Mrs. Harrison nodded. “I see.” She didn’t look startled or as if she were judging Rachel.
She hoped the woman would listen with an open mind and met her gaze. “I was terribly naïve but I was happy in my job as bookkeeper. I wanted to work even though my father insisted it wasn’t necessary. I was certain I’d found a wonderful, charming employer in Mr. Forsythe and had halfway fallen in love with him. Of course, that only made me more gullible.”
She fought back tears. “I was aware the annual audit was scheduled over the weekend, but I had no reason for concern. I’d been careful with my work and knew my accounts balanced. On Friday I left work thinking all was right with the world. Auditors discovered a huge shortage of funds and I was arrested on Monday morning.”
Mrs. Harrison leaned back in her chair. “Oh, no! That must have been a surprise.”
“I’d never been so shocked—and devastated. The ledgers I’d used had disappeared and were replaced with some I’d never seen. Obviously, Mr. Forsythe had been planning since I was hired to make me the scapegoat for his theft. The writing in the books even resembled mine.”
Mrs. Harrison leaned forward. “My dear, I’m sure talking about this upsets you, but please go on. Anything you tell Sophie and me will be kept in strictest confidence.”
Rachel took a deep breath, fighting for calm. “I spent three years in prison and returned home yesterday. I was foolish enough to expect my family would welcome me after the nightmare I’d endured. Only my older brother did. My three sisters believe I’m guilty and blame me for their loss of social standing. My parents have asked me to leave so my sisters will have a chance at a decent marriage.”
Rachel paused because her voice was trembling. She had vowed not to cry, but this woman’s kindness and the understanding in her eyes was almost her undoing. Straightening her shoulders, she took another deep breath.
“I realize leaving is best for everyone, but I have only a few days before Papa will force me from the house. I give you my word of honor that I’m innocent of any crime other than trusting someone who was not worthy of my faith. Except for the few dollars my brother gave me for cab fare, I have no money, no prospects, and no place to live.”
Mrs. Harrison nodded. “You must call me Lydia. Obviously, you need a fresh start elsewhere. Tell me what you hope to find in Texas.”
Hope opened a crack in Rachel’s aching, frozen heart. “A new beginning in a place where no one knows me, where people will judge me on the person I am and not speculation. I hope to marry and have a home and family.”
She leaned forward. “Of course I’d tell my prospective groom the facts before we wed. If I don’t find someone to marry, perhaps I could open a bookkeeping business and become independent.”
Lydia smiled and glanced at Sophie before facing Rachel. “You’ll find someone to marry but a woman is wise to have a skill to fall back on in the event of trouble or becoming a widow.”
“I enjoyed bookkeeping and was good at my job—when the books weren’t changed. Would you tell me about your reason for placing the ad and about the town?”
Lydia glanced at her companion again. “Tarnation, Texas has no single young women and many of our bachelors are threatening to leave for a town with a more diverse population.”
Nodding, Sophie said, “In fact, a couple have already moved. They didn’t want to take a chance on a mail-order bride and hoped to live where there were suitable marriageable women.”
Her hostess continued, “I complained about this to Sophie. She convinced me to take action, which is why I’m here recruiting a few young ladies to return with me for the prospect of marriage.”
Sophie’s pleasant face lit with humor. “My son is one of those talking about moving. After I persuaded Lydia to do something, she had the audacity to insist I accompany her to help chaperone.”
She chuckled and held up a hand. “But, you mustn’t think there are no women living there. There are many, but they’re married or elderly widows.”
Encouraged, Rachel asked, “What sort of town is it? I mean, what are the businesses there and nearby?”
Lydia displayed a Texas map and pointed to an area. “Tarnation is a small, dusty town in the heart of ranching country at the edge of the Palo Pinto Mountains in North Central Texas. For the most part, the residents are friendly and helpful to one another. Our bachelors include Sophie’s son Riley—he’s our doctor—a banker, a mercantile owner, a saloon and opera house owner, a newspaper owner, a freight business owner, and ranchers and their cowhands. There are numerous fine, upstanding men who are eager to wed and who Sophie and I believe would make good husbands.”
