“I pride myself on shaking up people’s expectations. It makes life more interesting. Now go on,” she said, wagging a finger at him. “What was your next mistake?”
“Why are you so sure that I’m the one at fault?” Joel protested.
“Are you saying that you’re not?”
“Well . . . I probably am,” he admitted. “But I don’t know what I could have done better. She wanted to do my paperwork, Miss Hazel, and I couldn’t let her. These are confidential documents, and she’s not authorized.”
“I can see your point,” Miss Hazel said.
“And I might have been a little abrupt. All right, I was rude. I admit it.” Joel ran a hand through his hair. “She just . . . she came in here and took my breath away—have you seen her eyes?”
“Yes, my dear,” Miss Hazel said, a smile on her face. “I’ve seen her eyes.”
“And then she starts interfering with official Mountie business. I can’t afford to let myself get distracted by a pretty woman, Miss Hazel. I take my role here very seriously, and I will defend the integrity of the organization.”
“I know you take it seriously, and that might be part of your problem,” Miss Hazel told him. “I chose Evelyn Murray for you for some very specific reasons. Would you like to know what they are?”
“Will that help me, or make me feel more miserable?”
“Both, and I believe that making you feel more miserable might be just what you need in order to help you.”
He shook his head again. “Meaning that I need to learn a painful lesson? Or that it’s got to hurt to heal? Something like that?”
“Exactly. You’re not completely hopeless after all.” She gave him a look of approval, the first one he’d seen on her face since she came into his office ten minutes previously. “For starters, she loves the RNWMP as much as you do. She’s red serge to her core.”
“She did say that it ran in her family,” Joel said.
“It does, and if you know what’s good for you, if she ever agrees to speak to you again, ask her about her family,” Miss Hazel said. “That would help mend fences between the two of you faster than anything else I can think of.”
“Noted. And what’s the next reason you matched us up?”
“She knows how to have fun, and you need to learn to relax.”
Joel scoffed. “Relax? I relax. I go over to Jess and Theodore’s for dinner around twice a week, and I fish once in a while. What more could I possibly need to do?”
“Those same things, only with a girl.” Miss Hazel waved a hand in front of her face like she smelled something that only she could smell. “Except maybe fishing. That’s a stinky business, and not the way to win someone over right off the bat. Maybe after you’re married and you’re starving to death because you don’t make much money and you decide that you need to live off the land. In a case like that, go fishing, but not one moment before.”
“All right,” Joel said slowly. “She can teach me how to have fun. What else?”
She gave him that look again. “Evelyn is the most patriotic girl I’ve ever met. She loves Canada with a fierceness I’ve only ever seen in one person—you. If anyone will stand by your side while you defend your people and your liberty, it will be her.”
Joel nodded. “I’ve made a huge mess, haven’t I?”
Miss Hazel nodded. “I believe you have, but I also believe it can be fixed. You’ll just need to stop being so . . . well, let’s be honest. Bullheaded. You’re bullheaded, Joel, and it’s time you faced up to it and learned to do something about it. Use it to win her back now that it’s chased her away.”
“How do I do that?”
She gave an exasperated sigh. “Gracious. Do I have to explain everything? When I became a matchmaker, I thought the men would handle the wooing themselves.”
Joel felt his ears turning red. “I’ve never handled any sort of wooing, Miss Hazel. Remember? I never thought I was going to marry.”
She sighed. “I suppose your innocence is part of what makes you so endearing. All right, I’ll give you a few pointers. First of all, give her a little time to simmer down, but don’t wait too long. Then make your first contact simple and sweet. Stop by to say hello and make sure she’s settling in. If you rush in there with your boots on fire, you’ll just irritate her.”
“No boots on fire. Got it.”
She continued as though he hadn’t spoken. “And only then would I suggest talking to her about starting over. She’s a very independent girl—she needs to feel as though she’s being given her space. But don’t give her too much or she’ll feel abandoned.”
