Without a job, she would soon be starving again, out in the streets, and easy pickings for the saloon.
She walked slowly to the bench at the park. She didn’t want to see anyone. Talk to anyone. If she could hide, she would. If the Lord would haul her into heaven, she would gladly go. If the ground would swallow her, she believed it would be better than what her future held.
Jericho sat on the bench and stared at the ground. What had Li said about hope. You can’t see it. Well, that part Jericho understood. She didn’t see any hope at all. None.
Poor Del. He’d been full of hope. Like a lamb to the slaughter, she’d led him to the church only to kill their future together. She could have let him marry her, yet she knew she’d done the right thing. Sooner or later, some man would have come through town and recognized her.
Like Del said, there had been many.
Chapter 10
Jericho prayed to leaden skies and felt that was about as high as her prayers went. Who was she kidding? God wouldn’t want a harlot either. After a few minutes, she went back to her hotel room.
She skipped dinner. Set Francesca’s dress aside and put on her light blue skirt. In the mirror, Jericho thought she looked decent, but it was a lie. She wasn’t. She was a harlot. Stained by many. Wanted by none.
She let the thoughts rumble in her mind. She might as well find a saloon and take up where she’d left off. What a fool she’d been to think she could be anything but a saloon girl.
Jericho didn’t blame Bridgette. Perhaps she should have told her right off. But then, it was doubtful that Bridgette would have been able to find her a man.
She grabbed the complimentary bottle of wine that the hotel had put in her room. She’d avoided it all this time. Now, it winked and offered her escape. “Drink me, and the world will go away.” It seemed to whisper.
A lie. She knew that too. For the world was always there when she’d come out of her drunken stupors. She had no desire to go back to that lifestyle. Looking away, she glanced out the window to the town.
Was there one man who wouldn’t mind having a used woman? She watched the people walk up and down the street. Darkness was approaching, and the light to the saloon begged for the lonely to come.
How many years had she wasted in the pit of lies? Come on in, they enticed. Wine, women, the chance to win money. All of it lies. So many ruined lives. How many had she led astray?
As she watched men go into the saloon, she thought back to those she’d fleeced. The young ones looking for fun only to be sent onto the wayward side of life. The desperate ones. Lonely ones looking for love only to be used every bit as much as she had been.
Finally, late at night, sleep took her, giving her a reprieve from the misery that had become her hope.
A knock on the door awoke her. She shook her head and saw that she was still dressed. Pushing herself up, she called out. “Yes.”
“Jericho, it’s me, Bridgette.”
For a fleeting moment, Jericho had hoped it was Del. Of course, it wouldn’t be. If nothing else, Del was determined to be a success. Having a harlot by his side was not in his plans.
She walked to the door, trying to figure out how she would earn the money to repay Bridgette for the advance. Tentatively, Jericho opened the door.
Bridgette rushed in like a whirlwind. “Sterling came home last night and told me what happened. I’m so sorry.”
Jericho figured she must still be sleeping to hear Bridgette say she was sorry. Shaking her head, she squinted and looked at the woman. “What?”
“I am sorry that I didn’t know more about you. You were my first bride.” She sat down with a huff on the settee. “So, now we need to figure out what we should do.”
“We? Del doesn’t want a thing to do with me, and really, I can’t blame him. I have a job at Francesca’s, but I am sure that will only last until she realizes who I am.”
Bridgette hushed her. “Listen, I am a good judge of character. It’s a gift. I know you. And whatever you may have been, you are a wonderful woman now. One who I would consider it a great honor to be my friend.”
“I’ll try and repay you.”
Bridgette stood with her hands on her hips, pushing out her extended belly. “Excuse me. I didn’t say I wanted anything back, and I do not regret bringing you here. I like you. I see you as a smart, kind woman who is a good asset for this town, and if Del would open his foolish eyes and see you as I see you, he’d know that you are the perfect woman for him.”
