Groom Wanted (9 page)

“Oh. Hi, Leah. How long have you been here?” Rainee headed toward her and took the seat across from them.

“Not sure. Enough to read—” she looked down at the open book “—twenty-four pages.”

“Did the girls offer you something to drink?”

Emily’s eyes widened. “Sorry, Mother. We forgot.”

“That happens. Would you care for some tea or something, Leah?” Rainee started to rise.

“No. I’m fine. I can’t stay too much longer anyway. I need to help Mother and Veronique get lunch ready.”

Rainee looked at the girls. “You two run outside and play. I want to visit with your aunt Leah for a bit.”

“Ahhh,” Rosie whined.

Emily stood and grabbed Rosie’s hand. “Come on, Rosie. We’ll go play hide-and-seek. You can hide first.”

Rainee sent Emily a smile of approval, and the girls headed out the door.

Her sister-in-law shifted her body toward Leah. “So, how are you and Jake doing?”

“Me and Jake?” Leah tilted her head, wondering what she was talking about. Rainee knew she and Jake were only friends.

“You two have been spending more and more time together. I just assumed you were...you know...getting ready to make an announcement.”

Leah’s mouth widened along with her eyes. Her lips moved but no words came out.

“Oh. I am so sorry, Leah. I... Oh, my. I have really done it now. I have quite jumped to conclusions and embarrassed you.”

Leah wondered if other people were thinking the same thing. She hadn’t realized she and Jake had spent that much time in public together. And even though she’d gone to his house many times, it was only with Abby, and no one else knew of those visits. Did they? Surely not. “We’re just friends, Rainee.”

“I see.” She didn’t look convinced.

“I do enjoy Jake’s company. He’s a very nice man, but that’s as far as it goes. Truly.”

Rainee still looked unconvinced but said nothing further.

Leah chewed on her lip, wondering if she should confide in Rainee about her plans. All the years she’d known her, never once had Leah heard Rainee talk about others, unless it was to say something good about them. The decision was made. “Rainee, can I tell you something? If I do, will you promise me you won’t tell anyone? Not even Haydon? That it won’t go any further than this room, even?”

“Of course, Leah. You have my word it will go no further than you and me.”

“Okay.” Leah shifted in her seat. “I placed an advertisement in
the
New York Times
for a husband.” Leah waited for the shock to show on Rainee’s face, but it never came. That gave her the courage to plunge forward. “I’ve already responded to a gentleman’s post, and I’m waiting to hear back from him to see when he’s coming for sure.”

“I see. Where is he from?”

“New York City. Well, he’s actually from England and has recently moved to New York. His name is Mr. Fitzwilliam Barrington.”

“Fitzwilliam? As in Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy from
Pride and Prejudice?
”

“Yes.” Leah’s insides played leapfrog. Excited, she scooted to the end of the couch and poured out the whole story. “So, you see, Jake and I really are just friends.”

“Well.” Rainee smiled. “I wish you both all the best. I know it works. That is how I ended up with Haydon, as you very well know.” Happiness set its glow onto her
sister-in-law’s face. “I pray you will find a man as wonderful as your brother.”

“Who do you hope will find a man as wonderful as me?” Haydon strode over to Rainee and kissed her on the cheek and said hi to Leah.

Leah’s insides quivered from anxiety. Had Haydon heard their conversation?
Please, Lord, no.
“Hi, Haydon.” She stood. “Well, I need to get home and help Mother. I’ll see you two later.” She turned and headed for the door.

“Okay. See you later.” Haydon held up his hand and gave a quick wave.

“’Bye, Leah. Thank you for stopping by.” Rainee stared after her.

Leah nodded and as fast as possible closed the distance between Haydon and the door.

“Who do you hope finds a man as wonderful as me?” she heard Haydon ask.

Leah listened for the answer as she reached for the brass doorknob.

“We were just talking, Haydon. Now, what are you doing home in the middle of the day? And to what do I owe this honor?”

Leah breathed a sigh of relief. She opened the door and closed it behind her. That was a close call. A little too close.

Chapter Eight

T
he list Haydon gave Jake included dropping a bridle off at the smithy; picking up grain, chicken feed and horse liniment; and getting the Bowens’ mail.

