“I need to go to work. Are you going to meet with Hannah, Francesca, and Jericho?”
“And Florence. Yes, I plan to see them.” She gave him her sweetest smile along with her look of love, hoping to divert his anger.
It didn’t work.
Sterling looked at her with stormy eyes. “As soon as school is out, we’ll pick up the boys and go home.”
“Yes, dear.” That meant she had less than six hours to see if either of her matches were in town.
Sterling rose, and always the gentleman, held her chair out for her.
Bridgette smiled and tried to look him in the eye, but he kept his gaze from her.
Feeling she’d disappointed him, she stood and walked with Sterling out of the hotel. “I think I’ll see if Francesca and Pierre have any new dresses in.”
Sterling stared at her, smiled, and then kissed her. “Have fun, dear. I know your heart is in the right place, but I want this to be the last mail-order bride.”
Bridgette nodded, wondering how she could let the other young men down. Well, that would be a problem for another day. She walked toward the dress shop, turned, and waited until Sterling entered the courthouse. With a grin, she turned and headed for the jail. Levi would know if Reid was in town or not. Then she’d go to the hotel and see about Evalyn.
She held her parasol up to block the sun, although the sunshine would soon be gone by the look of those clouds. Thinking about Reid, she braced herself for a fight. The man had been one of her feistier clients, and she had gone through a time where she didn’t want to help him. But she’d changed her mind.
Why? She still wasn’t sure. Yet, sometimes the Lord had her do things that she didn’t agree with. But then, God knew what was best. That she believed. Bridgette held her head high and her hopes higher as she walked to the jail.
Bridgette opened the door and nodded to the men. “Hello, Levi, Ronan. How is the business of keeping the peace this morning?” She smiled at them and put her parasol by the door.
Levi stood. “Bridgette, I thought we might see you today.”
“Oh, and why would that be?”
Levi looked at Ronan and nodded. “Reid Cahill is back there in the cell. He came into town a little while ago. I put him in jail to protect him from himself.”
Bridgette’s hopes fell to her toes. Perhaps, Sterling would be right sooner than he thought. “Can I see him?”
Levi took the keys and opened the door. “Reid, Bridgette is here to see you.” Levi unlocked the cell and held open the door for the man. “You’re free to go. I just thought a little stay in jail might influence you to keep out of trouble.”
Bridgette peeked around the door. “Reid, have you forgotten our deal?”
Reid gave her that sly grin of his and shook his head. “I just got carried away with my freedom.”
“I have a room for you in the hotel. Shall we go there and discuss the terms?”
Reid looked at Levi. “I’m free to go?”
Levi nodded. “Don’t give her any trouble. Remember, she’s my half-sister.”
Reid nodded, took his hat from the peg, and held the door for Bridgette. “I’ll mind my manners.”
Bridgette didn’t say anything to him on the way to the hotel. She thought it best that he be kept guessing. That he was nervous was evident to her. Good. That young man needed to understand the gravity of his situation.
Reid ran ahead and opened the hotel door for her.
Bridgette pointed. “We’ll go to the dining room. Have you eaten?”
He shook his head.
“You went to the saloon. I can smell it on your breath.”
“I only drank a little. I got in a fight and had to leave. That’s why Levi arrested me.” Reid led her to the dining room. “Kind of fancy, isn’t it?”
Bridgette looked at him. Her heart softened as she remembered his story. He’d never had anything and had gone hungry most of his life. The outlaws were the only ones who took an interest in him. Reid had never taken a chance at a decent living. This was his second and probably last chance.
She handed him a menu. “The food is excellent. Pick out whatever you want. I’m paying, and then we’ll go over the requirements for you to get your half of the bounty back.”
Reid watched her as if he were waiting to be struck. Then he shrugged. “Sounds good. Thank you for not keeping me in jail. Or sending me back to prison. I’ll be good.”
She had to smile at him. While he sounded sincere, she had the feeling that he didn’t have any idea on how to be good. And there was still the problem of what kind of work he could do. She found a table near the back and sat.
