by Kit Morgan
Mr. Markhel stopped chewing and looked at him. “Oh?”
“Someone that needs my help. I’m already giving it and plan to continue until I’m no longer needed.”
“Very well. But I have other candidates I need to see.”
“Are they here in town?”
“No, elsewhere.”
“When will you return?”
Mr. Markhel’s eyes drifted to the kitchen again. “Soon enough.”
That did it. “She’s too young.”
The giant looked at him. “She is none of your concern.”
Ephraim stared at him. He swore Markhel’s eyes got brighter when he spoke. “What business is she of yours?”
Mr. Markhel didn’t answer, just stared at him with those steel-blue eyes.
“Leave her alone, Mr. Markhel.” Ephraim didn’t know why he said it. It was not the brightest thing to say, considering whom he was saying it to.
Mr. Markhel’s eyes brightened again. “Do you honestly think I am here to harm her?”
“I don’t know.”
Markhel leaned toward him. “I will put your mind at ease, Dr. Stone. I am guarding her.” He sat back in his chair and stabbed at his eggs.
“Oh, all right, then. Why didn’t you say so?” But of course he wanted to know why.
“Because again, it is none of your concern.” Markhel took a big mouthful of eggs.
The door of the café opened. “Mr. Stone,” Miss Branson said brightly. “How lovely to see you here.”
Ephraim immediately noticed Mr. Markhel’s eyes were now intent on Beryl Branson. It was bad enough he sometimes looked at Darcy as if he was deciding whether she’d be a tasty snack. But when he looked at Miss Branson that way … he left his chair and stood between them, blocking Mr. Markhel’s view. “I’m glad you’re here, Miss Branson. I wanted to know when you’d like to go see Katie.”
“You don’t have to accompany me.”
“I want to. Things are still, shall we say, unsettled.” Last night Katie’s parents left before Jace got two words in.
She sighed wearily. “Yes, you’re right. Very much so.”
“Doc Stone!” Mayor Vander bellowed. “Are you going to introduce me to your friend?”
Ephraim cringed. He remembered what happened to Jace and Katie when she first arrived in town. Had the mayor heard that Miss Branson was supposed to be his mail-order bride?
“Young lady, I’m the mayor of this town.” He grabbed Miss Branson’s hand and gave it a healthy shake. “I hear you’re a friend of our sheriff’s lovely new bride.”
Miss Branson looked questioningly at Ephraim, who mouthed back, “wasn’t me,” before smiling at the mayor. “Yes, and I’m sure she and Mrs. Diamond will have a lovely visit.”
“Why, that’s grand!” Mayor Vander said. “What’s your name, miss?”
“Mayor Horace Vander, meet Miss Beryl Branson,” Ephraim said, remembering his manners.
“Happy to make your acquaintance, my dear,” the mayor boomed. “Where do you hail from?”
Miss Branson smiled cautiously. “Denver, most recently.”
“Splendid! You must join my wife and I for dinner – we’d love to have you!”
“Oh, um, that’s most kind …” She looked at Ephraim, who shrugged helplessly. Mayor Vander was like a thunderstorm – you couldn’t stop him, only wait for him to blow through and mop up afterward.
“You should come too, Doc,” Mayor Vander said. “We haven’t had you over in quite some time.”
“Oh … why, thank you, sir.”
The mayor took a look at Mr. Markhel, then quickly returned to his table.
Miss Branson looked at the giant too. “Good morning.”
Ephraim turned enough to catch Mr. Markhel nodding.
Miss Branson turned back to Ephraim. “Yes, well … Katie mentioned last night she’ll be working at the bookshop today. Why don’t we walk her home?”
“Excellent idea.”
She glanced at Mr. Markhel and back. “I’ll leave you two to your breakfast.”
Ephraim almost asked her to join them, thought better of it and motioned her toward Mayor Vander instead. “If you’d like to learn more about the town, there’s no better person to talk to than the mayor.”
Mayor Vander grinned. “Come join me, my dear. I can tell you anything about Independence you’d like to know!”
