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“You've discussed this with her?”

“What she and I have discussed is between us.”

“Then as a man of honor, leave her alone.”

Zeke wasn't the first person to tell him this and more than likely wouldn't be the last. “Anything else?”

“No.”

“Thanks for the advice.” Not the first time he'd said that either.

Rhine sensed Zeke wanted to say more, but whatever it was he bit it back, turned, and left.

Rhine blew out a breath and again wondered where his desire for Eddy Carmichael would lead.

Jim stuck his head in the door again. “It must be your day.”

“Now what?”

“Natalie Greer's out front in her carriage. Wants to speak with you.”

Wondering what in hell she wanted, he stood and went to find out.

Once again she was accompanied by her Chinese driver. “What can I do for you, Natalie?”

“I came to see if you've come to your senses.”

“Concerning?”

“Marrying me. You've had ample time to think things over.”

He studied the beautiful face that was just a veneer over her ugly thinking. “I haven't changed my mind.”

“Then I'll be accepting Ethan Miller's proposal.”

Ethan Miller was not the best choice for a husband. If he wasn't somewhere getting drunk, he was somewhere cheating at cards. “I hope you'll be happy.”

“I'm sure we will. I'll send you an invitation to the wedding.”

“Not necessary.”

“This is your last chance, Rhine Fontaine.”

“Understood. But I won't be changing my mind.”

“Fine. Drive on!” she snapped at the driver.

He set the carriage in motion. Rhine walked back inside.

E
ddy felt much better after her bath. She and Sylvia often sat outside at the end of the day to watch the sun set and the moon rise, so she joined her.

“Did you enjoy your visit with Zeke?”

“I did. He wants to escort me to a band performance Friday. I told him I'd go. Never had a beau before.”

“About time then, don't you think?”

“I suppose, but I'm not staying here, remember.”

“I do, but sometimes life intervenes and changes everything.”

“That's sort of the way I felt when my parents died.” She'd lost them and then her sister Corinne. “Nothing was the same after that.”

“Falling in love with Oliver Randolph changed my life.”

Eddy was taken aback. “Then why are you two so at odds?”

“Noticed that, have you?”

“Yes, but I didn't want to be rude and ask.”

Sylvia reached over and patted her on the knee. “You're a good girl. My husband Freddy was a wonderful man. Our marriage was arranged by our parents. He looked after me and treated me well but he wasn't affectionate. When Oliver began paying me attention, it was like finding water in the desert. He complimented me, told me how beautiful I was—­even stole a few kisses. It was so heady I broke my marriage vows.” She looked up at the stars coming out for a long moment and said softly, “And while Freddy was underground working in the mines to keep me fed and clothed, I was aboveground being unfaithful. In fact, Oliver and I were together the night Freddy died in the mine accident. Never forgave myself or Oliver.”

“I'm sorry.”

“No more than I.”

“Do you still care for Dr. Randolph?”

“I tell myself I don't, but I do. I was hoping after he married his Felicity, my feelings would fade, but they didn't, and when she died in childbirth and he approached me again a few years later—­I couldn't. The guilt was too strong. Still is.”

Eddy found that very sad. She also had too little life experience to offer any advice, so she simply sat with Sylvia and watched the stars.

After a few minutes of silence she asked, “Do you know anything about this business proposal Mr. Fontaine has for me?”

“Yes. He wants you to make the cakes for the big ball he throws every year. Jim always needs help with the food preparations, and in the past my old chef would assist him.”

“What kind of ball is it?”

“It's for the Republicans. Very very fancy.”

“Black Republicans, too?”

“No.”

“Should I accept?”

“I think you should. Rhine always pays well.”

Eddy thought that over. “I told him to come back in the morning. We'll talk it over then.”

“Is he still showing an interest in you?”

“Seemingly, but it isn't anything I can't handle.” It was a lie, but she hesitated admitting the truth.

“Good. Keep him at bay. But doing the cakes may be advantageous. If his folks love your cakes the way our people love your food, you might be asked to do some baking for them.”

“You wouldn't mind?”

“As long as it doesn't interfere with your duties here, feel free to make a little money for yourself.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“I'm going in. I have to write to my brother and see how my mother's doing. She hasn't been well.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“She's getting up in age and I worry about her.”

“Does she live with your brother?”