Reid sat opposite her, continuing his wary gaze on her. He opened the menu and gawked at the prices. “You sure I can get anything?”
Bridgette nodded. “Anything. As much as you want, and don’t forget about dessert.” She thought he looked like a kid in a candy store. Her heart went out to him as she thought of the boys that she and Sterling had adopted while visiting Chicago. Federico had been in an orphanage, but Tony had been on the streets and probably headed to the same troubles that Reid had experienced.
After a steak and two pieces of pie, Reid sat back and rubbed his belly. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this full. Thank you, Mrs. Merritt.”
“Oh, you can call me, Bridgette. Now, what kind of job are you interested in?”
He frowned. “I haven’t done much. Cattle and horses. Slopped out a saloon for a few days. Sorry.” He picked up his hat and ran a finger around the leather band. “I made this. A friend showed me how to make hats. I can carve leather, too. Made a belt to match.”
Bridgette stared at it. “You’re proud of that hat, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I guess so. It’s about all I have.” Reid grinned as he held the hat up. “I have other ideas, but I’ll have to wait until I get some money.”
“Reid, what do you think about a business making hats and belts? Like the one you made yourself.”
He looked at his hat. “I can do it. If I had some equipment and materials.”
“Our little town doesn’t have a millinery shop. I know the men in the area would love a hat like yours. Let me do some research. If I get the equipment, will you stay and work it?”
His cautious nature returned. “I guess. It’s not like I have anything better to do.”
Bridgette folded her hands. “And that brings us to the next item.”
Reid looked at her. He was holding his hat and smiling. “What is that?”
“Your mail-order bride. She should be here by now. I can check the hotel registry and see if she’s checked in.”
The grin on Reid’s face melted. “Bride. So soon?”
Bridgette nodded.
“I’m not sure I like the idea of having some woman tell me what to do.”
“You might want to meet her first. I spent hours praying for you both, and I believe it will be a good match. Having a good woman at your side will be a steadying influence.”
Reid shook his head. “That’s an awful lot to ask of a person.”
Bridgette folded her arms. “I told you it would be a condition upon your release from prison.” She thought how usually she emphasized that the man and woman needed to agree, but for some reason, she believed that Reid needed to get married.
“Is she old and ugly?” He ran a hand through his hair. “I guess I’d have to see what she looked like first.”
“I can’t force you to marry. Both of you are free to make up your own minds. But the warden told me that men do much better if they are responsible for the well-being of a wife. I know you’ll like her.”
Reid ran his finger around the brim of his hat. “What about my share of the bounty? When do I get it?”
Bridgette dug into her reticule and pulled out a small booklet and handed it to him. “This is your bank book. It shows how much money you have in the bank. You’re free to spend it as you wish, but I urge you to think before you do. You’ll have t
o spend some to get the supplies for the hat shop, not to mention the rent for a building, your housing, and food.”
Reid stuffed the book in his shirt pocket. “But it’s my money?”
“Yes. I hope you will be wise. You might benefit from a talk with Preacher Brett. He spent five years in prison in Texas. Or you can talk to Del, Chad, or Jay. They are three of my Bounty Brigade men who have come to Shirleyville and made a good life for themselves and their brides.”
“I’ll sleep on it.”
Bridgette frowned. “I have the feeling you’re going to disappoint me. I’m going to see the clerk and ask if your bride is here. I believe she is. Do you want to meet her today?”
Reid shook his head. “No, I think tomorrow would be time for that. Like I said, I need to think about it.”
Bridgette stood. “Reid Cahill don’t go to the saloon. Sleep on it if you want. But I ask you to be wise. You were already in jail. I don’t think you’ll get out the next time. If you change your mind and want to meet your mail-order bride, tell the clerk. You may find me at the courthouse at my husband’s office.”
Reid nodded, but his attention was on the bank book. He didn’t get up or even bother to look at her.