“Oh, um, that’s very generous of you,” Miss Branson said.
Ephraim pulled a chair out for her. The last thing he wanted was for Mr. Markhel to start assessing her. She was … his eyes widened as a thought that popped into his head. She wasn’t here to marry him, wasn’t a real mail-order bride. So why on Earth would he suddenly act like she was?
Beryl listened as Mayor Vander told her the history of the town, how he’d been mayor for decades, how his son Garrett met his wife Ammy and their grandson met and married Sophie Baxter – the mail-order bride that came to town only to find her betrothed had been murdered. Then Katie stepped into the picture, another piece of the puzzle plaguing the little town.
All through their conversation she stole glances at Ephraim Stone, blushing every time he caught her. Ephraim’s breakfast partner watched them closely but said nothing about it, thank Heaven. He was unnerving – she could “feel” every time his eyes were on her.
Thankfully, he sprang to attention, tossed some money on the table and hurried out the door. Ephraim and the rest of the café watched him go, then went back to their food and conversations.
“How does tonight sound?”
“Excuse me?”
“Dinner with Mercy and me,” the mayor explained. “Betsy makes wonderful chicken and dumplings.”
She smiled. “I believe that will be all right.”
“Perfect! Now if you’ll excuse me, my dear, I must run along. May I have the pleasure of buying your breakfast?”
She smiled again. “That is most kind, but I …”
“Wonderful!” Mayor Vander stood. “Darcy!”
Darcy scurried out of the kitchen, spotted the empty chair across from Ephraim and frowned. “Yes, Mayor Vander?”
“The check, please. For me and Miss Branson here.”
Darcy nodded and trudged back to the kitchen.
Beryl exchanged a quick look with Ephraim, who just shrugged again. My, but the poor girl had it bad. “What time, Mayor Vander?”
“Six o’clock,” he bellowed. “That goes for you too, Doc. Don’t be late!” He met Darcy at the counter, paid his bill and left.
“My,” Beryl said, “is he always that loud?”
“Always,” six people replied. Beryl covered her mouth to keep from laughing.
Ephraim – make that Dr. Stone – stood. “Seems we’re to dine at the Vanders’ this evening.”
“Looks that way,” she said. “I noticed he didn’t wait for your answer.”
He smiled. “He never does.”
Beryl laughed. “You live in an interesting town, Dr. Stone.” She noticed his eyes were on Darcy, who stood staring blankly out the door. “What’s the matter?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
The waitress finally turned, looking pained. “Ephraim … is she all right?” Beryl wondered.
He shook his head, not seeming to notice she’d accidentally used his Christian name. “I don’t think so.” He met Beryl’s gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly as Darcy slouched back to the kitchen. “Don’t worry, I’ll speak to her.”
Beryl swallowed. “Another mystery?”
He slowly nodded. “It would seem.” He took a deep breath and forced a smile. “Don’t let it trouble you – I’ll handle it. Would you care to take a stroll, see some of the town?”
Her heart leaped in her chest. “Yes, that would be lovely.” He offered her his arm, she took it and they were off.
Their first stop was the bookshop next door to check on Katie. She smiled at them the moment they stepped through the door and came around the counter. “Bery
l, Ephraim, I’m so glad to see you.”
Beryl smiled. Katie looked better than she had the day before. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, I was exhausted.” She looked past them as if expecting someone else to come in. “Have you seen my parents this morning?”
“No,” Beryl said. “I didn’t hear a peep out of them when I got up over an hour ago.”
Katie sighed in relief. “Between yesterday and the journey here, they’re probably still asleep.”
“Were you hoping to see them this morning?” Ephraim asked.
“Oh, no.” Katie waved her hands. “I want to be able to work in peace, if you don’t mind.”
Ephraim smiled in understanding. “I’m sure you’re right. They’re probably still resting.”
“Your mother isn’t an early riser, you recall” Beryl commented. “Your father often had to badger her to get up, get some breakfast, then get to the train on time.”
