Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

by Lena Nelson Dooley

  “I’m not sure they’ll have any.” A cup of hot tea would really taste good right now. She hadn’t had any in quite awhile. The dining cars on the train and restaurants in the Harvey House hotels served coffee instead.

  “I’ll go check.” Sarah slipped out, closing the door quietly behind her.

  Maddy brushed Pearl’s wispy hair away from her forehead. In the few short weeks of her life, the baby fuzz had already started to grow, and the ends curled around her finger, soft and silky.

  “You are such a blessing,” she whispered, and Pearl’s eyes never left Maddy’s face as she sucked on the rubber nipple. “When Loraine gave you to me, I thought she had made a mistake. But now I know she didn’t. I believe God wanted me to be your mother since she couldn’t.” Tears tracked down Maddy’s cheeks. She swiped at them with the back of her hand.

  Thank You, Lord, for this wonderful gift. How could I ever question whether You know what’s best for me?

  And if that was true, then God had sent her to Golden, New Mexico, for a specific purpose. She just wished she knew what it was.

  After tossing and turning on his lumpy mattress most of the night, Jeremiah arose at dawn. Instead of taking that room at the hotel and opening himself up to more questioning, he’d come straight home, hoping to rest before making the long trip to Los Cerillos again. With a start at daybreak, he should be back earlier than he was yesterday.

  He stopped by the cook shack and grabbed some sausage and biscuits to eat on his way. T-Bone wrapped them in a napkin for him. Before he left, he gulped down a cup of coffee that scalded his throat, bringing tears to his eyes. At least it was strong enough to keep him awake for most of the morning. He knew the long ride in the wagon could lull him to sleep, and he didn’t need that.

  Although most of the area was free from outlaws, an occasional man on the wrong side of the law would waylay solitary travelers. He had to stay alert. He didn’t want to lose any more time than he had to. As it was, he’d lost all of yesterday.

  Jeremiah wanted to get back to Golden before those people were up and around. As tired as they were when he’d dropped them off at the hotel, surely they’d want to rest up today. And they had to take care of that baby. The infant might’ve kept Miss Mercer up most of the night. He certainly hoped so, because he wanted to have a serious talk with Philip before he took those people to meet him.

  One reason he had a hard time sleeping was that he wished he’d stopped to see Philip, instead of going off half-cocked and heading back to the ranch in such a rush. He needed to learn to control his anger. At least he hadn’t taken it out on anyone else.

  That woman riled him, and he hoped he could convince her to leave Golden. But now that they were at the hotel, Philip would learn they were in town. Jeremiah had to hold his cards close to his chest and play them just right to get rid of the woman and all she stood for. And he had only a few hours to do it.

  After Pearl finished her bottle, Maddy, holding her precious bundle in her arms, followed the delicious scents that enticed her downstairs. Although they’d eaten in the dining room last night, the whole evening had blurred together. Fatigue had blinded her to her surroundings. This morning she felt alive and eager to meet the day. A little sore maybe, but that soon would work itself out.

  “Good morning, Madeline. Did you and your baby sleep well?” Caroline’s smiling face welcomed her to the lobby. “You’re just in time for breakfast.”

  The proprietress led the way into the dining room. Frank and Sarah sat at one of the tables with empty plates in front of them. Maddy and Caroline headed that direction.

  “I’ve already fed your friends.” Caroline stopped beside the waiting pair. “I have pancakes or biscuits, sausage, and eggs. How do you like your eggs?”

  “Can you poach them?” Maddy hoped she could get them prepared the way she liked them.

  “I have, but not very often.” Caroline laughed. “I can just see some of the miners if I tried to feed them poached eggs. They want lots of eggs, but they’ve got to be scrambled. Heaping mounds of them.”

  “How about toast?” Maddy held her breath, willing the answer to be yes.

  “I make a good hearty country bread that toasts up really well in a skillet. I’ll have it ready in a jiffy.” She picked up the dirty plates, stacking them on one arm. “Would you like hot tea, or is milk or coffee more to your taste in the morning?”

