“Good. I think I’d be afraid to go out the door.” She grinned and looked at him before leaving to find Edna.
Reid went to the back where the hats were kept. There were only three and they looked like they’d been on the top shelf out of reach for months. He reached up and took down the bowler.
It was felt, probably wool by the look of the moth holes in the brim. Reid knew he could make a better hat, but would anyone buy it?
“Interested in a hat?”
Reid turned to see Earl Hollander. “No, I’m thinking of making hats.”
“Really? I could use a supplier especially if you made the boss of the plains type of hats. I think I’ve had those three hats for two years. That one is thirty, and the other two are twenty. They’re not the greatest of quality and already the moths have attacked.”
“I was noticing that. I could make some beaver and rabbit. They’ll be a darker brown and better quality felt. That is if you’d be interested.”
“Yes. Sure am. Like I said, if you can make them with the wider brims, I know I could sell them.”
Reid shook his hand. “I’m looking for a place to run my business.”
“I hope you find it. I know our little town is growing, but with winter coming on, you might be able to find a good deal. Talk to Mr. Satchel at the bank and see if he has any buildings that might fit your needs and what you have to spend.” The storeowner smiled. “I take it you are one of Bridgette’s young men.”
Reid nodded.
“Well, I want you to know that I support what she’s doing and how you want to turn your life around. If I can help you, let me know.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hollander.” Reid shook the man’s hand. “I better go and see what I can find.”
Reid walked to the courthouse. It was time for him to see Sterling and get a feeling for what the man thought of him. He opened the big heavy doors and entered the cold courtroom. It was dark but the mayor’s office had a light on.
“Mayor Merritt, it’s Reid Cahill.” Reid knocked on the door.
Sterling opened it and ushered him in. “Reid. I can’t say I expected to see you again.”
“I wanted to apologize for running out on Bridgette and Evalyn. I guess the responsibility overwhelmed me. I’m back now, and ready to do whatever I need to.”
“That’s good to hear.” Sterling gestured to a chair in front of his desk. “What can I do for you?”
“I want to start my business. Bridgette mentioned making hats, and I do know how to set the felt and form a hat. I learned from an old trapper. I need a store front with enough space to live in.”
“Are you planning on marrying Evalyn?”
“I don’t know. I’m not ready.”
Sterling looked grim. “She was very hurt that you’d run out on her. Brigette was angry.”
“Yes, sir.” There was no sense in denying it. He’d ruined his chances.
“You still have your bounty money?”
“Most of it. I can work hard. I can trap beaver and rabbit for the fur to start out. Someone mentioned there was a sheep farm so I can get wool. Then all I need are a few tools. I saw a carpentry shop and can have a form made and blocks to stretch the felt. A tub and some dye and I’m set.”
“That doesn’t sound like too much of an expense. You should have enough to pay for a building for several months to get you started. I know there are a couple of empty buildings that the banks will want to rent out. With winter coming, their chances will be slim so you should be able to make a good deal. If you need a reference, you can use my name.”
Reid stood and held out his hand. “Thank you, sir.”
Sterling shook his hand. “I’m happy you came back. Be certain about the woman you want to marry. If it’s Evalyn, make sure you won’t run out on her again.”
“If and when I marry a woman, it will be for life. I just don’t know if I’m ready.”
Sterling grinned. “A man is never ready. But if your heart won’t let you leave her alone then marry the woman. If she’s the right one, she’ll make sure you’re ready when the day comes.”
Reid nodded. “Thanks.” He started to leave and stopped. “Keep an eye on Bridgette. Wolves attacked the town last night.”
“I heard. She’s at the hotel right now with Charlotte. But I walked the boys to school and men will see them back to the hotel when school is out. Levi said he’d set up guards.”
“I’m helping him. They attacked me on the way back into town the other day.”
Sterling frowned. “Thanks for telling me.”