A spear of fear struck Rachel. What had come over her to have faith in these women? She’d vowed not to trust again and had temporarily let herself get carried away.
“H-How would this work? I wouldn’t want to be auctioned off or something like that. I admit I’m desperate, but want no part of anything unsavory.”
Lydia raised her hands in a staying motion. “No, no, nothing like that, although you’re wise to ask. This is strictly above board. I’m a widow with a large home and the girls I invite will stay with me and be chaperoned by me and by my housekeeper. Sophie will be around a good deal of the time, too, because she’s a dear friend with whom I visit. We’ll host receptions and dances for the men and women to meet and form bonds naturally. There would be no deadline to wed.”
Her hostess tapped her chin with a forefinger. “Sophie and I have consulted and selected sixteen men to invite, which is far more than the number of girls I intend to take back with me. I’d say you’ll have your pick of men. My parlor and garden are available for entertaining a beau. We believe the men we’ve selected are trustworthy for buggy rides, picnics, and strolls around town to get acquainted.”
Was Lydia speaking as if she were to be included? Rachel prayed that was true. She forced herself to remain composed when what she wanted to do was throw herself on Lydia’s mercy and beg to be chosen.
Inside her kid gloves, her hands had grown clammy. Her stomach muscles coiled and knotted. “This sounds ideal as the solution to my problem. I’m definitely interested if I’m invited.”
After a glance at Sophie, Lydia chuckled. “You’re invited. We leave the tenth at half past four and will be traveling in a private car to Fort Worth. I feel obligated to warn you there’s a long, bone-rattling stage ride from Fort Worth to Tarnation.”
“Thank you, Mrs… Lydia. You’ve lifted a crushing weight from my shoulders.” She had to fight jumping across the desk and hugging the woman.
“Have whatever you’re taking brought to the hotel by then. In fact, why don’t you return later today and remain here until time to depart? I’ve rented a couple of rooms for those who are included.” Lydia held out her hand to be shaken.
Elation filled Rachel to bursting. She could have danced around the room. Instead, she stood and shook Lydia’s hand. “I can’t thank you enough. Oh, that sounds trite, but it’s heartfelt. I’ll return this afternoon with my things.”
On her way out of the hotel, Rachel hired a hansom cab for the ride home and gave directions to the driver to report back to her home at two o’clock. Though her heart ached at the thought of never seeing her mother and brother again, she had no desire to remain in her parents’ home where she was unwanted and vilified. She prayed she’d find Texas a place where she was welcome and valued.
She let herself into her home—her former home—and strolled into the kitchen. The scent of beef roast and potatoes curled around her. Her mother and sisters glanced up.
Only her mother greeted her. “How was your morning, Rachel?”
She met the gaze of each woman. “You’ll be pleased to know I’ll be leaving this afternoon.” Without further explanation, she strode to the sewing room.
Immediately, she gathered up her clothing and laid the articles she would need while traveling inside the valise given her by Patrick. Had that been only yesterday? She surveyed h
er belongings in the room. There were enough for a trunk, but would she be allowed to have one?
Her mother stopped at the doorway. “Where are you going? Rachel, please don’t think I’m not interested in your life or what’s going to happen to you. I am and I love you, but I have three other daughters to consider as well.”
So, she’d be willing to throw one child away? Why hadn’t her mother defended her? Why had her parents allowed her sisters to be hurtful?
But, she spoke none of these musings. “Think nothing of it, Mama. I’m going to live in Tarnation, Texas.”
Her mother’s eyes held a haunted look. Rachel realized there were new lines on her face. “I’ve never heard of the place. And, the name hardly sounds proper. Are you sure you’ll be all right?”
She continued sorting clothing and belongings. “Yes, I’m certain I’ll be fine. I hope I can use one of the trunks for my clothes.”
“Of course, whatever you need.” Her mother took out her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. “Oh, Rachel, that’s so far and I haven’t seen you in three years.”
