by Regina Scott
“And why don’t you want a wife?” she demanded. “You have a position of authority. You’re well respected in the region. You’re not getting any younger, you know.”
Despite himself, he winced. Two-and-thirty wasn’t so old, for all he sometimes felt twice that. Chasing after criminals could sap the joy from life at times.
Watching the woman you love die in your arms, knowing she’d sacrificed herself for you, did worse.
“Some men aren’t meant to wed,” he said. “Thank you for the warning, but I’ll be fine.”
She shook her head. “You really think it’s that easy? They’ll be throwing women at you. You won’t be able to turn around without stepping on one.”
He chuckled. “I’ll take my chances.”
“I give it a month. Maybe two.”
Hart turned for Second Avenue. “Good day, Miss Wallin. Give my regards to your family.”
“Oh! It would serve you right if I followed through with the agreement to match you up.”
A chill ran through him again, and he turned up his collar, even though he knew the feeling had nothing to do with the brisk March weather. “You do what you have to do. So will I. No one can make me walk down the aisle, say my vows before a preacher. Not even you, Beth.”
“I know.”
The words held such pain, such sorrow, he nearly turned back. But if he did, he’d only give in to the need to gather her close, be the man she wanted him to be, promise to protect her.
And he could only protect her if he kept his distance.
“You don’t have to encourage them,” he murmured, gaze on the busier street beyond. “Tell them you have better things to do. It’s only the truth.”
He heard her sigh, the rustle of cloth as she must have shifted on her feet. “But Hart, if I decline, the next person they ask might not have your best interests in mind.”
And she did. Whatever their differences, he knew that. Beth Wallin only ever acted from love and compassion. He had refused to accept her as his bride, but she would willingly find him another, if that pleased him.
How did anyone grow up so selfless? He’d been practicing for more than ten years, and he still failed some days.
And was he doing any better today? As much as the high-handed machinations of the Literary Society annoyed him, the ladies were right. Settling the frontier took men and women of courage and tenacity, and partnerships like marriage only made sense. You needed someone you could count on at your side, in good times and bad, a helpmate, a comforter and encourager.
Only Sheriff Wyckoff knew that Hart had already found all that, and lost it. He couldn’t go through that pain again. The best he could do was work to make sure no one else lost a love to an outlaw’s bullet.
And he could try to see this from Beth’s perspective. She’d once confessed herself in love with him—nothing more than a schoolgirl infatuation, he was sure. However much it had hurt at the moment to be denied, she’d be better off in the future with another man less burdened by his past. Yet how mortifying now to be asked to play matchmaker to the man she’d hoped to wed, and by the mighty Literary Society, no less. Every lady in Seattle wanted to join the elite group. Beth likely wasn’t immune. Besides, if any lady had a right to be admired, respected, it was her.
“Follow through as you promised,” he said. “Just know I won’t agree. It won’t matter which lady you parade in front of me. The answer will always be no.”
She scurried around him to block his way forward. That pink hat with its silk bows and white feathers was far too frivolous for the concerned look in her deep blue eyes. “Are you sure, Hart? You have a lot to offer a lady.”
“And a great deal no lady should have to bear.”
Her eyes lit, as if he’d given her the key to unlock his heart. He tugged on the brim of his hat, started around her, intent on escaping before he betrayed himself further.
“You wait, Hart McCormick,” she called after him. “I’ll find you the perfect bride, one you can’t refuse.”
He didn’t respond. He’d already had the perfect sweetheart. Her loss had left a gaping hole, sharper than a knife and deeper than a bullet. And he doubted even the pretty, sweet-natured Beth Wallin could heal it.
Chapter Two
Stubborn, obstinate, annoying man! Beth picked up her skirts and climbed onto the boardwalk, fully aware that Hart was standing beside Arno, watching her. Couldn’t he see he was only making matters worse for them both by fighting this edict? The Literary Society would think she had no gumption, no perseverance. And they would certainly begin to question his character. Why refuse matchmaking when it could result in a happy future? Truly, at times like this she’d had her fill of males. And was it any wonder?
