Monk's Bride

by Caroline Clemmons

  Betsie’s knees threatened to give way. “Mam, you’re being too extravagant.”

  “Nonsense.”

  Suzanne gestured toward a curtain. “If you’ll step into the fitting room, I’ll measure you and we can discuss colors and styles you prefer.”

  Betsie followed slowly with Fiona urging her forward.

  The dressmaker indicated a screen. “Please step behind there and remove everything down to your corset. You’re in luck. I just received the latest issue of Peterson’s Magazine.” She handed the publication to Fiona.

  Fiona gave a jerk of her head toward the screen. “Go on, dear. Don’t keep Suzanne waiting.”

  Betsie did as she was bid, but with misgiving.

  Chapter Six

  Monk opened the door to the law office. Gabe consulted with a client in an anteroom. With law books littering his desk, Rafe appeared deep in research.

  Nate rose and Monk followed him to another room. Nate closed the door before he handed over a telegram. “Came this morning.”

  special delivery package sent yesterday stop highly volatile stop watch for arrival stop cirelli

  Monk returned the paper to Nate. “Who else knows about this?”

  “I’ve sent word to Grandpa and the sheriff. Guess I should get those Ainsworth brothers to deliver a message to Drake and Storm. I figure the problem will occur in town, though.”

  Monk scrubbed a hand across his face. “I reckon we have five days to get ready, counting today. You worked out a strategy?”

  “We’ve been busy with law work all morning and haven’t had a chance to talk this over. I suspect Grandpa or McAfee will be more likely to come up with a plan.”

  Frowning, Monk shook his head. “Bill McAfee’s a good sheriff, but I don’t think he’s up to the kind of person we know will arrive.”

  “You’re right. Don’t imagine he’s ever been around gangs like we’ve seen. This man in Tennessee sounds like a tough customer, like some we’ve seen in New Orleans, Chicago, and New York. Bill’s a good tracker, according to Storm, but we don’t want whoever is coming to get close enough we have to follow him.”

  “Betsie’s a nice lady and I think she’s had a rough life since she married. She shouldn’t have to worry about threats to her and Liam.”

  Nate’s eyebrows rose. “Betsie, huh?”

  Monk sensed a flush of embarrassment at his slip of the tongue. “She asked me to call her Betsie. I call her Mrs. Hirsch when anyone else is around.”

  “I see-e-e,” Nate drew out the last word. “I guess having her boy throw up on you puts you on a first name basis. Anyway, I suspect protecting her will involve us. Why don’t you go talk to Grandpa and I’ll go talk to the sheriff?”

  “I’ll let you know what the Judge says.” Monk couldn’t help hoping Betsie would be at the house.

  He left the law office and strode toward the Kincaid home. As he did, he chanced on Betsie and Fiona coming out of the millinery shop, laden with packages.

  He tipped his hat. “Good day, ladies. Could I be of service with those parcels?”

  Fiona handed over a hatbox and a package wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. “What luck for us, a strong man to tote our purchases. Thank you, Michael.”

  “May I assist you, Mrs. Hirsch?”

  Laughing, she tucked a package under his arm. “You chose the perfect time to leave the law office.” Her blue eyes danced with mirth. “Perfect for us, that is, but not so perfect for you.”

  If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was flirting with him. “Come now, walking with two ladies is certainly not a hardship and the packages are light. I’m headed to speak to Grandpa anyway.”

  She linked her arm through his, carefully so as not to dislodge parcels. “So you didn’t rush to our rescue like a knight of old?”

  “I had planned to but was waiting until there was a dragon to do slay.” He pretended to peer around. “I don’t see any beasts lurking or smell any smoke. Good thing because I seem to have forgotten my shield and sword.”

  Fiona linked her arm on his other side. “Himself is likely dozing in his chair but the dear heart will tell us he’s been hard at work all day.”

  Monk smiled at Fiona. “Can’t blame him for that. He has his irons in a lot of fires and keeping up with them must be tiring. I’d say an occasional nap is called for.”

