Reverend Jackson passed her the ticket and guided her toward the conductor. “You’ll be in our prayers, Memphis Rose. Be sure and send word when you arrive in Carrie Town.”
Unable to speak, Memphis nodded. The pastor shook the conductor’s hand. “I’m placing some precious cargo in your care today, sir.”
The conductor gave a glance at the ticket. “She’s on the cotton-belt route, so I’ll keep an eye on her from here through Arkansas, and I’ll be certain she makes the right transfer to Texas. I have two daughters of my own.”
Reverend Jackson cleared his throat. “No matter how many times I do this, it never gets easier. It’s more difficult to let her go than I ever imagined.”
The conductor met the pastor’s gaze. “Not looking forward to that day myself. How many children do you have?”
Reverend Jackson’s eyes twinkled, “As of this morning, about twenty-five, but you never know what the day might bring.”
Memphis giggled. She’d heard the pastor offer the same joke about the children at the orphanage over and over but still found it funny.
The shrill whistle of the locomotive sounded. Memphis blinked tears from her eyes and gave Reverend Jackson one last hug. “Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I’ll wire when I arrive and follow up with a letter.”
Clutching her skirt, she took in a breath and boarded the train.
The conductor seated Memphis across from a woman in her mid-fifties, wearing a purple bonnet with ostrich tips. She introduced herself as Mrs. Dean and explained she was on her way to visit family in Dallas. Memphis found herself relaxing at the woman’s happy chatter, and they admired the beautiful fall foliage before bidding the state of Tennessee good-bye.
Crossing into Arkansas, Mrs. Dean pulled out her embroidery. Memphis was thankful Mrs. Shelby had suggested she take her knitting needles and yarn to help pass the time. She would be well on her way to completing a scarf to give to Mike for Christmas.
“Interesting choice of color you’ve got there, nice and bright.” Her companion’s eyes stared over her reading glasses.
Memphis laid the scarf across her lap. “My fiancé’s favorite color is orange. I hope his taste runs to a darker hue. What do you think?”
Mrs. Dean fingered the yarn. “Your stitching is excellent. The yarn is soft and will keep him warm. If that’s his favorite color, he’ll be doubly blessed.”
“It does seem an odd choice.” Memphis glanced toward the window. “Though I admit I’ve enjoyed seeing the shade in the fall leaves.”
Chapter 13
“Do not be in a hurry, the right man will come at last.”
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Days later, the conductor bellowed, “Carrie Town.”
Memphis retrieved her carpetbag from under her seat with renewed energy. Clutching her skirts, she stepped from the train onto the crowded platform. Passengers disembarked and others boarded. It was warmer than she expected. She took a deep breath and glanced toward the modest town. From her standpoint at the station, the buildings lined one side of the tracks and included a post office, blacksmith, hotel and a bank. Her heart raced when she spotted the stone livery stable that Mike and his brothers owned.
Heavy work boots plodded across the wooden boardwalk. A tall man wearing a cowboy hat strode toward her. A tin star pinned on his vest caught the reflection from the morning sun. His Peacemaker rested in a double-loop holster over his right hip. “Miss Griffin?” The deputy’s blue eyes crinkled with his smile.
Memphis tried to moisten her lips, but her mouth was as dry as sawdust. Why would the deputy know her name? Had something happened to Mike, or was this entire matchmaking process some nefarious scheme? “Yes, I’m Miss Griffin,” she squeaked.
The deputy removed his hat displaying golden hair curling slightly above his collar. “I’m Deputy Weaver. Mike’s on the way. He was helping a family with a broken axle and got delayed.” Returning his hat to his head, he reached for her carpetbag. “Do you have more luggage?”
Memphis nodded. “One trunk.”
Deputy Weaver offered his arm, then guided her toward the baggage handler loading luggage onto a cart. Two long whistles sounded. The engine slowly chugged forward, enveloping them in a cloud of steam. Then a gust of November wind blew with a vengeance. Memphis pulled her cloak tighter.
“Don’t worry. The wind doesn’t always blow like this.” The deputy offered a sheepish grin.
