Mail-Order Bride Ink: Dear Mr. Diamond

by Kit Morgan

  Before he knew it, he was entering the Holbrooks’ parlor and taking a seat next to Katie. He wasn’t sure whether to be happy or annoyed that there were only so many places to sit.

  By the time Priscilla entered the parlor, he could barely stay still. He’d noticed everything there was to notice about the woman next to him: the fineness of her hair, the slight cast around her from the sun shining through the lace curtains behind them. He probably had a similar halo and wondered if she noticed. When she looked at him her eyes were full of concern, curiosity and, if his guess was right, attraction. His heart swelled a little more. Drat it.

  “It’s so nice to have visitors,” said Mrs. Holbrook. “Sheriff, I’m surprised we haven’t seen more of you.”

  “Everything in its time, ma’am,” he told her.

  Everyone glanced at Priscilla and back. “Well,” Mrs. Holbrook said happily. “It’s good to see you now. Is there anything we can help you with?”

  “Actually, Mrs. Vander and Miss Haverdash wanted to visit with Priscilla. I just happened to be along.”

  Mrs. Holbrook cleared her throat. “Priscilla has told me everything. I’m glad I have the correct information to tell the truth from gossip.”

  He half-smiled at Priscilla. “Still, I won’t keep the ladies from their visit. Later, however, if Priscilla is up to it, I’ll ask her a few questions.”

  “I was wondering when you would,” Priscilla said with a hint of annoyance. That was a sign the old Priscilla was still around, at least a part of her. Which made him wonder: would she withhold information about Sebastian Cord? Did she know things that would protect him if she kept silent? As the man had already confessed, there wasn’t much more she could add … unless she knew something about the fourth party involved.

  The women chatted about this and that, and he was surprised how many questions Priscilla asked Katie regarding Denver. Had she taken her advice to heart and was thinking of making a fresh start elsewhere?

  “I have friends in Denver you know,” Mrs. Holbrook said as she poured everyone a cup of tea. “Though I doubt you’ve heard of them, Miss Haverdash.”

  “What are their names?” Katie asked.

  “Cecelia and Leo Finch.”

  Katie coughed and sputtered, and Jace patted her back. “Finch?” he said as Katie tried to recover.

  “Yes, she’s a cousin to a very wealthy family there. Alas, her own family just owned a few general stores, but they’re quite happy with their lot. Just as we are.” She looked at Priscilla who returned a blank stare. “Isn’t that right, dear?”

  “Yes, Mother,” she said obediently.

  Jace watched her. Katie was right – Priscilla did need a fresh start. She should go someplace like Denver, create a life for herself, maybe come back to Independence when she was ready.

  “I hear they’re starting the cleanup, today,” Mrs. Holbrook commented, offering everyone cookies. “Mrs. Brock came by yesterday, asking if I’d like to volunteer. I thought it was in very poor taste.”

  “Why?” Priscilla asked. “And why didn’t you tell me she was here?”

  “Come now, dear, you can’t be bothered with such things. Think of your poor nerves.”

  “I volunteered,” Sophie, sitting closest to Priscilla, stated.

  Mrs. Holbrook gasped. “After what was done to you? I wouldn’t want to set foot within a hundred yards of that place.”

  “Hard to do in a town this size,” Jace said, “but I can see your point. Though I suspect Priscilla is the best judge of whether or not she’s ready to face things.”

  Katie leaned toward Priscilla. “I volunteered as well. You’re welcome to come with us when we do our shift.”

  “When is it?” Priscilla asked.

  “I’m sure we can go anytime,” Sophie said. “What’s convenient for you?”

  Priscilla looked at Katie. “Do you have the nap shift at the bookshop today?”

  Katie smiled. “I do.”

  “Can we go when Miss Haverdash is done working?”

  “Of course.” Sophie said and took Priscilla’s hand. “I think this will be good for both of us.”

  Priscilla smiled. “So do I. In fact, I don’t think I could do it without you.”

  Sophie squeezed her hand and released it. “Then it’s settled. I’ll come back this afternoon and we’ll go together.”