  Fiona squeezed his arm. “Sure and you’re right, Michael. Himself says he’s diversified his investments so the family will always have an income. I bless the day I caught his eye, for isn’t he the best of husbands?”

  “Obviously he dotes on you, Fiona. You make a good couple.”

  “Many people didn’t approve because of our age difference and me working as his housekeeper.”

  Betsie huffed. “What should that matter if you love one another? You’re well-suited from my point of view.”

  Monk was pleased to hear her express the thought that age difference shouldn’t matter. He figured he was about ten years older than her—but not the twenty or more the Judge had over Fiona.

  When they reached the house, the ladies relieved him of his parcels and headed upstairs. He hung his hat on the hall tree and ambled to Grandpa’s study. He rapped on the frame of the open door.

  Grandpa looked up and grinned. “Come in, Monk, and have a seat. I was hoping for a distraction from this contract I’m reading. What’s the latest development?”

  Monk scooted a chair closer to the desk. “We need a plan. Someone left Memphis yesterday to come here. Nate and I figure we have five days counting today. No one’s said anything to Mrs. Hirsch or Fiona about this.”

  Grandpa shook his head. “No use getting them upset this far in advance. They’ll have to be told before time for him to show up, though. You trust the person told you this?”

  “I do and so does Nate. He’s never lied to us. Nate’s gone to talk to the sheriff. I think we should all have a meeting, maybe at the law office or sheriff’s office.”

  “Good thinking. Don’t want the ladies upset now but we need a plan to outfox this fellow. From what Fiona said, he must be a bad one.”

  “That’s what I figure. First, this Downum will send someone. When that doesn’t work, I think he’ll come himself.”

  Grandpa leaned back in his chair. “I sure hope not. Once is bad enough. Sure don’t want to have Betsie and Liam’s life on the line twice.”

  Monk sent a piercing gaze to Grandpa. “Sir, it’s not just their lives. This kind of man would willingly wipe out an entire family for revenge.”

  Grandpa sat up and fisted his hands on his desk. “I sure hate to go through another siege. We’ve been through that sort of thing before and came out on top. Always the risk that next time we won’t.”

  “When do you want to have a planning session?”

  “Let me send the Ainsworth brothers with a note to get Storm and Drake into town. How about tomorrow around one?”

  “I’ll set it up on this end. Let’s meet in the conference room at the law office.” He stood. “Thanks for your time.”

  Grandpa stood with a scowl on his face. “Dadburnit, you act like my time is more important than yours. Stop that.”

  Monk only grinned. “Well, it is. I’m working hard to make sure the bank is successful and we follow all the laws. You, on the other hand, have several families depending on you, to say nothing of the entire town.”

  Grandpa returned to his seat and waved Monk away. “I won’t debate with you all day. I’ll see you tomorrow unless you show up for supper.

  Monk left the office and headed for the front door. There was a side way out of the house but he hoped to see Betsie again. As he strode through the parlor, she appeared with Liam.

  Liam rushed to hug his knees. “Hi, Mr. Magle.”

  He patted Liam’s head. “Hello, Liam. I hope you had a good day.”

  “May we see you out, Monk?”

  “I’d be pleased if you would.”

  She held his arm a
s they walked the short distance to the front door with Liam holding her other hand.

  Monk hoped he wasn’t about to make a fool of himself. He took her hand. “Betsie, I know you’re recently widowed and I don’t want to rush you. When you’re ready to receive callers, may I call on you?”

  “Well, of course. Mam’s told you you’re always welcome here…” He saw when his meaning dawn on her. She gaped and laid a hand at her throat. “Wait… you mean on me personally?”

  He nodded, suddenly overcome by shyness.

  A wide smile graced her face. “Oh, Monk, I’d like that.” She raised her chin. “I-I’m not mourning my late husband for several reasons. You may call whenever you wish.”

  He released his breath. “Thank you. I’ll be by this evening after supper.” He realized he still held her hand and released it.

  She laid her fingers on his arm. “Why not come for supper? You have to eat sometime.”

  “You’ve convinced me. I’ll see you later this afternoon. Goodbye, Liam.” He grabbed his hat and left before he did or said something goofy.