“That’s a blessing, I’m sure.” Memphis let go of her cape and grasped her skirts which were flapping in the wind.
“Yep, sometimes it comes from the other direction.” Deputy Weaver winked.
Memphis shook her head and laughed. Her thoughts went back to the list of candidates. This must be the man whose description appealed to Daisy until she found out he did double duty as a farmer.
Wagon wheels rattled. A broad-shouldered man in a blue shirt and leather vest jumped from a wagon and made long strides toward them. His square jaw visibly clenched and his dark eyes stared. He tipped his Stetson displaying a glimpse of dark wavy hair.
Memphis took a hesitant step and peered up at the man who was at least a foot taller than she. “Mike?”
He flashed a wide smile displaying two dimples and reached for her hand. “Sorry I’m late.” He placed her knuckles to his lips. “You’re even prettier in person.”
Memphis swallowed and glanced into Mike’s eyes. Assorted colors of light brown and amber circled by a thin green outer band gazed back at her. “I was worried for a moment, but the deputy kindly explained you were on the way.”
Mike’s eyebrows narrowed. “Thanks, Leo. I’ll take it from here.”
“Glad to do it.” Leo rubbed his chin. “Why don’t I help you load Miss Griffin’s trunk?” Without waiting for a response, he sauntered toward the luggage cart and pointed.
Memphis shook her head. “No, it’s the one on the end with the copper nails.”
“I can see I’m going to have to hurry and get you to agree to marry me right away. I’ve already got competition flexing his muscle.” Mike placed Memphis’s hand in the crook of his arm and steered her toward the wagon. “How about I take you to my parents’ home first? Let you shake off the travel dust and rest. Afterward, if you’re not too tired, I’d like to take you to dinner tonight.”
Another burst of wind sent her golden locks blowing across her face. Memphis grabbed her straw bonnet. “I must look a mess.”
“Far from it.” Mike placed his hands on Memphis’s waist and swung her onto the seat of the wagon and set a blanket on her lap. His dark eyes twinkled. “Sit tight while I fetch your carpetbag and help Romeo with your trunk.”
***
Memphis gasped when Mike pulled in front of a Gothic Revival-style house with pointed arches and window shapes. The gray two-storied wooden structure trimmed in white sported decorative screens with wrought iron, covering the windows and front door. The wooden rockers and massive swing looked inviting on the L-shaped porch. “It’s even more charming than you described.”
Mike pushed his Stetson to the back of his head and followed her gaze. “After we sold our other business and relocated here a couple of years back, Ma put us to work. Between my father and four brothers, we brought the place up to her standards. Her first request was a water closet. Thankfully, my brother Matt carried out that task. The details on the wrought iron were my sister’s idea.”
She smiled. “It seems strange since we’ve never met, but I feel as though I know you and your family well. I’m excited to meet them in person.”
“There’s a bunch of us and when we get together, it gets noisy.” Mike squeezed her hand. “You’ll get the opportunity to meet. Honestly, I was hoping to spread it out a bit. I don’t want them to scare you off.”
“Believe me, growing up in a children’s home, I know a thing or two about noise.” Memphis grinned. She accepted Mike’s assistance exiting the wagon.
His hands lingered on her wais
t. “Did I tell you how happy you made me by agreeing to come?”
Memphis’s eyes met his. Dark amber. Intriguing. “I’m delighted to be here with you.”
The screen door slammed and a young girl squealed. “Grandma, she’s here.”
Memphis felt the rumble of laughter from Mike’s chest. “You’re about to become acquainted with Annie, my brother John-Mark’s sister-in-law. She recently turned six. Her brother, Andrew, will be along soon. He’s nine.”
Mike reached for her carpetbag. “The kids think of Ma and Pa as grandparents and me and my brothers, uncles. They’ll most likely want to refer to you as Aunt.” He glanced at her lips. “Hope that’s okay?”
She offered a watery smile. “How wonderful. Growing up without any extended family, I never imagined having a niece or nephew.”
