by Leah Atwood
This morning, he’d made the final arrangements for all the wares he’d bought, and he could have caught today’s train to Weatherton, had he not been hoping for a wife before leaving Cheyenne.
Eager to return to his childhood home, he let a broad smile stretched across his face. The only thing able to make the homecoming better was to bring a wife there with him. Jeremiah strode out of the boardinghouse, down three steps and onto the boardwalk which ran parallel to the street.
A few snowflakes drifted down from the charcoal colored sky. There’d been a few flurries yesterday as well, and Jeremiah had worried an impending storm would hamper his plans. However, the locals were in consensus that there was no immediate threat. Predicting the weather and reading the clouds was another thing he’d have to relearn about life in Wyoming. Chicago had softened him, but he’d quickly find his way again.
The prospect of starting the family ranch from near-scratch was daunting, but his optimism knew no boundaries. There was no reason he couldn’t be successful. Pa had done it thirty years ago with much fewer advantages and a host more obstacles. With a lot of hard work, dedication and faith, the endeavor would pay off. Jeremiah was confident of that.
His steps were light as he walked toward Miss Rohrer’s office. He knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. No one did, and he rapped a second time. Cupping his hands at his head’s sides, he peeked inside. The glow of a lit lamp cast shadows against a wall. If she’d stepped out, she would have turned down the lamp.
Maybe she’s with a client. I’ll just step inside and wait where it’s warm. Once in the building he rubbed his hands to heat them. Preoccupied with eagerness to speak with Miss Rohrer, he’d left without his gloves.
Female voices trickled down the hallway. So she was with someone. Was it a fiancée, just arrived to meet her intended husband? Or someone she’d found for him? His heart rate picked up speed. For all he knew, the second female voice could be a friend of Miss Rohrer’s who had stopped by to visit.
Unwittingly, he strained to hear parts of the conversation. “Trouble,” “brothel,” and “husband” reached his ears, along with several sniffles. Realizing he was eavesdropping, he forced himself to stop listening though his curiosity was sufficiently piqued. The person speaking with Miss Rohrer appeared to be in some sort of danger.
Ten minutes later, he heard a single set of footsteps traipsing down the hall. Miss Rohrer appeared, her eyes spreading wide when she spotted him.
“Mr. Scott, how delightfully surprised I am to see you.” Her palm flew to her chest. “It’s the strangest thing. I was about to go next door and send a courier to fetch you.”
His ears perked. “Can I assume you have good news to share with me?”
Her eyes crinkled. “Until an hour ago, I had no prospects for you, but not for a lack of trying.”
He tried not to sound too eager when he asked, “What happened an hour ago?”
“A woman arrived, and she was in need of my assistance.” Frowning, Miss Rohrer tucked her clutched hands under her chin. “When she told me her story, I thought of you immediately.”
When Miss Rohrer paused, Jeremiah wondered what she wasn’t saying. “Is she a potential wife?”
“Yes, but…” She trailed off, then took his arm and led him to the corner, as if that would make a difference in the mystery woman being able to hear their conversation. “Her situation is abnormal. You could help her tremendously by marrying her, but I’m not sure if you’d be willing.”
He furrowed a brow, preferring straight talk to the circles in which Lucinda was speaking. “Why don’t you lay out for me all the issues and let me decide.”
“I’d have her tell you herself, but I could see that simply telling me was far too taxing for her. This woman, she’s faced many hard times in her life. She came west this fall as a nanny, but when she discovered she was expecting a baby, the family who employed her terminated her position upon arrival in Cheyenne.” Miss Rohrer shook her head with dismay. “All but stranded, she found a job doing laundry for Roland Lane, but this morning he informed her that the position would come to an end after the baby’s arrival, and she’d be needed elsewhere.”
A blush crept along Miss Rohrer’s neck and jaw.
Roland Lane. Why did that name sound so familiar? His jaw dropped. “The man who runs the saloon and brothel?”