  “Are you sure you want to do this, Priscilla?” her mother asked.

  Jace could hear the protest in her voice. “I’ll be with them. Doc Stone is volunteering this afternoon as well.”

  “Well, I hope he brings some smelling salts, Priscilla, when you get a case of the vapors.”

  Jace exchanged a quick look with Katie. Mrs. Holbrook wasn’t helping. Maybe she was the reason Priscilla hadn’t ventured out of the house until yesterday.

  Priscilla looked at her mother with an embarrassment glare. It made Katie flinch on the sofa next to him. “We can talk while we work.”

  He sipped his tea and stole another glance at Katie. The concern in her eyes was hard to miss – she truly cared. The thought made him smile.

  Sophie steered the conversation to the latest fashions she’d heard about, which gave him a chance to think about Mrs. Holbrook’s mention of Cecelia Finch. Katie clearly knew her, or at least knew of her. Was that the connection he was looking for, or pure coincidence?

  When the visit concluded he stood and looked out the window. There was nothing out of place, no sign of anyone watching the house. Good – he’d check again at the door. The women confirmed their plans, said their goodbyes and set off.

  “Is Mrs. Holbrook always that overbearing?” Katie asked.

  “She’s just protective,” Sophie countered.

  “No, that was overbearing,” Katie replied. “She reminds me of my mother.”

  Jace arched an eyebrow. “That explains a few things.”

  “Doesn’t it, though?” Katie shook her head and sighed. “My father isn’t much better, and he’s louder. My mother is much more subtle, like Mrs. Holbrook.”

  Sophie’s brows shot up. “Poor Priscilla … I had no idea. No wonder she left Independence to look after her aunt.”

  “True enough,” Jace agreed. “I think this afternoon will be good for both of you.”

  Sophie smiled. “I’m glad you’ll be there. I have to admit, the place does make me nervous.”

  “Facing your fears helps healing,” he said.

  Katie glanced at him. “Have you had to face yours?”

  He caught her gaze and held it. “Yes.”

  She said nothing more and kept walking. He didn’t like talking about some of the things that had happened to him. But those same things had convinced Mr. Markhel and his organization to recruit him. You took the bitter with the sweet.

  When they reached the Vanders’ home he watched Sophie and Katie go inside but stayed where he was. “Aren’t you coming in?” Katie asked, with the same concern he’d seen at the Holbrooks’.

  “No, I have things to do. I’ll return at lunchtime to escort you to the bookshop.”

  Katie smiled warmly. “All right, I’ll see you then.” She took one last look at him, their eyes locking, before, thank the stars in Heaven, she closed the door.

  Only then did Jace let out the breath he’d been holding.

  Katie’s afternoon shift at the bookshop was once again quiet – not a single customer. The residents of Independence must be preoccupied with the cleanup a couple of blocks away. Or word the bookshop was now open during napping hours hadn’t got around yet. Perhaps she should mention it to Grandpa Vander – he would surely let everyone know.

  But it was just as well. She couldn’t concentrate, with Jace Diamond clouding her thoughts. The looks he’d given her that day, the way he made her heart race and her mind go blank … little by little her attraction to him was growing, something she could ill afford. But would he give her such looks, speak the way he did, if he wasn’t becoming more attracted to her as well?
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  On the walk to the bookshop he’d been unusually quiet. She was too, not wanting to disturb his thoughts. But she caught him stealing glimpses of her, saw the sweat form on his temple, and when a single drop slid down his face she wanted to wipe it away. Such a silly thought. Improper. “What is wrong with me?” she whispered to herself. “I can’t be doing this.” The only result would be a broken heart. Unless …

  The bell over the door rang and in walked the man himself. Not only did her stomach do that flip, but her heart as well! Did she remember to breathe? She wasn’t sure. He stood in the doorway, staring at her, not saying a word. She stared back.

  He swallowed hard. “Is the professor up?”

  She shook her head, unable to speak.