Bracing herself against a torrent of emotions she had to control, she met her mother’s gaze. “You’re right, Mama, Texas is a great distance. But the penitentiary wasn’t, yet neither you nor anyone else visited me. Patrick was the only one who even wrote. I’d say I won’t be missed.” She turned away and closed the valise with a snap. “Excuse me while I go to the trunk room.”
With a sob, her mother stepped aside. Rachel hated that a sudden, late fit of conscience had caused her mother remorse. Recalling the myriad of times Rachel had cried alone in her cell without a kind word from anyone allowed her to stiffen her spine and proceed.
Without speaking to the others in the household, she wrestled the trunk into the sewing room. Most of her clothes were too large now, but if she didn’t regain the weight she’d lost from the badly prepared prison food then she would alter them. Certainly, being able to breathe fresh air would stimulate her appetite. With her being smaller, she wouldn’t have to endure a corset to wear her dresses and that was a blessing.
After she’d packed her clothing and mementos, she closed the trunk. She’d need only the valise on the journey. Looking at her unladylike hands distressed her.
Working in the prison laundry and kitchen had left them red, rough, and uncomfortable. Last night’s treatment had eased them slightly. Since she’d be staying in the hotel for several days, she’d have time to shop for soothing hand cream.
Her sister Ruth came to the sewing room door. “Mama sent me to tell you dinner is ready.”
Rachel went to the dining room. Her father scowled. He was always in a hurry at noon so he could return to his dry goods brokerage office. Patrick, who worked with Papa, was the only one who smiled at her.
She took the seat she’d sat in for most of her life, which was beside Patrick. No one spoke to her and she concentrated on her food.
After a tense silence, Mama announced, “Rachel has some news.”
Still frowning, Papa glanced at her, his fork and knife held near his plate.
She met his gaze. “You’ll be happy to learn that I’m leaving immediately after our meal. I’ll be going to the Grand Hotel to stay as the guest of Mrs. Lydia Harrison before leaving on the tenth by private rail car for Texas.”
Her father’s scowl returned. “A private car? How and for what purpose? You haven’t gotten mixed up in something else shady, have you?”
She slapped her hands on the table. “I have never been mixed up in anything shady, Papa, in spite of what you believe! I was innocent of any crime. But, to ease your mind, there is nothing unsavory about this trip. I’ll be living permanently in Texas.”
Hannah said, “Good riddance.”
Rachel’s ire ignited. “Why thank you, dear sister. I hope you find a man who cares enough about you that he won’t let anything your family members do frighten him off. If the other one had loved you, he would have stood by you and comforted you no matter what occurred.”
Hannah spat, “What do you know? You weren’t here to see how people shunned us.”
She gestured around her. “Once again, dear sister, you’re correct, I wasn’t here in this lovely home with my family around me. Nor did I have warm clothes in winter and cool ones in summer and wholesome food to eat. Instead, except for Patrick, I was forgotten in a prison cell when I’m innocent.”
She gazed at each of her sisters. “How would you like it if the police arrived here right now and arrested you?”
Sarah’ eyes widened. “That couldn’t happen because we haven’t committed a crime.”
Rachel shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. What if you were arrested when you’d done nothing wrong, yet no one stepped up to help you and support you? You say it couldn’t happen,” She tapped her own chest, “but that is exactly what happened to me.”
Ruth grimaced. “That’s what you say, but the court found you guilty. We were embarrassed and humiliated by the arrest and trial.”
“Isn’t that odd? So was I—and totally surprised since I was innocent.” She stood. “Excuse me, I seem to have lost my appetite.”
Her brother leapt to his feet when she did.
“Papa, I bid you goodbye for I’ll be gone by the time you return from your day’s work. Patrick, I’ll write to you when I know my new address.” She hugged her brother’s neck.
He had tears in his eyes as he held her shoulders. “I hope to see you again before too long, Sissie. I’ve had an itch to go west.”
