She studied him, and even under the cover of darkness, Benjamin knew she was taking his measure. “That was then, Mr. Coulter. That doesn’t sound anything like the man I’ve made acquaintance with over the last few weeks. What about now?”
Maybe there was still hope. “I’ve been attending church regularly. More importantly, I’ve sought God’s forgiveness, and I haven’t had a drop of whiskey or gambled since the incident in the livery.” He took a deep breath. “Will you still have me?”
Benjamin waited impatiently as she deliberated, the seconds ticking by slower than molasses running up hill in winter. He could say nothing more to persuade her. He’d laid himself bare before her, and if she was the kind of woman he believed her to be, she wouldn’t hold his past against him.
She stood and smoothed her skirts. “Mr. Coulter, if our merciful heavenly Father has forgiven you, who am I to hold judgment against you?”
Benjamin closed his eyes briefly, savoring his victory. When his eyes lighted on her again, she had increased the distance between them.
“May I speak frankly, so there is a proper understanding between us?”
He nodded.
Miss Sutton lifted her chin and squared her shoulders before continuing. “You are welcome to ask permission to call on me, but you must know I intend to continue my employment at the Freedmen’s School, and I won’t abide by any drunkenness or gambling.”
She was refreshingly candid, especially for a female. “Understood.”
“Good. Have you made amends with Joseph prior to now?”
“No, but I’ll be as honest with him as I’ve been with you this evening.” Benjamin massaged his neck. “Do you think Joseph will hold the scuffle in the livery against me?”
“No. Joseph is a godly and reasonable man. Besides, he has a sweet spot for me.” She paused and bit her bottom lip. “It’s Mama you need to worry about.”
9
Ruth Ann placed the last coffee cup on the tray of refreshments she would serve in the parlor. “Please give Mr. Coulter a chance.”
Mama set her mouth in a firm line. “I’ll try, but he is no James Thornton.”
“You’re right.” She leaned over and kissed her mother on the cheek. “And I like him all the more for it.”
Mama reached for her daughter’s arm. “Sit down, Ruth.”
“But he’ll be here—”
“Never mind that. It does not hurt to keep a young man waiting.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I know you refused James because you felt he didn’t love you, but you must be leery of this romantic tendency of yours. Tingly sensations and rapid heartbeats cloud a young woman’s good judgment. A man may offer you the moon and the stars, but rarely can he provide it.”
Ruth Ann squeezed her mother’s hand. “I know you had your heart broken when you were young—Sarah told me. But not all men would’ve made the same choice Matthias Campbell did if they’d been in his shoes. Papa wouldn’t have hurt you that way.”
Mama withdrew her hand. She sat straighter in her chair. “Your father married me for my dowry—a sensible decision. The affection between us grew over time. Just as I believe it would between you and James if given the chance.”
“That’s not going to happen. And you’re wrong about Papa. He relayed many times how smitten he was with you from the moment he met you. I think you told yourself otherwise to protect your heart.”
Mama removed a monogrammed handkerchief from her sleeve. “Mark my words, child. This romantic foolishness will only lead to heartache.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “I could not endure watching you suffer as I did.”
Ruth Ann slipped her arm around her mother’s shoulders. “I know you love me and want what’s best for me.”
Her mother nodded and placed her hand on Ruth Ann’s.
She kissed the top of Mama’s head. “I believe that might be Benjamin Coulter.”
Joseph pushed through the swinging door. Buddy, fast on his heels, barking repeatedly. “I believe your guest has arrived. He’s ten minutes early.” Joseph waggled his eyebrows. “Someone is eager to see you.”
~*~
Benjamin straightened his tie and removed his hat, tucking it under his arm. He ran his fingers along his hairline making sure his derby hadn’t mussed it. Shifting from one foot to the other, he rapped his knuckles against the frosted glass of the front door. He glanced around—ivy-covered pillars, wicker furniture and more potted plants than the feed and seed.
He eyed his new charcoal gray sack suit. He’d been so proud of it when he’d first tried it on. Malachi assured him the haberdasher’s label was the finest in Montgomery Ward’s catalog. He gulped. What have I gotten myself into? Footsteps approached the door, and Benjamin took a deep breath. Your will be done, Lord.
