When she’d finished, the sheriff went to his safe and withdrew a pouch. “You can count it, but it’s there in gold and bills.” He smiled and his eyes twinkled. “I suggest you go straight to the bank instead of sewing it inside your clothes.”
She returned his grin. “I will, Sheriff Parish. Meeting you was a pleasure, and quite profitable Thank you.”
Bear walked her out and offered his arm. “Only a few doors to the bank.”
“Thank you for escorting me, Tobias. But won’t people question you spending time with me?”
He nodded to two women who sent curious glances as they passed. “Might. None of their business.”
She sighed. “Apparently men can disregard gossip. A single woman can’t afford to or her reputation is ruined.”
“Your reputation won’t be ruined. Folks will think I’m sparkin’ you. If we don’t marry, they’ll think you turned me down.”
“If we don’t?”
Chapter Seven
Instead of answering her, Bear guided her to a doorway. “Here’s the bank.”
After she’d deposited most of her money into her account, she waited until they were outside the bank. “Would you help me buy a horse?”
His large boots thunked against the sidewalk boards. “You shouldn’t ride alone until you’ve mastered a western saddle horse. Even then, a woman shouldn’t ride off alone.”
“I mean to buy a buggy. I need a horse to pull it.”
He looked down at her and his blue eyes twinkled. “Money burnin’ a hole in your pocket already?”
“Tobias, if I have to make my way alone, I need transportation and a place to live as well as a way to support myself. M-My things will arrive in another week or so and I have nowhere to put them. I can’t consider a house unless I have a way to look for one. And I’ll need some way to support myself.”
“Reckon you could store your things at my place until you decide what to do. We have that extra room and all. Then you could stay at the hotel for a spell.”
She longed to stomp her foot.
On his.
Hard.
“Tobias Baldwin, you are the most aggravating and confusing man I’ve ever met.”
She saw folks stare and lowered her voice, but she didn’t soften the edge from her tone, “Surely you do not expect me to have my furniture delivered to your home when you have rejected me as your wife.”
He acted surprised. “I never said I rejected you. Said I didn’t appreciate being passed off.” He ambled along as if what he discussed hadn’t the importance of life and death to her. “I had all those months to get used to the idea of Priscilla. Reckon I’m not used to the idea of you yet.”
Her reaction to his attitude was akin to a simmering volcano. “How long will it take you to decide? Another year? And what am I supposed to do in the meantime? Take up knitting or make rag rugs? Perhaps I could learn to weave and make one of those Persian-style rugs. Or a dozen of the dratted things.”
He made a shushing motion with his hand. “Now don’t take on, Tabitha. I already told you I’m not good at talking to women. Can’t figure them out, either. Give me a chance to get this sorted in my mind.”
She stood with her hands fisted at her waist. “You’re an intelligent man, Tobias. And you had three weeks.”
“But I hadn’t met you.” He cupped her elbow and steered her along. “You’d read all I wrote to Priscilla. All I’ve had is one day.”
She exhaled. Maybe he had a point. A small one. “Okay, I don’t agree with you, but I see your point.”
“Here’s the livery. Mr. Hoskins has a nice calm horse for sale that will do you fine. May have a spare buggy.”
“Hey, Bear.” An older man put aside the harness he’d been oiling. As he greeted them, he wiped his hands on a cloth. Work stains decorated his clothes. He smoothed his hair nervously while he stepped forward.
“Miss Masterson, this is Pete Hoskins.” After they’d exchanged greetings, Bear gazed toward the back. “You still have that bay mare for sale?”
Mr. Hoskins perked up. “Sure do. Fine horse. You lookin’ to buy?”
“Miss Masterson needs a horse and buggy. Figured you might be able to fix her up with both—at a good price.” Bear emphasized the last two words.
Mr. Hoskins tugged at his whiskers. “Well, only buggy I could let go is this here express wagon.” He gestured toward a lovely wagon with two seats complete with a sheltering cover. “Big for one lady. Came with only the front seat parasol but you see how I added the extended protection over both seats.”