Bridgette left him in the dining room and went to the clerk at the hotel desk. “Has my mail-order bride registered yet? Her name is Evalyn Ladd.”
The clerk smiled. “A pretty little thing. She’s in the room you requested.”
“Thank you. I’ll just go on up and see her.” Bridgette walked up the stairs to Evalyn’s room and knocked softly.
***
“Yes, who is it?” Evalyn had been sitting by the window looking at the mountain.
“Bridgette Merritt.”
Evalyn opened the door and was taken aback by the woman. Bridgette was one of those bigger-than-life individuals whose presence filled a room when she walked in. After a moment, Evalyn found her voice and managed to squeak out. “Won’t you come in?”
Bridgette entered as if she were a commanding officer in the army. A general, no doubt. Turning, Brigette looked Evalyn up and down and smiled.
Feeling as if she’d passed some sort of test, Evalyn held out her hand. “I’m so happy to meet you.”
Bridgette held her hand and smiled. “You’re a delightful young woman. I’m sure my groom will be delighted.”
Even though Bridgette smiled, Evalyn thought the matchmaker looked a bit uneasy.
“Are you pleased with the room?”
Evalyn nodded. “I have never stayed in anything so nice, and the view of the mountain is breathtaking. Thank you.”
Bridgette smiled. “Would you like to go down and talk over a cup of tea or coffee?”
“I’d love to.” Evalyn grabbed her shawl and looked at her worn coat and decided to leave it. At least the wrap was new.
She followed Brigette down the stairs and into the dining room. There were few customers as it was between lunch and dinner. Evalyn did notice a young man at one of the tables.
He made her shiver, but she wasn’t sure why as she felt a mixture of fear and delight within her when she looked at him.
The young man looked up at her, and she was surprised to see fear on his face. He glanced at Bridgette, grabbed his hat, and rushed out of the dining room.
Evalyn saw Bridgette frown but only for a moment.
Bridgette turned her attention to Evalyn. “Have you seen much of Shirleyville?”
“No, I came to the hotel. I did have lunch but went to my room after.”
Bridgette ordered coffee and tea for Evalyn. “As I said in the letter, I will pay for your hotel room. You did get the advance I sent you?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Bridgette glanced at the door of the dining room and then back. “If you need more, let me know. I will take care of you until your groom comes for you.”
Tears welled up in Evalyn’s eyes. “Thank you. As you know, I have nothing of my own.”
Bridgette patted her hand. “In fact, I’ll set up an account for you at Francesca’s Dress Shop. Buy yourself a few new outfits. Whatever you need. Francesca and Pierre are sweet and will make sure to give you the best.”
“You’re too kind. I don’t want to be a burden. I can find a job while I’m here waiting.” Evalyn shuddered to think that the groom wouldn’t like her. What if she never found a man who would marry her?
“There’s no need for that now. I want you to get to know the people of Shirleyville. I’ll introduce you to Jericho, Florence, Hannah, and Francesca. The first three all married men who I matched them with.”
Hope lightened Evalyn’s heart. Perhaps she could get a match and have a groom who wouldn’t mind being married to her. However, the last few years living in the shack had torn down her confidence.
“Evalyn, you’re a beautiful woman. I can see in your eyes that you’ve suffered loss and hard times, but I assure you, your life is going to turn around. I will help you in any way that I can.”
Her words were food to Evalyn’s soul. It had been so long since she risked even the smallest of hope. “I am ready to do whatever I need to do. I hope the groom you have picked out for me agrees. I will make him a good wife.”
Bridgette nodded. “I can see that you will. We have a fine preacher if you’d like to talk to him. Preacher Brett Gentry is a fine gentleman and true man of God.”
Evalyn set her teacup down. “I will talk to him. I feel as if I am coming alive again after such a long time in a dark pit. Thank you, Bridgette.”
She heard a loud whoop and turned to look out the window just as that crazy cowboy galloped past the window. Evalyn shook her head. “That is a young man bound for trouble. He’s as wild as the west.”
