns, crockery, pots and pans, iron skillets, a Dutch oven, cooking utensils, knives and dishes. Then there were the food staples she’d need, like coffee beans, spices, baking powder, oatmeal, flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, fruit and vegetables, honey and molasses, crackers, cheese, syrup and dried beans. Her mind swirled with what she’d buy and cook in the cozy kitchen.
“She didn’t tell you, did she?” Eliza asked as she hurried back into the room.
At Hannah’s negative shake of the head, Eliza pressed on. “That was Mrs. McClain and Isabel. Her daughter is getting married in Aztec next week and we had to do a final fitting.” Eliza laughed. “I think that’s the fastest final fitting I’ve ever done.” She refilled her teacup. “Now, Rebecca, where will you be working?”
Rebecca could only imagine the look on Mrs. McClain’s face as Eliza rushed her daughter through the fitting. She set her cup down and answered, “I’ll be keeping house, cooking meals and doing the marshal’s laundry.”
Eliza’s jaw dropped. Her brown eyes resembled those of a hoot owl. When her friend had nothing to say, Rebecca looked to Hannah.
The schoolteacher’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes bright.
“What is wrong?” Rebecca asked, looking from one of them to the other.
Hannah recovered first. “Nothing is wrong, Rebecca. It’s just that we didn’t know the marshal had decided to stay here in Cottonwoods Springs.”
That seemed like a reasonable excuse for the women’s shocked reactions to her news, but Rebecca sensed there was more. “And?”
Rebecca waited. She expected that at any moment Eliza would find her tongue.
Eliza took a big gulp of tea. Hannah followed suit.
The hatmaker shook her head. “Oh, I dread to think what the older ladies will have to say about this. They will chop you up and have you for breakfast, Rebecca. You’re going to have to tell the marshal you can’t do it.”
Rebecca looked from one woman to the other. Hannah was nodding her agreement with Eliza. “No, I accepted the position and I don’t care what a bunch of old ladies have to say about it.”
“But Rebecca, I thought you were a Christian.” Hannah reached across to pat her hand.
Anger boiled to the surface. “I am a Christian, Hannah. But I don’t see what that has to do with this.”
Eliza jumped to her friend’s rescue. “You are a single woman, he’s a single man. It wouldn’t be decent.”
Rebecca sat back in her chair. “It’s not like that,” she said in a soft voice.
“We know that, but the tongues will begin wagging as soon as the gossips hear this.” She pressed on before Rebecca could react. “
You haven’t been here long. This is a small town with very little for the local gossips to do.”
Rebecca took a deep breath and said a silent prayer. Had she made the right decision? Was this something God approved of? She searched her heart and had peace about the decision. The concerned look on both her new friends’ faces had Rebecca reasoning with them. “Eliza, did those same women speak out against you when you bought this house and changed it into a hat shop?”
“Well, yes, but that was different.”
Before she could add more, Rebecca jumped in with a question for Hannah. “Have they ever spread rumors or said mean things about you, Hannah?”
The young schoolteacher looked down at her hands and nodded. “Yes.”
Rebecca nodded. “So they are going to talk, no matter what I do. Right?”
Eliza answered. “Yes, but living with a man without marriage, that’s not right, Rebecca. Surely even you can see that.” Again she gulped her tea.
It was Rebecca’s turn to become speechless. Who said she would be living with the marshal? Her cheeks began to heat up as she realized what her new friends thought of her. She gritted her teeth and prayed for patience and wisdom before speaking.
“Please don’t be angry,” Eliza said. “We don’t want you to go against…”
Rebecca held up her hand to stop Eliza’s tirade of words that was sure to follow. “First off, I’m not moving in with the marshal. I will be going to work and returning to the Millers’ place each evening, at least until I can afford my own place.”
Eliza opened her mouth to interrupt. But this time Hannah stopped her. “Wait, Eliza. Let her speak.”
Rebecca nodded to thank Hannah and then continued, “Second, I’m willing to forgive you both since you really don’t know me, and third, I need to go, I have shopping to do.” She stood to leave.
Hannah’s firm voice stopped her. “Please sit back down, Rebecca.”
So that was the way to handle students—firm voice and constant eye contact. Rebecca eased back onto her seat.
The Marshal's Promise Page 3
