An Inconvenient Marriage

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  “There’s more to you than meets the eye,” he seriously said.

  She blinked at his change in tone.

  “You can charge into a bank scaring George Leroy, nearly run your brothers over with a horse and lasso them upside down, yet you manage to look like a woman the entire time you’re doing it.”

  “Really?” She didn’t know why hearing him say it was so important to her. Perhaps it’s because he’s not related to me.

  “Hasn’t anyone ever told you that you’re beautiful?”

  She shook her head.

  “Well, maybe it’s time that changed.” He turned off the light. “Good night, Sue.”

  She tried to respond but she choked on her tears.

  ***

  The next morning, she woke up and saw that Jake had put his blankets on her. She rolled her eyes. She was covered under a mountain of blankets. She shook her head and closed the window and placed some of the blankets on him. How could he sleep when he was so cold? Is he really having that hard of a time keeping his hands off of me? The thought pleased her. She never thought she could be appealing to a man before.

  Sighing, she collected her clothes for the day and went to the bathroom to change. As soon as she came out of the bathroom, her brothers stood around her. She rolled her eyes. “No.”

  They grumbled.

  “When are you going to stop this nonsense?” she asked. “Poor Jake spent the night freezing because he had to give me all the blankets, and I got hot so I had to open the window.”

  “Oh, really?” Jeremiah grinned. “So it’s working.”

  She realized her mistake. “He knows what you’re doing, so you might as well quit while you’re ahead.”

  “Quit? What we’re doing is affecting him. I know a man’s mind, Sue, and he’s going crazy.” He chuckled. “Thanks for the information. We were going to go back to the original sleeping arrangements, but now that we know we’re succeeding, there’s no point in it.”

  “Fine. Then I’ll need more blankets tonight. I won’t have him spending his last night here cold.”

  “Who says he’s cold? That poor man is burning up with desire for you.”

  She knew when it was useless to talk sense into him. “I’ll meet you at the barn after breakfast.”

  “I’m looking forward to it, sis.”

  So was she, but she would never admit it to him.

  After breakfast, everyone gathered around the fence where they kept the cattle so they could watch Sue and Jeremiah compete. Sue won by lassoing two more cattle than Jeremiah did in the time allotted to them.

  “That’s my girl,” her father commented, beaming at her. “She makes the old man proud every time.”

  Jeremiah spent almost an hour eating the remaining crackers and caviar. He shuddered with each bite and drank a gallon of water. “This stuff is the worst. How can you fancy, rich people stand it?” he asked Jake.

  Jake shrugged. “Maybe it’s an acquired taste.”

  “He’s just a sissy.” Trevor waved his hand.

  Sue grinned. “At least you did it.”

  As soon as her parents, Luke, Patty and Gloria left, Jeremiah looked at her. “Sue, can you get me some milk so I can wash this junk down?”

  “You trust me near the ice box?”

  “How can you mess up a glass of milk?”

  “Knowing Sue, she’ll find a way,” Trevor joked. “But seriously, I’m thirsty too. Get me a glass as well.”

  “Why can’t you get it yourself? You have two feet.” She looked at them.

  “You’re always complaining that you want to be treated like a woman. Well, here’s your chance. Women get food for their men,” Jeremiah insisted.

  She sighed. “Fine. Do you want anything, Jake?”

  “No, thanks.”

  She got up and went to the ice box. She opened the door and looked inside. “Where is it?”

  “On the bottom shelf, way in the back,” Jeremiah called out.

  She ignored her brothers’ laughter as she bent down and reached for it. What is so funny? She took out the bottle and put it on the counter. When she opened the cabinet where they kept the glasses, she frowned. “Where are they?” she asked her brothers. You two are up to something and I don’t like it.

  “Oh, we moved them to the top shelf.” Trevor chuckled. “They’re way up in the back.”

  “Is it wise to do that when Gloria’s ready to give birth?”

