Still, he didn’t want to disappoint Bridgette. He knew that she was making money off of him, but she was the one giving him a new chance at life, and that was worth every cent. He had to laugh that her reputation made it so that men still came out of the badlands for the opportunity to change their lives.
Del thought back to his past with his brother. Trouble had come natural to them. Jay more than Del, but he’d freely joined in. The allure of quick money for little work had them stealing and robbing others in no time.
But soon, the lie was revealed as the robberies resulted in running from the law. What good was money if you couldn’t stay in town and spend it? In the outlaw hideouts, there was nothing worth buying. Food was three times the price or more. Shacks that leaked cold air in the winter and rain in the summer. No, it wasn’t a life of leisure at all.
With a grin, Del bypassed the Cindy’s Boarding House breakfast and went to the hotel diner. He entered the room and looked for her but was disappointed to see she wasn’t down yet. He found a table near the door and ordered his food.
Again, his freedom to do as he wished gave him such pleasure. He hoped others couldn’t tell. He didn’t want his past to ruin his future. Although, many of the people in Shirleyville knew his history and how he had made a deal with Bridgette.
It was because of his bounty that Bridgette had started her Bounty Brigade with the help of Cassidy and Ronan. He wondered how many men had split their bounties with her. The sheriff seemed to think it was a lot, and the men were still coming out of the badlands.
He was eating his second egg when Jericho walked into the room. He had to admit, he liked looking at her. There was something about her that attracted attention.
She saw him, and a look of regret crossed her face, but she recovered quickly and smiled. Del wondered what that was about. Was she looking for someone else?
He stood. “Miss Winters, I have a table I’ll share with you if you’d like.”
She smiled shyly but came and sat across from him. “Thank you, Mr. Selmer.”
“Del, call me Del. Did you sleep well?”
She unfolded her napkin and held it in her lap. “Yes, and you?”
He nodded. He’d slept better than he had in years. Amazing what a clear conscious and a comfortable bed could do for someone. “Yes, I did. But I woke up hungry.”
“Oh, you must have had some wild dreams.” She laughed and then ordered her breakfast.
“Do you know someone in town?”
She shook her head.
“Are you settling down here?” Del cringed and knew he sounded too fast and needy.
She took a sip of coffee and held the cup as if it were a lifeline. Finally, she set the cup down. “I plan to.”
He smiled at her. She was holding back. Then again, he wasn’t forthcoming either. Not like a woman would like to be friends or interested in a man with his past and one that had a mail-order bride on her way to join him.
He nodded at her. “It’s a beautiful valley. Spring is always such a nice time of the year.”
“You’ve been here before, Mr., ah, Del?” She daintily cut her egg and took small bites.
Suddenly, he felt trapped. He hadn’t counted on that question. Or the answer. What should he tell her? “I’ve spent some time in the area.”
“And you said you’re a carpenter?”
That was something he could talk about. “Yes, tables, chairs, you name it, I can make it.”
“It must be gratifying to be able to make things with your hands. I admire that.” She sat back and took another sip of her coffee.
The morning light brightened the room, and he could see that she was a very nice-looking woman. She had that special quality that drew men’s gazes. He paused at the idea of seeing such women in saloons. Then again, she sounded too educated to be a soiled dove.
“If you have time today, stop at the empty building down from the livery. That’s where my carpentry shop is.” Del started to tell her about his brother and their plans to open a mill to cut lumber but didn’t want to have to tell her about prison.
“I will.” She returned his smile. “I have some shopping to do but perhaps after lunch. And with that, I had better get going. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.”
He rushed around the table to move her chair for her. “My pleasure. Not every day a man gets to have breakfast with a pretty woman. Have a good day.”
She nodded and walked confidently out of the diner. One thing was sure, the woman had confidence and kept her head up. Jericho wasn’t ashamed of anything. Del made a note to remember that and to act accordingly.
He needed to be confident. That was one thing the preacher that visited the prison impressed on him. “When you have accepted Jesus as payment for your sins and walk out those prison doors as payment for the wrongs you did to society, keep your head up and your heart sure.”
Del tried to remember that, but after a lifetime of stumbling down the wrong path and being looked at as if he were dirt, it was hard to keep in his mind or heart.
He watched Jericho leave the hotel and walk down the street. “Thank you, pretty lady. You have shown me how to keep my head up.”
Chapter 4
Jericho left Del at the diner and walked toward the dress shop. She hoped the woman had some ready-made dresses and skirts that would fit her today. The sooner she looked respectable, the better.
She was thankful Del hadn’t pressed her on the past. Yet, she got the feeling he wasn’t all that ready to talk about his either. Well, she wasn’t going to dwell on anyone’s previous days. That was for sure. Jericho thought of his pleasant demeanor and looks and did have to admit that she liked him.
He was easy to talk to and didn’t seem to judge her like so many people. Jericho had seen the looks of disapproval on several in the diner but had chosen to ignore them. After all, she was enjoying breakfast with an upstanding businessman, and he wasn’t judging her.
She opened the door to Francesca’s Dress Shop and was delighted to see dresses and skirts on one side of the shop. Jericho picked out a skirt in a delightful shade of light blue and a blouse to go with it.