“At home she was rarely up before noon,” Katie agreed. “But considering the circumstances …” She shrugged. “Well, I thought my father might want to start in on me early.”
Ephraim leaned against the counter. “Do you think they’ll leave soon?”
“You asked me that last night, remember?”
“I know.” He went over to a shelf of books, picked one and thumbed through it. “Beryl and I just want to make sure we’re there to support you the next time you speak with them.”
Beryl started at the use of her Christian name. So he was thinking that way too?
“Thank you,” Katie said, ignorant of the exchange. “I can use all the support I can get.”
“I’m pretty sure Jace can handle them, though. Once they actually speak with him.” Ephraim returned to thumbing through the book.
“Do you have any plans today?” Katie asked Beryl.
“Well, I do have a dinner invitation.”
“Already?” Katie said with a laugh. She looked at Ephraim. “She was always very popular.”
He set the book down. “Do tell?”
“Ephra … Mr. Stone and I are having dinner with the mayor and his wife this evening,” Beryl announced.
“Mayor Vander and Mercy?” Katie put a hand to her chest. “Oh, my!”
“Which is why I’m going,” Ephraim said. “To protect poor Miss Branson – that is, Beryl – from Mayor Vander’s shenanigans.”
Beryl was confused. “Whatever are you two talking about?”
Katie went behind the counter, smiling. “Well, you two make a great team. In fact, I was wondering if perhaps …” She fiddled with a stack of books.
“Katie,” Beryl begged. “Perhaps what?”
“Well, I know you came here to prove to my father that there’s nothing wrong with being a mail-order bride, and seeing as how the two of you are on a first-name basis, do you think you could maybe … let him continue to think you’re …” Katie waved her hand in the air. “… courting?”
Beryl’s jaw dropped. “You want us to do what?”
“Katie,” Ephraim said, “why would you want us to make your father think we’re getting married?”
“I didn’t say getting married. Just courting.”
Beryl’s brow furrowed. “Does he think that because you came here as a mail-order bride, it’s … ruined you?”
Katie nodded. “I was hoping if he saw you two get along, it would show him it’s not all bad.”
Ephraim shook his head. “I don’t see that swaying the man. He’s the type that gets an idea in his head and it takes a good wallop with a tree branch to change his mind. Am I right?”
Katie sighed. “Unfortunately.”
Beryl went behind the counter and gave her a hug. “I’m sorry, but I think Ephraim’s right. I don’t think it will make much difference.”
The bell over the door rang and Mayor Vander walked in, trailed by the Haverdashes. “Here they are! I thought Katie was working this morning.” He smiled at Ephraim and Beryl. “And the happy couple too!” He slapped Ephraim on the shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me Miss Branson was your mail-order bride?”
Ephraim’s eyes popped wide. “What?”
Mr. Haverdash grinned. “I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of informing Mayor Vander of your upcoming nuptials. He said you could be married today! Isn’t that wonderful news, Miss Branson?”
Beryl smiled as she glanced at Katie, who looked shell-shocked. Mr. Haverdash was forcing her hand. She might as well get this over with.
“A fine thing,” Ephraim said. “But Beryl and I have decided to wait.”
Beryl stopped breathing, turned and looked at him. What is he doing?
“Oh?” said Mayor Vander.
“Yes, we plan to court for a time, see if we truly suit.”
“Well, I suppose that’s wise,” the mayor said.
“You’re not getting married right away?” Mr. Haverdash snapped.
Beryl smiled as she understood what Ephraim was doing. Katie and Jace took their time to court. It was, after all, the wise thing to do, just as Mayor Vander said.
Ephraim nodded. “I want Beryl to see what kind of man she’d be getting. She can then decide if I’m the man for her.”
Mr. Haverdash’s jaw dropped.
“Oh, isn’t that nice?” Petunia turned to her husband. “Whatever is the matter, dear?”
“Mr. Haverdash, are you quite all right?” Ephraim said.
“My, my,” Mayor Vander said. “Doc Stone, perhaps you’d better take him to your office?”
