An Agent for Julia

by Marianne Spitzer

  An Agent for Julia

  Pinkerton Matchmaker Series Book 79

  Marianne Spitzer

  An Agent for Julia

  (Pinkerton Matchmaker Series Book 79)

  By Marianne Spitzer

  © May 2020

  This book is a work of fiction. All the names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, events, locations, or organizations is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the written consent of the author.

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Epilogue

  The End

  Acknowledgments

  There are many people I would like to thank for their help and understanding while I wrote this book, but first and foremost, I want to thank God for all His blessings. I also wish to thank my family and friends for their patience and understanding when I disappear into my writing world especially my son, Lance, for his unwavering support. Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank my loyal readers who read my books and leave reviews. I couldn’t do this without you. You’re the best.

  A special mention for the talented Virginia McKevitt for the beautiful cover design.

  Chapter 1

  Dark gray skies hung over the small convent nestled in southeastern Wisconsin’s countryside. Julia Masters made her way to the Mother Superior’s office, shivering in the hallway. She stopped in front of the heavy oak door and knocked.

  “Come in,” Mother Superior’s voice sounded muffled through the wooden door.

  Julia opened the door and stepped into the office. “Good morning, Mother Superior.”

  “Good morning, Julia. Please sit. I’d like to speak to you.”

  Julia obeyed and waited patiently for Mother Superior to speak.

  When Mother Superior’s eyes met hers, Julia knew this wouldn’t be a casual discussion about some small infraction Julia had managed to commit again. This conversation would be serious, and Julia felt confused.

  Mother Superior said, “From the expression on your face, you appear troubled. Don’t worry, you aren’t here for a lecture on behavior or failed expectations.”

  Julia nodded.

  Mother Superior continued, “You have been with us for two years, Julia. When your mother passed away, you came here seeking solace and said you wished to join the order. Over the two years, you’ve been wonderful with the children and a great help to the other sisters, but I don’t believe your heart is here with us. You take a great interest in the history lessons you help teach the children, and I’ve seen you daydreaming quite often with a book in your lap. I believe you have dreams beyond the walls of our convent.”

  Julia dropped her head. Shame washed over her. When she looked back at Mother Superior, she said, “I’m sorry, but you’re right. I wanted to be here after mama died. Everyone was so kind, and no one expected me not to grieve or smile all the time. I had time to myself, peace, and women who cared for me.”

  “But?” questioned Mother Superior.

  “But I still love the other sisters, the students, and the peace I found here, but sometimes I dream about what my life could be outside of the convent.”

  Mother Superior nodded, “I thought that would be your answer. You haven’t taken vows or made a commitment to the order and are free to leave any time you wish. Before your brother headed west in his search for a better life, he left money with me for this very reason. He was concerned you came here to grieve and not commit yourself. If you decide to leave, you will have enough funds to travel to wherever you feel you’d be happy and live until you find employment or a young man steals your heart.”

  Julia blushed and asked, “You aren’t angry with me?”

  “No, child, I’m not upset. Each of us has a path to walk in God’s plan, and this is not your path. Trust in the Lord, and He will guide you.”

  “Thank you. I feel the same but wasn’t sure how to explain it to you. You and the other sisters have been kind and helped me these past two years. I felt I owed you my loyalty.”

  “Any loyalty you owe is to God, my dear, and the best way to show that is to follow your heart. The Lord will guide you.”

  “Thank you, Mother Superior. I’ll think about this, and when I leave, I think I might go back to Gentle Falls. My aunt and uncle own the mercantile there, and I believe I could be of help to them. I’ll write them a letter and let them know I’m thinking about returning.”

  Mother Superior nodded, and Julia left her office feeling a bit frightened and excited all at once. She would start a new life, but would the outside world welcome her back?

  Julia slowly walked back to the library, where she had been working before Mother Superior’s summons.

  Winter was right around the corner, and there was a chill in the air Julia couldn’t shake. It was more than the cold breezes off the lake. Deeper. She had just turned nineteen when her mother passed away. She had helped her older brother run their farm and care for their mother, but the grief that consumed her disrupted her life at every turn. When her brother decided he wanted to head west and start a new life, Julia decided to join the convent. It had been two years. Her brother was somewhere in Wyoming or Colorado. The few letters he sent always said he was in a new place looking for his future.

  What lay ahead for her future? She couldn’t roam the west like her brother, could she? She’d return home to the town where she was born and still had some family. Her Aunt Minnie and Uncle Louis would welcome her home. She had such fun growing up in the small town of Gentle Falls. The farm was still there. Her brother hadn’t sold it. Could she live there? Would the residents understand why she’d left the convent to return? Would they welcome her? So many decisions. She would write to her aunt and ask for guidance.