Miss Rohrer nodded. “Unfortunately, so. To make matters worse, he’s threatened this woman.”
“And your solution would be for me to marry her?”
“Yes.”
“You said she’s with child? When is the baby due?”
“Later this month.” Miss Rohrer swallowed. “Near Christmas.”
Jeremiah gulped. A child already born was one thing. One not yet arrived, due at a time when the possibility of snow precluding a doctor’s presence was very real, was another thing entirely. But if the woman needed him, and it certainly appeared she did, shouldn’t he help? His mind wasn’t made up. He wasn’t sure how to ask the delicate question in the back of his mind. “She… she was only a laundress, correct? I mean…” He cleared his throat. “She was never one of those girls, was she?”
He hated asking, but he had that right, didn’t he? Did that make him a horrible person? After all, he did request a woman of sound moral character, and a soiled dove absolutely did not fit that description.
“No, and she’s adamant that she won’t become one, but I fear what could happen to her if she doesn’t find a husband.” A long sigh emitted from Miss Rohrer. “Jobs for a woman aren’t too plentiful here, not for a woman with a baby.”
“Is she near in age to my twenty-two years?” His answer regarding a marriage came to him, but he wanted a few more details before verbalizing it. “What is her name?”
“Tallie Duncan and she is a sweet, young woman of nineteen. Beautiful as well.”
“May I meet her?”
“Yes, but there’s still something you need to know.” Miss Rohrer glanced down the hallway before speaking again. “Keep in mind, please, that she didn’t have to tell me this information. She offered it on her own accord when I would not have known otherwise, and that speaks highly of her integrity.”
Rubbing his temples. Jeremiah wished Miss Rohrer would come out with it already. “I’m sure you wouldn’t suggest marriage to her if she weren't an acceptable match.”
“The thing is, no one is perfect, Mr. Scott.” Miss Rohrer bit her bottom lip.
“I understand that, but perhaps you should tell me your concern, so we don’t keep Miss Duncan sitting alone any longer.”
“Tallie was raised in an orphanage and planned to marry one of the boys she’d met there.”
“She’s still in love with her husband?” His muscles tightened a notch. He didn’t want to play second fiddle to a memory, but he’d still marry her so she wouldn’t be subjected to the life Roland Lane had planned for her. He’d be a good husband and pray she could find it in her heart to love him in time.
Lucinda’s head moved side to side. “The young man died shortly after the baby’s conception. Tallie never married him.”
A slow hiss pushed through Jeremiah’s front teeth as the words sunk in. The woman who Lucinda wished him to marry was not pure. A strumpet, as Ma would call her. Thoughts raced through his mind, fighting for room. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I can marry her.”
Even as he spoke the words, they didn’t feel right, but he couldn’t bring himself to say yes. He’d held himself to a high standard in such matters, and would expect the same from his wife.
A tight smile tried to disguise Miss Rohrer’s disapproval of his choice but didn’t succeed. “I understand though I am disappointed. I thought you were a different sort of man.”
The bite in her tone stung. “I’m really sorry.” And he was. He’d desperately wanted a wife before leaving Cheyenne.
“Shall I continue to search?”
“I think it would take a miracle to find someon
e in the next three days.” Disappointment weighed him down. “Save my deposit. Maybe come spring, you can find one of those eastern ladies for me.”
“You know how to contact me.” Shoulders slumped, Miss Rohrer turned and disappeared down the hallway.
Jeremiah stalked out of the building and down the boardwalk. For a full hour, he paced the streets of Cheyenne. Did I make the wrong decision? How could anyone expect him to marry a woman who’d lost her virtue by choice? His whole life, he’d always done the right thing, followed God’s commandments. Sure, he’d gotten into a few scrapes as a child, but what boy hadn’t? His wrongdoings were nothing more than the common mischief of a young tot.
Disillusioned, he decided to leave for Weatherton tomorrow. “No point in sticking around now,” he muttered.