“She does and he takes very good care of her. Are you coming in?”

“It's such a nice night, I think I'll sit for just a bit longer.”

Sylvia gave her shoulders an affectionate squeeze. “I'm enjoying you being here, Eddy.”

“And I'm enjoying being here as well.”

Sylvia went in and Eddy sat. The breeze stirred the air enough that the sweltering heat had abated a great deal. In the background was the muted drumming of the mining pumps, and she thought about Sylvia's story of her husband and Dr. Randolph. What a sad tale. Life had certainly changed for Sylvia, just as it had for her. For now though, her life was good, and because it was, the call of California remained, but it wasn't as strong or consuming. She supposed if she had to stay in Virginia City she could, especially now that she'd met Ezekiel, but she hadn't given up on her dream to have her own place. That remained steady and firm. She refused to think about what staying might mean for her and Rhine though because she just didn't know.

Chapter Fourteen

R
hine wanted to go see Eddy as soon as the sun came up but he knew that was ridiculous. More than likely she had early morning duties to attend to and he wouldn't endear himself by showing up and interfering. Yet, the knowledge that he would get to see her at some point made the prospect exciting.

“So, what did Natalie want yesterday?” Jim asked as they ate breakfast.

“To give me one more chance to come to my senses, as she put it.” Thinking about her was enough to ruin his day.

“She still thinks you're going to marry her?”

“Apparently. She'd come to give me one last chance to change my mind before she accepted Ethan Miller's proposal.”

Jim choked on his swallow of coffee. “Ethan Miller?” he croaked once he recovered.

Rhine raised a forkful of eggs. “That's what she said.”

“Now that's news for the gossips.”

“Better her than me. I can't fathom her parents agreeing to such a disastrous union.”

“Neither can I.”

“She said she'd send me an invitation to the wedding. I declined.”

“Let's just hope Ethan doesn't send invites to Lady Ruby and her girls.”

Ethan was a regular at the whorehouse and didn't seem to care who knew. “That, I would pay to see.”

They laughed.

Jim asked, “Are you going to see Miss Eddy today?”

“Yes. I'm hoping she'll agree to make the cakes and we can discuss the ins and outs.”

“And use the opportunity to spend some time with her.”

“That, too.”

“As I said before, if you just told her the truth about yourself, things might be easier.”

“Let's see how it goes first.” He didn't want to admit that he'd been seriously considering the idea, consequences be damned.

“You'll be going to Doc Randolph to be sewed back together if Zeke has any say.”

“Hoping it won't come to that.”

“She is a fascinating woman though.”

Rhine observed him above his raised coffee cup. “You're not thinking of throwing your hat in the ring, too, are you?”

Jim shrugged. “Think I'll wait until the rest of you kill each other off, then I'll have a clear shot.” He popped a piece of bacon in his mouth.

Rhine chuckled and they returned to their meal.

E
ddy spent her morning wondering what time Rhine might appear and rebuilding the walls against him. If she kept in mind that Zeke was a better choice, she'd be fine, or at least that's what she told herself.

And she was fine until he walked into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Eddy.”

“Rhine.” Why did he have to be more handsome every time she saw him? Why couldn't he be unshaven and attired in dirty ratty clothes, instead of a perfectly tailored white shirt and a well-­fitting brown suit? Why did he have to be so tall and commanding? And why did he have to have such a knowing look in his green eyes, as if he knew what she was thinking? “Sylvia said you wanted me to make some cakes?”

“I do. May I sit?”

“Please.”

They both took seats and her eyes lingered over the curve of his lips; lips that had left her so breathless and unnerved it had taken hours to get to sleep. Chastising herself, she hastily raised her gaze back to his face, and the now familiar ghost of a smile was waiting. “So, what would you like?” she asked, struggling to maintain her equilibrium. “In terms of cake,” she added to keep him from offering an outrageous response.

“In terms of cakes, there's usually five or six offerings at the event. How are you, little queen?”

The soft intonation of the question spread heat. “I'm fine but can we stick to cakes, please?”

“Then I shouldn't tell you I had to force myself not to come and see you as soon as the sun came up, or how you've been on my mind?”

“No. Cakes.”

“How about wanting to kiss you again.”

“You're determined to make this difficult.”

“No, darlin', I'm determined to hold you in my arms again.”

She was unraveling like an old rug. “Where should I bring the cakes and on what date?”