“A word of warning. They’re a precocious pair. You never know what they’re going to say.” Mike placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “Speaking of which, you’re about to meet my mother, the incomparable Tennessee Montgomery. She’s bound to fret over you like a mama bird.”
As if on cue, the front door opened and the woman she’d heard about for years emerged. Her boots made quick taps on the front porch. “Y’all come on in the house. It’s chilly out here.” She waved them inside
Memphis felt her knees wobble and was comforted by Mike’s wink. They followed his mother into the house. Mrs. Montgomery was the same age as Mrs. Shelby. Except for the silver streaks in her auburn hair, she would have guessed her years younger.
Mrs. Montgomery’s green eyes sparkled. She extended her arms and brought Memphis into a strong embrace. The scent of lavender and a feeling of welcome engulfed Memphis.
“We’re happy you’re finally here.” Two dimples framed Mrs. Montgomery’s smile
“It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” Memphis glanced back at Mike’s mouth. “I can see the similarities in you and your son.”
“He’s got my dimples, that’s for sure. Otherwise, he and his daddy are as similar as kernels on a corncob.” Mrs. Montgomery beamed. “Mike, please take her cloak and hang it on the hall tree.”
“This is a beautiful piece.” Memphis stepped closer to examine the black hand-forged iron structure with twisted rods, spiral finials and a wood-framed mirror.
Mike reached for her coat. “Maggie designed it. Pa did the hammering.” Their fingers brushed. Memphis felt her face flame.
Tennessee's round cheeks rose with her smile. “Our youngest daughter has a gift for design. My sons all inherited their father’s talent with a hammer.”
“Ma, I’m going to head back to the livery and will pick Memphis up for dinner at five.”
“All right, if you’ll take her luggage up to your old room, I’ll make sure she has the opportunity to freshen up.” Mrs. Montgomery took her arm. “Come on back to the kitchen. I’ve got cookies just out of the oven and coffee waiting. I’ll bet your half-starved to death after being on the train for days.”
Memphis cast a backward glance toward Mike. “I’ll see you this evening.”
Mike tipped his hat. With his lips pressed together, he added. “Ma, please don’t talk her ear off today. Some things can wait until tomorrow.”
Chapter 14
“I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.”
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Memphis glanced around at the Montgomery’s water closet while she towel-dried her hair. Growing up in the orphanage, she’d grown accustomed to utilizing a washbasin. A full bath meant a visit to the creek when weather allowed. In the winter months, she used a portable tub placed in front of the fire and filled with water heated from the stove.
When Mike mentioned his brother converted the smallest bedroom on the second floor into a water closet, never in her wildest imagination had she envisioned anything so grand. The dark wooden floors were varnished and embellished by an oval rag rug lying in front of the cast iron tub. Wainscoting covered the walls and a framed sampler hung above the washbasin. Memphis’s mouth twitched when she read the Bible verse from Psalm 51:10. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Donning her underthings and dressing gown, she entered the hallway. Her bare feet tapped across the polished wood floors to the bedroom. A young girl sat on the double bed, her pink calico dress a stark contrast to the red star-patterned quilt. “Don’t you just love everything?” The child grinned, displaying a row of missing teeth. “I’m Annie.”
Memphis closed the door slowly. “Hello, Annie. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Annie hopped from the bed and curtsied. “Did I do that right?”
“Did you do what, right?” Memphis patted the young girl’s back, then stepped across the room and retrieved her hairbrush.
Annie followed. “Did I curtsy the way you’re supposed to?” The young girl's blue eyes were huge behind dark eyelashes.
“An impressive curtsy, I dare say.” Memphis sat on the bed and began brushing her hair. “Does your sister know where you are?”
“No, ma’am.” Annie’s braids swished back and forth as she climbed onto the bed. “She knows I’m at Grandma’s house while she’s taking her nap. The baby she’s expecting makes her tired.”
“I see. Are you excited about the new baby?” Memphis smiled.
“Yes and no.” Annie placed her finger on her chin. “I’m excited about you being here, though.” She reached for a strand of Memphis’s hair. “Your hair is pretty. It reminds me of honey.”
