Florence

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  “Thanks, I really don’t want to owe anyone.”

  John grinned. “I’m an old man, and I’ve seen a lot in my days. One thing I’ve learned is everybody needs help at some time in their lives. You take the horse. Pay me what you can, and then when you earn more money, bring in the balance. If you can’t pay in a month, you can bring him back, and I’ll give you back the money you paid.”

  “That’s generous, Mr. Bailey.”

  He patted Jay on the shoulder. “I also know what it’s like to have been in a hard place. I think you ought to know that most of the town is cheering on your success as well as your brother’s. That Bridgette, she came up with a smart idea with her Bounty Brigade. I, for one, think it’s a great idea to help others with a second chance. Besides, the outlaws steer clear of Shirleyville because of Bridgette’s Bounty Brigade.”

  Almost overwhelmed with the warm feelings and help from the liveryman, Jay turned from him and blinked back a few heartfelt tears. When he was sure he wouldn’t embarrass himself, he turned to John. “That means a lot to me. I intend to carry on the idea of helping others with their second chances.”

  With a big smile, John nodded. “I can see that in you. I sense you’re a good man, Jay.” He frowned slightly. “Be careful, though. There are a few who hold grudges against folks. They won’t forget your past. Just remember to walk on by them and know that most of us are pulling for you. I hope to see you in church Sunday.”

  Church. Jay had meant to go. He even told Del and Jericho that he’d go with them. But now, with his workload growing by the minute, he wasn’t sure there’d be time. “I’ll try. I have a lot to do.”

  “I understand. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

  “Let me run to the bank and see how much money I can bring you. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  John held up a hand. “Word of caution, I’d suggest you only deal with Mr. Satchel. Adler and his bank, he’s one of those you have to watch. Any sign of weakness, and he’ll take advantage.”

  “Thanks again, John.” Jay left the livery and walked down the road to the bank. He was glad John had told him about Adler. Just the other day, the banker had asked him if he needed a loan. Now, Jay knew the answer to that was a definite no.

  He passed the jail and thought about letting Levi know he was in town, but he didn’t really have time as he didn’t want to keep John waiting. Once inside the bank, Mr. Satchel smiled and came right over to him.

  “What can I do for you, Mr. Selmer?”

  “I need to see how much money I have left. I know you gave me the book, but I just bought the Victorian house by the river, the Sanders old place, and I need to make sure that I have enough.”

  “Sure, come on over to my office.” Mr. Satchel walked through the small swinging gates to the back of the bank and into his office. He pulled out a register and nodded. “Looks like after the purchase of the house and land, you have fifty dollars left.” He smiled at Jay and handed him a paper with the amount.

  “Thanks, I’d like to withdraw thirty of that fifty. I just met my bride-to-be, and I’ll need to make her feel special.”

  Mr. Satchel beamed a genuine smile. “I am delighted to hear that.” He stepped to the teller window, took out the money, and then marked it down on Jay’s bank book. “Now, you can see what you have left. I do hope your sawmill is a great success.”

  “I believe it will be. I hope to be selling lumber by the end of the month.”

  “Good, there are plenty in town who need it. Let me know when you have a supply, and I’ll let people know.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Satchel.” Jay held up the money. “Now, I’m going to buy a horse, so I don’t have to spend my day walking back and forth.”

  “That sounds like a wonderful plan. If I can help you in any way, let me know.”

  Jay nodded and left the bank. He stopped by the general store and bought the pad and pencil and hoped he could stretch his money to court Florence and not starve before the sawmill began to make money.

  Now that he was a respectable citizen, his shoulders were bowed under by the many things he needed to do, and now the worry about money. He just had to believe that things would work out. He recalled his mother saying that.

  Bless her heart, they never had. Father drank most of what he earned and left the rest of his family to fend for themselves. That had been one of the main reasons that he and Del had left the farm. Drought and hard times hadn’t helped, but that was then. Today, things were going to be different.