  His eyes darted to the back of the shop and the door to the professor’s sanctuary. “Want me to do it?”

  “Give him a …” She swallowed, her throat dry. “… a few moments.”

  He stepped in, closing the door behind him, and approached the counter. “Eventful afternoon?”

  “No customers.” She swallowed again.

  “That’s good.” He took a deep breath, let it out slowly and took off his hat. His hair was plastered to his head and he ran his hand through it a few times. “Mighty hot out there. Folks are taking shorter shifts at the site.”

  She nodded. It was hot in the bookshop too – and getting warmer by the second. Her breathing was shallow, her nerves a wreck.

  He came closer, looked into her eyes, and froze.

  She did too, her eyes locked with his. If this kept up, she might faint!

  “Well, here already, Sheriff?” Professor Hamilton emerged from the nearby stacks, stretching and yawning. “What a wonderful dream I had.”

  Katie, her breathing shaky now, forced a smile. It was all she could do to stay standing – she’d never reacted this way to a man before. What was he doing to her?

  “I’ll take things from here, my dear.” The professor joined her behind the counter and glanced between them.

  Katie was vaguely aware of the old man’s eyebrows heading for the ceiling, of his smile as she and Jace’s gazes refused to waver. But who was holding whom? She wasn’t sure and didn’t care. She was taking in everything she could about the rugged ex-Ranger on the other side of the counter: his dark hair, tanned skin, green eyes, the tiny dimple on his right cheek. He was broad, muscular, strong, and deathly quiet when he wanted to be. He could sneak up on anyone, she surmised, and felt sorry for anyone he did.

  “Ahem …”

  Katie took a shuddering breath. “Yes, we should be going.” Her voice cracked on the last word. She stepped around the professor and the counter, which put her closer to Jace. She caught his scent, and it almost did her in. She couldn’t imagine Ronald Finch ever affecting a woman this way.

  Speaking of Finch … “Why haven’t you asked me about Mrs. Holbrook’s friend in Denver?”

  “I thought we’d talk on the way to the site.”

  “Oh.” She headed for the door and stopped. “I’m sorry, Professor, but there were no customers.”

  “That’s fine. Trust me, there will be. Best take some water with you if you’re working in this heat.”

  “We will.” Jace ushered her out the door. As soon as they were off, he got down to business. “Does your Ronald Finch have a relation named Cecilia?”

  “I couldn’t tell you, but I could have Beryl find out.”

  “I can find out just as easily, but I thought I’d start with you.”

  “Even if Ronald did, how would this person know I was here?”

  “That’s a good question.” He surprised her by going to his horse.

  “Did you go somewhere?”

  “I was taking a look around.” He untied the reins from the hitching post and began to lead the horse away.

  “Are we going to the livery stable?”

  “Yes. No need to have him standing around in the heat while we’re working.”

  “Makes sense.” She walked beside him. It wasn’t long before he offered her his canteen. “Thank you.” She opened it and took a long swallow. The water was surprisingly cool. “That’s good.”

  “We’ll fill it again before we leave the livery. There’s a pump out back.”

  She noticed the dust he and the horse were kicking up from walking, listened to the jangle of his spurs and the soft thud of the horse’s hooves. All of it was oddly comforting. “What’s his name?”

  He smiled and looked at her. “Chester.”

  She giggled. “Chester?”

  He nodded. “I named him after a dog I had growing up.”

  “You named the horse … after a dog?”

  “Yep. He was a real good dog.”

  She laughed. “All right.” She looked at the big black horse. “Chester. For some reason I would’ve pictured a chestnut.”

  He smiled and glanced at her. “So my horse would be Blackie, I suppose?”

  “It would fit.”

  His dimple deepened as he grinned. “I suppose I like to be unpredictable.”

  “That you are,” she said softly.

  “Beg pardon?”

  She looked up at him. “Nothing.”