“I don’t know what to say. I don’t even know why you would say such things. Del made it very clear that he doesn’t want me.”
Bridgette shook her head. “Men, what do they know? It’s our job to show them what is best for them. Del will just take a little time is all.” She began pacing about the room.
Jericho followed Bridgette about the room. “How can you think he will change his mind?”
“Because I saw the love in his eyes for you. He loves you.”
Jericho shook her head. “I killed that love.”
“Did you? I don’t think so. He’s in shock and dealing with pride. He will come around. I will see to it.”
Jericho almost wanted to laugh. Bridgette was so sure of herself. “I should have told you and Del before things—”
“Ah. Stop right there. Del needs to understand mercy and grace. Regardless of what woman he falls in love with, he’ll need to know how to forgive and be forgiven. He can ask Sterling.” Bridgette smiled. And then frowned and held her stomach.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, but this little one is a fighter and kicks like a mule.” She laughed. “He’s stubborn like his father.”
Jericho raised an eyebrow at Bridgette. “I think he may be a bit like his mother.”
Bridgette grinned. “Perhaps. Now that we have that figured out, are you hungry? Dear me, I am. Let’s go down to the diner and have breakfast. My second one.”
Jericho halted. “I don’t know. What if they all know?”
Bridgette shook her head. “I won’t kid you. You’re going to have to be courageous and hold your head up. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve turned from that old way of life. Besides, you said you were but a child when you were forced into that life. If I have learned one thing in my life, it’s that if you act confident, most of the world will go along with you.”
“I’ll try.”
Bridgette whirled to face her. “Get that idea out of your head. You are either going to be a proper woman and a good citizen in this town, or you are not. Try has failure wrapped all in it. Do you think any judge would look at me as a lawyer if I simply tried?”
Jericho shook her head.
“No, they wouldn’t. I have had to fight my way into this man’s world. Most resent me, but others respect me. Mostly, because I respect myself. So, I’m asking you, Jericho Winters, are you a respectable woman? A woman who any man would be thankful to have as his wife?”
Listening to Bridgette, Jericho felt a power of warmth and truth rise up inside her. “Yes, I am. I’ve turned my life around and will not go back to what I was but only forward to what I desire to become.”
“Good! I like that. Never shrink back, Jericho. Your father gave you a strong good name. Do you realize that the only person saved out of the city of Jericho in the Bible was a harlot and her family? Rahab, the harlot, saved the Israelite spies. What’s more, in Hebrew, it means a place of fragrance or city of the moon.”
“How do you know this?”
“I love books. The judge has a wonderful library. After receiving your letter, I looked at one of his books and found the information. I thought it might come in handy.”
“Thank you, Bridgette. You’ve made me see myself in a different light.”
With a smile, the whirlwind before her headed for the door. “Let’s go then. I think you’re ready. Remember, head up. Always.” And Bridgette marched out the door and down the stairs as if she was going into battle.
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nbsp; Jericho followed doing her best to keep the words in her mind and before her. There were a few people in the foyer. She tried not to think they had already heard her story. Soon, they were in the diner.
The waiter came up, and Jericho forced herself to look him in the eyes when she was ordering.
Bridgette nodded at her. “You’re doing fine. My, breakfast does smell good. I am so glad I don’t get sick anymore. Now I eat more than ever.”
“You have a good reason.”
“I guess so.” Bridgette looked up and smiled. “Oh, my man.” She waved. “Over here, Sterling.”
The mayor grinned and came to their table, taking the chair next to Bridgette. “Thank you for taking care of my wife. She strays away from me, and I’m always looking for her even after I have told her to stay put.”
Jericho laughed. “I’d say you married a cyclone.”
Sterling nodded. “That she is. What am I going to do with you, Bridgette? Doctor Newsome said you should be staying at home now until the baby is born. It’s less than a month away.”
Bridgette pouted. “You know how bored I get.”
“You can read. The judge said you can come over and pick out as many books as you like.”