  Jay went back to John’s livery and bought Big Red. The horse was a jewel and an easy ride. Sitting high on the horse, Jay couldn’t help but feel prosperous. That he was in debt fifty dollars to the livery was another burden on his back. He’d just have to work harder than he’d ever worked in his life.

  But he would. For Florence. For Bridgette and those in Shirleyville who believed in him. And for those who would come after him out of Bridgette’s Bounty Brigade. Sterling had told him how there were still men coming out of the badlands looking for Bridgette to make a deal.

  Jay understood. The outlaw life was a hard, grueling existence. Maybe, in the beginning, he’d felt a thrill at doing the forbidden and having money he hadn’t worked for, but it hadn’t taken long to see how hard life was to be on the run. Living in shacks or on the dirt. Cold, wet, miserable, and always hungry. That outlaw life quickly lost its excitement.

  Once he got to the house, he’d start using his pad and pencil to write down what he needed to do. On the ride back to the house, he happened to look up into the sky and smiled. “Thank you, God, for watching out for me.”

  He’d never been a church-going man, but today, Jay’s heart had filled with gratitude. And God had to be in on it. To think that a couple years ago, he more than likely would have wound up dead in a saloon fight, and today, he had the world in front of him and peace in his heart.

  Well, except for all the things he needed to do. Still, it was better than being on the run from the law. Tomorrow, he’d stop at the church and set up a time for him and Florence to see the preacher.

  Tonight, he’d enjoy sleeping under the stars, and maybe getting to know that God in the heavens that Del and Jericho talked about.

  Then that annoying niggle in the back of his mind started up again, and he kept feeling that trouble was coming.”

  Jay could only hope not. He didn’t have the time or money to deal with any new problems.

  Chapter 5

  Florence had been walking around as if she were in a fog. Mixed emotions propelled her to pace her room and the grounds during the morning. Was she worried? Yes. Was she happy? Yes.

  She walked around the house and down the driveway. Walking helped her nervous energy. Besides, Jay had said he’d be by today, and they’d talk to the preacher. That increased her need to walk. She’d never been religious although she had gone to church with her family.

  Florence wasn’t sure what they would talk to the preacher about other than to set a date for their wedding. And she wasn’t even sure when that would be. She would leave it up to Jay. Brigette had said she was welcome to stay until they were married.

  Jay was hard to figure. He wasn’t a bit ashamed about having been an outlaw. That he’d told her gave her hope that he wasn’t a man to keep secrets. He was both forceful and gentle. An enigma of conflicting traits.

  She could see he could be a fun-loving man who would rather go to the saloon than do what was necessary. Then again, he had such ambitious ideas. A house that wasn’t finished. A sawmill that was just beginning. And the man wanted children.

  How could he do all that and court her at the same time? Well, of course, the children. He would need her to help with that. Yet, it’s not like they would appear overnight. She could help Jay with the house and let him know that he could count on her.

  After all, her life in Minnesota had prepared her for hard work. She was willing and able to help her husband. “Husband,” Florence repeated the word a
nd had to smile. She had waited so long.

  She’d dreamed of the idea of a man to love and who would love her, but it had seemed so far out of her reach. Now, apparently within days or weeks, she’d be Mrs. Jay Selmer.

  She stopped and examined a pretty pink flower. Brigette had told her it was called fireweed, although Florence couldn’t see how such a beautiful flower could be called a weed. She looked over the meadow at hundreds of the pink flowers rising above the grass and pointing to the sky.

  The pink was a delightful color that made such a contrast with the light blue skirt she wore. Bridgette had assured her that she looked lovely and that Jay wouldn’t hesitate to marry her. Still, Florence had her doubts.

  Her life had been a series of letdowns. Not that she ever had any men who were interested. Yet, her life had been years of denial as if her dreams never had a chance. Until now. She heard a horse and looked up to see Jay driving a buggy.

  She waved, surprised that a smile had come to her without her forcing it. That was something she rarely did. But today, at the sight of Jay, she had smiled, and it had come from her heart.

