An Inconvenient Marriage

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  “You really do care about people. I think that’s very honorable of you.”

  He appreciated her compliment. It’s nice to be with someone who likes me for me.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Sue enjoyed the symphony. The music reminded her of different stories she had read, so while the music played, her mind took her to one of the many books she was familiar with. Jake must have noticed her pleasure, for he rested his hand on hers and smiled at her during the performance. She blushed at his action. She didn’t understand why he was being so affectionate but found that she liked it.

  On the train ride home, he squeezed her hand. “What did you think? Did you enjoy the symphony?”

  “Yes,” she replied, acutely aware of the feel of his strong hand around her smaller one. “It was a thrilling experience. I can see why you go to them as often as you do.”

  “I must admit that it was much better with you there.”

  She smiled. “I’m glad you took me along. The Sunday before we got married, I visited Belinda, and she made marriage sound dreadful for a woman. She made it sound like the husband was allowed to go out and do whatever he wished while his wife had to stay home and plan dinner parties or go to luncheons. I admit that it put me in a rather bad mood when I signed the contract on Monday.”

  He chuckled. “So that’s why you went into a lecture about how you were going to keep doing your own thing regardless of what I thought.”

  “Yes. I suppose I should have asked you what your intentions were. Had I known you would treat me as well as you do, I wouldn’t have quarreled with you. Anyway, it was nice to be able to go with you.”

  He sighed. “I had my own doubts about marriage as well. I was afraid you would be so concerned with entertaining guests that you would force me to stay home so I couldn’t go to symphonies or plays.”

  “Then it’s a good thing we share the same interests.”

  “It is a good thing. There’s no reason why we can’t do the things we are interested in together. I think it makes those things that much more enjoyable. I like to dance with you, but it’s nice to have you all to myself. I was getting tired of trying to fend all the other men off of you last Friday. You are in high demand.”

  She didn’t know why he kept insisting that she was attracting so many bachelors all of the sudden. “They only wanted to ask me about your bank. Well, except for Mr. Vance. I don’t understand why he wanted to dance with me. He is only twenty-five.”

  “Did you wish to dance with other men who are your age or older?”

  “Only to discuss your bank. I do what I can to help you. I noticed you were doing well with some of the men you talked to. I imagine you made some good business deals.”

  “Yes, I did. It was a very profitable night. I’m a very lucky man to have a wife who does so much to help me. You’re an amazing woman.”

  “I want to see you succeed, and not just because of George Leroy. You treat people very well. You’re the kind of person who should be running a bank. You may not realize it, but you do a lot of good for people, and you have more friends than you realize. You are highly respected.”

  “Well, I am learning that a good and beautiful woman can do wonders for a man.”

  She blushed, pleased by his words. “I think you’re the one who better watch out.”

  He glanced at her curiously. “Why?”

  “If you keep talking like that, I might fall in love with you.” She tried to sound as playful as he had the previous Friday when he said it, but she feared her emotions betrayed her. She quickly looked out the window though it was dark outside and she couldn’t see much beyond the shapes of the trees.

  He leaned towards her and whispered, “Would that be so bad?” He kissed her on the cheek before turning his attention to the book he had been holding in his lap.

  No, it wouldn’t. In fact, it would be rather pleasant. But she didn’t dare entertain the idea he might wish to be with her beyond May 20. She was a spinster. Suddenly six months seemed like an abnormally short period of time.

  ***

  During the week, she looked forward to lunch when he would stop by and take her out to eat. She was relieved she didn’t have to go back to her cooking. She didn’t realize her food tasted so poorly until she ate other people’s meals every day. She tried to help out Lydia and Ralph when they needed it, but they usually assured her that they had everything taken care of, and Jake said he could hire someone to help them if necessary. “You’re my wife, not a servant,” Jake told her. “It’s acceptable for you to let someone else take care of you for a change.” She did enjoy holding the baby and answered Lydia’s questions regarding infant care. Since she had helped her mother raise her younger siblings, she was used to caring for infants and children.

  She was looking forward to the birth of her niece or nephew. Jeremiah and Gloria stopped by the library after one of Gloria’s doctor appointments on Thursday. It was near closing time, so there were a few people still looking through the bookshelves or reading at one of the many tables. Sue led them to the children’s room which was empty so she could talk to them without having to whisper.

  “How did the visit go?” she asked Gloria.

  “Better than I hoped,” she admitted.

  “He has a good reputation in town, and his wife is a regular at the library so I know of him fairly well.”

  “You sure do a lot of good when you’re here,” Jeremiah said. “I never realized how influential you are in town. Word is that you are a big help to Jake. Mr. Leroy is furious with you for costing him many of his customers. I always knew your bold determination to get your way would make you an asset to some man. A good woman supporting her man can only lead to him wanting to keep her around. Speaking of which, have you kept him yet?”

  “Jeremiah, I made you promise not to bug her about that,” Gloria admonished.

  “Oh, how could he do better? I already got the best woman. He might as well have the second best.”

  “You’re quite the smooth talker,” Sue noted.