“Thank you. I think yours is lovely as well.” Memphis began braiding her waist-length locks.
Annie inclined her head. “I thought your braid would be longer.” She motioned with her arms. “At least to the floor.”
“Did you? My goodness, can you imagine how long it would take to comb out the tangles if it was?”
Annie placed her hand over her mouth and giggled.
Memphis moved to the pine armoire where her garments hung and reached for her new two-piece ensemble, a navy calico.
“That’s gorgeous.” Annie reached for the skirt. “You’ll need to wear a petticoat, so it’ll swish when you walk.”
Memphis laughed. “That’s the plan.”
“Do you have a hat to match?” Annie jumped off the bed and ran to the closet.
“I have a brand new one I’ve never worn.” Memphis nodded toward her trunk, which sat opened under the window. “It’s in the chest in a round box.”
While Annie searched her trunk, Memphis finished dressing and spun in front of the mirror hanging above the dresser. She smoothed the fitted bodice and admired the flare below the nipped waist. Leaning closer to the mirror, she was surprised at her reflection. Her blue eyes were bright and her cheeks flushed. For the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel like a spinster but a young woman about to revive an old dream of becoming a wife and mother.
Annie pulled out a baby blanket once belonging to Memphis. “I knew it. You and Uncle Mike are going to have a baby too.”
***
Memphis sipped a rich cup of coffee dosed with a spoonful of honey and cream. She glanced around the Montgomery’s kitchen. The walls were a creamy yellow and there was a wide aisle between the stove, sink and work area. “The way Mike described your home, I felt certain it would be welcoming. The reality is each room seems more cheerful than the last.”
Mrs. Montgomery wiped her hands on a dishtowel and took a seat. “Thank you, dear, for the wonderful compliment.” Her green eyes blinked. “Do you know our daughter-in-law, Carol, made a similar statement to me when we first met? I’m excited for you to meet her. You’ll enjoy each other’s company.”
The door to the dining room opened. Mike paused and stared. “Don’t you look nice.” He cleared his throat. “I’m a bit early. Figured I’d try to make it up to you for being late this morning.”
Memphis felt her stomach flutter. She offered a smile. “Don’t concern yourself with that.
Although I was nervous when I got off the train, it was thoughtful of you to send Deputy Weaver. He put me at ease right away.”
“If you’re ready?” Mike pulled her chair out from the table.
“I left my hat and shawl in the foyer.” She studied the tightening of Mike’s jaw. Have I done something to offend him?
“You two have a good time.” Mrs. Montgomery followed them into the foyer.
Memphis tied the bow to her bonnet under her chin and rearranged her curls around her face.
“Don’t wait up. I’ll see she returns in one piece.” Mike removed his Stetson from the hall tree and nodded to his mother. He placed Memphis’s wrap on her shoulders. His freshly shaven face hinted of lavender and citrus.
She followed him onto the front porch.
“I should have thought to ask.” Mike faced her. “Do you mind walking? The temperature is mild and the diner is only a few blocks away.”
“A walk sounds fine. I’ll enjoy getting a better look at the town.” Memphis offered a shaky smile.
“Is everything alright?” Mike’s dark eyebrows narrowed.
“I’m a little nervous.” Memphis felt her cheeks burn. “My friend, Magnolia Mae, teases me by saying my middle name is ‘Apprehension.’”
Mike chuckled. “Remind me which one is she?”
“One of my roommates who works in the kitchen. She loves to try new things and experiments on us with her recipes.” Memphis cast him a sideways glance. “I’m working on conquering unwarranted fears.”
Mike nodded. “Seems to me you’ve done a lot of conquering lately. I hope I don’t make you nervous.”
Memphis glanced at her feet. “Not counting my pastor and a few other grandfatherly types who assisted at the orphanage, I’ve not spent much time in the company of men. Certainly, I’ve never had a beau.”
Mike lifted her chin. “This is an important step in our relationship. I want you to feel at ease with me. We’ll take things slow. I want to court you properly.”
Memphis offered a slow smile. “I look forward to it.”
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