“It might do. If the price is right, that is.” Tabitha walked around the rig carefully inspecting the condition and concealing her delight. Black diamond button-tufted seats gleamed and the overhead cover looked in good condition. The front bench had armrests at each end. Thick upholstery would make for a comfortable ride for those on either the front or back seats.
Mr. Hoskins named a price.
She had no idea if what he asked was fair but she walked around again. “Looks as if the paint needs touching up here on the dashboard.” She ran her hand along the leather upholstery. Perfect.
She bent down to inspect further. “Had some wear on the undercarriage.” She offered a lower price.
He pursed his lips and pondered a bit, then shook his head. “Ma’am, I couldn’t let it go for that. Sometimes need it for funerals, which is why I enlarged the parasol top. I’d have to have enough to replace the wagon, you see.”
She pretended to deliberate as she stared at the buggy. She tilted her head this way and that as if assessing the vehicle. “If you include the bay and all the harness, I guess I could pay your price.”
He took out his handkerchief and wiped his hands again. “Done.” He offered to shake on it.
She took his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Hoskins. Of course, I’ll have to leave it here temporarily, so I’ll end up paying you to leave my new horse and rig here.”
All smiles now, he shoved his handkerchief back into his pocket. “Suits me, Miss Masterson. Pleasure doing business with you.”
As they walked away, Bear lowered his head. “You drove a good bargain, but why did you buy that big express wagon? All you need is a small one-seat buggy.”
How thickheaded was he? “Tobias, I won’t always be alone. At least I hope not. I might have a husband and children someday.” She glanced up at him. “Maybe a mother-in-law.”
He smacked his palm against his forehead. “I wasn’t thinking ahead. Ma would sure be pleased to ride in that buggy. Springs are likely a lot better than our wagon.”
At least he followed her meaning. She paused to admire a blue hat in the mercantile window then wandered by the office of Jordan and Stone, Attorneys.
“That must be the office of the man I met last night, the nephew of the ladies on the stage.”
“That’s right, Joel Stone. Used to be the sheriff here. Before that he was in the War and then a Frontier Texas Ranger. Good lawman.”
Mention of law set her worrying on a different tangent. “Tobias, when does the next stage arrive?”
“Comes through going west on Tuesdays like you rode in on, and heads through going back east on Fridays. You expect someone?”
“I hope not, but I’m afraid William will follow me—either because David sends him or on his own. I don’t understand why he is determined to marry me no matter what I say.”
He frowned. “You didn’t leave my address?”
He could be the most annoying man. “Of course not. I didn’t leave any address. Priscilla wouldn’t give it out either. I used a competitor’s firm to crate and ship my furniture, but it’s not that hard to follow a freight order. Even David could figure out where I’ve gone if he tried.”
He guided her around a rowdy group of boys at play. “You think he’d come to force you back home?”
“Bertha wouldn’t let him. She’d send her brother.” They walked a bit further and she stopped again to buy the latest newspaper fr
om a young boy. “Since the War, there are more marriageable women in Boston than there are men to go around. Why focus on me? Tobias, it simply doesn’t make sense.”
He rubbed at his jaw. “Does to me. You’re a beautiful woman. Reckon you have plenty of spunk or you wouldn’t be here so far from Boston. Have to be intelligent to keep your father’s books and figure out how to ship your furniture and get away.” He glanced at her. “Those are all good reasons.”
She stopped and stared at him. “Why, Tobias. Those are the nicest things you’ve said to me.”
He blushed. “Don’t make a fuss. Said what I think.” He took her elbow and resumed walking.
“Nothing wrong with paying a lady a compliment, nor in her appreciating your sentiments.”
They’d reached the hotel, and climbed the steps together. At the door, he stopped.
She faced him. “Thank you for taking me to meet your mother. I truly enjoyed her and the drive. And thanks for helping me get the reward, buy my buggy, and for escorting me through town.”
“Tomorrow, I have an assignment to take care of, but it will just take one day. If it’s all right with you, I’ll come in on Friday and teach you to drive your new buggy.”