  “We should pay Jake a visit while we’re here. It’s only right that we include him in our rounds of greeting the town folk. You and Jake should come out to the farm this weekend. Old Bossy needs a good riding after being stuck in her stable.”

  “We’re going to New York this weekend.”

  “Really? Now isn’t that interesting?” He wiggled his eyebrows at his wife. “Maybe she’ll keep him yet. He’s already showing her parts of the world she’s always wanted to check out. What will you be doing there?”

  “Seeing Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in the theater.”

  He whistled. “Trevor’s going to get jealous. He’s been itching to see a play since he started writing them. Mind if he tags along?”

  “Yes, I do mind.” She frowned. “Don’t invite him along.”

  He glanced at Gloria and grinned. “She’ll keep him well before the six months is up.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I just don’t want him there to explain every detail of the play. He has the whole thing memorized.”

  “Only because he’s trying to imitate Shakespeare’s style. He’s exploring different writing styles. He already has this year’s Christmas play outlined. Once he gets started on a writing project, he doesn’t quit until he’s done.”

  “Anyway, you should come out soon,” Gloria said. “We want you to see the work Mr. Blake did on the barn. He’s a good worker.”

  “I’m glad that worked out for everyone.” Now that the barn was repaired, Sue felt much better.

  “Where did you say Jake’s bank is located?” he asked.

  She told him.

  “We’ll go check it out. Maybe we’ll open an account there.” His eyes lit up. “That’s a good excuse to go see him.”

  She hugged Gloria before they left. “How is your anxiety?”

  “It gets better each day.”

  “I look forward to seeing him or her.” She turned to her brother. “Y
ou better be going easy on her.”

  “Of course, I do. All I let her do is cook. Mother can’t cook for all of us men and kids.”

  “He does take good care of me,” Gloria assured her.

  “Good because if he doesn’t, you let me know and I’ll rope him up and hang him upside down in the barn.”

  “I’ll be sure to threaten it to him.”

  “You’d better not let Jake hear you talk like that. We don’t want you to scare him off,” Jeremiah said. “We’ll see you later, sis.”

  Sue chuckled as they left. She was glad that Gloria was feeling better about the pregnancy. She wanted to see her sister-in-law with her own child. The first miscarriage she suffered came shortly after Emma gave birth. It was tough to be happy for Emma while grieving for Gloria.

  As she walked to the front desk to gather the books that hadn’t been put away yet, a man around her age came up to her.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Mitchell,” he greeted. “May I introduce myself?”

  She stood with several books in her arms, uncertain. “Did you need help finding a book?”

  “Actually, I was going to ask you if I could help you put those back where they belong.”

  “I can manage. I do this every time I come in here. Did you wish to discuss Mr. Mitchell’s bank?”

  “No. I’m not interested in him. I wanted to talk to you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’re a beautiful woman.”

  “Who’s married.”

  “But only until May 20. That is my understanding. Your marriage is strictly business, correct?”

  She hesitated to answer. She was aware that the books were getting heavy in her arms. “Yes,” she slowly replied. Maybe. I’m not sure anymore. She hadn’t given it much thought as she concerned herself with the daily routine.

  “My name is Ethan Bower. Did you get my flowers?”

  Why does every man suddenly think he is sending me flowers? Is there another Sue Mitchell out there who they’re mistaking me for? “I am not sure what you are talking about.” She shifted uneasily from one foot to the other.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Bower,” another man interrupted. “I wish to have a word with the lovely Mrs. Mitchell. I am Ben York. Did you receive the flowers I sent?”

  Her eyes grew wide. What is going on here? “I have no idea what either one of you is talking about.” She paused. “Did Jeremiah put you up to this?”

  “Who is Jeremiah?” Ethan asked.

  “Her brother. My great-uncle mentioned him,” Ben replied.

  She looked back at Miss Stallone who shrugged. Help me, she mouthed.

  The pretty twenty-two year old nodded and walked to the front of the desk. “May I be of assistance to you gentlemen?”

  Ben took a good look at her and smiled. “Actually, yes. Would you help me find a book I’ve been looking for?”

  She smiled back. “What is the book called?”

  “I’m not sure but it is about two young star-crossed lovers whose parents are enemies, so they get married without their parents knowing but it all ends in tragedy when both die.”

  “Are you talking about William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?” Sue asked in disbelief. Of all people, Ben York didn’t strike her as a literary enthusiast, much less a romantic.

  “Yes, that’s the book,” he replied. Turning to Miss Stallone, he asked, “Can you help me find it?”

  She giggled. “I know where the book is.”

  He eagerly followed her as she went to the appropriate bookshelf.

  “Well, it looks like I have you all to myself,” Ethan said. “I’ll help you with those books if you’d like.”

  “I have to be honest with you, Mr. ...?”

  “Bower.”

  “Mr. Bower, I am married. I don’t think our conversing is appropriate unless there is a goal involved.”

  “I do have a goal. I would like to get to know you better.”

  “Why?”

  “Isn’t it obvious? You are a very beautiful woman.”

  “Again, I must be blunt. I am married.”

