The Widowed Bride (Mail-Order Bride Book 7)

by Stella Clark

  Gripping the basket tightly, she thought quickly and headed down the street. Their walk home had been in the dark while they were tired, but Virginia was determined to find the shop. After all, San Paulo couldn’t be that big. She had to turn around twice, but soon she located it.

  Just before opening the door, Virginia paused. The reflection of the glass door reminded her that it was a warm day. The sweat was wiped off, the dress was straightened, and she shifted the basket into her other arm. No matter where she was, she still wanted to be presentable. Especially with her new husband. And she walked in.

  “We’re open,” Jake called.

  She furrowed her brow, trying to locate him. He was standing on a ladder in the back corner of the shop, trying to rearrange some large and potentially heavy cans. His back faced her, clearly not aware of who had just walked in. Virginia opened her mouth, heading over to talk.

  “Oh!” Virginia raced the last five steps when she saw his fingertips graze one can that started to fall. With the basket still in one arm, she caught the can against her chest. She let out a small grunt as he glanced down. It was heavy, most likely filled with beans or something.

  “Virginia.” He sounded surprised. Then he grinned. “Well met.” It was then that she realized he had dark green eyes. Had she not noticed them before? They were a lovely shade, and she found herself smiling in return. Well met indeed.

  Chapter Eight

  “And here’s your change,” Virginia offered the change to Roger as he turned pink under her gaze. Jake watched the interaction after he finished his notes in the ledger. She was very clever with numbers. As for the letters, in their spare moments without customers or pressing concerns, he’d started helping her learn to read.

  Roger disappeared and his new student turned back to him eagerly. “What’s next, Mr.—I mean, Jake?”

  He tried to think back to his school days. Everything felt a lifetime ago. But how had he learned the first time around? “Let’s use the chalkboard,” he decided, turning around. He usually posted changes in price or items in the shop for the customers, but they could go without it for a while. Taking the board down, he wiped it clean. Virginia found his bowl of chalk and handed him a piece when he started to look for it.

  She was handy like that.

  Jake carefully wrote each letter of the alphabet, trying to write as clearly as he could for her. Taking it slowly, they walked through the alphabet. Virginia recognized most of the letters and studied the board carefully, trying to memorize each of them with their names and sounds. He had just finished quizzing her when customers came through the door, so he went to help them.

  Virginia’s attention was diverted as she turned back to the ledger, looking at the accounts on credit. “Those aren’t good, are they?” She cocked her head at him curiously when he returned. She had one hand straightening the jar of peppermints and one hand on the pages. Jake paused, wondering how she managed to get so much done all at once.

  “No,” his eyes fell to the mayor’s account she was looking at. “It means they owe the shop that much and haven’t paid since spring. I reminded Mrs. Connell just yesterday, but I’m afraid it may be a while longer until they pay off the debt.”

  Wrinkling her nose, she shook her head. “Well, what is the shop’s limit?”

  “What limit?”

  “Well …” Virginia faltered in case she was wrong. “I just supposed that, perhaps, you might have a store limit. It simply means that once someone has borrowed enough or … or hasn’t paid off their debt to a certain limit, I’m not sure … but then they can’t complete any future purchases until at least a portion has been paid … so that it doesn’t keep building, you see. Otherwise eventually your accounts will fall into default if everyone is borrowing.”

  “Ah.” Jake paused. In the empty shop, silence reigned. She was biting her lip again as though she were embarrassed. “That is smart. Business-wise, it’s something I definitely should have realized a long time ago.” Stumped, he tried to digest this. “What sort of limit is usually prescribed?”

  The young woman swallowed loudly. “I don’t know. It varies per shop, I suppose. Depends on the accountability of the customers and the ability of the shop to keep up and afford a continuous revenue and purchase of supplies. You have an average debt of nearly ten dollars per customer on credit, however. I’m not sure I understand your supply ledger yet, but—but I think limiting it to ten might be best.” She started confidently, but her voiced faded as she went.