Jake was surprised when the postmaster assumed that meant all of the Bowens’ mail, including Leah’s. On the top of the stack was a letter addressed to Leah from Fitzwilliam Barrington—New York, NY. If memory served him right, he was the man coming to possibly court Leah.

Outside the post office Jake looked around. The urge to yank the letter off the top of the pile and burn it was powerful, but he couldn’t. Not and live with himself, anyway. Unable to bear looking at the thing, he tossed the mail under the wagon seat and headed to the Barker Hotel and Restaurant to grab a bite to eat before heading back to the Bowen ranch.

Annabelle Schmidt, one of Mr. Barker’s waitresses, walked up to his table. “Hi, Jake.” Dreamy eyes gazed down at him. The petite woman had made it clear she wanted to be his wife. He’d been flattered, but he couldn’t see himself with her. A farmer needed a woman of strong constitution to survive that lifestyle. Leah could, but she didn’t want to. Annabelle wouldn’t survive a day.

Would the women who responded to his advertisement be able to? It was something he needed to make sure of before he sent for any of them. Good thing he hadn’t sent that letter off to Miss Raquel Tobias yet. It sounded like she lived in comfort. What if she was a frail, delicate woman? That wouldn’t do at all.

Jake hurried through his lunch of roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy and apple pie. The best thing he could do was to get away from Annabelle, who kept coming by in between customers and flirting with him. Normally he was a slow eater, but this time he devoured his meal within minutes, paid his bill and excused himself. He all but ran from the place and to the wagon, thanking God he was able to get away.

Back at the Bowens’ place, he hopped down from the wagon just as Leah stepped off Haydon’s porch. She looked his way and gave him an exuberant wave, warming his heart with her sweetness. If only he didn’t have to give her the letter that might very well take her away from him. But he did. He motioned for her to join him.

Her smile reached him before she did. “Hi, Jake. Did you need something?”

“Yep. The postmaster gave this to me.” He handed her Mr. Barrington’s letter.

Without looking at it she tilted her head, then gazed up at him with a frown. “Why would he give you my mail without my consent? Not that I mind or anything, but I’m curious.”

“Haydon asked me to get the ranch’s mail.”

“Oh, I see.” Leah’s focus shifted to the letter. “Oh my, Jake. It’s from Mr. Barrington.”

He already knew that, but it wouldn’t do any good to tell her that. “Didn’t you just write him a few days ago?”

“Yes.” She did a quick hop of excitement. “It must be good news for him to have written back so quickly, don’t you think?”

Now it was Jake’s turn to frown. Barrington wouldn’t have gotten her post already. Curious about what it said, he hoped Leah would share it with him. Then, as if she’d read his thoughts, she tore open the letter and read it aloud.

Dear Miss Bowen,

Forgive me my impatience, but I could not wait to see if you would respond to my post. I had to meet the woman who has intrigued me. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of booking tickets on the train forthwith. My sister Elizabeth and I will be arriving at Paradise Haven, if my calculations are correct, within a day or two after you receive this post. Please do not trouble yourself to make accommodations for us as we will book rooms in the nearest hotel.

All I can hope for is that you are not yet attached. If you are, I, of course, will be disappointed, but my sister and I will then use this time to take in the countryside out West.

When we arrive, I will send word where we are staying. If you would like to meet me, then send word back with the carrier. If I have been too presumptuous, then inform the carrier that you do not wish to meet me, and Elizabeth and I will be on our way.

Sincerely,

Fitzwilliam Barrington

Leah studied the envelope. “Sweet twinkling stars above. Judging from the postmark, and if his calculations are correct, he’ll be here in three days. The fourth of June.” Leah slid her attention from the letter onto Jake. Joy, confusion and uncertainty crawled across her face.

“How do you feel about that?”

She looked around the yard with a blank expression before landing her attention back onto him. “I’m not sure. Of course, I’m excited and scared and apprehensive.” All the things he’d seen on her face. “What should I do, Jake?”

“What do you mean, what should you do?”