Joel tilted his head to the side. “That’s a little confusing. How much of each?”
“That’s something you’ll have to figure out as you go, dear. Think of it as solving a mystery—you must like mysteries or you never would have gone into law enforcement.”
“I do enjoy them.”
“Good. A young woman is the most complicated mystery you’ll ever try to solve, but also the most rewarding.”
Joel nodded. “So, I need to give her space, but not too much space, and I should keep her from feeling abandoned, but also support her independence.”
“Exactly.” Miss Hazel beamed at him. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some other things I need to do. I trust that you’ll figure it out, Joel. You’re a smart boy, although somewhat clueless when it comes to women, and everything will turn out all right.”
“I certainly hope so,” Joel said as he walked Miss Hazel to the door. He’d never meant to hurt Evelyn’s feelings. In fact, it went against his very fiber to do anything hurtful to a woman, and yet it seemed that’s exactly what he’d done. He needed to make this up to her. But first—to let her simmer.
He just hoped it was a simmer and not a boil.
Chapter Three
When Mrs. Timmons said the home was clean, Evelyn imagined something . . . clean, not the cluttered, dusty mess she saw when she was ushered inside. She realized that everyone’s perceptions of cleanliness were bound to be different, but this went beyond a simple matter of opinion. Mrs. Timmons seemed proud of her home, however, and Evelyn knew she had to tread lightly or risk offending her hostess, something she didn’t want to do for anything.
“You have a lovely home,” she said, hoping she wouldn’t get struck by lightning for the lie. “And I plan to do my share around here—I can cook and clean, as well as do laundry.”
“Well now, I can’t turn down an offer like that,” Mrs. Timmons replied. She turned to her husband, who had just taken a seat in the rocking chair by the fireplace. “She’s going to help me wash your stinky socks, Felix!”
“My socks are not stinky!” he retorted.
“You’ll have to forgive Felix,” Mrs. Timmons said, turning back to Evelyn. “His nose doesn’t always work as it should. Now, would you mind mixing up some biscuits while I take the clothes off the line?”
“I’d be happy to,” Evelyn replied.
As soon as Mrs. Timmons had stepped outside, Evelyn grabbed a rag and attacked the kitchen table. The bucket of water in the corner looked fresh, and by the time Mrs. Timmons came in, Evelyn had a clean work surface and was complacently mixing the biscuit dough.
“I rather thought you’d have those in the oven by now, but not everyone works as fast as I do,” Mrs. Timmons said. She thumped the laundry basket down in the corner, then crossed to the stove and lifted the lid on a bubbling concoction that smelled like meat and vegetables. “Dinner will be ready as soon as those biscuits are out. I’ve got butter and honey to go on ’em.”
“Sounds delicious,” Evelyn replied. If nothing else, she’d eat biscuits, knowing they were clean. The condition of the rest of the kitchen made her question the safety of the stew.
She glanced out the window in the direction of the Mountie office and sighed. So much for her wedding day.
***
Joel paced outside the Timmons’ cabin in the moonlight, wondering if it was to
o soon to speak with Evelyn. Miss Hazel hadn’t been very clear on how long it took someone to simmer down, just that he shouldn’t wait too long. He’d never been given such unclear instructions in his life.
He was just about to give up and go home when the door to the cabin opened and Evelyn stepped out, a shawl around her shoulders. As tempting as it was to sneak into the shadows and hide from her, he knew she’d already seen him, and he’d look like a fool if he left. Well, an even bigger fool—he had already laid quite a foundation for it.
“Good evening, Miss Murray,” he said, touching the brim of his hat. “I came to see if you’ve settled in all right.”
“As well as can reasonably be expected,” she replied. “Thank you for your concern.”
He nodded, then realized he had absolutely nothing else to say. Why hadn’t he come prepared? He wondered if he should apologize again for the scene in his office, but bringing it up might fuel the argument, and he’d rather avoid the topic. It was uncomfortable, but certainly less dangerous.