Her oldest brother Drew had played father far longer than necessary after he’d taken over the family on Pa’s death. He still had trouble accepting any fellow who came courting her, claiming this one wasn’t well enough established, that one hadn’t sufficiently developed his faith. Why, he’d once warned her away from a suitor because he thought the fellow had shifty eyes! Not that she’d been heartbroken to see any of them sent packing, but still.
Then there was Simon. Even after marrying her favorite sister-in-law, Nora, her second oldest brother was far too logical. He persisted in pointing out all the reasons she would benefit from a marriage, including potentially adding another one hundred and sixty acres of land from her husband to contribute to the town. Hadn’t he noticed she scarcely had time to improve her own claim, much less work a second?
Her next two brothers were more understanding. James was always up for a lark. He’d helped her scare off two particularly persistent suitors. John completely endorsed her decision to marry only for love. But both seemed a little mystified that she hadn’t found someone she admired enough to accept. And her youngest brother, the recently married Levi, was so besotted with his dear Callie and the family he had adopted that he hadn’t even remarked upon her single state. No doubt he’d start harping on the matter shortly. Those in love always wanted everyone else to be as happy.
And she couldn’t forget about Scout. Her brother Levi’s best friend growing up, Scout Rankin had recently returned from the gold fields a wealthy man. He was as reticent as she was about romance. But even he encouraged her to find a beau.
She knew her brothers and Scout only wanted the best for her. She’d thought she’d found the best. The best hadn’t wanted her. And she couldn’t tell any of them that her heart hadn’t healed from Hart’s rejection.
For one, the whole situation was entirely too embarrassing. She was a noted matchmaker. What confidence would anyone have in her abilities if she couldn’t even catch the eye of the gentleman she fancied? For another, she couldn’t count on her brothers not to pick a fight with the lawman over his refusal. And that would make everything so much worse.
The main reason she’d accepted the Literary Society’s request to find him a match was the chance to be of service to Hart. It seemed she wasn’t the woman for him, but it didn’t follow that there wasn’t some paragon out there who would make him happy. If he was safely married to another, perhaps she could finally remove him from her thoughts. She could impress the ladies of the Literary Society at the same time.
And she did love a challenge.
So, she turned her back on him and swept into Kelloggs’.
He followed her.
Beth scowled at him. “What? Not only do you doubt my ability to find you a bride but I can’t even complete my own shopping?”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her behind a display of tinned goods in the crowded mercantile. “Keep the bride business to yourself.”
Oh, but those cool eyes could look fiery. “How exactly can I do that when I must talk to the various women involved?” she demanded. “Springing it on them as a surprise won’t work. Trust me on that.”
“I meant you don’t need to discuss it in front of every Tom, Dick and Harry,” he gritted out.
Beth fluttered her lashes at him. “But Deputy McCormick, I left Tom, Dickie and Harry at Wallin Landing.”
He blinked, and she held back a giggle. Not for the first time she found herself pleased that the names of her brother’s logging crew made for such interesting commentary. Still, she couldn’t help noticing how Hart glanced around the store, as if expecting a desperado to leap out from behind the salt casks or sprigged muslin.
“I won’t breathe a word to anyone unless absolutely necessary,” Beth promised him. “Now, may I go, Deputy? Or do you intend to charge me? If I stand here much longer, you’d have every right to arrest me for loitering.”
He stepped back and inclined his head. “Just doing my duty to protect the citizenry, ma’am. In case you hadn’t noticed, Seattle can be a rough place. I aim to make sure you head for home safely.”
He didn’t trust her. Her! She’d kept secrets about birthday presents, Christmas presents and wedding presents and never said a word to others. She’d listened to stories about lost horses, lost funding and lost loves and never whispered about it. She was the keeper of all family knowledge. Nora liked to say there was nothing that wasn’t wound onto Beth’s spool.