Joseph answered and offered his hand. “Hello, Benjamin. It’s nice to see you again.”
The two men shook hands. “Nice to see you again, too, sir.”
Joseph nodded toward the parlor behind him. “Come inside.”
Benjamin cleared his throat. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a private word with you.”
Grinning, Joseph slapped him on the back. “No need, Ruth Ann has already informed us you’ve come to ask permission to call on her.”
“It’s not about that, sir. At least not directly.” Although he’d eaten a sizeable midday meal, an empty pit formed in Benjamin’s stomach.
Joseph stepped onto the porch, closing the door behind him.
Oh Lord, give me Your strength and wisdom. Help Joseph understand that I’ve changed. Benjamin squared his shoulders, locking his gaze on Joseph. If Benjamin was going to come clean regarding his past, then he’d look him in the eye while he did it. “I owe you an apology, Mr. Palmer. I was involved in a scuffle at your establishment back in August. A group of us were playing poker and drinking, and some punches flew.”
Joseph leaned back on his heels and stuffed his hands in his pockets. He scrutinized Benjamin. Deep creases formed between his brows. “I'm not sure I want a man who is inclined toward drinking and gambling calling on Ruth Ann.”
Perspiration beaded on Benjamin’s forehead. He could only hope Joseph had sowed a few wild oats of his own when he was younger. “I understand, sir. She deserves only the finest type of man seeking her affection. I’m pleased to tell you that I’m attending church regularly now, and I won't be drinking or gambling anymore. You have my word.”
“Ruth Ann knows all this and has encouraged you to come call?”
He nodded.
The seconds ticked off like hours as Benjamin waited for him to respond. Would Joseph send him home before he even had a chance to see her?
Joseph studied him a moment before his pronouncement. “Do I have your word? No more gambling or drinking—not even once?”
“Yes, sir, you have my word. Not even once.”
Joseph patted his shoulder. “That's good to hear. Ruth Ann is a special young woman. I don't want to see her hurt.”
The tension drained from his taut muscles. “Thank you, sir.”
Joseph motioned for Benjamin to follow him. “She’s in the parlor. The rest of the family and I will join you in a few minutes.”
Benjamin entered the parlor and froze. Miss Sutton stood near the fire, Buddy curled at her feet. She shifted toward him, a shy smile spreading across her face. Benjamin stared, his mouth agape. He blinked twice. Was she real? A russet dress trimmed in black lace complimented her dark hair and ivory skin. Layers of fabric gathered behind her, accentuating the curve of her hips. Combs loosely secured her hair on either side, allowing cascades of curls to fall over her shoulders. Her father’s gold locket adorned her neck.
He’d always thought her pretty, but tonight—
~*~
Ruth Ann bowed her head. The confines of her whalebone corset made breathing difficult. Her mother had insisted Sarah pull it tighter than she usually did, and Mr. Coulter appeared to notice immediately. She smiled and loo
ked away briefly, embarrassed by his perusal of her figure.
“You look...stunning.”
She reached for the wing back chair to steady herself as heat soared through her body. Suddenly, the room was way too warm. “Forgive my manners, Mr. Coulter.” She motioned toward the settee. “Please have a seat.”
Benjamin sat on one end then patted the space beside him.
She smiled and obliged him.
They sat side-by-side, the ticking of the grandfather clock providing the only sound. Her knee bounced as her gaze traveled around the room briefly meeting his before finally settling on the antics of a squirrel outside the parlor window.
She bit her bottom lip. Why couldn’t she think of anything to say? Conversation usually flowed with ease between them. She searched her memory for her mother’s instructions on entertaining. When all else fails, speak of the weather. “Unseasonably cool weather we’re having, isn’t it?”
“Hmm? Oh, yes. It’s very chilly for late September.”
He’d answered her but offered little else to keep the conversation going between them. She fidgeted with the black buttons on her sleeve. This was dreadful. If she didn’t find something clever and witty to say, he’d find her terribly dull. Even if she could think of something, it wouldn’t matter, her tongue felt thick, and she doubted any of her words would be discernible. Why did her tongue get tied-up in knots every time he was near?