  They reached the stable, took care of the horse, then headed for the cleanup site. When they got there at least a dozen people were filling wheelbarrows with charred debris, dirt and rocks, or picking up bits of broken glass with handkerchiefs and work gloves. The wheelbarrows were pushed up a ramp into the back of a wagon and dumped. As soon as one wagon was full, a short middle-aged man with a black hat too big for his head directed another to take its place. “Where are they going to unload it all?” Katie wondered

  “The Edmondsons cleared some land earlier this summer. They said the town could dump all this in a slash pile they made. They’ll burn it come winter.”

  “That’s nice of them.”

  “It is. This town helped the family out years ago – this is a way for them to say thank you.”

  Katie watched the townsfolk working. She couldn’t think of anyone in Denver who’d return a favor like that, and after so much time had passed. But that was the difference between here and her world – people cared for each other more here. She caught sight of Priscilla, Sophie and Fletcher working the pile. “Well, shall we join them?”

  Jace nodded. “But stay close to me.”

  Katie’s heart melted at the sound of his voice, the concern mixed with authority. She nodded and followed him to the nearest wheelbarrow.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Katie worked alongside Jace for several hours. By the time they were through, they were both sweaty, dirty and tired, but she’d never felt better. The exercise agreed with her. And Jace was attentive – offering her his canteen regularly but not partaking himself until someone came by with a bucket of water and a ladle. Then he downed about a quart. He could have left her side to find a water pump and refill the canteen, but instead he paid a boy to do it for him so he wouldn’t have to leave her.

  He worked, scanned the area around them, worked some more. If she strayed too far, he’d gently take her arm and steer her back to where he was. She didn’t mean to wander, but most of the debris around him was too big for her to lift, so she’d gone in search of smaller pieces. When she told him that, he took them to a spot where she could work with ease.

  No one had ever looked out for her like he was doing. It made her feel cherished, safe, protected. She’d often felt she was nothing more than chattel to her father – something to be traded, bought or sold. She was a commodity, and an arranged marriage to Ronald was a business deal, plain and simple.

  “My my, look at all the progress!” Mercy Vander gushed as she stepped over a charred piece of lumber. Betsy was at her side, trying not to get poked in the eye by her employer’s parasol.

  “Progress indeed,” Mahulda said. “Wonderful.”

  “Yes, this will be cleaned up in no time,” Martha added.

  Maude surveyed the area an
d nodded. “Very nice. What shall we do with the lot when the work’s done?”

  “Didn’t someone mention a garden?” Mercy asked.

  “A garden?” the man with the big black hat asked as he motioned another wagon into place. “That’s a wonderful idea, Mrs. Vander.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Olsen, it certainly is. Now if I could just remember whose idea it was, I could ask them more about it.”

  “I think it was Sophie’s, ma’am,” said Betsy.

  “Oh, yes, so it was. Oh look, there’s Sheriff Diamond and his fiancé! Yoo-hoo, Sheriff!” Mrs. Vander waved.

  Jace stiffened, then smiled. “She still thinks we’re getting married,” he said out of the side of his mouth.

  Katie’s heart plummeted. “Is that right?” she forced out. “Silly, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, silly.” He cleared his throat and hefted the remains of a rafter onto his shoulder. “I’ll take this to the wagon –”

  “Oh, Sheriff!” Mercy called again.

  “I think she wants to speak with you,” Katie said.

  He set the rafter down. “Come on, let’s see what she wants.”

  Katie wiped her hands on her skirt and went with him. She noticed he didn’t let her lag behind but matched her stride.

  “There you are – oh, just look at you!” Mercy said. “You’re a mess!”

  “Yes, but a couple that knows how to work together stays together,” Maude added.

  Jace groaned, and Katie’s heart sank another notch. They fit together, like a hand in a glove. It was an uncanny sensation, and she liked it. But then the truth came and slapped her in the face. He didn’t want her. This was business – he was doing his job, nothing more. She swallowed hard as tears threatened. Had she wanted to get married that badly? Was that what made her so sad?

  She glanced at him as he listened to the matrons gabbling and realized it wasn’t just marriage she wanted, but marriage to him. “Oh, no …”

  He looked at her. “What is it?”