And Hart thought she’d blab to anyone who came along!
“Suit yourself,” she said, detouring around a pile of furs brought in from the winter trapping season. “But I’ve never met a man who had the stamina to match mine for shopping.”
Head high, she swept up to the counter, where Mr. Weinclef stood waiting.
With a decidedly pinched look on his narrow face.
She thought perhaps it was because of Hart looming behind her, but the clerk immediately disabused her of that notion.
“I’m sorry, Miss Wallin,” he said, Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. “Another customer asked for all the pink crepe.”
Oh! Beth spared Hart a glare. He wisely went to look at rifle cartridges.
Beth turned to the clerk. “Are you sure? You wouldn’t have a yard or two tucked away?”
Weinclef positively squirmed. “I’m very sorry, miss.”
Beth sagged. “It’s all right. I’m sure you did your best. If any more comes in, you’ll send word?”
He bowed. “Of course.”
Beth turned, started for the door, and Hart fell into step beside her.
“You heading home now?”
She sighed. “I suppose I must.”
He held the door open for her. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen you so discouraged. That pink whatever-it-was mean so much to you?”
How could she explain? She loved fabric—how it looked, how it felt, how it made her feel, the many things she could imagine creating with it. Some of the men of her acquaintance turned positively glassy-eyed when she started talking about fabric and fashion. Of course, there were those who consistently complimented her on her sense of style.
And there was Hart, who never seemed to notice what she was wearing.
“I’m just disappointed,” she told him. “I had plans for that crepe.”
He pulled up. “Wait here.”
Before she could ask why, he strode back into the store. Someone yelped, and something fell with a thud. Beth peered through the open door, but saw nothing amiss.
Hart returned to her side. “The lady who bought the fabric is named Jamison. She’s the new seamstress down on Commercial.”
The day brightened. “New seamstress?”
He started in that direction. “I figured we could ask if she’d be willing to part with it.” He led her to the corner and down the block to turn onto the busy street. As much as she wanted that crepe, she knew what he was doing. He was trying to take her mind off her purpose—finding him a bride. He ought to know she wasn’t deterred so easily.
Even by fabric.
“By the way,” she said, stepping up onto the boardwalk, “some of the candidates on the list I was given are simply unsuitable for your wife. You have too much experience to favor a dewy-eyed debutante, even if Seattle had boasted more than two of them.”
His boots thudded against the rough wood, as if he’d put excessive energy into his walk. “Too much experience or too many years?”
Was he touchy about his age? She wouldn’t have guessed him to be so vain. But then again, he had proven that he wasn’t the man she’d originally thought him.
“Either,” she answered breezily. “And I’ve ruled out the widow with seven children.”
She thought she heard a chuckle. “Kind of you.”
Beth waved her hand, causing a gentleman in a top hat to veer around them. “Most men would have to ease into the role of father. Even Drew nearly buckled when our family was thrust upon him.”
“He was only eighteen, if I recall the story.”
“Eighteen and unsure,” Beth agreed, glancing up at the placards over each storefront. Ah, there was the shop, sandwiched between the bootmaker’s and the haberdashery. “You are neither.”
She reached for the handle and pushed open the door. A bell tinkled. The scent of roses drifted over her as her foot sank into the carpet. Hart, her commission, her family faded away as she stepped inside and turned in a circle. Her gaze flew from the bolts of bright satin and rich velvet to the soft wool and crisp cambric. And the ribbons—wide and narrow, in every possible color. Spools of thread to match. Lace in white, cream, black and, oh! Pink. Dressmaker forms with half-finished gowns she would be proud to wear when completed. She nearly swooned.
A curtain at the back parted, and a tall woman glided into the room. Her raven hair was piled up behind her head to spill artfully around her shoulders. Her creamy complexion set off liberally lashed eyes of a delicate shade of violet, Beth saw as the woman approached. Every inch of her black gown was tucked and pleated, draped with lace and dotted with bows, the very height of elegance.