Reid left the courthouse and looked up the street and to the hill. The saloon shone in the bright sunshine like an alluring jewel, but he knew it was deceptive. A bit farther up the road, the church’s steeple pointed into the deep blue sky as if to say this is the way.
Reid nodded. And turned to go the other way to the bank. He passed Adler’s bank and went to Mr. Satchels. Entering, he waited for the banker to finish business with the couple that Evalyn had introduced him to, Francesca and Pierre.
The couple left the bank, and Mr. Satchel came to him. “Did you come to make a withdrawal?”
“No, I came to ask about a building large enough for a small business and room in the back to live in.”
With a look at the door, Satchel smiled. “That couple that just left are renting a larger building, and theirs will be available by the end of the week.”
“How much would the rent be?”
Mr. Satchel looked at him. “Twenty-five a month. Two months’ rent in advance.”
Reid nodded. “Sounds good. When can I see it?”
“It’s the dress shop. Francesca and Pierre should be going back. And you can probably catch them.”
“Thanks, Mr. Satchel.” Reid left the bank and walked to the dress shop. He entered and heard the bell announce his arrival.
Pierre came from the back room. “Well, you’re not our usual customer. Although, I have had men come in with their wives. What can I do for you?”
“Mr. Satchel said you might be moving out of this store for a bigger one. I’d be interested in renting this one.” Reid looked around. It had more than enough room just in the front part of the store.
Pierre nodded. “Yes, we are. We’ll be moving our things today and tomorrow. Would you like to see the back? It’s big enough for a young married couple to live in for a few years. Might be cramped when the children start to come.”
Reid followed him to the back. There was room to live in and even had a stove. He went to it and looked at the smokestack. “Is this staying?”
Pierre nodded. “I’m getting my wife a brand new one. Cindy at the boardinghouse is going to teach her how to cook.” He laughed and hugged his wife. “I take it you’re one of Bridgette’s men. Have you met your wife yet?”
Reid shook his head. “I’m not ready to get married.” Even though he said the words with conviction, his heart beat a hasty, not true to his words. But he wasn’t ready to get married and have to be responsible for a woman. Even it was Evalyn.
“Ha, you say that now. Wait until the cold winter nights hit you and the dinners alone. I, too, thought I wanted the free life of a bachelor. Then I sat at a table and ate another delicious dinner with no one to talk to and came to America for an arranged marriage.”
Reid smiled. “To Francesca?”
Pierre grinned. “No, to Hannah. But she had signed up to be one of Bridgette’s brides and married Chad, the land agent. I was disappointed. And a friend of her father, but Hannah would have nothing to do with me. She saw right through me and knew I wasn’t a wealthy man.”
Francesca put her hands on her hips. “Maybe I should have seen that.”
Pierre grabbed her and kissed her. “You knew better than Hannah, and you still wanted me.”
Francesca pushed away from him. “I was tired of lonely dinners, too.”
Pierre nodded. “So, don’t let the lack of money stop you. If your heart says to marry that woman,
then do it. Right, dear?”
“Yes, I’ve never been happier, and I hope you will be too.”
Reid watched them and had to admit he envied their love and companionship. He’d felt a bit that way with Evalyn. But why would she want to marry him? “Maybe after I get the business going and make some money.”
Pierre shook a finger at him. “No, because it will never be. There is always more to be made. Things you’ll see you need. Take it from me, if you find a woman who loves you and wants to marry you, snap at the chance. You’ll not regret it.”
Reid admired the love he saw in their eyes. “Thanks for giving me something to think about. I better go.” He looked at the clock they had on the counter and saw that soon he would need to get to Hollander’s to walk Evalyn back to the hotel.
Yet, satisfied that the store was just the size he needed, Reid thanked the couple and went to Satchel’s bank instead. After signing a lease and paying two month’s rent, Reid ran to the store to walk Evalyn to the hotel. He hoped she’d waited for him. The bank had taken longer than he’d thought, and he was a good twenty minutes late.
Once inside the store, he looked but didn’t see her and rushed inside and asked Edna if Evalyn was still in the store.