“I think I’d better.” He took Mr. Haverdash’s shoulder and steered him toward the door.
“I’ll help!” Mayor Vander boomed. “Come along, Haverdash. Doc Stone will have you fixed up in no time!” Before Katie’s father could get out a word, they had him outside.
“Oh dear!” Petunia cried. “I told him to remember his blood pressure!”
“Is he all right?” Beryl asked.
“I think so,” Katie said. “It’s just that sometimes Papa gets so mad he can’t talk.”
Beryl covered her mouth. She shouldn’t laugh, she really shouldn’t, but she did anyway. “What happens when he can?”
Katie grimaced. “Hopefully we won’t be there when that happens.”
Chapter Eight
“I’m sorry I put you on the spot,” Katie said once things were calmer.
Beryl went to the counter, still bemused. “You didn’t, but Ephraim did. I still can’t believe he said that.”
“He saw an opportunity, Beryl, and he took it. What’s wrong with that?”
“Only that your father now thinks we’re courting.” She sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. She was tense now, unsure of what to do. It might be fun to pretend she and the handsome doctor were a couple, but it could also lead to disaster. For one, she’d leave eventually. She didn’t want to go back to Denver or Baltimore and hear all the gossip.
“It won’t be for long,” Katie assured. “Besides, Jace will get a kick out of it.”
Beryl smiled. “Really? He and Ephraim must be good friends.”
“They are.” Katie pulled a feather duster from somewhere behind the counter and began to dust it. “You’re lucky I’m here this morning. I usually don’t come in until after lunch.”
“I think Ephraim mentioned that. Why are you here?”
“Professor Hamilton went fishing with Mr. Tindle.”
“Which one? I’ve heard there are several.”
“Yes, that’s one of the things I like about this place. There are three generations of Tindles in town, not to mention Vanders, Smythes, Templetons and quite a few other families.”
Beryl took a few steps back from the counter. She had on a light pink day dress and didn’t want dust on it. Had Ephraim even noticed it?
“You could think about staying …,” Katie mused.
“What do you mean? Live here?”
Katie nodded slowly. “I think you’d like it. I know it’s nothing compared to Ba
ltimore and what you’re used to, but it’s peaceful here and I’m so happy. I just want to see you have the same happiness I’ve found.”
“Thank you. I suppose I haven’t given much thought to marriage or living anywhere outside my parents’ home. I’ve always been so independent, even though I stay with them.”
Katie came around the counter and started dusting the nearest bookshelf. “You are independent. But don’t you want to get married?”
“If this is about Mr. Stone …”
Katie smiled at her. “So now he’s Mr. Stone. The last few minutes you’ve been calling him Ephraim.”
Beryl sighed in resignation. “I admit, I’m very comfortable around the man. I like him. He’s quick-witted, intelligent …”
“… handsome,” Katie added.
Beryl rolled her eyes. “Yes, that. And he’s calm. I feel peaceful around him.”
“That’s how I feel with Jace,” Katie said. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
“Well, yes.” Beryl followed Katie to another shelf. “But we’ve only just met.”
“I met and married Jace in two weeks,” Katie pointed out.
“Yes, but yours were different circumstances.”
“Not really,” Katie headed for another shelf. “He didn’t know I was coming, wasn’t even looking for a wife when I showed up.”
“And neither is Mr. Stone.”
Katie arched an eyebrow at her.
“Okay, fine – Ephraim. My point is, he’s not looking for a wife and I wasn’t looking for a husband. I was trying to prove a point.”
“By getting a husband,” Katie reminded her. She laughed and waved the feather duster at Beryl. “Either way, it was at his expense.” She headed for the back of the store.
Beryl followed. “That might be true, but I wasn’t going to actually marry him, and was perfectly ready to compensate him for any trouble I caused him.”
Katie spun on her. “Beryl Branson, you’re lying to yourself.”
Beryl blinked a few times. “What?”
“I can tell you like Ephraim. I can tell he likes you. So why not enjoy the next few days and get to know him? It will make my life easier – my father can see that …”