Sterling turned his attention to Jericho. “I’d like it if Bridgette had company at home. Would you be interested in staying at our house, so she’s not alone?”
Bridgette’s face brightened. “Yes, that would be wonderful. Please say yes. We have plenty of room.”
Jericho knew she was blushing, but the idea would be such an answer to prayer. She halted and sent a look heavenward. Had God listened to her prayers? “I think that it would be wonderful if you’re sure. I mean—”
Bridgette shot her a warning look. “Head up.”
With a nod, Jericho smiled. “The answer is yes, then.”
Sterling squeezed Bridgette’s hand. “Good. You go and pack your things, and I’ll rent a wagon for us. I’ll drive you home.”
Bridgette wolfed down her food between excited chatter. “We will have such a good time. Do you like to read?”
Jericho nodded. “My father did make sure I could read and do my figures. Although I haven’t read many books.”
“You will love the judge’s library. It’s like book heaven. We’ve been working on an idea to make a library for the town of Shirleyville. Maybe someday.” Bridgette put a hand on her husband’s arm. “Can we go to the judge’s house first and pick out some books?” She patted her stomach. “You know I won’t be able to travel at all very soon.”
Sterling sighed. “All right.”
Jericho got the idea that Bridgette usually got her way. From everyone. But the woman was so full of confidence, it was hard to deny her.
Sterling paid the bill for breakfast. “I’ll get the wagon and be back in half an hour to pick you two beautiful ladies up.” He rose and walked out of the diner.
“You have a good man, Bridgette.”
“Yes, I do. He’s my knight-in-shining-armor. I used to dream about a man like Sterling to come and rescue me from my sheep farm existence.”
Jericho helped Bridgette to her feet. “I can’t picture you watching sheep.”
“I couldn’t either. I love my family, but it just wasn’t what I wanted.” She grinned. “And look at me now. A lawyer. Make that enterprising lawyer. Respected. And I am not even close to being done.”
Jericho laughed. “I can believe that.” In no time, her belongings were in the satchel and a few boxes for the hats.
Bridgette sighed. “We can wait in the foyer, and my husband will send a boy up to get the boxes.”
Jericho followed her down the stairs and sat on the velvet divan with her. While sitting there watching the people go by, Jericho practiced her confident look. She was doing fairly well when she saw Del walk past the hotel.
Bridgette grabbed her hand. “You’re a wonderful woman, Jericho. Don’t forget it for a minute.”
She nodded and prayed that Del wouldn’t stop in. But he went to the door and opened it and stared right at her and then looked at Bridgette.
“Why, Mr. Selmer. What a surprise.” Bridgette extended her hand. “I’d rise, but I am finding that a little more difficult these days.”
“Your husband told me I could find you here. I just wanted to ask about the chairs you ordered. Did you want a sculpture on the back?”
“Yes, I do. Roses. They have such a pleasing fragrance.” Bridgette sent a quick look to Jericho.
Del nodded. “Yes, they do.”
With a shake of her head, Bridgette sighed. “You haven’t been respectful to my friend. I would hope you would treat her with the dignity she deserves.”
Del let go of Bridgette’s hand and stared at Jericho. “Good morning.” Then he abruptly turned his attention back to Bridgette. “Will there be anything else?”
“Yes, I think I will want you to deliver them to my house. I won’t be leaving my home until this child makes an appearance. Oh, did I tell you Jericho will be staying with me?”
“No, you didn’t.”
“I do hope you two can settle your differences. I would hate to see you miss out on such happiness.” Bridgette smiled at him with a mischievous look in her eyes.
Jericho wanted to cry, yet watching Bridgette made her want to laugh. She had Del all twisted in knots. Taking a lesson from Bridgette, Jericho smiled. “I’ll look forward to your visits.”
Del looked surprised that she’d talk to him. He stared at her but didn’t say anything.
With an excited wave, Bridgette struggled to stand. “There’s Sterling. We’ll look forward to seeing you, Mr. Selmer. Good day.”