“The town hall. Last Friday night of the month.”

Her hold on her defenses continued to flow through her grip like grains of sand.

“You're fighting fate, Eddy.”

“Maybe, but I'm going to continue to do so with everything I have.”

“Because?”

“Because if I don't you'll break my heart.”

He stilled.

“When you're done with whatever this is we're doing, you'll move on to some woman far more suitable to carry your name and your children and I'll be left behind, so I'll keep you at bay for as long as I can.”

“Eddy—­”

She shook her head and said earnestly, “It's the truth, Rhine, and we both know it. So, let's get back to the cakes.” Eddy thought it best that she keep reminding him where she stood. She also needed to keep reminding herself.

For a moment silence hung between them, and she thought he might try and convince her that she was wrong, but he didn't. Instead he said softly, “Okay, we'll deal with the business at hand.”

“Thank you.” In his eyes she saw what appeared to be regret? Sadness? She wasn't sure but her own emotions were caught somewhere between the two as well. If only he were someone else . . . 

For the next thirty minutes they discussed what type of cakes he wanted, the time they were to be delivered, and how much he was willing to pay. Never once during the discussion did he flirt or call her little queen or let down the distant mask he now wore. They conducted a business transaction—­nothing more.

Once the cake arrangements were finalized, he asked, “Would you be willing to assist Jim with other parts of the evening's meal? I'm certain he could use your help. You won't have to serve. I have other people hired for that. I'd pay you an additional fee of course and make arrangements for you to be taken home once you and Jim are done.”

“How late will it be?”

“Probably past midnight.”

Eddy thought about how the extra money would boost her savings. Additionally, she was always interested in becoming a better cook, and Jim might be able to teach her things she didn't know. “Yes. I'll accept.”

“Good. Thank you. Do you have any questions?”

“No.”

He stood, and for a moment they studied each other in the silent kitchen. Finally he said softly, “I'll see you at the auction Wednesday night. Good-­bye, Eddy.”

“Good-­bye, Rhine.”

As he walked out of the kitchen, she sensed he was walking out of her life. She was incredibly saddened by that, but telling the truth had been necessary not only for him but to herself.

T
he night of the auction arrived. Eddy, dressed in her fancy white blouse and new skirt, scanned the items on display in the orphanage's parlor. There were cakes and pies and certificates that could be redeemed for everything from haircuts by Mr. Carter to a dozen eggs from Lady Ruby. Mr. Rossetti had brought in the wringer, and Zeke's donation, hidden inside a wooden crate, remained a secret. He promised to arrive before the doors opened to reveal the contents and she couldn't wait to learn what it was. Her excitement turned to something else when Rhine walked into the parlor. “Evening, Eddy.”

“Evening, Rhine.” They hadn't seen each other since their conversation on Monday. He was splendidly dressed in a dark suit and snow white shirt.

“You look nice,” he said.

“Thank you. You do, too.”

“My tie's not crooked is it?”

She found herself smiling at that memory. “No.”

“Good.”

Regardless of their talk, her feelings for him had not lessened. The familiar pull rose but she didn't allow herself to surrender to it.

He said, “I figured you'd need more seating so I've borrowed some chairs from the saloon. The twins are going to help me bring them in.”

“Thanks.”

He stood before her for a moment, giving her the sense that he had something he wanted to say, but he must have thought better of it. “I'll get the chairs.” And left her standing alone.

Minutes later the twins, dressed in starched white shirts and what appeared to be their best trousers, brought in the chairs. They went about their task so seriously she wondered if they'd somehow been replaced by another set of boys. Her question was answered when Mary and Willa Grace entered the parlor.

“Are the twins behaving themselves?” Mary asked.

“So far, yes.”

Willa Grace, who Eddy thought resembled a little brown sparrow, said, “I threatened them with no dessert until Christmas if they even think about being rambunctious this evening.”

Eddy smiled.

Mary glanced around at the displayed items. “Are we ready to get under way?”

“Yes. Just as soon as everyone arrives.”

“I dearly want to thank you for this, Eddy.”

“You're welcome. Rounding up the items has been fun.” Between the auction preparations and the diner, she'd really gotten to know the people of the community and now felt a part of it.