  Florence was ready to make a new start. Then perhaps, she could be normal and not feel like an outsider. While everyone else seemed to fit in and find their place in the world and enjoy themselves, Florence stayed on the outside feeling as if she didn’t belong.

  Jay drove up to her and grinned. “Did you get tired of waiting for me and decide to walk into town?”

  “No, I was enjoying the beautiful weather and flowers.”

  “Fireweed. You know I never noticed them when I was outside the law, but now, I’ve been learning the different names of the flowers and trees. That spindly one over there is Clarkia, named by Lewis and Clark.”

  “I’m impressed. Who told you that?”

  “An old miner. He stopped by the sawmill one day and told me about the flowers and the trees. I feel like I belong here. I hope you do, too.”

  Florence nodded. “I’m beginning to. Bridgette and Sterling have been a big help.” She stopped. She’d wanted to say that dreaming about being married to him had also made her feel wanted, but she really didn’t know him.

  He jumped down from the buggy and went to her. “Do you need anything back at the house?”

  “Yes, my reticule and shawl. Bridgette said I shouldn’t go without a covering because the weather can change in a hurry.”

  “She’s right about that.” He walked with her, leading the horse and buggy behind him.

  Florence tried to think of conversation but could only come up with idle talk. “I hope the preacher is a kind man.”

  Jay looked at her. “What kind of preachers did you have back home?”

  She laughed. She actually laughed. “Well, they could be full of fire and brimstone so that even the saintliest of the congregations cringed.”

  “I’m sorry things were so hard for you. I plan to remedy that.” They’d reached the house, and Jay tied the horse. He took her arm and walked inside with her.

  Bridgette was just coming down the hall. “Oh, you’re here. I was afraid Florence was going to wear a rut in the parlor waiting for you.” She chuckled. “If it’s too late, Florence, you might consider staying in the hotel until morning. It’s not safe to travel at night.”

  Jay frowned. “Why is that? I haven’t heard of any trouble.”

  “It’s not the human variety. Bears, wolves, and cougars are in the area. They stalk their prey at night. Sterling said we lost a couple of calves just a few miles down the driveway to a cougar. Being spring, the animals have babies to care for.”

  Florence grabbed Jay’s arm.

  Jay nodded. “Then it’s settled. Since it is a two-hour drive, I’d say Florence will spend the night at the hotel. I’ll drive her back in the morning.”

  Bridgette nodded. “Let me know your plans. I can see you two were meant for one another.”

  Florence wondered how Bridgette saw that. Although she was excited about the prospect of marriage, she really wasn’t so excited that it was to Jay. He was likable and seemed as if he had plans and would work hard, but then again, he was an unknown.

  With his past, he really needed to prove himself. Florence wondered how long she should wait until she agreed to the wedding. She couldn’t impose on Bridgette and Sterling much longer. They were wonderful, but she felt out of place and a bother.

  Jay took her elbow and guided her out the door. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Florence sighed in relief. At least he wasn’t planning on marrying her today. She knew it should be soon, but it did worry her. She’d never been courted before much less married.

  Once seated in the buggy, she relaxed. That is until Jay climbed in and sat next to her.

  “You all right? You seem a little nervous.”

  She stared at him. “I’m fine. Really.”

  He handed her a bouquet of fireweed. “I thought you might like these.”

  She took them. “Thank you.” No one had ever given her flowers before. Well, once her youngest brother had come to her and given her half-dead dandelions and remarked how he would have picked her more, but the “Rest was getting ready to go be with Jesus.”

  The image of at least one pleasant memory from home had made her smile. That is until Jay moved, and their legs touched. She felt as if lightning had struck her.

  She looked at him, but he didn’t seem to notice. “I thought we’d stop at the church first, and then I’ll take you to dinner at the hotel. They have a nice dining room. Then I’d like to introduce you to Jericho and Del.”

  “I’d like that. I met them once, but I’d like to get to know them better.” She picked at one of the flowers and admired the bright color.