“I know he said I didn’t need to, but should I head into town and make accommodations for him and his sister? Should I invite them to stay here? Would Mother even allow such a thing? I mean, she did with Rainee, but that was different. Haydon had his own house.”

Why was she asking him? He didn’t know the answers. If he had his way, he’d advise her that as soon the carrier came she should tell him no.

“Oh, no.”

“What?”

“I haven’t even told Mother anything about him yet.”

“You haven’t?”

“No. I was waiting to hear back from him, then I was going to tell her. Of course, I’ve already been preparing for this day and made a couple of new dresses, but I had thought I would surely get into town for some more material to make at least one more dress before...”

New dresses? Jake was struggling to keep up with her. The topic had gone from what should she do to she hadn’t told her mother and then on to new dresses.

He glanced at her simple yellow garment. “Why’d you make new clothes? What’s wrong with the ones you have?”

She looked down at her dress as if seeing it for the first time. “What’s wrong with it? Everything is wrong with it. I need to go. I have to tell Mother.”

He’d never seen Leah this scatterbrained before. “Want me to go with you?”

She tilted her head and frowned.

“For moral support,” he clarified. “That’s what friends do.”

“Oh. Oh.” Understanding replaced the frown. “Of course. Moral support. Friends. Yes. Right.” She pressed her finger against her lips and her eyes glanced around before landing back on him. “No. No. I better not. As much as I would love for you to, I need to tell her myself. But thanks for the offer just the same.”

“You’re welcome.” He didn’t feel all that welcoming, however. Panic gripped him when he realized she really was about to walk out of his life. “Oh, Leah, before I forget. I know you’re gonna be busy with everything, but I was wondering something.”

“What’s that?”

He hated to ask because it was clear her mind was on other things. “Would you have time to go over another stack of letters?”

“Huh? I thought you were going to write Raquel Tobias. Did you change your mind?”

“Praying about that still. Need to ask her a few questions first, too. Meantime, I’ll keep reading the posts I get.”

“How many more did you get?”

“Eight.”

“Eight!” Her eyes widened. “Sweet twinkling stars above. You sure are well liked.”

“Nah. Just a lot of desperate women.”

Her brows pulled together. “Is that how you see me? Desperate? Because I placed an ad looking for a groom?”

“What? No.” He took a step backward, raised his hat and pushed his hand through his hair before placing the hat back on his head. “Didn’t mean it that way. Just meant there are a lot of women out there desperate to marry.”

Her head dipped sideways again, sending that spiraling curl down her cheek. How he wanted to brush it away, but when the palm of her hand rose, the urge skittered with it.

“Forget I said anything. So. Think you’ll have time to come by? If not, it’s okay. I know you have things to do.”

“I can do it. No, make that I want to do it.” She smiled. “This afternoon would work. I know Abby isn’t doing anything. We can come to your place, if you want?”

Jake wondered why they didn’t just go over them here, but he would do whatever worked for her. “Sounds good. Well, best get this wagon unloaded and get home. See you there.”

The only way to describe the smile she flashed his way just now and how it affected him was sweet summer sunshine. “Looking forward to it.”

So was he. So was he. And that wasn’t good.

* * *

Leah ran to the house with more excitement about going over to Jake’s than meeting Mr. Barrington. How strange was that? Nerves. It had to be nerves.

“Where are you running off to in such an all-fired hurry?” Abby caught up to her.

Leah stopped and had to catch her breath before she could get anything coherent out. “Boy, am I glad to see you.”

“Why?”

“Because I need to see if you can go over to Jake’s with me this afternoon.” She hooked her arm through her sister’s and nudged her forward but away from the house and any listening ears.

“Sure. I love it there. Besides, I don’t have anything better to do.”

“Thanks. You sure know how to flatter a girl.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Abby nudged Leah with her hip, knocking her off balance.

“I know you didn’t, but I have to tease you to keep you on your toes. Oh, and if you don’t mind, I would really appreciate it if you’d be there with me when I tell Mother.”

“Tell Mother what?”

“About my advertisement.”

Abby stopped walking and unhooked her arm. “I don’t want to be there when you tell her. She’s going to be so upset with you.”