With a disapproving eye, the older woman shook her head. “No, she left a little while ago. Preacher Brett came by, and they talked a few minutes and then left.”
Reid thanked her and left. He’d failed her again. He kicked at a clod of dirt. Who was he kidding? He had expected her to wait while he did his business. Well, he wasn’t planning on getting married anyway.
Chapter 12
Evalyn had waited for Reid, but he was late, and then Brett came by. She did enjoy his company. He was kind and had a good sense of humor that helped put her at ease. He was handsome in a rugged sort of way.
“How do you like working for the Hollanders?” He put his arm in front of her to stop her from walking into the path of a horse and buggy. “People need to go slower in town. Seems everyone is getting to be in a hurry.”
She held onto his arm. “Yes, I agree. That might make for a good sermon.”
Brett patted her hand. “I think you might be right. Speaking of church, are you going to come this Sunday?”
“Yes, I think I will.” She hadn’t been to church in some time, and the unrest in her soul let her know that now was the time to start back.
“I’m glad to hear that. Be sure to walk with others. I don’t want you to have to run from wolves again.”
Evalyn laughed. “I don’t want to see a wolf again. I’ll make sure to walk with someone else. It has been some time since I’ve been to church. I miss it.”
Brett nodded. “And the Lord misses you. We were never meant to live this life without God. When I read the Bible, that’s what I see. Yet, so many hide from the Lord because of shame. If they only asked forgiveness and repented, they would be free from the barrier between themselves and God.” He smiled at her. “Forgive me for giving you a sermon that you didn’t ask for. Would you have dinner with me?”
“I’d love to.” Evalyn wondered if Reid would show up, but he should have been on time. He’d already run out on her once before.
Once in the hotel, Brett led her into the dining room and picked a table near a window. She was surprised to see Bridgette and Sterling and their boys at a table in the center of the room. The family’s laughter and talk drew her attention to them. They looked so happy.
Bridgette saw her and waved.
Evalyn returned the gesture.
Brett nodded to Bridgette. Then he ordered steak for himself and asked her what she would want.
“Stew. I really enjoyed it the other night.”
“Stew it is, then.” He shook out his napkin and then looked at her. “I must say I enjoy your company. Thank you for agreeing to have dinner with me.”
“It is my pleasure.” Evalyn smiled at him and then saw Reid walk into the hotel, and behind him was Mr. Adler. She hoped they went elsewhere, but both turned and entered the hotel, and then she saw them come in the dining room.
Brett must have seen them. “Were you to have dinner with them?”
“I don’t think so.” She turned her attention to Brett. “Besides, I am eating dinner with you.”
He smiled but then looked up and stood. “Reid, Mr. Adler.”
Reid ignored Brett and looked at her. “I’m sorry, I was late. I did rent a building for my business. I was hoping to show it to you tomorrow.”
Evalyn dabbed her napkin to her lips while trying to decide what to say. She looked at him. “I’m happy for you.”
Mr. Adler walked behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. “I’d like to escort you to church, Sunday.”
She did not like his hands on her. “Thank you, but I already have an escort.” Her gaze darted to Brett. Did he know she just lied? That was not a very good way to start going to church, but she didn’t want Adler to take her.”
“Is that so, who, may I ask?”
She pictured Adler as one of the wolves who’d attacked her. “No, you may not.”
Reid excused himself and stopped at Bridgette’s table.
Brett cleared his throat. “Nice to see you, Greg. I hope you’ll come to church Sunday.”
Adler moved from her. “I think I may, if for nothing else, just to see who is escorting Evalyn. I didn’t think she had another suitor.” He tipped his hat. “Enjoy your meal.”
After he left, Evalyn let out her breath. “That man bothers me.” She looked down. “I really don’t have anyone to escort me to church. I lied.”
Brett took her hand in his. “I know. I don’t blame you. Adler is a man who likes to control everything and everyone around him. Perhaps Reid will escort you. He is staying in the hotel.”