“The Timmons are a fine couple,” he said, deciding to stick to a safer topic. “Margaret brought me soup when I took ill last winter.”
“Oh? Was it edible?”
He saw her wince as soon as she said it. “Yes, it was quite good.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” She looked at the sky, the trees—anything but him. “I won’t keep you, Corporal. I was just stepping out for a breath of fresh air.”
Joel might not know much about women, but he did recognize that as a dismissal. “I hope you enjoy your evening. Goodnight, Miss Murray.”
He turned on his heel and strode back up the street. Not for the first time, he wished he’d gone with the other Mounties to track down the outlaws who had shot the mercantile owner. That would be a far more pleasant experience than what he was currently going through.
***
Evelyn watched Joel walk away, and for a split second, she was tempted to call out to him. He had looked very handsome standing there in the moonlight in his uniform, and there was something in his eyes that said he was sorry about everything that had happened earlier in the day. Still, it would have been nice to hear it, rather than just imagining it, and he’d seemed withdrawn and reserved. His visit had only been made out of duty—as the Mountie in charge of the area, he had to set a good example of hospitality for his men, in addition to ensuring the safety of everyone in town. It would be terrible if she’d gone missing in his jurisdiction.
She sighed. She’d been so ready to fall in love with him—she’d spent the whole train ride imagining what it would be like that first moment when their eyes met and he took her hand in his and she became his wife. Her mother had always told her she was a bit too impetuous with her emotions, and now she could see that for the problem it was—if she hadn’t built Joel up so much in her mind, she wouldn’t be so disappointed now.
The air was crisp and cool, exactly what she needed after the stuffy air inside the Timmons’ cabin, and she took a deep breath to clear what felt like cobwebs out of her lungs. She’d insisted on washing the dishes after dinner, and while she was at it, she’d washed down the cupboards where the dishes belonged. Now she felt a bit more comfortable about the kitchen area, and the next day, she’d see what she could do about the rest of the house.
It was a little overwhelming to say the least.
Six more days, and she could leave. She had some money tucked away that she had planned to use for household goods or whatever else might be needful when she got here—well, a return train ticket was needful, so that’s what she’d do with it. This left her asking herself a larger question, though—what was she going to do after that?
She’d been given a good education, and was suited for a wide variety of jobs. She could easily work as a secretary or a store clerk, and she’d considered becoming a teacher. She’d often thought she would enjoy nursing as well. She wasn’t trapped by her circumstances and could do whatever she wanted, but what she’d wanted was to marry a Mountie and live out here in the untamed world, serving the people of the community and protecting the land.
Perhaps there was another Mountie somewhere she could marry instead.
She’d have to ask Miss Hazel about that.
In the meantime, she was exhausted. It was time to climb into her shabby little bed and see what sleep she could get before attacking a huge stack of laundry the next day. She had a feeling she’d need all the rest she could get.
Chapter Four
Friday morning, Evelyn had just set a pan of biscuits on the table when there was a knock on the door. Mrs. Timmons opened it to reveal Miss Hazel standing on the other side.
“All the brides are gathering for breakfast at Jess’s,” Miss Hazel said after she’d greeted Mrs. Timmons. “Come back over with me, Evelyn.”
“I . . . I don’t know,” Evelyn stammered. Was she still considered part of the group?
“Well, I do know, and I say you’re coming.” Miss Hazel smiled brightly, but her eyes held a look of steel, and Evelyn knew better than to argue. She grabbed her shawl and followed Miss Hazel out into the cool fall morning.
“How are things going at the Timmons’?” Miss Hazel asked as they walked the short distance to Jess’s cabin.
“Not as well as I’d hoped, but it could be worse.” Evelyn wasn’t going to make herself sound like a martyr—she would not have Miss Hazel, or anyone else, feeling sorry for her. “They’re wonderful people.”
“And yet you look worn out,” Miss Hazel observed.