Bridgette frowned. “Yes, it would seem so.”
Chapter 3
Bridgette saw Evalyn back to her room, and then Bridgette rolled up her sleeves and went outside to see about Reid. She debated about going to the sheriff and having him arrested, but he hadn’t really broken the law. Just Bridgette’s hopes for a successful match for Evalyn.
She could talk to Sterling, but her husband had warned that this could happen. Here she’d brought a sweet young woman to Shirleyville in hopes of finding her the right man, and Reid had thrown it all away. His chances of remaining out of jail had just become slimmer.
Not in the mood to face her husband, Bridgette walked up the street hoping she could find Reid, but she didn’t see him or his horse anywhere. She walked to the carpentry shop to talk with Jericho. Perhaps she could give her some wisdom.
Opening the door, Bridgette waved at Del. “I love my table and chairs you made for us. How is business?”
Del stopped sanding the chair he was working on. “Great. I have more business than I can handle. I thought about hiring Ron. Earl’s son. The boy told me he loved working with wood and didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps and work in the store.”
“That’s wonderful news. Is Jericho home?”
“She’s upstairs and would love the company.” Del grinned and went back to sanding.
Bridgette walked up the stairs to the living quarters and knocked on the door.
Jericho opened and smiled. “Why, Bridgette, how did you know that I needed some company today?”
“Well, I didn’t. Actually, I need some advice from you.”
Jericho ushered her to the couch. “Sit down, you look troubled.”
“I am. I have my fourth man out of prison, and his mail-order bride is here. Trouble is, I don’t think Reid wants to settle down. I’m not even sure he can keep himself out of jail. I’m worried that this match is not going to work out.”
“Oh, dear. I’m so sorry. Is the woman here?”
Bridgette nodded. “At the hotel. She’s such a sweet woman. I almost cringe when I thought she’d be a good match for Reid. He’s as wild as the mustangs on the ridge. I took Evalyn to the dining room for tea, and Reid was still sitting at the table where I’d left him. He took one lo
ok at her and bolted out of the room.”
Jericho put a finger to her chin. “You say he bolted from the room. That might be a good sign. At least the man wasn’t apathetic. He cared. Maybe it was about his freedom, but it could be that he saw a woman that looked sweet and vulnerable. Reid just might surprise you.”
Bridgette shook her head. “After we finished our drinks, we heard a whoop and a holler, and Reid galloped past the window down the street. I didn’t see him anywhere. I already gave him his bounty money. No, I think this time, I have one mail-order bride with no groom.”
Jericho pushed her hair away from her face and smiled. “I am so happy to have hair that reaches my shoulders now. Bridgette, there are plenty of single men in Shirleyville and the ranches and mines. I know you can find her a suitable man, but don’t give up on Reid just yet.”
“I might give him a week. If he doesn’t come around and ask to meet Evalyn, then I’ll write him off and look for another. I can’t tell you how tender and sweet this woman is. And she’s gone through such hard times. I really want her to be happy.” Bridgette stood. “I had better be going. I have yet to face my husband, and he will not be happy with the outcome or me.”
Jericho laughed. “Dear Bridgette, you underestimate your influence. Or maybe you don’t as I see the wheels spinning in your mind as you come up with how to inform Sterling of Reid’s failure. Still, I think Reid may surprise you.”
“I hope so, for Evalyn’s sake. I only want him to come back if he intends to make good on his second chance and treat her well. I don’t want to see this woman hurt.”
Jericho walked Bridgette to the door. “If you want, I can befriend her. I’m sure Florence and Hannah will, too. And Francesca has probably already found her. We can take her out to lunch. We get together on Wednesdays.”
“That would be wonderful. Evalyn is a very special woman who needs to be encouraged. I mentioned Preacher Brett to her.” Bridgette grinned. “After all, he is unmarried.”
Jericho grinned. “See, I knew that mind of yours was busy with a solution. Preacher Brett would be perfect for a sweet woman.”
Evalyn Page 2