  He didn’t mind as he turned back to the pages and tallied up numbers. The more he tested out some ideas, the more he realized she was right. Jake gave a short laugh as he shook his head. “That’s clever,” he admitted. “Ten-dollar limit then, it is.”

  When he looked up, she was beaming. It made him grin. Organized and clever, even without being able to read. For the first time in a while, he felt real hope in his chest. Perhaps he could pick up his shop from the ground.

  But how to implement it?

  ***

  The next day, Mrs. Margaret Connell arrived in the shop to purchase a few more items, chattering with her friend, Elizabeth Wells. Jake realized it was time to share the new store rules but hesitated. He compared the new number to what was currently owed and glanced up at the woman.

  “Don’t worry,” she said exactly what he had anticipated, “my husband will handle this.”

  He cleared his throat and fixed a number to the bottom. “Actually, if you’d like to make any purchases today, we’re asking for this. My mercantile has set a limit on accounts that haven’t been paid, and I’m afraid this is the debt that needs to be paid off now.”

  The woman stared in disbelief before she let out a short laugh. “That’s ridiculous. It’s how it’s always been done, Mr. Benson. Surely you won’t deprive a poor woman of her goods.”

  “Just as surely you wouldn’t want to deprive a shopkeeper of his goods either.” Virginia popped up from behind. Jake managed not to jump, but the two customers did. With their hands over their hearts, they narrowed their gazes as they looked her up and down. “Good afternoon,” she added politely. “I’m afraid these limits must be set in order for our shop to serve the community. If everyone purchased on credit, madam, then how would we purchase more supplies?”

  Mrs. Connell stammered. “I, well I never … and who might you think you are?”

  Jake frowned at the tone. “That is my wife, Mrs. Virginia Benson. And what she said is true. If you’d like to make a purchase, we’ll need this percentage paid.”

  She grumbled but grudgingly pulled out several silver dollars. He had to bite back a delighted grin. Jake added everything up carefully, not wanting to make a mistake. After a quiet moment, he offered the change. “Here you are. Thank you for your purchase, ma’am.”

  “And have a beautiful day,” Virginia added. “May I help you with your items? I’d hate to see your lovely gown ruined.”

  Jake was surprised to see the frown disappear. “Oh, that is kind of you. It’s new, you see, straight from New Orleans.”

  His wife beamed, clasping her hands together. The tension in the room disappeared. “I thought it looked French. My, you must be so fortunate. Is there anywhere I can put your merchandise? In a cart, perhaps?”

  Just as he was about to open his mouth, the woman shook her head. “Not today. I think I can handle this. Well, aren’t you a dear? And where are my manners? I’m Mrs. Margaret Connell, the mayor’s wife. And this is my good friend, Elizabeth Wells. You’re new in town? Where has Mr. Benson been hiding you? We simply must have you over to tea.” The three of them chattered happily on the way out.

  “That was very well done,” he managed when Virginia returned. “Not only did she pay, but you’ve been invited to tea. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  As her smile grew wide, she bit her lip shyly. “Thank you,” she murmured. But he couldn’t stop staring. She was already making changes that he would have never considered. Credit lim
its, kindness, and a persuasiveness that had already convinced half their customers to walk away with an extra jar of honey which he had mentioned they had too much of in stock.

  The moment lasted too long. He took a step back, trying to wrench himself free. Jake bumped into the wall, breaking eye contact. “Well, I …” His throat constricted. There was the sudden need to be alone, and he tried to think. “Thank you for your help today. You can go now. That is, home. The house. For supper, if you like. To prepare supper.”

  “Oh.” Her eyes widened in surprise and she hesitated. “Will you be closing up?”

  Sunlight was fading. “I’ll be home in a bit,” he managed. Jake didn’t want to offer her any promises. He swallowed again. They were shop partners. A marriage of convenience. Not quite friends, and definitely nothing more.