“The spare bed is just a bit lumpy, but I’ll be all right.” Evelyn reached out and touched Miss Hazel’s arm, bringing her to a stop. “I need to know something before we go inside, Miss Hazel. Are you upset with me for not marrying Joel?”
Miss Hazel blinked in surprise. “Why would I be upset with you? You should know better than anyone how you feel, and if this isn’t going to work, you have the right to say no.”
“Are you sure?”
Miss Hazel smiled and patted her shoulder. “Everything’s all right, my dear. You’re not to worry. And you might also give some thought to the idea that maybe it’s not over.”
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, it’s not over?”
“I have a hunch that things are going to work out after all.”
Miss Hazel wouldn’t say anything else. Instead, she opened the door to Jess’s house, and they walked inside to find the other girls waiting for them.
“Evelyn!” Tilly said, taking her arm and leading her over to the table. “What’s all this about you and Joel?”
Evelyn opened her mouth to reply, but Miss Hazel beat her to it. “They had a small falling-out, but everything will be fine.”
Was the matchmaker deluding herself, or did she know something Evelyn didn’t? Rather than arguing with Miss Hazel in front of everyone, Evelyn just smiled and nodded. She could share what had happened with the other girls later, when Miss Hazel was otherwise occupied. That would be less awkward for everyone, she thought.
***
Three Mounties stood before Joel’s desk, looking rumpled from their hard ride on the trail, but also looking frustrated and a bit ashamed. “Black Jack Bitters got away,” Elijah announced.
Joel came to his feet. “He got away?”
“We’re sorry, Joel. We did the best we could,” Nolan added.
“I don’t doubt that.” Joel ran his fingers through his hair. “We’re not giving up, men. We’re going to set up some patrols, and I’ll telegram the Mountie offices in the surrounding areas—we’ll stop him. He’s been at large far too long.” He looked at the three men and noticed that they each seemed a bit fidgety. “Was there something else?”
“We wondered if we could delay turning in our reports,” Kendall said. “We’d like to go meet our brides.”
“What about you, Joel?” Elijah asked. “Did you get married yesterday, or are you waiting for us so we can have a group ceremony?”
Joel pressed h
is lips together and shook his head. “I made a mess of things as soon as she walked into the office, and now she’s saying she doesn’t want to get married.”
The men looked at each other, and Kendall let out a low whistle. “What did you do?”
“She wanted to help with my paperwork, and apparently, when I refused to let her, I made her feel unwanted and unappreciated.”
“She wanted to do paperwork?” Nolan sounded incredulous.
“And you didn’t let her?” Elijah chuckled. “She can do all mine from here on out if she wants.”
“It’s confidential information,” Joel reminded them. “Only Mounties are allowed to touch it.”
“We know,” Elijah said. “I was joking.”
Joel pulled in a deep breath. Miss Hazel was right—he was far too serious if he couldn’t even recognize a joke when he heard one. “Of course—I’m sorry. I didn’t sleep well last night.”
“Where is Evelyn, if she’s not married to you?” Kendall asked.
“She’s staying with Mr. and Mrs. Timmons.”
“Are you joking? You can’t let her stay there,” Elijah said, sounding alarmed.
“What do you mean? Is she in some kind of danger?” Joel reached for his pistol.
“Only from being swallowed up by dirty dishes and soiled laundry,” Elijah replied. “That’s no place for a young woman from a proper home.”
“I’ve never been inside. I had no idea,” Joel said. Evelyn must hate it there. The way she’d reacted to the clutter in his office—he could kick himself. He should have checked to make sure her surroundings were suitable before letting her take off like she did.
Of course, there hadn’t been a lot he could do to stop her.
But then again, he hadn’t really tried.
“I don’t deserve her,” he said at last. “But the three of you still have a chance. Yes, you can turn in your reports tomorrow morning. Now go—find your brides.”
RNWMP: Bride for Joel (Mail Order Mounties Book 4) Page 2