“Good afternoon,” she said in a cultured voice. “How may I help you?”
A dozen ideas presented themselves, but Beth set them all aside. Very likely she hadn’t enough money in her pocketbook to afford one of this lady’s creations. “I understand you purchased the last of the pink crepe from Kelloggs’, and I was hoping you’d part with some.”
The woman wandered to the nearest wall, trailed a long-fingered hand along the bolts of wool. “An inferior material to be sure, but it was perfect for a day dress I am constructing for Mrs. Yesler.”
Beth brightened. “I know Mrs. Yesler. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. Tell her Beth Wallin asked.”
The proprietress turned and held out a hand. “Mrs. Wallin, Mr. Wallin, a pleasure. I’m Mrs. Evangeline Jamison.”
Too late she remembered Hart. Turning, she found him just behind her, a dark shadow among all the pink and white.
Beth turned to accept the seamstress’s hand. “It’s Miss Wallin, and this is Deputy McCormick.”
Mrs. Jamison fluttered sable lashes as she dropped her gaze. “Deputy, an honor.”
“Ma’am,” Hart said.
He gave no explanation for his presence, didn’t so much as attempt to look at material or notions. A slight frown marred the perfection of Mrs. Jamison’s countenance.
“I’m delighted to make your acquaintance,” Beth said, moving the lady’s attention back to her. “Your shop is lovely. You obviously have excellent taste.”
She inclined her head as she pulled back her hand. “As do you. I’m certain I saw that gown in Godey’s.”
Beth touched the striped fabric. “Oh, do you take Godey’s?”
“Of course. One must remain au courant with what other designers are attempting. I’m sure they study my designs depicted there.”
Beth head jerked up. “Your designs were in Godey’s?”
She thought she heard a choked sound. It might have been Hart.
It might have been her.
“Most recently the January issue.” She said it as if the tremendous honor was commonplace. “And I’m working on one now for June.”
“May I...may I see it?
” Despite her best efforts, her voice came out breathless.
Mrs. Jamison’s smile was tight. “Now, why would I show my best work to the competition before it was complete?”
Beth blinked. “Competition?”
Mrs. Jamison spread her hands. “Come now, dear. Someone made that fetching gown.”
Beth glanced down at the pink skirts again. “Not me. My sister-in-law Nora sewed it for me.”
“Nora Wallin.” Mrs. Jamison cocked her head, sending curls cascading across her shoulder. “Customers have mentioned her, but I haven’t seen a shop with her name on it.”
“She takes commissions out of Kelloggs’,” Beth explained. “Or she did until you came to town. I very much doubt Nora will be a competitor. Every lady will be flocking to your door. You and Mr. Jamison must be very proud.”
The seamstress lowered her gaze. “Alas, Mr. Jamison has gone to his just reward. It’s only me and my younger brother here in Seattle, but I must say everyone has been so welcoming.” She raised her head and made sure to include Hart in her smile.
Beth glanced between the two of them. An accomplished widow of grace and beauty, a lonely lawman established in his career. What better match could she envision?
And why did everything in her rebel at the very idea?
* * *
Hart had thought his work difficult. He’d grown thirsty or hungry as he chased a culprit across the county for days. He’d been bruised and battered by men fighting to remain at large. Nothing was as painful as waiting for Beth to finish her transactions in the frilly, overly perfumed shop. And he didn’t much like the looks the proprietress was directing his way. For all her sweet smiles and fluttering fingers, he sensed calculation. He could only hope Beth didn’t suggest her as a likely bride.
Finally, she left, fabric folded under one arm. Pink, like much of her wardrobe. The fresh, youthful color suited her. Not that he paid much attention.
“What next?” he asked, pacing her as she started down Commercial.
She cast him a glance. “Tiring already?”
Hart stretched his arms over his head. “I can last as long as you can.”