A man who was passing by knocked him on the shoulder, most likely by accident, but Jeremiah scowled at him. “Watch where you are going.”
His foul mood wasn’t getting him anywhere, but he felt helpless to change his disposition. He’d been so close to having what he wanted. One little detail ruined it all.
You could have still married her, but you made the decision not to.
“No, she did.”
Have you never committed a grievance against the Lord?
“Well, yes, but not like Tallie has.”
A feminine coughed broke the conversation he held with his conscience. His gaze flicked to an elderly woman eying him with suspicion. He supposed he did look strange, carrying on what sounded like a one-sided conversation. After offering her a brief nod and smile, he continued on at a hurried pace.
But in His eyes, aren’t they all the same? And does he not offer forgiveness and make us whiter than snow?
The final thought slammed into him, almost knocking him off balance. He’d been so wrong. His prayers for a wife had been answered, but he’d turned his back on them because of a pious attitude. The least he could have done was meet Tallie and given her a chance.
Because of him, she could be forced to the streets or worse. He’d had the chance to rescue her, protect her, marry her, but he’d had a thorn in his eye, beyond which he couldn’t see.
He paused and leaned against a false front building. Sticking his finger out, he caught a snowflake, examining it before it melted.
Whiter than snow.
Perhaps his heart was the one that needed cleansing.
Chapter 5
Tallie sat alone in Lucinda’s office while the matchmaker had gone to find a courier. A blossom of hope flowered in her soul. Lucinda knew of a man who wanted an immediate wife. The best part was that he planned to leave Cheyenne in a few days.
If he found her to be an acceptable mate, then they could marry by day’s end, and she could leave town with him when he went. She’d be free from Roland Lane and her baby would have a father. It all seemed too good to be true.
To fill the minutes before Lucinda returned, Tallie traveled her gaze around the room, but there wasn’t much to observe. The baby kicked, making her stomach jump. Despite her dire predicament, she couldn’t help a smile. Each of its movements was a precious reminder of the miracle she carried. No matter what the circumstances were surrounding the baby’s conception, she loved her child already.
As the baby continued to move within her, Tallie sang a lullaby. Soon the movement settled.
Lucinda appeared in the doorway, her facial expression taut.
In return, Tallie’s stomach clenched.
“I’m afraid there’s bad news. I happened to run into Jeremiah on my way next door and spoke to him about your situation.”
“He couldn’t accept my past.” It wasn’t a question—Lucinda’s face said all she needed to know.
“I’m so sorry, my dear.” Lucinda came to her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I feel partly to blame, but I was so certain he was a man who could overlook someone’s past mistakes.”
Tallie drew in a long breath, then released it slowly. Her hand splayed over her stomach. “This one is hard to look past.”
“We’ll figure out something.” After giving her a final pat, Lucinda stepped toward her desk and then sat in her chair. “Don’t you worry—under no circumstances will you go back to that evil Roland Lane.” She pulled a stack of papers from a desk drawer. “Let me review my current client list. Many have a fiancée in transit, but there are several who’ve not found a suitable mate yet. Perhaps one of them will be a good fit as your husband.”
Bracing her hands on the arms of the chair, Tallie eased herself to an upright position. Her feet loved when she sat, but her body acted strange if she sat too long, almost as though it would jump out of itself. “I don’t want to cause you any more trouble.”
Lucinda’s gaze rose from its transfixed spot on a paper. “This is my job, Tallie. Helping people find their spouse is what I love to do.”
As much as she wanted to protest further, Tallie knew she’d do well to accept the help. It wasn’t often someone offered assistance from the kindness of their heart. She propped herself against the wall for support while Lucinda pored over the papers.
The loud, heavy footsteps of someone running down the hall drew their attention to the door. A handsome man, possibly the most attractive one Tallie had ever seen, barreled through the door. His cheeks and nose were red—his breath came in short spurts. Even with his coat on, she could tell he was muscular and took care with his appearance. He stood tall, probably six feet or more.