  At least she hadn’t made fun of him for asking. She’d appeared pleased but she didn’t know many people in town yet. Would she change her mind after meeting other eligible men?

  All his life he’d shied away from women. He had no desire to associate with the loose types he and Nate had met in their previous life. That’s how he thought of the past—as if it had happened to a different person in a different time. That past had prevented him from settling down.

  He was still the same person, yet he perceived himself differently. Now he had a respected job, a nice home, and a permanent place in Kincaid Springs. His current life allowed him to meet and make friends with decent women. If things worked out, perhaps he and Betsie could become more than just friends.

  Monk shook his head, scolding himself. You’re setting yourself up for a fall and maybe even a broken heart. Why would a good woman want a man like you?

  With a heavy heart, he strode back to the bank for what was left of the workday.

  ***

  Betsie closed the door behind Monk and leaned her head against the cool wood. Imagine a fine man like him asking to call on her. And, after she’d fainted at his feet and Liam had thrown up on him at their first meeting. She sensed a flush on her face.

  Fiona stood at the entry to the parlor. “Are you holding up the door, dear?”

  Liam patted the door. “Mr. Magle went bye bye.”

  With a guilty start, Betsie turned to face her mother certain a blush mottled her face. “I was just seeing Monk out. I hope it’s all right I invited him to supper.”

  “Of course it is. He’s always welcome, though I’ve noticed he never comes unless specifically invited.”

  Betsie looked at her hands folded in front of her. “He has very good manners, doesn’t he?”

  “Yes, he needs them in his position. What’s upset you?”

  She raised her head and linked her arm with Fiona’s. “I’m not upset, Mam. H-He asked if he could call on me.”

  “My, my, what did you say?”

  “I said yes. Should I have asked you or Himself first?”

  Fiona’s brown eyes sparkled. “You’re twenty-four and old enough to make your own decisions. I expect Michael will ask Himself for permission. He’s that sort of man. Very considerate.”

  Betsie bent to lift Liam to her arms. “Then you don’t think I’m foolish to allow him to call?”

  “Now why would I think that?”

  “Well, he’s the president of the bank with a fine house. I’m your poor relation without a penny to my name and only grace and favor for a place to live.”

  “Now listen here, Elizabeth Maureen Galloway Hirsch, don’t you be thinking like that. You’re a fine woman and you’d make a fine wife for anyone in this town.”

  Grandpa came around the corner and took Liam from her. “You tell her, Fiona my love. Betsie, it’s clear I need to give you an allowance so you have the means to feel independent.”

  She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, but being given money for doing naught wouldn’t make me feel less dependent. I must find a way to stand on my own two feet and earn some money.”

  Grandpa placed an arm around her shoulders. “Now don’t you sound like Pearl? That woman was determined to support herself and keep busy. Had Drake dancing a merry tune, I can tell you. All the same, she realized she liked being a wife more than she did operating a café in town.”

  “Wait, isn’t she the one who heals people and acts as midwife? I’d say she’s still in business, just not in town.”

  He rested his forehead against Liam’s. “Durn, your mother has me there.” He directed his gaze to Betsie. “Never you mind, you can’t leave Liam here to his own devices.”

  He tickled Liam’s tummy and set him giggling. “If you get a job, then I’ll have to hire a nanny. When you were working you’d be worrying about the care your boy was receiving. Why don’t we cut out the nanny and you take her job?”

  She put her hands on her hips and faced him. “You’re very persuasive. I’ll bet you cut a fine figure in court.”

  He laughed aloud and set Liam on his feet. “You’re right, if I do say so myself. At times I miss arguing a case but there’s a lot goes into ruling on one, too.”

  Fiona laid her arm on his. “Did you need something?”

  “Just to let you know I need to attend a meeting in town tomorrow at one. Reckon we can have lunch a little early tomorrow?”

  “I’ll see you don’t go hungry, dear. For now, how about I bring you a cup of tea and a snack to tide you over until supper?”