A well-dressed woman came from the back. “Oh, may I help you?”
Jericho kept her head up and smiled at the woman, all the while fighting the urge to run out the door. She held up the clothes. “Yes, I’d like these. And perhaps something in a tasteful green or yellow. And hats.” Jericho laughed. “As you can see, I had a disastrous bout with my hair and need to cover it until it grows out.”
“Oh, my. What did happen?” The woman asked with a somewhat skeptical look on her face.
Jericho thought quickly. “A fire. I clumsily got too close to a candle, and to fix the burnt mess, I had to have my hair cut short.” She thought it sounded reasonable.
“I’m Francesca, and the owner of this establishment.” She held out her hand. “I knew of a woman who burnt her hair, and she was shaved nearly bald. Welcome to my shop. If I can help you with anything else, let me know. I will gather the items you mentioned.”
Breathing easier, Jericho looked through more of the ready-made dresses. She had to admit, she did like colors and would have bought one of the brighter ones but changed her mind. She was a respectable lady now.
Francesca came out with four more skirts and lovely blouses. “I think you’ll like all of these.”
Jericho did like them all, and she needed them. None of the dresses she’d brought with her would do unless she returned to the saloon life, and she had no intention of doing such a thing.
“How much would this come to?”
Francesca wrote on her pad and slipped the amount to her.
Jericho had enough money for them all, but it would cut into her funds. Despite the matchmaker’s optimism, Jericho knew firsthand how quickly life could go sour. “Let me take the blue and green. I’ll have to wait for the others.”
“Yes, I understand.” The woman paused and looked at her. “Do you need
a job?”
Jericho shrugged. “I’m not sure yet.”
“Well, if you do, I might hire you. I could use some help, and you have a good eye for fashion.” Francesca smiled. “Think about it.”
“Thank you, I will.” Jericho paid for the items and then walked back to the hotel. At least, the next time she went out, she would resemble the decent women of Shirleyville. And when she met with Bridgette, she would look respectable.
She carried her package up the stairs and unlocked her door. Once inside, she leaned against the shut door. Her heart was pounding, and her palms sweaty. For some reason, fear was overtaking her. Perhaps because it was time to meet Bridgette. Soon, Jericho would know if she could pull off this charade.
She changed into the light blue skirt and white blouse. Cringing at her short hair, she put on one of the hats she’d bought and gazed at herself in the mirror. She didn’t even recognize herself.
Turning so that the light from the window hit her just so, she had to smile at the image that stared back at her. Could she really look that good? Like a decent woman?
She started for the door when she saw her mother’s Bible on the table. Now, would be a good time to look at the book. She picked it up and let it fall open. Mother had said the Bible was a guide to help His children get through life.
“One thing I know, my life hasn’t gone well for some time.” She put her finger on a page and read where it had landed. “I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have any strange gods before Me.” She slipped her finger down. “Thou shalt not kill.” She figured that was an easy one to remember. Her cheeks burned when she read, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
She gently shut the Bible. How would she pull this off? Jericho closed her eyes and breathed in and out slowly to still her racing heart. “I’ll stick with thou shalt not kill.”
Happy that she’d read some of the Bible and might be able to impress Bridgette, she grabbed a shawl and left her room. Bridgette’s letter had said to go to the courthouse, and she might be there.
Jericho hoped so. The fewer people she had to talk to, the better. At least, the man she’d met on the train had been pleasant to her. Del Selmer. That was his name. Concentrating on keeping her breathing steady, she walked down the stairs and out of the hotel.
The courthouse was clearly visible. She had to admit, Shirleyville was a quaint town. She saw one saloon, and it seemed quiet. Nothing like the streets in Dodge City or most of the towns she’d lived in.
Clean. The air was fresh. The church on the hill was painted a bright white with a steeple pointing above. Jericho smiled as she remembered the words she’d read. It would be pointing to that one God, she supposed.
She would have to visit the church sometime. Perhaps the preacher could give her pointers on the Bible. Jericho could read as her father had seen to her schooling. Even Madam Charley had helped her learn to read and do figures. Still, Jericho had found some of the words in the Bible a bit difficult to understand.
And she truly wanted to impress her husband-to-be. An involuntary shudder strode up her back. What if he didn’t like her? Would she be able to find another husband in Shirleyville?
It would be months before her hair looked respectable. And longer for her to learn what women did with their lives. Her womanly skills were not respectable at all. She couldn’t cook or sew. Had never been around children. A few times, she helped with washing, but usually, the ladies sent it out to be done.
Why hadn’t she thought of these things earlier? Bridgette was sure to question her on wifely duties. She’d have to look in the Bible and see if it had any help for her.
She muttered to herself. “Oh, how am I going to undo ten years of learning one way of life?”
“Jericho?”
That voice, her heart raced as she whirled. “Del. What a surprise.”
With a pleased smile on his handsome face, he walked toward her. “I was on my way to look over my shop. Would you like to come?”
She swallowed. Maybe she needed time to bolster her courage before meeting Bridgette. Jericho walked toward him. “I’d love to.”