She fought tears. “You’ll always be welcome in my home, wherever it is.” Before she broke down in front of her family, she turned and raced for the sewing room, closing more than the door behind her.
Chapter Three
When the cab arrived, Rachel had everything prepared. She directed the driver to load her trunk and she carried her purse and valise. Mama hugged her but her sisters stood with solemn faces and didn’t offer a goodbye. She told herself she was going to a happier place where, hopefully, she’d be appreciated.
Whether she was or not, she hadn’t much choice. With only a few minutes consideration, she was gambling her life with Lydia and Sophie. If they had misrepresented Tarnation, she had no idea what she would do.
When she arrived at the Grand Hotel, Lydia welcomed her to the suite and showed her where she’d been assigned. The well-appointed room was an oasis after barren years. Rachel had left her trunk with the concierge and set her valise on the settee at the foot of the bed.
Lydia said, “We’re happy you can join us. This is such a big undertaking for me and I’ll welcome your input.”
Rachel wasn’t sure she grasped the other woman’s meaning. “I don’t understand.”
“If one of the young women seems false to you, please give me a signal. Let’s see, perhaps you could cough, and then I’ll know that you don’t think she’d be suitable. You’re the first selected and we want a harmonious group. None of the other women we’ve seen today… well, no one else was invited.”
“I admit I’m surprised, but I’m honored to have my opinion valued.” So honored, she almost broke into tears. Finally someone who thought she had a brain. She cautioned herself not to read too much into the invitation. There still might be reasons to doubt Lydia’s motives.
Lydia patted her arm. “My dear, I don’t wish to remind you of your recent horrid circumstance, but you’ve dealt with all types of people—much more than Sophie or I have. I believe I’m a good judge of character, but I admit my skills are ranching and giving dinner parties.”
Rachel was impressed with this woman knew ranching. “That’s diverse knowledge. You must be resourceful to do both well.”
From behind her, Sophie said, “You are versatile, Lydia dear, and you excel at both.”
Lydia appeared embarrassed by the praise. “Thank you, I hope that’s true. I’m lucky to have a very competent foreman for the ranch.” She turned to Rachel. “I’m going to dine with relatives this eveni
ng but Sophie prefers to remain here. Perhaps you two can dine together.”
Sophie’s face lit with a wide smile. “That sounds lovely, doesn’t it, Rachel? Who knows what mischief we can find while Lydia is away?”
Lydia eyes sparkled with mirth. “Oh, dear. I do hope the Grand Hotel will still be standing when I return.” She collected her purse and a shawl. “I’ll see you ladies in the morning.”
Chatting about her son, Sophie accompanied Rachel to the hotel dining room. After three years of cheap food, the aromas drifting her way created rumbles in her stomach. She hoped Sophie hadn’t heard. They were shown to a table and placed their orders.
Rachel gazed around the elegant restaurant. “This is a lovely place to dine. I’m sure ordinary food would taste exceptional served in this atmosphere.”
“I agree, but the food is quite good.”
Rachel gasped.
Sophie leaned forward. “What’s wrong? You’ve gone white as a ghost.”
“That man who just came in, the one in the dark brown suit? He’s been hounding me because he thinks I have the money stolen from my former employer. He even came to my parents’ home at eight this morning.”
“If he comes over here, I’ll give him the sharp side of my tongue and send him on his way.”
Rachel wanted to rest her head against her companion’s shoulder and sob, but she kept her back straight and her expression composed. “Oh, Sophie, will I ever be free of this horror? How can this nightmare be continuing?”
“I suspect you’re not the only blameless person convicted of a crime. At times our justice system isn’t just.”
Shocked at her supper companion’s open mind, Rachel conceded, “That’s true. Many women admitted they’d committed the crime for which they were in prison. Others swore they were innocent. I didn’t believe all of them, but there were three women I’m sure told the truth and were wrongly incarcerated.”
“If you like Tarnation, perhaps you can write them and let them know they can come there when they’re released.”
Rachel (Bride Brigade Book 5) Page 2