“Surely you wouldn’t abandon me now, would you, Abbs? Come on,” she pleaded. “I really need you there for support.”

“Why don’t you ask Jake?” Abby did a little hop and a skip beside her as if she’d just given her the perfect solution, then she tugged Leah forward, resuming their walk.

Leah waved her off as if that wasn’t even important , though her heart leaped with the sweet memory of Jake’s thoughtful offer. “He already offered, but after my talk with Rainee, I didn’t think it would be wise to have him there.”

“What talk with Rainee?”

“Nothing of significance, really. But while I was there she wondered if I would be making an announcement soon about me and Jake.”

“No.” Her sister’s blue eyes widened. “She didn’t.”

“Yes. She did. All because she said she saw us together so much.”

“Well, yes. But I thought everyone knew you two were just friends.”

Leah twisted her mouth and shook her head as if the whole idea was ludicrous. “Apparently not. And I know if I walk in with Jake, Mother will wonder, too. She already basically asked me if I would marry him.”

“She did?” Again with the wide eyes. “When did all this happen? You never said anything about it.”

“It was the other day. Anyway, forget all that. It’s
really not important. Would you please be there with me when I tell her?”

“I wouldn’t miss any of this for the whole wide world.” She flung her arm out with a flair. “So, have you heard from any of the gentlemen yet?”

It was then that Leah realized they should have been walking much slower, but it was too late. The boards creaked under their feet as they made their way up the porch steps and into the house.

“I’ll tell you more about them later.”

“You’d better.” Abby’s warning look belied her smiling smirk.

“Mother! We’re home,” Leah hollered.

Mother stepped out from behind the laundry room door. Her dress was soaked, and some of her hairpins had come out. She ran the back of her hand over the sweat beads pooling on her forehead.

“What are you doing?” Leah asked.

“Laundry.”

“Why didn’t you say you needed help? Where’s Veronique? Isn’t she here?”

“
Oui
. I mean, yes. Am right here.” Veronique peeked around from behind Mother. Strands of brown hair with gold highlights stuck to the moisture on Veronique’s oval face. The five-foot-ten, stocky Frenchwoman was hard-working, honest and a great cook. A real blessing to have around.

“Do you need us to help?” Leah waved her pointed finger between her and Abby.

“No. I just got tired of sitting around so I thought I would help Veronique for something to do. What time is it?”

“Eleven forty-five. We thought we’d come in for a bite then Abby and I are going to go for a ride.”

“A ride. That sounds like fun.” Mother’s face brightened.

Leah swallowed down the dread that rose up inside her. Was her mother hinting that she’d like to go? What would Leah do if she did?

“I wish I could go with you girls, but I promised Michael I would stay with Selina for a couple of hours this afternoon. He had some errands to run.”

Whew. Leah let out the breath she was holding slowly and quietly so as not to draw attention. “You mean he’s actually going to leave her for that long?”

They all chuckled.

“Tell Selina hi and kiss the babies for me,” Leah said.

“For me, too,” Abby added. “Hey, what’s for lunch, Mother? I’m starving.”

“You’re always hungry,” her mother teased. “Veronique made venison stew earlier.”

Leah suddenly wondered if Jake had eaten. Maybe he ate in town. He did that sometimes. If so, had he run into Annabelle? The poor woman had a mad crush on Jake. Everyone in town knew it. Annabelle didn’t even try to hide her feelings for him. Leah smiled at the thought. Of course, Jake had been gentle with her when he let her know he wasn’t interested in marrying someone who was ten years older than he, but that didn’t stop her. Poor Jake. The smile in her heart increased. He was such a kind man.

“Did you hear me, Leah?”

Leah snapped her attention onto her mother’s. “What? Oh. No. I’m sorry, Mother. I didn’t. What did you say?”

“I asked if you would get us some bowls.”

“Oh. Um. Sure.” She scurried to the cupboard and gathered the bowls. After they were all filled, she set them, glasses of tea, biscuits, butter and pear preserves on the table. She, Mother and Abby sat down, bowed their heads and prayed. Leah added her own silent prayer that her mother wouldn’t be too upset and that God would give her the words she needed to say.