“I don’t know for how long. But I could ask him.” She stared into Brett’s warm eyes. “That is if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t. I’m willing to wait on the Lord and you for a decision. I don’t want to rush you into anything you’ll regret. Life with me will not be an easy one.”
She nodded. “I do like you. Thank you for giving me time to make a decision.”
Brett cut a piece of his steak. “You take all the time you need. I’m a patient man.”
Evalyn nodded. “Thank you. Now that I have a job, I don’t feel as pressured to decide. I do enjoy this town and the people. I know Francesca stayed at the boardinghouse. I might see about staying there, so Bridgette doesn’t have to pay for my room.”
“Cindy is a delight, and everyone who stays in her boardinghouse likes it. The food is wonderful.”
Evalyn looked at him. “But you don’t stay there.”
“No, I have a parsonage. Small, but it’s home. Cindy does like to have women in her home. I think she only has two men in her boardinghouse.”
“I heard some of her story, and she never remarried.”
“No, she hasn’t. There are several more single women in Shirleyville.” Brett finished his meal and relaxed. “Dessert?”
Evalyn grinned. “I can’t say no to that. Peach cobbler.”
“Done.” Brett signaled the waiter and ordered two desserts. “I enjoy a treat now and then. Although I can’t complain. Cindy brings me food regularly.”
“As a pastor’s wife, what might I expect?”
Brett held his fork above the cobbler. “Late knocks on the door from a congregant who is in need because of a death or sickness. Hungry children. Or fear of dying and not knowing where they’ll end up. Sometimes the sheriff stops by and asks me to come with him if it’s to deliver bad news.”
He ate a bite of his dessert and watched her.
None of it sounded too bad. She could certainly empathize with those who were to receive bad news. The hungry ones, too. “And you leave the house in the late hours of the night to comfort your flock?”
He nodded. “I hope you don’t think I sound like it’s a burden because I find it to be my heart’s calling. No
t that I enjoy bad news, but I do want to comfort people in need.”
Evalyn smiled at him. He was the perfect preacher. Not all fire and brimstone, with more hope and faith. “I’m sure the people of Shirleyville appreciate you.”
“I hope so, but I do the work as unto the Lord. I am content.” He paused. “Except for the long nights, and I have no one to share the joys and burdens of life with. For some time, I didn’t think I needed a wife, but in the last few months, I’ve changed my mind. The Lord urged me to ask Bridgette for a mail-order bride.”
“Oh, so is she advertising for you?”
“I’m not really sure. I know she was worried about finding a man for you. I am impressed with you, but I understand that you have others to consider. Like I said, I’m a patient man. I want you to be happy.”
Evalyn blushed. “Thank you. I’m not ready to make up my mind yet. I do feel like I belong in this town.”
“I think you do, too.” He set his napkin on his plate. “Want me to walk you to your room? Or do you have somewhere else you want to go?”
“I think I’ll sit here a few minutes and perhaps talk with Bridgette. If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Brett stood and nodded to her. “I look forward to seeing you again. And Sunday at church.”
“Yes, you will.” Evalyn watched him leave and then looked to Bridgette. The matchmaker was watching and smiled.
Evalyn waved her over.
***
Bridgette came and sat down beside Evalyn. “Well, you two looked like you enjoyed one another’s company.”
Evalyn nodded. “I did. He’s a wonderful man. I’m not sure if he’s right for me, though.”
“I see. And Reid?”
Evalyn sighed. “There is something about him that I find appealing. Unfortunately, he was late to meet me at Hollander's today, and that’s how I ended up eating with Brett. I’m not even sure Reid wants a wife right now. I really don’t know what to do.”
Bridgette watched her. She did look conflicted. Bridgette had hoped seeing Evalyn at dinner with Brett was a signal that Evalyn had made up her mind. But apparently not. Which meant she still had Sterling to contend with. He was not happy at all about having a mail-order bride in his town who didn’t have a groom.
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