Gabriel's Lady (Leisure Historical Romance)

by Charlotte Hubbard

  “Thanks to you and Mike—and your Aunt Agatha—I’ve never had to go begging, either,” he said quietly. “It seems like a lifetime ago when I became Arthur Bancroft’s apprentice. I owe you so much for encouraging me beyond the possibilities I had as a kid on the Clark’s farm, and now you’ve found me another potential position. Saying thank you will never be enough.”

  “Oh, Gabe, we were happy to.” Mercy opened her arms and he entered an embrace that warmed and enfolded him. She hugged him hard, as though she needed this moment as much as he did, and he wrapped his arms around her with a sense of utter love that he hadn’t felt in years. Years.

  Mercy exhaled, smiling up at him with shiny brown eyes. “We don’t want to upset you or dredge up uncomfortable feelings, but Michael and I hope you’ll unburden yourself about your wife and her…untimely demise.”

  Did they sense that Letitia had brought about her own death? Or was this Mercy’s intuition talking? Either way, she’d probably read him like a book if he brought up the subject of his difficult marriage.

  “Thank you,” he rasped. “Letitia’s parents never issued me that invitation. They blamed me for her decline in health and spirits, and—well, thank goodness for Billy and his family. And where would I be without you and Michael?”

  “I suspected as much,” she murmured. Then she eased herself from his embrace. “I should let you unpack and collect your thoughts before your meetings tomorrow. Whether or not you’re appointed, Gabe, I want you to know how proud I am! You’ve come so far, and it’s almost like my own son is interviewing for this honor.”

  I want you to know how proud I am…almost like my own son….

  Had his heart ever felt this full? As Mercy left the room, Gabe looked out the window again, overcome with emotion. Solace was standing barefoot on one of her bays, balanced gracefully as it cantered around the corral; her smile looked absolutely ethereal as her hair drifted behind her in the breeze, as though she were floating effortlessly.

  Just as effortlessly as she rode into my life…into my soul, he realized. And though it was a wondrous thing to be here among the Malloys, where their love warmed and uplifted him, Gabe felt a twinge of apprehension.

  Things were happening awfully fast. What if this happy bubble burst? What if he didn’t meet unspoken expectations this family—especially Solace—had? Where could he go from here?

  Solace tried her best not to fidget as Papa opened the well-thumbed Bible after supper that night. She’d barely tasted Mama’s stew, made from beef, potatoes, and lots of carrots—thick with gravy, the way she liked it. Who could eat, with Gabe Getty seated across the table? He’d stolen several glances at her…maybe because she’d changed into a clean dress? Or because she’d pulled her hair up? Ordinarily she didn’t care how she looked at dinner, except that her hands were clean. But tonight, without noisy distractions from children or the tale-telling her sisters had often engaged in, Solace felt more inclined to present herself well.

  After all, Gabe expected the woman in his life to be a lady, didn’t he? He might admire her skills with horses and a gun, but no ordinary cowgirl would do for a man about to take his place on the bench in the Dickinson County court house.

  Papa cleared his throat and gave her a knowing look. “It seems right to recall a couple of important points Jesus made about who we were created to be, on this evening before Gabe interviews.” He ran his finger down the page to find the verse—and Solace took that spare second to glance across the table.

  Gabe was looking at her, too. Maybe he’d take her to the fairgrounds after their devotions. The circular at the train station said it was Apache Pete’s Wild West Extravaganza she’d seen in the distance. From the looks of all those tents, it was a show such as Abilene hadn’t hosted in years.

  “‘Ye are the salt of the earth,’” her papa began—

  I can taste those salted peanuts they’ll be selling….

  “‘But if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men.’”

  Or horses. Or buffalo—might be some of those at the show, too!

  “‘And ye are the light of the world,’” he continued with a lift in his voice. “‘A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid—’”

  Neither can all those tents! What a spectacular event this’ll be!

  “‘Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.’”

  I can see those flickering torches…. smell their burning oil, and the scents of manure and horses being worked into a lather…

  “‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.’”

  Does he see the light in my eyes? I feel them glowing whenever he—

  “And how do you interpret that passage, Solace? What do you think Christ would expect of Gabe, if he becomes a judge?”

  She blinked, and then blurted, “Seems to me Jesus is saying that life’s a lot like a-a Wild West show!”

  Why was everyone staring at her? Her parents wore odd expressions and Temple Gates, the Negro teacher she’d known since childhood, looked downright flummoxed.

  “A Wild West show, Solace?” Her dark pink lips lifted as she laid a conversational trap for her former student.

  Solace cleared her throat as heat rushed into her cheeks. “Why, yes! God created those, too, you know! As a way for horses and sharpshooters and other performers to show off the glories of the West—as a part of His handiwork.”

  Gabe chortled. “You’re digging yourself a deeper pit,” he said lightly. “Michael was exhorting me to use my gifts. To shine as an example of how Christ would listen to cases and come to decisions.”

