Redemption's Edge (45 page)

She stuffed the other two envelopes into her apron pocket and tore open the one from her mother. Most of the time, her mother’s letters were filled with news of Boston, who’d gotten married or had children. This one was different.

“Uncle Charles, listen to this.” She walked to the kitchen and began to read.

I don’t want you to worry, but your father has been ill for several weeks. His doctor believes he’s working too much and needs rest. Of course, he’s ignored the advice, at least up until a week ago. I had to take him to the hospital as he couldn’t stop coughing. The doctor told him, in no uncertain terms, he needs a change, at least for a few months.

If it wouldn’t be too much of a burden, I thought we’d travel to visit you and Charles. Is there room for us, or would we need to make other arrangements? Please let me know as soon as you discuss this with Charles. I hope to hear good news from you soon. Love, Mother.

She looked up at her uncle and saw a grin split his face. “You know, it may be what your mother needs to convince herself you’re all right and not being held captive by the savages she’s so certain surround us.” He chuckled at the thought of his sister coming across the country by rail, then by stagecoach, and finally by wagon to Splendor. He wondered if she realized what the journey involved.

“We do have the third bedroom.”

“It’ll be good for them to share a room.”

Rachel shot a look at her uncle, then started to laugh. She couldn’t remember her mother and father ever sharing a bedroom. Of course, they would’ve had to share a bed at some point. She was proof of it.

“I suppose if it’s too much for them, we can get Suzanne to put them up at her boardinghouse.” She folded the letter and stuck in her apron with the others. “I guess I’ll walk to the telegraph office and send a reply.”

She dashed outside, then stepped between two buildings and pulled out the other two envelopes, one from Denver and the other from Kansas City. She looked around, making sure she was alone, and ripped the first one open.

Jeremy DeWitt owned a cattle ranch north of Denver. His wife had died a few years before while giving birth to a son, who was now three years old. Mr. DeWitt said their life was good, except his son needed a mother. Her heart tugged at the void she’d be able to fill, and perhaps there’d be the likelihood of other children. She’d mentioned it in her ad—she wanted a family. Rachel broke away from her thoughts and read the last line of his letter.

Would you be able to move to Colorado?

She shook her head, knowing a move to Colorado would be impossible. Her mail order husband would need to come to Splendor. She folded Jeremy’s letter and stuffed it into her apron, then opened the second one.

The contents had the slight smell of roses as if the oil from petals had been used on the paper. The writing held a distinct flourish, more common of female writers. She unfolded the letter and began to read. Asa Smythe owned a number of establishments in Kansas City, as well as other towns. Managers handled the daily operations and he found himself living the life of someone with much free time. He had never been married. His unencumbered status made it easy for him to live wherever he wanted. Her eyes lit on the second to last sentence—Asa was fifty-three years old. Rachel nearly choked. He was thirty years her senior.

It ended with a question.

Would you be available to spend time with me if I traveled to Montana
?

Two responses, neither suitable. She’d wait. Rachel folded the second letter and returned it to her apron, then walked the short distance to the telegraph office. She had to get a response back to her mother.

“Hello, Mr. Griggs.”

“Hello, Rachel. I was going to go back by your house after work, but now there’s no need.” He pulled a letter from behind the counter and held it out. “I must’ve dropped this in my hurry to get to your place earlier.”

Rachel took the letter, noticing it had been sent from Independence. “Thank you.”

Bernie lowered his voice. “Any good news from the others?”

She shook her head. “Both are interesting, but neither are right.”

“Perhaps that one will be perfect.” He glanced at the letter in her hand, then looked up as someone entered the office. “Hello, Horace. I’ll be right with you.”

“No hurry, Bernie. Good afternoon, Miss Davenport,” the banker said.

“Hello, Mr. Clausen.”

“What can I do for you, Rachel?” Bernie asked.

“I need to send a response to my mother’s letter, but it needs to get to her right away. I assume a telegram would be best.”

“Yes. She might even have it by this evening. Tell me what you’d like to say.”

Dearest Mother, Please come right away. We are excited to see you. Let us know your arrival date. Love, Rachel.

“I’ll get this right out.”

“Thank you, Mr. Griggs. I’d better get to back to the clinic. Good afternoon, Mr. Clausen.”