Del held his arm out for her. “I see you were able to get some new clothes. Good choice. You look lovely.”
She felt like she’d always dreamed but never thought possible. Her heart melted with his words. There was hope. “Thank you. A fire destroyed most of my clothes, and I had to wear things that I’d borrowed. I was most happy to find a decent dress shop in town.”
Hoping she wouldn’t be struck down for lying, she put her hand in the crook of his elbow like she’d seen the respectable ladies of Dodge City do. “When will you start building things?”
“I have to get some wood, and of course, orders first.” He patted her hand. “I’m very excited to begin working.”
She walked with him. Her courage growing with each step.
In a short time, they were standing before the empty building. He pulled the key from his jacket and unlocked the door.
About this time, Jericho had the horrid idea that perhaps going into a building with a man unchaperoned might not be the wisest thing to do. She held back. “It looks like a good place for a carpentry shop.”
He started to enter but stopped at her reluctance. “Is something wrong?”
“Well, I’m not sure it is proper for a lady to go inside a building with a man she barely knows and unchaperoned at that.”
His cheeks reddened. “I am sorry. I guess I got caught up in the excitement and didn’t think about that.”
Feeling somewhat relieved that Del’s intentions didn’t seem to be at odds with propriety, she relaxed. “When I get settled, I’ll order a chair from you.”
He smiled. “Would you like me to escort you anywhere else?”
“No, no. That’s fine. I’m glad to know where your business is. I do have some errands to run.”
Del hesitated. “Would you mind having dinner with me tonight at the hotel?”
Smiling shyly, Jericho nodded. “I’d like that. Maybe at five.”
“I’ll be there at five.” He took off his hat. “I better get to work. I do have a lot to do to get the business up and running.”
She waved and turned to go back to the courthouse. She did feel better. If the man Bridgette had picked out for her didn’t like her, she would pursue Del. They got along well together. Not forced and not hiding things.
Well, that wasn’t really true, but she felt at ease with him. In no time, she was in front of the intimidating courthouse. Before she could lose her courage, she opened the door.
To the right were a couple of rooms. The first had a sign that said mayor over the door. That would be Bridgette’s husband. He would know where she was.
A good-looking man was going over some papers and frowning. Jericho guessed everyone had troubles, rich or poor. She knocked on the wall as the door was open.
He looked up. “Yes, can I help you?”
“I was looking for Mrs. Merritt. Bridgette Merritt.”
He grinned. “She just stepped out to visit a friend. Bridgette said she’d be back before twelve.”
Jericho nodded. “I can wait outside. It’s a beautiful day.”
“That it is. But you’re welcome to stay here in the courthouse.”
“Thank you, but I love spring. The birds, bright clouds and sky, and the trees and plants coming alive again.”
“All right. If there’s anything you need, let me know.”
Jericho nodded and then went out the door. She had to admit, being in the courthouse had been intimidating. She’d have to get over that. She was a proper woman now.
She watched people coming and going. Soon an older distinguished-looking man strode up the boardwalk. By his side was a handsome woman who must have been his wife by the way he held her hand and the way she looked at him.
Jericho watched them as they entered the courthouse and hoped that in time, she and her husband would have that same look of love between them. Feeling an an
xious knot forming, Jericho rubbed her neck, hoping Bridgette would come soon.
Then she saw her. The woman was definitely with child, but the way she carried herself was something Jericho noted. Strong, confident, and determined, Bridgette walked toward her. Most women were hiding in their homes until after their baby was born, but not this woman.
Jericho gathered her courage and held her hand out. “Bridgette Merritt?”
Bridgette stopped. “Yes?”
“I’m Jericho Winters. I answered your ad, and you sent me money to come here as a mail-order bride.”
Bridgette smiled warmly and took Jericho’s hands in hers. “Jericho, I am so glad to meet you. Oh, you’re lovely. Just the way I imagined you.”
Jericho smiled but had to wonder why Bridgette would picture her with short hair.
Bridgette looked at her. “I know you will make the man I picked for you very happy.”
“My hair is short at the time because I had a mishap with a candle.”
Bridgette didn’t seem interested in the why and instead gave her a gentle, quick hug. “Let’s go inside. I’m afraid the little one inside me is wearing me out. I’m sure he’s warning me what it will be like raising him.”
“You think it’s a boy?”
“Oh, yes. Sterling, my husband, thinks it’s a girl. But I know better.” She laughed and held the door for her. I have a desk over here to the side of the two rooms. I guess you met my husband?”
“Yes, he’s a very nice man.”
“That he is. He has put up with a lot from me.” She pointed to the other office. “That is Judge Taggart’s office. He started this town and owns most of the valley.” She looked at Jericho with some sadness in her eyes. “It was the judge’s daughter that the town was named after. Shirley died of the fever.”
Jericho frowned. “That’s so sad.”
“Actually, the judge is a happy man. He misses his first wife and daughter, but he sent off for a mail-order bride. Rachel came with ten children in tow. So, the judge went from a very quiet house to well, you can guess one that is full of noise and life.”
Jericho (Bridgette's Bridal Registry Book 1) Page 3