  Maddy smiled gratefully. “Tea would be wonderful, thank you.”

  “Oh, dear.” Sarah stared up at Maddy. “I completely forgot what I came down here for when Frank got to talking to me. Then we came in here and ate breakfast.”

  “That’s all right. I’d have had a hard time managing the hot tea while I was giving Pearl a bottle.”

  After Caroline left, Maddy eased into an empty chair at the table. She shifted Pearl into her lap. “So was the food as good as the stew and cornbread were last night?”

  Frank leaned back and gave his stomach a satisfied pat. “That woman’s almost as good a cook as my wife.”

  “Frank, you do go on, don’t you?” Sarah’s smile revealed her pleasure at the compliment. “Miss Madeline, I feel rather useless with us staying at the hotel. I should be cleaning or cooking or something.”

  “You should not.” Maddy was firm. “You helped me so much on the trip. I couldn’t have done it without you, but now you’re guests at the hotel as much as I am. Enjoy it.”

  Sarah stretched her arms toward Pearl. “At least let me hold the wee one while you eat.”

  While Maddy watched Sarah and Frank play with Pearl, her thoughts wandered. She had enough money for a few more days at the hotel, but it wouldn’t last very long. When she wrote the letter to Mr. Smith, she really hadn’t even considered marrying him. She had simply wanted a way to escape Horace Johnstone’s clutches.

  If what Mr. Johnstone said was true, she was destitute. The thought was too horrible to consider. Somehow she had a problem believing it, but the supply of money from her father’s business had dried up, and she hadn’t heard anything from the lawyer. She needed to take care of Pearl, Sarah, and Frank, in addition to herself.

  Mr. Smith said in his ad that he was a Christian. She might have to consider accepting his marriage proposal—if he was the kind of Christian her father had been. Other women married for convenience, and love usually followed. If she could respect the man when she met him, maybe… Grabbing onto the thought was hard to do.

  The food quickly arrived, and Caroline sat down with them after she served Maddy. “Since no one else is here right now, I want to get better acquainted with our newest guests. You were all so tired last night. I didn’t want to bother you then.”

  Maddy smiled at their hostess. “You were very helpful. Sending up a hot bath so I could wash my hair was so thoughtful of you. And having your husband bring up the rocking chair. We have been traveling quite awhile.”

  “Where you from?”

  Maddy considered not answering, but she wanted to make friends with this woman, since she was the preacher’s wife. “We came from Boston.”

  “All the way from Boston?” Caroline’s eyes widened. “That is a long journey.”

  Frank harrumphed. “’Twas indeed.”

  Sarah nodded, placing the baby on her shoulder, and Pearl snuggled against her.

  “The train trip was long, but interesting.” Maddy spoke between bites. The toast had butter melted into it, and the eggs nestled on the slices. She savored the taste, salty and smooth.

  “When are you going to see Philip?” Caroline gave Maddy a pointed look.

  She placed her fork on the edge of the plate, trying to decide how to answer. “I’m not sure. Does he live close by?”

  Caroline waved a hand toward the door. “His house is the farthest one up the hill. He bought the old adobe after selling his mine.”

  Maddy took in the fact that Philip had owned a mine. Maybe he would be financially able and willing to help them for a while. If not, she’d
have to find another means of support for all of them. She remembered noticing the adobe sitting up there a little ways from the nearest structure, but it certainly didn’t look old. “How long ago was that?”

  “A couple of years.” Caroline got up and took Maddy’s empty plate. “Jeremiah helps take care of Philip, but since he’s gone to Los Cerrillos today, I’m going to take breakfast up there. Philip usually sleeps late, but he’ll be hungry soon.”

  Maddy wondered about that. Why couldn’t Mr. Smith take care of himself? Maybe he’d had a wife who took care of him and never learned how to do things for himself. Jeremiah? Wasn’t that what the station master called Mr. Dennison? If he was a good friend of Philip, why didn’t he tell them? But then they didn’t actually tell the man who they were coming to see in Golden.