  “Florence, I meant it when I said we can take it as fast or as slow as you want. Relax and enjoy the drive. It’s a beautiful country. I’m sure Minnesota was pretty too.”

  She nodded. “Minnesota has numerous small lakes throughout the country. Large pines. Hills but no mountains. And cold winters. I’m sure we have that in common.”

  Jay slapped the reins. “I bought a horse. Can you ride?”

  She shook her head. “When I was a girl, we would ride the plow horses. But no, I’d say I haven’t ridden a real horse that might run off with me.”

  “Big Red, he’s as gentle as they come. When you’re ready, I’ll teach you to ride, and then I’ll buy you your own horse. I’d like us to take rides together.”

  Florence studied him. This man that she had promised herself to and realized that he really wanted her and not just a wife but friends. Jay wanted to do things together and not just chores.

  “I’d like that, Jay. I’m afraid that my list of doing fun things is short. Surviving, duty, and chores took up most of my life.”

  He put his hand over hers. “I intend to remedy that. I want you to start thinking of things you’d like to have and things you’d like to do. I want to make you happy.”

  The hard shell she’d built around her heart began to crack. Yet, how could he be that way? He didn’t even know her. Duty was all she knew. Could she change?

  “I mean it, Florence. I want you to begin to think about what you want.”

  “You’re an amazing man, Jay Selmer.” She considered telling him about her dowry. It wasn’t much, but her brothers had made sure she left Minnesota with the respectable sum of two hundred dollars. It had been a surprise and a totally unexpected blessing.

  Yet, even with all his kind words and ideas, she didn’t trust Jay. Not yet. She’d been disappointed in the past. She’d keep her dowry if she needed to escape

  ***

  Jay drove up to the church. He had to admit it looked picture perfect with a bright white building sitting atop a hill. The tall spire accented by the vivid, blue Montana sky. Perfect. Is that what God expected? If so, Jay worried about lightning coming out of heaven as he crossed the threshold into the church.

  He tied the horse and then helped Florence down. He wasn�
��t sure, but he thought she was trembling. The woman was nervous. Fearful even. He’d have to help her overcome that, too.

  Jay knocked on the door, halfway hoping no one would answer. He should have asked Del what the preacher was like.

  The door opened, and a tall man with a rugged face answered. He was wearing a long, dark coat with a white collar around the neck. Although he looked intimidating, he smiled warmly.

  “How can I help you, folks?”

  “I’m Jay Selmer, and this is Florence Winwood. I’m one of Bridgette’s Bounty Brigade men, and this is my mail-order bride. We’d like to find out what we need to do to be married.”

  Florence tensed beside him.

  The preacher grinned. “Marriages, one of my favorite jobs as a pastor. By the way, I’m Preacher Bret Gentry. You can just call me Preacher Bret. Come on in and let’s get to know one another.”

  Jay let Florence enter first, and then he followed her.

  The preacher led them to the pews and pointed to one, and then he sat in front of them and turned to face them. “I can see that you’ve already told Florence that you were in prison.”

  “Yes, she knows.”

  Preacher Bret turned to Florence. “Is there anything in your past that you need to tell Jay?”

  She shook her head. “No, I was on my way to becoming a spinster, and I have always dreamed of being a wife and having a family of my own. I just never met a man who was interested in me.”

  The preacher nodded. “Why do you think that is?”

  Jay felt for her. She was fidgety and nervous. He put a hand over hers and smiled at her. “It doesn’t matter to me. I figure we’ve been brought together, and it will be all right.”

  “That’s a good outlook.” The preacher looked them over. “When did you want to marry?”

  Florence stared at Jay and then the preacher. “This Saturday.”

  Bret sat up. “That’s pretty quick, isn’t it?”

  Jay looked at Florence and nodded. “We talked it over. We’ll be fine, Preacher.”

  “Usually a couple will court for a time—”

  Florence sat upright, shoulders back, and eyes flashing. “Usually, people don’t travel across the country to marry. My mind was made up when I accepted the offer as a mail-order bride.”