  “You’re right, sis. We didn’t consider that. We’ll put them back on their usual shelf before she comes in here to cook.”

  She eyed them warily. What is so funny? She stepped onto the stepladder and looked at the shelf. “Why did you put them so far back? I can’t reach this high.”

  “Maybe you need a boost. Jake, why don’t you help her out?”

  She noticed that Jake was struggling to hide his amusement as he stood up to help her. “I got you,” he assured her as he gently lifted her by the waist so she could get the glasses. By the time he brought her back down and against him, she understood what her brothers were doing. Her cheeks grew hot from embarrassment.

  “I’m cooking dinner tonight,” she loudly announced as Jake stepped away from her.

  Her brothers gasped in shock.

  “There’s no need to get vicious,” Jeremiah quickly said. “We’re sorry for offending you, sis.”

  They quickly ran out of the room before they could upset her anymore.

  “I’m sorry about them,” she told Jake as she put the milk back. “I didn’t realize what they were up to until it was too late.”

  “Don’t be sorry. I enjoyed it,” he whispered before he kissed her on the cheek. “You’re definitely a woman.”

  She blushed as he left the room.

  Chapter Eleven

  Jake was relieved to be back home after spending a week at Sue’s family’s farm. Though he enjoyed most of it, he felt incredibly filthy after riding the horse, being in the pig pen, and falling in the mud. He took two baths when he got home but he still felt disgusting. He was glad he wore Jeremiah’s clothes instead of his own because if it had been his clothes, he would have burned them afterwards. After he bathed, he went to bed, exhausted. If he had to spend another night in the same room with Sue, he would go insane. She was too appealing. He didn’t sleep at all, especially after seeing her reach for milk and holding her in the kitchen. He was happy to be in his own bed. After he got a good night’s sleep, he was ready to go to work and hand in his resignation letter to Conrad.

  On his way out the door to meet Henry at the buggy, he saw Mr. Blacksmith walking up the steps to his house. He frowned. One good thing about being at the farm was that he didn’t have to worry about the bachelors who were suddenly taking an interest in Sue. It was time for him to go back to his list. He quickly shut the door behind him before Sue walked down the stairs and saw them.

  “Good morning, Mr. Mitchell,” he greeted.

  “Mr. Blacksmith,” he politely acknowledged. “May I help you?”

  “Actually, I would like to discuss your relationship with your wife. I understand it is a platonic business arrangement. Is that true?”

  “Yes, it is. The annulment will be on May 21.”

  “Would it be forward of me to talk to her and get to know her? I will not reveal my intention to court her until after the annulment.”

  An idea came to him. “Sue is free to talk to whomever she chooses, but for her reputation’s sake, you cannot be alone with her. I’m sure you understand.”

  “Of course. I would not wish to be improper in my conduct.”

  “You are a food critic, aren’t you?”

  He nodded. “Yes, I am. I’m surprised you remembered.”

  “Well, you are a valuable customer at the bank. I make it a point to remember something about everyone who has an account there. I find it helps to build rapport.”

  “It certainly does.”

  “Since you love good food, why don’t you stop by sometime thi
s week for dinner? My maid, Lydia, is visiting her mother, so Sue has offered to cook meals she is well-known for. It will be an informal way to properly introduce you to her. She is somewhat shy about suitors since she was a spinster for so long, so you will understand why I will have to tell her that you are there to discuss business at the bank. We’ll make something up so she won’t get suspicious.”

  “What a brilliant idea, Mr. Mitchell. I must say, you are handling this situation better than I expected. I know you are an excellent businessman by nature, but I am impressed with how well you separate business from romance in this arrangement.”

  “I never let a woman mess with my head. It’s the only way to stay focused. So will you come by Thursday evening at six?”

  “That sounds splendid. I shall be here then.”