Sterling came in and helped his wife to her feet. He nodded at the hotel clerk. “I have some bags from Miss Winters’ room if you’d bring them to the wagon.”
“Yes, sir.” The clerk tapped a young man, and he scampered upstairs.
Sterling led Bridgette to the door. “Ladies. Your carriage awaits you.”
Jericho wanted to laugh at Del’s surprised look. The man had apparently thought she’d run to the saloon and fall apart. As she passed by him, she could feel the attraction they’d had before. She prayed he still felt it, but the look on his face wasn’t exactly friendly.
Del stepped aside. “I’ll bring the chairs out to you, Mrs. Merritt.”
“You do that, Mr. Selmer. Thank you.” Bridgette, always polite always in control rested on her husband’s arms with such an adoring look.
Jericho had to believe she did it to prod Del into seeing what he was missing. As for Sterling, he played the part of adoring husband to the hilt. She wanted to look back and see if there had been any effect on Del, but she kept her gaze straight forward to the wagon and her future.
If she was to go on and leave the past behind, she needed to keep her sights set on what she desired and believe it could happen. With Del or without him.
Chapter 11
Jericho sat on the wagon behind Bridgette and Sterling and enjoyed the pleasant day and the view of life awakening in the meadows and trees. Spring had always been her favorite time of year.
Why Bridgette was taking such an interest in her, Jericho couldn’t imagine, but she was grateful. Most people would have reacted like Del. Although, the preacher had been kind to her, too.
Despite Bridgette’s optimistic talk about Del changing his mind, Jericho had a hard time believing he’d look at her in any other way than in that hateful look of betrayal. She still had feelings for him but doubted his feelings for her were pleasant.
Soon they came to a fork in the road, and Sterling stopped. “Are you sure you want to go to Judge Taggart’s? Riding in the carriage can’t be comfortable for you.”
Bridgette waved a hand at him. “I’m fine. You forget I’m from sturdy Howard stock. My mother had Aileen while my father was moving her to the cabin on our ranch. They’d been in the mining camps, and he’d just bought the land. My oldest sister was born under the stars.”
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bsp; Sterling put a hand on hers. “How could I forget. I live with the hardiest of that hardy stock.”
He reined the horses down the right fork and pointed up the hill. “The judge’s house is just beyond that hill. There’s nothing like it in the territory. He’s amassed quite the empire.”
Bridgette nodded. “He’s a wonderful man. But even the judge admits that until Rachel and her children came into his life, he was lonely and adrift.” She looked back at Jericho. “I plan to have at least seven children. We already have three.”
Jericho stared at her. “I thought this was your first.”
“Well, it’s the first that I’m giving birth to, but we adopted two wonderful boys in Chicago. The place where Spencer won me over to be his wife. You’ll like Tony and Federico. They’re good boys.”
“I bet they are. They have wonderful parents.”
Soon they were in front of a large Victorian house that looked so out of place on the Montana prairie. But it was beautiful and large enough to fit Rachel’s ten children. The judge had built if for his first wife and child, but they had died soon after moving in.
Jericho was both sad and happy for the judge. It would seem the Lord had seen to his needs and wants as well as to Rachel and her children. Jericho had heard enough hard stories of widows forced to give up their children because they couldn’t afford to feed them.
They were let inside the big house by a kind Chinese man named George. Jericho realized he must have been the man that Li came to marry. Yes, he was much too old for her. Soon she was introduced to Mary, an older Chinese woman who looked at George with adoring eyes. And she saw George return that look.
She wondered if LI and James were here.
The judge and Rachel came from the study. The judge smiled at them. “So glad you came by. Miss Winters, it’s a pleasure to have you in my home.”
Rachel stepped forward and took Jericho’s hand. “Yes, it is always a joy to meet new people. I hope you will come to like Shirleyville.”
Jericho (Bridgette's Bridal Registry Book 1) Page 8