The awkward silence stretched out between them like the vastness of the prairie she’d read about in one of her books. Of course, why hadn’t she thought of it sooner? She jerked to her feet.
His eyes grew wide. “Are you all right, Miss Sutton?”
“Hmm, oh yes. Would you like to see the new cards Mama purchased for the stereoscope?” Ruth Ann retrieved them from the walnut secretary in the corner without waiting for his reply. “We have pictures of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.” She placed a picture card in the slot then motioned for Benjamin to follow her to the window. “This is my favorite.”
Mr. Coulter leaned closer to the glass. After a brief inspection of the image, he pulled away from the pane and stared at her. “It’s a bison.”
“You don’t like bison?”
“It’s just not what I expected a woman to favor. Fields of wildflowers or prairie dogs perhaps.”
She arched a brow. “I’m not like most women, Mr. Coulter.”
~*~
She certainly wasn’t like any woman he’d ever met. He managed to shake his head and smile. Her lavender scent inhibited his ability to think clearly. He needed to shake off this troublesome stupor before he made a fool of himself. She unnerved him and that was new territory for Benjamin.
The swinging door in the dining room pushed open. Joseph returned with Mrs. Sutton and the rest of their family. Benjamin stood and tilted his head in Mrs. Sutton’s direction. “Ma’am.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You’ve done something to your appearance.” She waved her hand in a circular motion. “Very much improved, young man.”
He let out the breath he’d been holding as his hand inadvertently rubbed his smooth jaw.
He followed Joseph to the parlor where introductions were made to Joseph’s wife, Sarah, and his daughters, Chloe and Lily. The youngest of which curled against her mother half-asleep.
Chloe’s dark ringlets and deep brown eyes reminded him of Miss Sutton. She must have been an adorable child as well. “You’re a beautiful young lady, Chloe,” he said.
She giggled and waved her pudgy hand, encouraging her father to come closer. She covered her mouth as she pressed close to Joseph’s ear. “Is he Aunt Roofie's beau?”
Benjamin grinned. Chloe's whisper was tantamount to a bugler playing Reveille. He held out his hand to the youngster. When she put her little hand in his, he bent down and kissed it. “Between you and me, I'm only Aunt Roofie's beau because you are too young for me.” He glanced at Miss Sutton, a touch of crimson graced her cheeks.
Chloe covered her mouth and giggled again.
“All right, Chloe, it’s time for bed.” Mrs. Palmer looked at him. “I promised them they could stay up to meet you, but Lily just couldn’t keep her eyes open. She’ll be disappointed in the morning.” She steered Chloe toward the stairs. “I’ll bring coffee and dessert when I’m done.”
Mrs. Sutton nodded then took a seat in the wing back chair across from the settee.
Benjamin swallowed the lump in his throat. Now that the introductions were over, the inquisition would begin.
Benjamin eased onto the settee, relieved when Miss Sutton sat beside him again.
“Ruth has informed us that you work for the railroad, Mr. Coulter.”
“Actually, ma’am, I'm employed as a surveyor by the Dutton & Farrell Land Mapping Agency. They won the contract to build the Washington & Ohio from Alexandria to Winchester.”
“A surveyor?” Mrs. Sutton lifted a brow indicating that she doubted what she was hearing. “Then you have a college education, Mr. Coulter?”
“No, ma'am. I did go to school until I was fifteen though.”
Joseph struck a match against the mantel, lit his pipe, and puffed on the stem. “How did you manage to become a surveyor without attending college?”
Benjamin slid the brim of his derby between his fingers. He glanced at Miss Sutton. He’d told her that he was a surveyor already, and of course, that’s what she’d told her family. Oh well, if this was going to work, he needed to be honest about who he was. He licked his lips. “I’m in an apprenticeship program.”
Surprise registered on Miss Sutton’s face, but to her credit, she didn’t challenge him in front of her family.
Mrs. Sutton’s brows furrowed. “An apprentice?”