“That will be nice, Tobias. In Boston, I walked most places. If I needed to go across town, I hired a hansom cab.”
He shifted from one foot to the other and leaned forward. He reached down and took her hand. His head bowed, he studied her fingers before looking into her eyes with a gaze that had grown dark with need. He stepped closer, his chest brushed against her breast and a spark flew through her as she raised on her toes.
He wrapped his other hand around her waist and pulled her against him. His mouth sought hers and his lids closed.
Tabitha had never been kissed like this. His mouth, like the rest of him, was powerful and appeared to have a will of its own. He deepened the kissed and Tabitha knew if he hadn’t such a strong hold on her, she’d have melted to the floor.
The man tasted delicious, warm and something else she couldn’t explain. But she knew she wanted this for the rest of her life. A groan that escaped his throat let her know he shared her pleasure and their touch affected him deeply.
Tabitha shook with surprise, then with hunger, when his tongue slowly entered her mouth and explored the interior. She moaned, and then wrapped her arms around his neck, begging for more.
And Tobias, being the robust man he was, gave her more than she’d ever imagined. The shy, handsome giant changed into a passionate Prince Charming. His hunger spiked hers, and their breathing increased as his hands spread against her back and clamped them together like paper on a wall.
The sound of a voice being cleared made them jump apart, gasping.
Eyes still dark with passion, he smiled. “Good evening, Tabitha.” He turned and walked down the steps.
She hurried up to her room and locked the door behind her. Tabitha moved to the center of the room then sprawled backwards on the bed, a grin the size of Texas across her face. Tentatively she touched her lips and the heat of their exchange raced her heart and had her shivering with newly discovered desire.
Tabitha vowed she was going to marry Tobias Baldwin no matter how shy or reluctant the man appeared.
Chapter Eight
Tabitha rose Thursday morning and dressed in a gray and black plaid taffeta dress trimmed with white lace and gray ribbon. After her morning breakfast, she set out to take care of business and view her new hometown.
She strode purposefully toward the law office she’d noticed yesterday. If William arrived, she’d be prepared for him. The very thought set fear gnawing at her insides. But she’d thought about the possibility and knew only one way to prepare.
When she entered the office, she saw Mr. Stone seated at a desk. He looked up when she entered and rose to his feet.
“Miss Masterson, please come in and have a seat.”
“I hope it’s all right that I’ve come without an appointment, Mr. Stone. I need to retain your services.”
“Sit down and tell me how I can be of help. And please, call me Joel.”
She slid onto the edge of the chair he indicated. “Thank you, and I’m Tabitha.”
Suddenly, she wondered how to start. She adjusted her skirts and peered around the office. Bookshelves appeared overflowing and a stack of books sat within arm’s reach on his desk as well as stacks of papers. Another desk across the room showed the same disarray. This room bore little resemblance to Mr. Percival’s office in Boston.
“Don’t let the place fool you, Tabitha. We do serious work here, just without the assistance of a clerk.”
Embarrassed he’d read her mind, she felt the heat of a blush on her cheeks. “To tell you the truth, my hesitation is because I’m a little nervous. And humiliated. You see, I came all this way to marry Tobias—you call him Bear—Baldwin but he isn’t sure he wants to wed me.” She sighed and scooted as far back in the chair as her bustle allowed. “I’d better start at the beginning.”
Joel listened patiently while she told him all about her predicament and what led to it. When she’d finished, he leaned back and steepled his fingers.
“You don’t know why this man insists on marrying you?”
“I’ve given him no encouragement. In fact, I’ve done everything in my power to discourage him, including the black eye I mentioned. Somehow, he’s convinced my brother I must marry him, probably with urging from my sister-in-law.”
“This family lost everything in the War, so they’re impoverished?”
“Why, no, and that in itself is puzzling. In spite of tales about losing their family home and land, they appear to lead a very comfortable life now. They’ve never disclosed where the funds are from, and of course I would never ask. But I have wondered.”