  The door opened and Sue walked out. Jake hid his annoyance at how beautiful she looked in her turquoise dress, especially with her blond curls framing her pretty face. I never should have told her she looked nice with her hair down. Now every man was noticing how attractive she was.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Mitchell,” Mr. Blacksmith greeted, smiling widely.

  “Oh, hello,” she said. “Mr. Blacksmith, isn’t it?”

  “Yes but you may call me Tim. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory tell me that you love to read and would like to travel.”

  “I do enjoy reading but I haven’t seriously considered traveling. I collect old brochures and dream but that is all I do.”

  “Perhaps that can change.”

  “Well, I doubt it. I wouldn’t want to travel alone. It wouldn’t be any fun.”

  Jake forced aside his irritation. Tim wasn’t one for subtlety. So far he had told her that he wanted to marry her, give her children and show her the world. Where are these men coming from? And why does each one keep getting better?

  Jake cleared his throat. “Yes, well we should get going. You know how Henry is. We will see you later this week.”

  He nodded. “Yes, Mr. Mitchell. Mrs. Mitchell.”

  Jake breathed a sigh of relief as he left.

  “Why does he keep stopping by?” she asked him. “Is he a friend of yours?”

  “Hardly,” he muttered. “Do you want a ride to the library?”

  “No, thank you. I enjoy the walk. It’s good exercise. I’ll see you tonight.”

  He watched her as she walked down the street and politely nodded to the people she passed. A couple men turned to stare after her. Jake gritted his teeth and went to the buggy.

  “Marital problems, sir?” Henry grinned.

  “My problem is that it suddenly occurred to me that there are too many bachelors in this town,” he growled.

  Henry opened the door of the buggy and let him in. “I like her too. She’s quite charming when she wants to be, but don’t let her get to your head.” He winked and shut the door.

  She’s not messing with my head. I’m in full control of myself. It’s those vultures out there that are the problem. What was he going to have to do? Lock her in the house for the next five and a half months?

  ***

  After Jake turned his resignation in to Conrad, who was actually at work that day to announce his retirement, George cornered him in his office.

  “What can I do for you, George?” Jake asked as he put his belongings into an empty box. He didn’t wish to waste another moment in the bank.

  George shut the door.

  Jake immediately stopped and carefully watched him. Was Sue right? Was there venom in his bite? He waited for George to speak.

  “I hear you’ve come into a large inheritance and plan to open your own bank,” George politely stated as he walked around Jake’s desk and examined the contents on it with an interest that bothered Jake.

  “I don’t see that it is any of your business,” Jake replied, still watching him.

  He shrugged. “One might suggest that you and Sue Lewis got together to make this plan work.”

  “Plan? What plan?”

  “You’re a good businessman and an even better liar.”

  Jake put his hands on the table and leaned toward George. “If you have something to say, then say it. Otherwise, leave my office.”

  “It’s more than a coincidence that Sue shows up at this bank and complains about her family’s debt. Then suddenly, your father dies and the only way to save her family’s farm is to marry her, which just so happens to be the only way you can receive your inheritance. That almost sounds like something two people could get together and plan.”

  Jake understood what he was saying. “That’s not what happened. I have been straightforward about the situation. Everyone knows about it.”

  “Yes. Both of you walk away wealthy. One almost has to wonder what else is going on.”

  “Since we are being so candid with one another, I will tell you something. You have poor customer service skills. If you would treat your customers with half the care you treat your mistress, then I wouldn’t have to open my own bank to give people fair treatment. However, since you refuse to listen to reason, you will lose customers. I warned you that if you mistreated Sue, then you would lose business. If you wish to be my true competitor, you would heed my advice. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to finish packing.”

  “This isn’t over.”

  “Oh good. I do so love our chats,” he sarcastically replied. “Let me know in advance next time so I can include Sue in the discussion, since you’re so sure we’re in this scheme together.”

  George narrowed his eyes at him before he opened the door and left the office.

  He closed his eyes and forced himself to relax. He didn’t appreciate being treated like he was conniving.