  Frank rose from his chair and pushed it in toward the table. “I’m going to go outside and look around.” He ambled out of the room.

  Caroline started toward the kitchen, then stopped. “I’d be glad to take you with me to Philip’s when I go.”

  Maddy wondered if that would be a good idea. She didn’t even know if he’d received her letter. Lord, what am I supposed to do? As she pondered that question, peace descended on her heart. “I’d like that.”

  Sarah glanced at her. “Frank and I should go too.”

  That felt right. Just as well she let Mr. Smith know that people had come with her. And the baby would be with her. She didn’t want to keep any secrets from him. From this moment on, she would be totally honest with him, but would only tell him what he asked about. And if he didn’t want them here, they could stay in the hotel for a short time while they decided what to do next.

  On the walk up the hill toward Mr. Smith’s house, Maddy got a better look at this town called Golden. In the morning light, the town looked friendly. Although several buildings they passed the previous evening were saloons, this end of town looked more civilized. Homes clung to the rocky terrain, most of them built of stone or adobe, instead of timber like the hotel. Caroline Oldman, carrying the basket of food, greeted the many people they saw with either a word or a wave with her free hand. And the residents included her and the Sneeds in that greeting. At least they made her feel welcome.

  After their long ride from Los Cerillos, Maddy was glad to find more grass and bushes in and around the town. It wasn’t as desolate as most of the area they had ridden through. Even more wildflowers clustered among the other plants. It was a far cry from the tall trees, lush grass, and abundant gardens in Boston. Still, the landscape held a quiet beauty she enjoyed.

  The sun hung high above them this late in the morning, and a breeze danced through the town, playing with Maddy’s skirt. She held the edge of a light blanket over Pearl’s head to shade her face. The baby seemed more aware of her surroundings than she had before. She must have liked the open air, instead of air containing exhaust from industrial plants. Unfortunately, many times the wind had carried the terrible smells into their usually pleasant neighborhood in Boston.

  Stretching her legs on the walk released some of the tension Maddy had felt for several weeks. She relished the freedom of not being hemmed in by her house or by that Johnstone man.

  “That you, Caroline?” The voice of an obviously elderly man preceded him through the open doorway of the house perched a little ways in front of the group.

  When he stepped onto the porch, Maddy wondered who the man leaning on a cane could be. Did Mr. Smith have someone else living with him? His father? A friend?

  “Sure is, Philip.” Caroline continued to swing the basket in rhythm with her strides. “And I’ve brought some people to meet you.”

  “Good.” The old man’s eyes twinkled as they studied the group approaching the house.

  Maddy finally understood. His house. Caroline had called him Philip. This had to be Mr. Philip Smith. Maddy tried to hide her consternation. Philip? Not the Philip of the ad. He couldn’t be. Certainly not. Why in the world would a man old enough to be her grandfather advertise for a bride? If he was, it changed everything. She would never consider being married to him, no matter how good a Christian he might be. Thoughts whirled like a typhoon in her mind. What was she going to do now?

  Caroline walked up the steps onto the porch. “These people have come from Boston to meet you.”

  He stared straight into Maddy’s eyes, his gaze never wavering. “From Boston, ya say? Well, come in. Come on in.”

  Maddy broke the connection of their gaze and looked at the steps as she navigated them. She didn’t want to stumble with Pearl in her arms. She was thankful Frank and Sarah followed close behind.

  “That my breakfast ya have there?” He peered into the basket, but Caroline had covered the food with a tea towel.

  Caroline opened the door and went inside as if she was used to doing that very thing. “Sure is. Just what you like. Sausage, scrambled eggs, and biscuits.”

  He licked his lips, giving them a little smack.

  Maddy gave an inward shudder as she followed Caroline into the pleasant room. “We can come back after you’ve eaten, if you’d like.”

  Mr. Smith hobbled over to the table and dropped into a chair. “No.” The man gave a sharp shake of his head. “No reason fer that. Ya eaten yet?”

  Caroline went to a cupboard and got a plate and cup. “Of course. I fed them before bringing them up here.”