  Settling down behind the small desk in the library, Julia removed a piece of writing paper from the drawer and picked up the pen and ink, trying to find the right words to explain why she wanted to leave the safety of the convent. She began:

  Dear Aunt Minnie and Uncle Louis,

  After much thought and heart-searching, I have decided to leave the convent. Robert left enough money with the Mother Superior before he left to help me come back to Gentle Falls or to remain here and find employment. I am not sure what I should do. If I decide to return home, would there be a place for me in town, or would I be able to stay on the farm? I could help you with the mercantile until I find employment. Please write back and help me decide what to do. The past two years have been peaceful, and my heart is mending. I need to move on with my life.

  I have missed you terribly while I have been here. Your letters were always encouraging. I pray that you are both well. I hope to hear from you soon.

  Your loving niece,

  Julia

  Julia slipped the letter into an envelope and rose to find her coat and prepared to post her letter. She hummed as she walked toward the small area of businesses near the convent. After posting the letter, she wandered around the small store and wondered how much life had changed since she entered the convent.

  Not knowing what, if anything, she might need, Julia bought a peppermint stick and a newspaper. Perhaps reading news stories while waiting for her aunt and uncle to respond to her letter would help her learn more about the changing world.

&nb
sp; Feeling a bit of freedom after spending two years at the convent, Julia decided to stop in the café and have a cup of tea. She would read the paper and enjoy seeing how, or if, the world had changed.

  Settled at a table, the waitress brought her tea and said, “If you need anything else, just ask.”

  Julia returned the young woman’s smile and said, “Thank you. I think this is all I need right now.”

  Julia glanced at the paper, read a few short articles, and turned to the inside pages when an advertisement caught her eye.

  The Denver Office of the Pinkerton Detective Agency was hiring female agents.

  Female agents? Julia thought. How wonderful. Women are coming into their own, and becoming an agent would be an excellent career. Could I? Should I? I have enough money to travel to Denver. What would Aunt Minnie and Uncle Louis think? What about Mother Superior? She would frown at my idea of traveling to Denver alone. I’ve received a solid education. I could be an asset. I can do this, at least I can try. If I fail, I can always return to Gentle Falls. If I don’t try, I might regret it for the rest of my life.

  Julia stirred sugar into her second cup of tea and smiled. Now, her only problem would be writing a second letter to her aunt and uncle and explaining her decision to Mother Superior. She loved her family, but her brother had set out on his own. Why couldn’t she? Thinking of every possible argument that could be made from the work is too dangerous for a woman to how could she ever expect to marry if she chose to work in a man’s place, Julia decided on answers to each conceivable question.

  Gathering her courage, Julia paid for her tea and began her walk back to the convent, where she would write another letter to her aunt and uncle and inform Mother Superior of her travel plans. Worrying a bit about their reactions, and needing a firm plan, she stopped at the store again to inquire about the train schedule she had seen posted on the wall. Yes, she was ready to make a move to Denver and apply to be an agent with the Pinkertons.

  Chapter 2

  Denver Colorado

  Marianne looked up from her desk when she heard the front door open. She smiled when she saw Agent West Lange enter carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers.

  “Did you bring flowers for Archie,” Marianne asked the handsome young man.

  “No, ma’am, these are for you. When I returned from my assignment, I heard you and Archie married. I want to offer my congratulations, and perhaps you would spare one flower for the grave of my broken heart,” West said, removing his hat and bowing with a flourish.

  Marianne laughed. “You’re not only a flirt but dramatic. Perhaps you should leave the agency for a job on the stage.”

  West held his hands up in front of him and said, “I’m only stating the obvious, but I’m pleased you and Archie are happy.”

  “One day, you will find the same happiness,” Marianne assured.

  “Me? Married? No, that will never happen. My sister is married with five children. Five little critters that spill milk, cry for no reason, and upend the household daily.”

  Marianne laughed again.

  West leaned a bit closer to her desk and whispered, “Life is far from calm at her home. It has gotten to the point that my brother-in-law stops each evening on his way home from work for a beer and a shot of whiskey. He needs the courage to face the wild bunch that has taken over his peaceful home.”

  Marianne bit back more laughter and asked, “Could it be your brother-in-law enjoys his drink and uses that as his excuse?”

  “Could be, could be, but still you’ll never see me married with wild critters running around,” West stated emphatically.

  Marianne doubted his words but smiled politely and said, “Archie doesn’t have anyone in his office. You can go right in.”

  “Thank you, I’ll do that,” West told her as he strode toward Archie’s office.

  The front door opened again almost at the same moment that Archie’s office door closed, and a lovely young woman holding a newspaper approached Marianne’s desk.

  “Good morning. My name is Julia Masters, and I’ve come about the ad in the paper for female Pinkerton agents.”