  Justin knocked on his door.

  He opened his eyes and waved him in.

  “It’s official,” Justin said. “I’m out of job here. You better keep your word and make me vice president of your bank or my kids will go hungry this year.”

  He chuckled, relieved to let go of the tension in his shoulders. “Don’t I always keep my word? You are due to report to work next Monday. In the meantime, I have to get things ready for my debut as owner. Finally, I’ll get to run the show instead of taking orders.”

  “It wasn’t bad when Conrad was in charge.”

  “No, it wasn’t. But his son leaves a lot to be desired.”

  “Maybe we should put him in a room with Sue. He was always scared of her. Remember how he didn’t want to deal with her when she came in here ranting and raving about her family’s debt?”

  He grinned. “That was classic.”

  “I kind of like her. My wife takes our kids to the library to hear Sue give them story time.”

  “I saw Sue do one of those stories. She was presenting Jack and the Beanstalk. She was pretty good.”

  “Anyway, mind if I ask what George wanted?”

  “Oh you know George. He thinks everyone is out to destroy him. It was one of those moments.”

  “He gave me one of those before he talked to you.”

  Jake raised an eyebrow. “What did he tell you?”

  “Apparently, you, me and Sue came together late one night to develop a plan to draw customers away from his bank. Conrad’s not even retired yet, and George has already taken over it in his mind.”

  “It was already his. We were too blind to notice.”

  “Anyway, you’d better get your bank open because I took a big risk in quitting today.”

  “You have nothing to worry about. Just show up next Monday at 8:30. We open at nine.”

  Justin nodded and left.

  Jake finished putting his things in the box and walked out. He refused to let George ruin his day. He had business to take care of and he needed a clear head to do it.

  “Where to?” Henry asked him when he reached the buggy.

  “My new bank. I want to start setting up my office.”

  ***

  By the time Wednesday evening arrived, he knew he would have to tell Sue about his invitation t
o Tim Blacksmith for dinner the next evening. Sue was reading another book in the chair by the fireplace. Fortunately, she didn’t notice the way the bachelors looked at her. She spent so much time as a spinster that it was as if she forgot she was a woman. He had to admit that the house seemed less empty with her in it. He put aside his remaining paperwork for the new bank on his desk and turned his attention to Tim Blacksmith. Now how was he going to talk her into making dinner?

  He stood up and walked over to the other chair in front of the fireplace and sat down.

  Startled, she looked up.

  He hadn’t joined her before. “What are you reading tonight?” he asked.

  “The Scarlet Letter. I couldn’t put it out of my mind after the comment I made to Miss Gordon at the wedding reception.”

  “Did she really think it was a stationary shop?”

  “Yes. Mrs. Walker and I got a good laugh out of it.”

  “I’ve noticed that you have a good rapport with Mrs. Walker and some other women in town.”

  She shrugged. “I suppose I do. They’re nice people. Now that I am not husband hunting, I can enjoy talking to them at the dance on Friday nights.”

  “Just remember to save a couple dances for me.”

  “I will. I do enjoy dancing with you, even if I learned to dance under dubious circumstances. I think my family will greatly benefit from your discussion with them. They may not have seemed interested but they remember what people tell them.”

  “I certainly don’t want to see them get back into a situation where their daughter has to marry someone to bail them out.”

  “It’s not turning out to be that bad of an arrangement. At least for me.” She stared at her book as she said it.

  He found her comment secretly pleasing. What man wouldn’t like spending time with her? He cleared his throat. “Do you remember Mr. Blacksmith?”

  She seemed surprised by the change of topic. “Yes. He’s the one who likes children and traveling.”

  “That’s an interesting way to remember him.”

  “It is what he said.”

  He wasn’t going to ask her what she thought of the man. If she said she liked him, then he’d have to feel guilty for chasing him away. Instead, he said, “He wants to come over here tomorrow evening so he can talk me into a business deal I don’t wish to engage in.”