  He nodded. “Jist have a seat. I can finish this in no time.”

  Maddy glanced at Caroline, who nodded, so she, Frank, and Sarah sat on the sofa against one wall. She tried to calm her thoughts by concentrating on the room. It didn’t show any wear. Mr. Smith must have remodeled this house after he bought it. Didn’t Caroline say something yesterday about him adding on to the house recently?

  All the furniture looked new, as did the pictures, knickknacks, and polished hardwood floor. Maddy liked the large room with its homey feeling, but it couldn’t keep her attention from rushing back to her dilemma. Why were they here? What would she do now that marriage was out of the question?

  Caroline picked up the basket, went to the door, and glanced back. “I’m going down to the hotel. I have to start working on lunch. Lots of hungry workers will be coming by.” She looked straight at Maddy. “You want to stay here, or go back with me?”

  Glad for the option, Maddy started to rise.

  Mr. Smith dropped his fork onto his plate with a clatter that jangled her already stretched nerves. “Please stay and visit awhile. Wanna hear ’bout Boston.”

  Maddy didn’t want to disappoint him before they even got acquainted, so she nodded. Might as well find out what this was all about. But watching the old man’s lack of manners grieved her. Would staying in Boston have been so much worse? Of course it would. She had to remember to keep the alternative in the forefront of her mind.

  He quickly finished eating and moved to a rocking chair near where they were, setting it in motion with one foot. “So tell me who y’are.”

  Frank stood and leaned against the wall near Maddy. She knew he wanted to let the man know that he was there to protect her, and she welcomed that assurance.

  “I’m Madeline Mercer.” The whispered words resounded in the silent room.

  Mr. Smith stopped the rocker and took a gulp of air. “Madeline Mercer from Boston?”

  Maddy sat up a little straighter. “Yes, sir.”

  “But we just writ ya a letter day b’fore yesterday. How’d ya git here so fast?”

  She couldn’t tell if he was angry or glad they came. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We, uh, I needed to leave Boston…quickly. I didn’t wait for a reply to my letter.”

  He reached a weathered hand to his face and scratched the slight beard on his cheek. Then he nodded. “I see. Somethin’ bad happenin’ back there?”

  Once again the horror of being in Mr. Johnstone’s presence washed over her, and she shivered. For some reason, she didn’t feel the same revulsion for Mr. Smith.

  “You coul
d say that.” Maddy still couldn’t tell if Mr. Smith was upset or just curious.

  Pearl started whimpering, and Sarah took the baby to quiet her.

  Tears glistened on the old man’s cheeks. “I knowed it. Yer s’posed to be here.” The light in his eyes transformed him from a stranger into someone Maddy wanted to get to know.

  What did he mean by what he said? At least he wasn’t demanding they leave his house, his town. She let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding and relaxed. Perhaps they should talk about why he had sent for a bride. He didn’t look like he needed or even wanted one. Especially one with a baby. Her child needed a father, not a great-grandfather. But there was more to this situation than what was evident on the surface.

  Maybe a discussion would help her understand why he had advertised for a bride. For certain, something had to happen to ease her financial situation. She couldn’t even try to find a position as a teacher or anything else because of Pearl. Caroline had mentioned that Mr. Smith sold his mine before he bought this house. Maybe he had the resources to help them. Perhaps he could take them in and let them work for him…care for his needs.

  She knew God had sent her here. But not to be a bride for Philip Smith. She couldn’t rest easy until she understood all of what had happened. Her future still hung in the balance. Lord, I need Your help now more than ever before.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “What did you mean, Mr. Smith, when you said we’re supposed to be here?” So many thoughts jumbled in her mind, and Maddy wanted to straighten them out.

  The old man flicked his glance from her to Sarah, then Frank. “You. I said yer s’posed to be here. I don’t know them.”

  Frank shifted closer to Maddy. She tilted her head and gave him a tremulous smile. Frank replied with a slight nod, then trained his attention back on Mr. Smith. How like Frank to stress his protective stance, but Maddy was beginning to think she didn’t need protection from this man.