He leaned over to catch his breath with one hand on Lucinda’s desk. “I ran all the way back from the train station.”
Lucinda looked at him, her eyes full of censure toward the man. “For what purpose, Mr. Scott.”
So this was Jeremiah Scott, the man who’d refused to marry her. She wanted to dislike him, but his face was a curious combination of wistfulness and repentance that tugged at her heart.
“I’ve changed my mind.”
“I’m afraid it’s too late, Mr. Scott.” Pushing the chair from her desk, Lucinda stood. “I’m already working on another placement for Tallie.”
Pressing her palms against the wall for steadying purposes, Tallie bit her tongue. No, she wanted to scream. Why are you telling him that? Not yet, at least. Give him time to explain himself.
“You couldn’t have found a replacement that quickly.” Now that his breathing had returned to a normal rate, he issued the challenge.
Tallie watched with interest at the exchange, even if a mite miffed she was discussed as though not in the room.
“I didn’t say I’d found one, only that I was working on it.” In spite of her petite stature, Lucinda directed a fierce glare at Mr. Scott that made him step backward.
“There’s no reason to continue searching.” Mr. Scott’s jaw tightened. “I’m here and willing to marry her.”
Her heart skipped a beat. To hear this stranger speak such words terrified her in a pleasant way. Marriage to a stranger was petrifying, but this man could be the salvation she needed from a life of destitution. Now, how can I break this battle of wills in which Lucinda and he are locked?
“Mr. Scott,” Lucinda began tersely with one hand on her hip. “While I am pleased you’ve come to your senses, I’m afraid Tallie isn’t the woman for you. She needs a husband to love her and her child, not condemn her.”
Watching the exchange, Tallie’s eyes widened. Never in her life had someone defended her with such reckoning force.
“I am that man.” He darted a glance Tallie’s way and their eyes locked. Flutters, not caused by the baby moving, jolted her stomach. “At least give me a chance to speak with her directly.”
Lucinda raised her eyebrows and looked at Tallie. “Is that acceptable to you?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. I will step into the hallway for several minutes while the two of you discuss a potential future together.” Turning her back to Mr. Scott, Lucinda locked gazes with Tallie. “If he says anything offensive, you come get me right away.
” She flashed a wink and a smile then pivoted and left the room.
Tallie hid a smile, realizing that Lucinda had purposefully given Mr. Scott a difficult time upon his return.
Alone together in the room, Mr. Scott eyed her with scrutiny. “Would you care to sit, Miss Duncan?”
Her back began to ache again, and she waddled to the chair which Mr. Scott held for her. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” He angled his head, observing her. “Are you comfortable? May I get you a glass of water?”
“I am fine, but thank you.”
“Allow me to introduce myself officially. I’m Jeremiah Scott and please call me Jeremiah.”
“Tallie Duncan. You may call me Tallie.”
After positioning the other chair to face her, he sat down. “Miss Rohrer has made me aware of your background.”
“Yes, she informed me of that and your reaction to it.” The hurt from his rejection, even though she’d understood it, seeped into her voice.
“I owe you an apology, Tallie.” Jeremiah’s chest rose with a long intake of air and fell when he exhaled. “I had no call to judge you as I did, especially when I have my own faults, and for that I am sorry and ask your forgiveness.”
“You’re forgiven, just as God’s forgiven me.” She looked down at her midsection. “I did commit a sin from which I can’t hide, but I am repentant of it.”
Jeremiah’s arm closed the gap between them and placed his hand on hers. “I’d like to marry you if you’re still willing in spite of my boorish behavior.”
“Before I can give you an answer, there’s something I must ask.” Trepidation rattled her fingers. “Can you tell me with complete confidence that you will not hold my error against my child? Will you look at him as your own and not cast my shame upon him?”
Tenderness filled Jeremiah’s eyes. “It is not my place to judge you or your child, and I was wrong to do so earlier. Your child will be our child, and I’ll treat him no differently than if he had my blood.”