“Forsythe, huh? Knew some by that name, but I don’t believe this is the same family.”
“If—probably when—this man arrives, will you defend me against his accusations and his attempt to force me back to Boston?”
“Certainly. No woman should be forced to marry a man she dislikes or one as callous as this man sounds.” He leaned forward. “But the furniture presents a problem. It’s not yours until you marry.”
“I know. My grandmother specifically wanted me to have those pieces. She and I had a special bond and they mean a great deal to me. My sister-in-law would probably sell them or even give them away out of spite.”
“Hmm. Perhaps she’d sell them to you for your reward.”
Sorrowfully, she shook her head. “Bertha wouldn’t sell them to me for any price. She hates me. I have no idea why she wants her brother to marry me. This situation is very puzzling.”
He looked down at the paper on which he’d made notes. “I’ll contact Mr. Percival, the Harpers, and Mr. Witt if need be. In the meantime, enjoy your new home. If you hear from anyone in Boston, please let me know immediately.” He rose and smiled as the office door opened. “Here are my aunts.”
Tabitha stood and greeted the two women.
Lizzie patted Tabitha’s arm. “How nice to see you, dear. I hope we aren’t interrupting.”
“No, I needed your nephew’s advice, but we’d just finished.”
Maggie linked her arm with Tabitha’s. “Good, then you must come home with us for tea. Lizzie baked an apple pie this morning and it should be cool by now.” Maggie turned back to Joel. “You’re invited too if you can spare the time.”
His affection for his aunts shone through his smile. “Sorry, dear ladies. You go along and let a hardworking lawyer get busy.”
The two sisters swept Tabitha along like mother hens herding a chick. Before long they’d seated her at their kitchen table with a large slice of pie and a cup of hot tea.
“Ladies, this is just what I needed. I’m so pleased I ran into you.”
Lizzie chuckled. “I confess we saw you go into Joel’s office on our way to the mercantile. We stopped by to see if we could kidnap you for an hour or two.”
“I’m glad you did. This pie is wonderful. Yesterday Erna Baldwin fed me peach pie and today you’ve fed me apple. At this rate, I’ll be putting on weight.”
Maggie took a sip of tea. “Erna’s a good cook all right. Plain food, but filling. And I believe they grow their own except for staples like flour, sugar, and spices.”
“Really? That would mean a large garden and an orchard.” Tabitha leaned back in her chair and set her fork on her empty plate. “Another of the many things I don’t know how to do.”
Maggie stood and removed the dish. “Everyone has to learn sometime. You’ll pick up what’s necessary.”
Tabitha wondered if she could be taught all she needed to survive here in Texas. “I feel adrift on a raft in the middle of the ocean.” Before she realized it, tears coursed down her cheeks.
Lizzie hugged her shoulders. “Oh, dear, tell us what’s wrong.”
Tabitha pulled a handkerchief from inside her sleeve. “Now I do…feel a fool. I never…cry, and I’m blub…blubbering like a ba-a-a-b-y-y.”
Maggie poured her more tea. “Just sit right up and tell us the problem. If our nephew can’t help, we’ll try our best.”
“I’ve created a terrible mess.” Tabitha repeated what she’d told Joel Stone. “If Tobias wanted to marry me, I think things would work out. But he doesn’t because I’m not Priscilla.”
Lizzie gave Tabitha’s hand a squeeze. “Now, dear, he’s just being stubborn. Soon it will have been his idea. That’s like a man.”
“You think so?” She dabbed at her eyes. “He doesn’t seem inclined, except he said he’d show me how to drive my buggy tomorrow.”
Maggie nodded. “There, you see? He’ll come around.”
Tabitha shook her head. “No, he’s too upset I don’t know how to cook, or clean, or anything. All I know how to do well is keep accounts and run an office.”
The two sisters exchanged knowing looks. Lizzie stood and started rummaging in a drawer. She beamed triumphantly when she pulled out a book.
Wild Western Women Ride Again: Western Historical Romance Boxed Set Page 37