“I was hired by the Central Texas Railroad as a tracklayer and spike man. Dutton & Farrell then hired me to work on one of their surveying crews as a chainman. They eventually promoted me to crew chief. Nearly two years ago they offered me an apprenticeship. I’ll take the surveyor’s exam in March. Assuming I score well, I’ll be a surveyor in my own right and poised to build the rails from Catoctin Creek, over the Blue Ridge and on to Winchester.”
“I see.” Mrs. Sutton sounded genuinely impressed. “That is quite an accomplishment.”
Benjamin let his gaze roam to Miss Sutton, pleased that her mother had given him a compliment. “Thank you, ma'am.”
“Your family is in Texas?” Joseph asked.
“No, sir. My parents live in Pennsylvania. I joined the Union Army in ’64 and served in Tennessee. When the war ended, I went west looking for work with the railroad.”
Mrs. Sutton tilted her head. “What’s your father’s occupation, Mr. Coulter? I believe one’s parents offer great insight into a person’s...potential.”
Here we go. What potential did his father have? He had barely scraped enough together to keep food on their table and shoes on their feet when Benjamin was a boy. He’d prefer someone or something else to be the center of the discussion for a while. Buck up, Coulter. This is why you came—so her family could get to know you, to win them over.
He licked his lips. “My father owns an orchard near Chambersburg. My younger brother will inherit it.”
Mrs. Sutton lifted her chin. “Younger brother?”
“I would have inherited it if I had chosen to, but I’ve never wanted to be a farmer. My younger brother, Matthew, loves the land, so it’s best all around.”
Relief washed over Benjamin when Mrs. Palmer entered the parlor with a tray of refreshments, providing a welcome distraction from Mrs. Sutton’s scrutiny.
For the first time that evening, Benjamin noticed the fine furnishings of the Sutton’s parlor—marble-top tables, floral arrangements, store-bought rugs, and the rich maroon drapes that framed the parlor windows. A slight hint of cinnamon emanated from the mixture of dried flowers, leaves, and pinecones occupying a glass dish on the table. The room reeked of elegance. Nothing in his own parents’ home could compare.
“You ha
ve a lovely home, Mrs. Sutton.”
She lifted her chin and smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Coulter.”
Miss Sutton handed him a slice of warm apple cake. “Did you make this?”
She nodded and sat beside him.
He breathed deeply, the scent of warm apples mixed with lavender filling his senses. “Mmm, you smell delicious.”
She arched her brow. “Pardon?”
“Uh...” Benjamin sized up the marble coffee table, wondering if he’d fit beneath it. “I mean the cake—it smells delicious.”
She chuckled. “Thank you.”
Mrs. Sutton set her plate on the side table and resumed her questioning. “I imagine a surveyor for the railroad does not stay in one place very long?”
Benjamin tore his attention away from Miss Sutton and refocused it on her mother. “It depends. Working on a job for the railroad requires me to follow the progression of the job.” He pierced the cake with his fork. “The W&OR is having financial difficulties and is making slow progress. They haven’t advanced more than eight miles in two years.” His gaze briefly shifted to Miss Sutton. “However, it has allowed me to stay in Catoctin Creek longer than I’d expected.”
Joseph shook his head. “Well, I’m glad it’s benefiting someone. The investors are bleeding money, and the railroad wants to raise more bond funds. The farmers and merchants were told this thing would be done two years ago.”
“I know, sir. The rate at which the Virginia Creeper is progressing has me concerned for my own job. They’ve already cut back my hours, and if I didn’t need them desperately to gain certification, I’d be forced to look elsewhere for work.”
Benjamin caught Mrs. Sutton’s gaze. She frowned before looking away. What a fool. He shouldn’t have indicated his job may be in jeopardy.
“Is surveying usually so unpredictable, Mr. Coulter?” She looked at her daughter as if to make a point.
Benjamin shook his head then sipped his coffee. “No, ma’am, but like any profession, it’s susceptible to the whims of the economy. The way I understand it, when the Baltimore & Ohio beat us to Harper’s Ferry, several large investors backed out. It looks like the W&OR will be sold.”
A Love Restored Page 10