  “Which would be a blessing indeed, considering how…uninspired Hannibal Prescott, our other judge, has proven to be,” her mother chimed in.

  “I’m a shining example, too,” Solace countered staunchly. “In the arena, and right here where I can make the rest of you look so good for listening to the scripture passage. Please excuse me for letting my mind wander. I stand humbled and corrected.”

  She smiled at Mama, Papa, and Temple in turn. Her teasing speech didn’t pardon her wandering attention, but at least she hadn’t given away the true nature of her thoughts. She focused intently on the man who’d raised her, a demurely penitent expression fixed on her face. Being raised with two paragon sisters had taught her plenty about how to appear angelic, and this little slip wasn’t going to upset her. Not much of anything would upset her, now that she’d have time to convince Gabe Getty he loved her.

  “I suggested that the committee who will appoint our new judge convene tomorrow afternoon at two,” Papa said, “thinking you’ll have time to prepare yourself for their questions by then, Gabe.”

  “Thanks, Michael. I can certainly do that.”

  Gabe’s expression turned pensive, as though considering what he’d say…how he’d present himself for this meeting. Once again Solace recalled those pictures of Abraham Lincoln in her school books. More than twenty years after his assassination, this influential president was held up as the example of compassion and honor all public figures should aspire to. She was about to point out this resemblance to her parents, when the doorbell rang.

  Temple sprang from her chair, her dark face alight with curiosity. “Now who could that be? Good thing we made a fresh peach cobbler.”

  “Yes, invite them in!” Mama bustled toward the kitchen to prepare dessert, while her papa placed the Bible back on its stand on the sideboard. As always, he left it open to the passage he’d read, in case anyone wanted to consult that scripture further.

  But the familiar laughter coming from the front hall made Solace forget all about the sweetness of peach cobbler and her romantic notions. Temple’s surprised greeting rang out, and at the sound of the visitor’s voice, Mama and Papa rushed to the foyer, too.<
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  Gabe appeared as astounded as she did. Gentleman that he was, he rose from his place at the table and looked toward the doorway. Solace stood up, too. She crossed her arms, reminding herself to be a candle on a candlestick rather than a torch tossed on a haystack—if only because Gabe should see how mature she could be. But she hadn’t counted on this intrusion, and she wouldn’t take it sitting down!

  “When I heard Gabriel was to interview in Abilene,” the guest gushed, “I packed and came home as soon as I could! He’s going to need encouragement and guidance and—” Lily rushed into the dining room, and then halted with her mouth hanging open. “Solace! What are you doing here?”

  Solace took in her sister’s perfectly coifed golden hair, the skin as fair as fresh cream, and the fashionable fuchsia traveling suit that displayed her womanly figure to perfection. “This is home, remember?” she replied in a coiled voice. “It’s nice to see you, too, Lily. What a fine surprise.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Maybe you should ride into town with me,” Gabe teased the next morning. “Might be your best chance for peace and quiet today.”

  Mike chuckled, but went pensive as he tested the girth strap on the Morgan he’d just saddled. “When they were younger, Lily and Solace were so close—despite their differences in temperament—they shared that bedroom without a squabble.”

  “Now they can’t occupy the same house without tearing into each other,” Gabe said with a sigh. “I’m seeing a different Solace than I found at Billy’s. The sharp-edged Lily we heard last night never showed her face at Miss Vanderbilt’s academy, either.”

  “Aunt Agatha would tolerate none of it. Just as I don’t intend to.” Malloy’s face looked older. His two grown-up daughters had battled bitterly over the least little things last night, until Mercy had marched into their room to silence them. “While you’re away, the girls and I are going to have a chat. I assure you things will be different—and we’ll be celebrating your success—when you return.”

  Gabe swung into the saddle, shaking his head. “I’m truly sorry—I never intended to be the reason those two turned into—”

  “What fellow doesn’t dream of being fought over by two wonderful women?” Michael laughed and patted the horse’s rump. “Believe me, Gabe, you did nothing to cause this uproar. For the first time in their lives, Solace and Lily want the same thing. I wouldn’t blame you a bit if you took a room in town, although you’re welcome to stay at the Triple M as long as you want.”

  “Thanks, Michael.”

  “Good luck and Godspeed today.” Malloy watched the young lawyer ride toward the road, dressed in a fresh suit and shirt that would surely impress the men he talked with. His two daughters had noticed Gabriel Getty’s fine attire, as well…he wasn’t surprised to see the curtains flutter in that upstairs bedroom—and in the dining room—as Gabe rode off.

  And now, while visions of that lonely lawyer danced in their heads, it was time for him to temper their thoughts—or at least their tongues. Mercy had always provided guidance into the feminine graces, but she had better ways to spend her day than mediating their daughters’ arguments. It was a far cry from the past weeks when the house had echoed with stillness, and he and Mercy had talked constantly about having their brood back.

  Michael stepped in through the kitchen door, listening…gauging the mood of his home. Temple Gates turned from the sink, where she was washing the breakfast dishes.