  Chapter Nine

  Once she disappeared, Jake leaned against the counter and tried to get his thoughts straight. He appreciated her help, that was all. It was nothing more and nothing less. She was just helpful. Sort of like Libby had been. He squeezed his eyes shut. Libby. He could feel her touch on his hands even now. Jake tried not to move, remembering the sound of her laughter.

  It hurt. That was something he accepted. Everything hurt. And now he had added a new pain in his life, bringing in another woman to take his late wife’s place at the store. He hadn’t thought of that. He hadn’t expected it. Taking a deep breath, Jake tried to calm his heartbeat. What was done was done, and it was okay if he felt a little fond towards her. It was friendly affection at most, which they would need in their marriage. Friendship. Nothing more.

  “Store’s looking good, Mr. Benson.”

  He jerked his head up. Mr. Tate Werner from the bank had walked in. How long had he been standing there? Straightening up, he glanced around and swallowed. “Good afternoon, Mr. Werner. How can I be of service? Do you need honey?”

  “No, but I could use something sweeter.” The tall banker came and leaned on the counter. Jake invariably took a step back, gritting his teeth. He didn’t like being made to feel small in his own shop. “You haven’t paid off your loan. And it’s been a while.”

  Don’t look at the register, he told himself. Last time he’d paid right out of there, he’d had issues offering change to his customers for the rest of the week. It had been a mess. “I know, I know. I’m coming up with the money. I could have a payment soon.”

  “Tomorrow,” Tate corrected him.

  Jake opened his mouth, but the hard line was set on the other man’s brow before he left. It was going to have to be tomorrow somehow. Jake tried to sort out how he could make that happen. He was close to having a full payment ready, but they were still short. His thoughts turned away from Virginia as he tried to think of how to save the store.

  Virginia knew little enough about the loan, and he didn’t want to worry the woman. She could concentrate on other things.

  ***

  Virginia’s own thoughts focused on Jake Benson as she strolled home. He was an awfully nice man.

  She knew it was still early, but her hopes were high and soaring. The man hadn’t yelled once, and he listened—mostly—when she talked. And he was trying to help her learn to read. As she passed the shops, she tried to practice, hoping to impress him before their next lesson. Twenty-six letters was a lot to memorize, but she was familiar with most. Some of them had odd sounds or too many sounds to them, but she didn’t mind. He was a patient teacher.

  And on top of that, he was good-looking. Two girls had dropped by the shop shortly after she arrived. Much too young for him, but they had clearly seen what she had begun to notice. Though Jake’s frame was wirier than that of many men, his shoulders were still fairly broad, and he was incredibly strong. Time and time again he’d helped customers move heavy items. And he’d hardly broken a sweat.

  Those green eyes were just as pretty as a May morning, too. Just thinking of them made her heart skip a beat. When he had smiled at her, she’d wanted to sing to the rest of the world that all was well. It was a beautiful thing, not being hated or ignored. Virginia had forgotten what it was like to be treated well. And she loved it. And she loved—well, maybe not yet. But she most assuredly liked Jake.

  She paused at the door. Was that too soon? They’d only just met.

  But they were married.

  Her cheeks heated up, so she hurried inside where no one could see the blush. What a silly idea, she told herself. Already liking her husband. Virginia shook her head and looked for something to distract herself with. Making a casserole would help her focus. Being in the kitchen always did that.

  As she cooked, Virginia hummed and found herself imagining what it might be like to have a real marriage between them. She set out two plates and two forks. When she found a tall cup, she went out back and pulled a few flowers that she then set in the middle of the table.

  It looked downright lovely. She beamed, hoping he might be impressed.

  When she heard voices in the street, Virginia hurried over, wondering if that might be him. But it was only their neighbors. Her hopes were much too high. She forced back a sigh and glanced at the curtains. The rest of the house needed some real cleaning, more than the dusting she had done that morning. After finding a few rags, she started to tidy up.