Once people began arriving, Eddy, Mary, and Willa Grace moved around the room thanking them for attending and for their support of the orphanage. Susannah was manning the punch bowl. Eddy had baked dozens of cookies last night and they were available to be enjoyed with the beverage.

As the crowd grew and the room filled with the sound of voices, Eddy spied Sylvia and Vera, Doc Randolph and Jim, and August and his lovely fiancée Cherry, among the throng. She was particularly pleased to see Mr. Rossetti with his wife. With them was a young girl Eddy assumed was their adopted daughter Felicidad, who immediately went over to Mary and gave her a strong hug. On the far side of the room, Eddy wasn't sure what Whitman Brown and madam Lady Ruby were discussing but they were engrossed in something that had them both smiling. Eddy decided she didn't want to know. Rhine, trailed by the twins, moved around the room chatting, too. Every now and then his eyes brushed hers but he kept his distance.

She realized she hadn't seen Zeke, and as if she'd conjured him up, he appeared at her side.

“Brought you some punch.”

“Thank you,” she said, taking the cup from his hand.

“Quite a crowd you have here, Eddy.”

“It is impressive, isn't it?”

“Almost as impressive as the lady who put this together.”

“You are such a charmer, Zeke Reynolds.”

He sipped and grinned.

“So are you finally going to tell me what your mystery item is?” she asked.

“When it's time to bid, I'll announce it.”

She really wanted him to reveal the contents beforehand so people could be prepared, but he seemed set on keeping it a secret so there was nothing she could do but swallow her slight pique and wait.

Barber Edgar Carter, sporting his freshly trimmed muttonchops and shiny bald head, would be the auctioneer. When Eddy and Mary determined it was time to get under way, he stepped to the table set up at the front of the room.

It was a fun evening. Bids flew fast and furious for the offered items: Jim Dade's angel food cake went to Mrs. Rossetti, Janet Foster's hairdressing service went to Lady Ruby, whose eggs were won by Jim Dade. Sylvia had put up a full course meal for bid. It hadn't come up yet but Eddy was anxious to see who'd win it. She glanced over at Rhine and found his eyes waiting. He gave her a nearly imperceptible salute with his punch cup and she smoothly looked away. In light of their conversation on Monday, she hoped he wouldn't make a bid on the dinner, but knew there was no guarantee.

Zeke's secret turned out to be a window, of all things. He explained, “The folks up in Reno who ordered it changed their minds.” Windows were expensive, especially the size of the one he had up for bid. He promised to install it for whoever got the winning bid. Edgar opened the bidding, and after a few rounds of back and forth between Whitman Brown and Janet, Whitman won.

“Going to use it for the new church once we get it built,” he announced, and the applause filled the room.

“Next up,” Edgar said. “A bottle of champagne donated by the Union Saloon.”

A buzz went up and Eddy stilled. Rhine hadn't said anything to her about what his contribution would be. She turned and gave him a quizzical look. He simply smiled and inclined his head.

Edgar said, “Now who wants to give the first bid?”

Eddy was astounded to hear Rhine's voice ring out.

Beside her, Zeke asked critically, “What's he up to now?”

Eddy had no idea.

Because Rhine had more money than anyone in the room, he of course proposed a bid no one could match, let alone best.

“Sold to Mr. Fontaine,” Edgar declared.

While everyone watched with confusion and curiosity, Rhine walked to Edgar, took the bottle and then handed it back to him. “My gift to you and Aretha for your anniversary.”

Edgar's eyes widened. Aretha's hand flew to her mouth, and with tears in her eyes she rushed to Rhine and gave him a hug and a peck on his cheek. Edgar shook his hand excitedly and the crowd applauded wildly.

It was one of the sweetest gestures Eddy had ever seen. “How thoughtful,” she said.

“Yes it was,” Zeke replied grudgingly.

She heard the edge in his voice but paid it no mind.

By the end of the hour most of the items were gone. Sylvia won Mr. Rossetti's wringer, and Eddy knew housekeeper Maria Valdez would be pleased when laundry day came around.

The last item on the docket was Sylvia's full course dinner. To Eddy's relief, Rhine didn't bid, but Amos Granger did, along with Whitman Brown and Zeke, but it was Doc Randolph who won the day with a bid so high it rivaled Rhine's offer for the champagne.

Doc walked to the table and told the crowd, “I'm giving this money to Sister Mary and the children under one condition.”