  “Hey there, Mister Michael. I can see what you’re about, and I’ve asked God to put love on everyone’s tongues,” she remarked with a sad smile. “Guess we thought our girls were above the squabbles other families talk about.”

  “I grew up with a raft of sisters, so I’m no stranger to catfights,” he reminded her quietly. “That doesn’t mean I’ll let them wreak havoc in my home, however.”

  “Yes, sir. We all must learn how to get along. How to share—although that’s not the solution we’re after here.”

  “Nope. Not when two eager hearts are out to win the same man.” He passed through the dining room then, where Lily stood at the sideboard, thumbing through the big family Bible.

  “It’s good to have you home, sweetheart. I think—”

  “Is it?” she challenged. Her strained face told of a tearful night and a troubled heart. “Then why don’t you tell Solace to behave herself? She has no right to—no idea what Gabriel needs, now that he’s lost his wife! He’s starting a whole new life, moving into a new profession—”

  “And he can make his decisions without you hovering over him!” Solace clattered down the stairs dressed in pants and a plaid shirt that she’d worn a time or two. She’d stepped in something out in the corral.

  Lily wrinkled her nose. “Why would he want you around, horrid as you smell? Go back to the barn where you belong, so—”

  “Sit down, girls. I’ve had enough.” Michael pointed to chairs on opposite sides of the dining room table. “You’ve both forgotten a lot more than manners. You’ve forgotten who you are, and whose you are.”

  In the past, such a stern warning would have been enough: Solace and Lily knew when they’d stepped over the line. Yet each sat simmering in her own purpose…her own narrow, selfish, competitive purpose. Since neither daughter was really listening to him, Michael took the Bible from its stand and placed it in front of Lily.

  “Let’s review what the apostle Paul taught us about Christlike living, shall we?” he asked quietly. “Maybe you won’t take my advice, but I’ve never known you to turn away from the ultimate source of wisdom and direction.”

  Lily exhaled impatiently. “Papa, it’s all well and good to go quoting the Bible, but I don’t recall a single passage that recommends a woman—or a girl—spend her time at manly activities, and then expect somebody like Gabriel to pay her any attention!”

  Solace slapped the tabletop. “That’s the most ludicrous—if you weren’t so holier-than-thou—”

  “Enough!” Michael sat down so he was on their level—so they couldn’t miss a single flicker of his disappointment. “Lily, since you’ve made the Lord’s work your own, I want you to turn to the passage in first Corinthians—or its sister passage in Romans—and refresh our memories about how God created us with different gifts.”

  Lily raised her eyebrow at her sister. Her fingers danced over the crisp pages, making swift, proud music until she found the book and chapter she searched for.

  “Romans twelve,” she huffed. “Beginning at verse six. ‘Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.’”

  Lily looked across the table triumphantly. “Is that the passage you referred to, Papa? While I see many fine gifts listed in Paul’s verses, none of them mentions training for a dog and pony show, when we should aspire to—”

  “Let me see that!” Solace stretched across the table to pull the Bible toward her. As she ran her finger over the page, Michael smiled. Watching his girls outdo each other in their biblical knowledge pleased him—and it gave them something better to bicker about.

  “Same chapter, but the verses right before that!” Solace crowed. “Seems you left this part out, Princess Lily! ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of another.’

  “So there! In black and white—directly inspired by God—it says not to think of yourself so doggone highly, dear sister!” Solace’s nostrils narrowed as she drew in a fortifying breath. “Maybe you do have b
etter book learning and spiritual skills than I do. And maybe you were cut out to be a preacher and a teacher and a seer of angels, but I have my faith, too! I was given the gift of physical strength—a different kind of grace—” she added staunchly, “and I’ve made myself into the best dang horse trainer—and rider!—I can be.

  “And meanwhile,” she continued, “I believe I have every bit as much to offer Gabe as you do, smarty-pants!”

  “And while we’re in this chapter, where Paul is telling the Romans not to fight among themselves,” Michael cut in pointedly, “I’d like you to continue a little further on, Solace. This part follows what Lily read, about behaving like a Christian.”

  Sighing, Solace scanned the long page.

  Across from her, Lily drummed the table with impatient fingers. “Do I need to find it for you?” she asked archly. “If you spent more time reading and writing—”

  Solace flashed her a look that should have left burn holes in Lily’s pink blouse. “Careful there, sister. You have no idea how much time I spend reading. And writing. And here it is—the guidance we’ve all been waiting for—”

  She cleared her throat ceremoniously. “‘Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good’—which does not mean that because Gabe’s a good man, he needs you clinging to him!” Solace added. “‘Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another’—which means you should allow me to get better acquainted with Gabe, without butting in to—”

  “That’s it. Hand me the Bible.” Michael reached for the beloved old book, feeling older but by no means defeated. “Lily, when Christ was quizzed by the Pharisees about God’s commandments, what was the great and first one?”

  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your mind and all your strength,” she fired back.