  “Good morning, Miss Masters. I’m Marianne Gordon, and I can help you with the application process.”

  “Please call me, Julia.”

  “All right, Julia.

  Marianne reached into her desk drawer and pulled out a packet of papers. “I have several forms and some reading material for you to go over before I introduce you to Mister Gordon, our top agent.”

  Julia noticed the nameplate on Marianne’s desk and asked, “Gordon? That’s also your name. Are you his sister?”

  “No, I’m his wife.”

  “Wife? Are agents allowed to marry? It seems a dangerous and solitary occupation,” Julia mused.

  “It can be, but there are many times when a couple can work together. We women are quite resourceful, you know,” Marianne said.

  “That I do know,” Julia agreed and smiled. “I’m excited about this possibility.”

  Marianne stood with the packet of papers in her hand and told Julia to follow her into the library where she could fill out the forms and read the information required.

  “This shouldn’t take you more than an hour to complete and read. I’ll see if Mister Gordon is available for your first interview after you complete the paperwork. Would you care for some tea?” Marianne explained.

  “No, thank you,” Julia said as she glanced around the well-appointed library. “I had breakfast shortly before I came here.”

  “Very well. Bring the papers back to my desk when you’re finished,” Marianne said as she slipped out of the door.

  Less than an hour later, Julia returned to Marianne’s desk papers in hand.

  “I found the information quite useful, and I hope I filled out all the questions correctly,” Julia said.

  “On many of the questions, there aren’t any right or wrong answers. They are to gauge your perception and problem-solving abilities--both important qualities for agents,” Marianne explained and then added, “Mister Gordon will be finished with his interview shortly. Please take a seat, and I’ll introduce you when he’s finished.”

  Julia thanked her and took a seat in one of the comfortable dark blue chairs in front of the large window overlooking the street. A few minutes later, Julia heard a door open, and a handsome man with blonde hair and striking blue eyes approached Marianne’s desk but kept his eye on her nearly stumbling over his own feet.

  West leaned partly across Marianne’s desk and whispered, “Who is the stunning brunette sitting across the room?”

  “An agent applicant and don’t talk to her. I don’t want you to scare her off with your flirtatious nature.”

  “But she’s beautiful,” West countered.

  Marianne replied, “Yes, she is, and because of that, she needs to attract the attention of men with honorable intentions when she is ready to take that step. Right now, she wants to become a Pinkerton.”

  West slapped his chest as if in pain and muttered, “Honorable? Am I not an honorable man?”

  Shaking her head slowly, Marianne stared back at West. “Yes, in your professional life, you are honorable, but I know you love to flirt and aren’t serious about settling down. Remember the conversation we just had about you not wanting any little critters and your brother-in-law needing to imbibe just to survive his life?”

  West shrugged, “There should be a middle ground somewhere in all this. Well, after this month-long assignment, Archie gave me a couple of days off, but I’ll be around.”

  “We’ll find you if needed.”

  West smiled at Marianne, nodded at Julia, pulled his hat off the rack by the door, and hurried on his way.

  Marianne stood and invited Julia to follow her. After introductions were made, Marianne left the office, and Julia sat on a wooden chair, doing her best to keep her hands from shaking.

  “Good morning, Miss Masters,” Archie began. “I see here that you’re from Gentle Fal
ls, Wisconsin. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of it.”

  “It’s a small town about thirty miles west of Milwaukee. It’s not much more than a stage stop, but we’re hoping the train will come to town soon. As a matter of fact, before my uncle opened his mercantile, he ran the stage-stop. My parents traveled to the area and started a farm,” Julia explained, hoping she wasn’t sharing too much information without being asked and that she didn’t sound silly.

  “I see. May I ask why you lived at the convent in Milwaukee for the past two years. It’s a bit far to travel unless your vocation was to become a nun.”

  Julia smiled and began, “My father died several years ago. My brother took care of the farm for my mother. When she died, my brother wanted to leave and travel West. He developed wanderlust, and each of his letters has been from a different location. I didn’t know what to do. I was grieving my mother and felt a bit abandoned, although my aunt and uncle live in town.”

  Archie nodded, and Julia continued, “My mother grew up in Milwaukee, and her dear friend is the Mother Superior. I wrote to tell Mother Superior of my mother’s passing and asked if I could come to the convent since I needed to find peace and solitude. I remained for two years.”

  “You’re positive you don’t feel called to be a nun? Why would you apply to become a Pinkerton agent?”

  “I know I don’t have the calling, and when I decided it was time to leave the convent, I wasn’t sure what to do. My brother sold all our livestock before he headed West and left money with Mother Superior in case I ever left the convent. At first, I thought about going back to the farm, but I saw the advertisement for female agents and took a train from Milwaukee to Denver. Here I am.”