  He kissed Fiona on her forehead. “You’re good to me.” He turned back toward his study.

  Fiona held out her hand. “Liam, would you like to come with me to get a cookie and glass of milk?”

  Liam linked his fingers with Fiona’s and smiled up at her. “Grandma, I like cookies.”

  Betsie hugged her arms, thankful her son had all he could eat. Grateful Liam had an ideal place to play with more toys than any boy could ask for. She and her son couldn’t be more fortunate. Liam would grow up in an extended family that showed him love and encouragement. Here in Kincaid Springs, at last she and Liam were safe.

  Chapter Seven

  Almost giddy with anticipation at the thought of Monk coming to call, Betsie opened the armoire. Three of her new gowns had been delivered and more would arrive as they were completed. Living in this luxurious home with servants and having beautiful things to wear had her feeling like a princess.

  For this evening, she chose a sapphire blue crape opening over a paler shade of faille trimmed with blond lace. Full sleeves ended in a cuff just below the elbow. A standing collar of lace detached for laundering.

  When she was dressed, she hurried to check on Liam in the playroom. “Come on, my big boy. Time to get cleaned up for supper.”

  “We’re going to eat?”

  “Yes. Are you enjoying having plenty to eat?”

  He nodded around the damp washcloth she used on his face and hands. “At Grandma’s we eat a lot. I like it here.”

  “I do, too. Grandma and Grandpa said we can stay here.”

  “Can Mr. Magle stay too?”

  “He visits often. In fact, he’s coming for supper this evening.” She fastened his clean shirt. “You’d better use the pot before we go downstairs.”

  A few minutes later, Betsie held Liam’s hand as they descended the stairs.

  From the parlor, Fiona watched them. “You’ve never looked lovelier, my dear. That color flatters your skin and eyes.”

  Liam patted his chest. “I look good, Grandma.”

  Fiona hugged her grandson. “You certainly do, Liam. And, you’re acting like a big boy. I’m so proud of you.”

  The doorbell rang. Mrs. Peacock started for the door.

  Betsie held up her hand. “No need to trouble yourself, Mrs. Peacock. I’ll see who’s there.”<
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  When she opened the door, Rafe and Monk waited on the porch. “Come in, gentlemen. Supper is almost ready.”

  Rafe hung his hat on the hall tree. “Smells delicious.”

  Monk followed with his derby. “If you’ll excuse me a moment, I need to have a word with Grandpa.”

  Betsie exchanged a glance with her mother and Fiona winked.

  Rafe offered his arm to Betsie. “May I escort you?”

  Her gaze following Monk, she caught herself and smiled at Rafe. “Thank you, kind sir.”

  ***

  Monk rapped on the study door frame. “May I have a word with you before supper?”

  “Come in and have a seat.” Grandpa rubbed his stomach. “Those smells are whetting my appetite. You have a problem?”

  “I’d like your permission to call on Betsie… um, Mrs. Hirsch.”

  Grandpa leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers on his abdomen. “Well, this is a new development, I must say. Betsie speaks for herself, Monk. It’s her you should be asking.”

  “I did and she gave her consent. You being the head of her family, I wanted to ask your permission. I assure you my intentions are honorable.”

  “I never doubted that and I give my permission with approval. We’ll have to tell Fiona and Betsie about the threat tomorrow morning.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I dread that.”

  “Best they know. I worry, too, but we’ve done all we can do to protect them.”

  “I agree but that doesn’t make it easier. Now, shall we go and see if we can hurry along our meal?”

  They joined the others in the parlor. Monk watched Betsie. When she’d opened the door, she’d taken away his breath. She’d be beautiful in a gunny sack. In a stylish gown, she was ravishing.

  Rafe elbowed him and whispered, “Good thing there are no flies in the room. Just in case, you’d better shut your fly-trap.”

  Monk sent him a glance. “Thanks for nothing.”

  Liam ran to him and hugged his knees. “Mr. Magle, Ma said we can live here.”

  Monk picked up the boy. “Isn’t that great?”

  Liam patted Monk’s cheek. “Grandma has lots to eat.”