Once more, she ducked between buildings, glanced around, and opened the newest letter. The name at the top read Orin Coker. He had sold his ranch near Independence and wanted to start over in either Montana or Colorado. His parents had passed years before, he’d never married, had a good bit of money set aside, and was twenty-seven years old. If she needed someone who talked a lot, he might not be the best choice as people told him he was pretty shy. Other than that, he said he was pretty normal.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips at his choice of words. Orin said he stood five foot ten and, to the best of his knowledge, he weighed around a hundred and ninety pounds. He ended the letter by saying he was free to travel to Splendor to meet with her.

Rachel read the letter through twice more before tucking it away. She’d send a response in a day or so, once she had time to think about Mr. Coker. So far, his seemed the most promising reply yet. Perhaps it hadn’t been such a bad idea after all.

“What do you have there, Dax?” Luke joined his brother, who sat on a chair outside their hotel in Big Pine. He sat on the porch rail and rested his hands on either side for support.

They’d enjoyed a good couple of days in Big Pine and would leave for Splendor the following morning. Both had eaten at the fanciest restaurant twice, played cards, and learned a great deal about the Territorial Capital. It was information which could prove handy as they expanded the ranch. Luke had spent some time with one of the saloon girls, a pretty one named Dolly. He hadn’t pushed Dax. His brother needed space and time to relax away from the ranch.

“It’s the town paper. Came out his morning.” Dax picked up the cup of coffee he’d brought outside, took a sip, and continued to scan the paper. “I didn’t realize Big Pine had grown so much. You should see the number of ads.”

“What’s being sold?”

“Land, of course, and horses, plus tack. There’s a windmill for sale, several wagons, and …” His voice slowed and Luke noticed he pulled the paper closer to his face. “What the hell?”

Luke shot him a glance. “Something you don’t like?”

“If it’s what it appears, then damn straight I don’t like it. Here.” He shoved the paper at Luke and pointed to the ad.

Luke’s eyes widened as he read.

Wanted
—
husband. A kind, considerate, hardworking man who’s willing to marry a nurse in a small town a day’s journey north of Big Pine, Montana. Must be able to provide an income and want a family. Reply to Mr. Griggs in Splendor, Montana.

“Do you think Rachel wrote this?” Luke asked, already accepting she’d placed the advertisement, but not believing it.

Dax stood, hands on his hips, and glared down at this brother. “Damn right I do. I’m not waiting until tomorrow. You want to ride along, I’ll be leaving within an hour.”

Luke read the posting once more before responding, “That’s not the way to do it, Dax. There’s got to be a reason Rachel did this because anyone who’s seen the two of you together knows how she feels.” He stood and locked eyes with Dax. “You did tell her you love her, right?”

Dax’s eyes darted away from Luke’s and didn’t return. It was all the confirmation Luke needed.

“You didn’t tell her?” The incredulous tone in Luke’s voice was clear.

Dax shifted his feet and crossed his arms. “No.”

“Ah, hell.” Luke took a breath. Even he understood a woman needed to hear the words, no matter how obvious it seemed to a man. “No wonder she acted like she did and placed this ridiculous ad. All right, there has to be something you can do besides confront her straight on.” He stood and walked a few feet away, then spun around. “I’ve got it.”

“You have another reply.” Bernie Griggs held out a telegram. “It came through from Big Pine. Maybe this will be the one.”

She took the message, glanced around, and unfolded it.

“Why don’t you have a seat while I step into the back?” Bernie pointed to a nearby chair and left the room.

Rachel took a seat and started to read. It was from a Montana rancher who lived a good distance from Big Pine. He gave his name as Cole Brockman, never married, with no prospects as few women lived in his part of the territory. He wanted a wife and children, worked hard, and would be willing to expand his holdings near Splendor. He stood over six feet tall. The last sentence gave her pause.

Arriving in Splendor in two days and would like to call on you for supper. Respectfully, Cole Brockman.

Rachel took a deep breath as she placed a hand on her chest. He certainly seemed determined. She started to fold the telegram and place it in her reticule, then opened it and once more read the contents. He’d be in town Saturday. She stood, her knees shaking a little as the reality hit her she’d be meeting a man who knew she actively sought a husband. Too late to turn back now, she thought.

When Mr. Griggs returned, she gave him a brief response to send to Cole Brockman. She signed it
Miss Rachel Davenport
.

“Well, don’t you look good?” Luke put his hands on his hips and walked around Dax, checking the outfit he’d chosen to impress Rachel—black slacks and shirt with a steel gray brocade vest. He’d purchased a shiny black string tie in Big Pine before they’d returned to their ranch. Luke noticed two embellishments. Dax wore a silver and gold belt buckle, and a gold pocket watch. “She’ll have to be a strong woman to not be swayed by a handsome gent like you.”