  “But everyone knows it’s a business arrangement. In May, you will be a free woman again, and I would like to court you at that time.”

  She hadn’t anticipated this turn of events. “I don’t know. I’ve grown rather fond of Mr. Mitchell.”

  “I see. Far be it from me to stand in your way. However, should you change your mind, I’ll be around. Good day, Mrs. Mitchell.” He put his hat back on and left the library.

  She breathed a sigh of relief and went to put the books away. She noted that though Ben York was holding a copy of Romeo and Juliet, he was far more interested in talking to Miss Stallone. She supposed she should be happy for her co-worker who looked just as interested in him as he was in her, but it suddenly occurred to her that if her marriage did end in May, her life would seem unusually empty. She had been content enough before but she knew she wouldn’t be if she went back to being a spinster. Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe I should have let my father go bankrupt. Though Jake seemed more friendly than he should be, there was no guarantee he would want to stay married to her, especially considering his negative views on marriage when she met him.

  She turned back to the remaining books in her arms and started putting them away. She had to climb the ladder to reach the top shelf for her last book.

  “It’s a nice view from here,” someone drawled.

  She gasped when she saw Daniel Riley staring up at her. “Sir, I will thank you to keep your eyes off of me when I’m up here.”

  “It’s hard to miss a pretty thing like you.”

  “I don’t mind dropping this five hundred page hardback book on your head.”

  “I’ll be very happy to agree to your terms.” He turned his back to her while she climbed down the ladder.

  The nerve of this man! She didn’t appreciate being ogled as if she were an immoral woman. She stood in front of him. “What do you want, Mr. Riley?”

  “I wish to court you,” he smiled.

  She didn’t hide her amazement. “What is it with all you men today? Is my brother behind this?”

  “You have a brother?”

  She blinked. “Never mind. Did you get a chance to talk to Mr. Mitchell at the bank?”

  “I did. But I admit, he’s not the one I’m interested in. You are. So you aren’t in a real marriage with him, are you?”

  “I already discussed that with you. I don’t see what this has to do with anything pertinent.” She quickly walked out to the lobby where they were in sight of other people.

  “I told you what my intentions are. I wish to woo you.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Why?”

  “Because you are a very desirable woman. Don’t you know that?”

  She felt uncomfortable with anyone but Jake telling her she was nice to look at.

  “You shouldn’t be afraid of who you are,” he said. “You have a lot to offer a man.”

  She suddenly felt like he was undressing her with his eyes.

  To her surprise, Henry entered the library. She was relieved. She didn’t like the way Daniel was looking at her.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Reynolds,” she greeted.

  Daniel nodded. “Sir.”

  Henry glanced at him. “Good day. I’m sorry I don’t recognize you.”

  “I’m Daniel Riley.” He shook his hand. “I was just telling Mrs. Mitchell here that she is an attractive woman who is worth any man’s attention.”

  Henry looked uncomfortable. “With all due respect, Mr. Mitchell is well aware of that fact.”

  He was? Sue was pleased by this knowledge.

  “Yes,” Daniel continued, “I wish to express my intention to court her once their marriage is over. Then at least she can enjoy the more pleasurable side of marriage. I would rather discuss the details with him. If he has no objections, then I at least will know she is free to be with me in May.”

  “I believe that is ultim
ately my decision,” she firmly stated, her cheeks getting hot as she became aware of her anger towards him.

  “Yes, you’re right.” Daniel smiled knowingly. “I heard you were a feisty one. I bet you’re a screamer in the sack.”

  She slapped him.

  “I don’t mind a little roughhousing, my dear,” he sneered.

  “You must leave, sir, before I throw you out,” Henry coldly told him.

  He still wore that annoying satisfied smirk. “Tell Mr. Mitchell I will be by next Wednesday at six at his house. Good day.”

  She shook her head in disbelief. He was a disgusting man. She went to get to her coat and hat. When she returned, he was gone.

  Henry sighed. “I don’t think Jake’s going to like it when he hears this.”

  “That man is a creep.” She shook off the effects of his visit. “What brings you here?”

  “I decided to give you a couple of my best poems to read. I thought it would be alright if you read them.”

  “I’m very touched, Henry.” She took the neatly folded papers he handed her and began to unfold them.

  “I’m shy about my work. Would you please wait until I’m not looking before you read them?”

  She nodded. “I will do that.” She slipped the poems into her pocket. “Can I show them to Jake?”

  “Only if you think they’re good enough.” He paused. “Since I am here anyway, would you like a ride home?”

  “That would be nice. Thank you.”

  She followed him out to the buggy and just as Henry was ready to open the door, a bachelor about her age came up to her.

  “I’m glad I caught you before you left work,” he said. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Bob Tanner of Tanner Lumber Supplies. I asked for a dance on Friday but you were busy.”

  She had a hard time remembering all the new names of the men who had been coming up to her throughout the week. “Hello, Mr. Tanner,” she politely greeted. Why aren’t people going to Jake if they want to do business with him?

  “Did you get the flowers I sent you?” he asked.