  As she cleaned, Virginia dreamed. They could watch the sunset from the front porch, see the beautiful colors streaming in the sky. In the parlor, they could invite guests like the mayor and his wife, talking and laughing the way all couples do. In the kitchen, she would prepare their meals and he would be impressed every time. And in the bedroom, well, he wouldn’t keep such a wall between them.

  Her cheeks pinked. Now she was just getting to be too silly.

  The door opened behind her, making Virginia jump in surprise. “Jake!”

  He paused, hat in hand. “Yes?”

  Inhaling deeply, she tried to think. “It … it’s good to see you.”

  Silence reigned for five seconds too long. “Right,” Jake nodded. “And yourself as well. Something smells delicious. How are you making such good meals out of the same material I had when nothing good turned out anytime I tried?”

  Virginia grinned. Maybe she wasn’t too far off the mark.

  Chapter Ten

  Jake had to turn over the payment to the bank.

  It was always difficult to recover from giving up the funds that he needed not only for his home but to invest back in the business and purchase more. Even as Virginia reviewed the numbers, they hardly discussed it. He found himself not wanting to worry his young wife who was so eager to clean this, tidy that, and learn everything. She was doing more than enough. She didn’t need this on his shoulders as well.

  As Jake reviewed the numbers again, he had to admit that this wouldn’t be as bad as the last payment he’d made. He could actually offer a complete payment. It had been a while since he’d been able to do such a thing, and he knew it was all because of her.

  Virginia beamed when he returned from his errand to the bank and the stables. It was the first time he’d left her to run the shop alone, and he’d been anxious the entire time. She showed him the three receipts for the purchases made in his absence. Everything tallied up correctly. Jake shook his head in disbelief. A subtle warmth began to fill his chest whenever he was around the charismatic young woman.

  He told himself he was being ridiculous. But he found himself distracted when he was around her. The following day, he avoided her and reorganized the attic. Virginia offered to help, but Jake said she could handle the counter alone. Jake just needed some time alone with what was left of his wife. Of Libby. He did the same on Saturday as well.

  On Sunday, they made their way to church.

  Virginia looked nice wearing the better of her two dresses. It was the curls, he decided. They’d each bathed the night before so that must have been the trick. Her dark hair shone.

  He had to stop thinking about her. Glancing around, Jake remembered that church made him uncomfortable
. It was only when she’d asked about it that they’d decided to attend. Usually he needed the day to work. But together they’d cleaned and restocked yesterday so everything looked good. They shuffled in to take an empty bench in the back.

  Staring at the hymnal in his hands, Jake tried not to let the stares get to him. They hadn’t stopped staring since Libby’s death. Virginia’s arrival only made it worse, but she didn’t notice. Her eyes wandered as she chewed on her bottom lip. They turned redder. Jake turned his gaze back to the little book, finding himself regretting the choice to attend church. A day at home sounded nice.

  They sat very close as they shared the bench with the newly-wed Jamisons. Virginia had offered a kind smile their way before Jake found himself touching knees with her. It was mighty distracting throughout every song and the sermon.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Virginia offered the newlyweds afterward. She stood by Jake, shaking hands with them.

  “We’re happy to have you in town,” the other woman grinned before parting ways.

  Jake watched them go before turning back to his wife. He gestured towards the lane between the benches, wanting to get out from his corner. “You don’t need to stand so close, Virginia.”

  “What? Oh.” Her smile faded as she glanced between them. He could feel her skirts brushing against his boots before she took a step to separate them, and then made her way forward.

  After that, to his relief, she stayed a foot away. It gave him space to breathe. Though he meant to leave, everyone now wanted to greet him. Jake found most of the townsfolk stopping by to say hello, acting friendlier than ever before.

  While they had been on good terms before, this was different. Everyone was smiling. And everyone wanted to get a look at Virginia. The young woman kindly greeted each person, even remembering their names as they spoke.

  “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Connell,” she offered the mayor’s wife. “And your bonnet! My, you are the angel today. You must share some of your secrets.”