An Unexpected Widow (The Colorado Brides Series) (13 page)

“I spent a little time in jail.” She smiled slightly. “That’s where I learned the ins and outs of this profession. They’d housed me with a notorious madam. I picked her brain for four days.” There was a twinkle in her eye.

“That’s amazing.” I couldn’t help feeling a smidgeon of awe for her and the things she had been through.

“It was long ago.” She stubbed out the cigarette in an ashtray. “But, getting back to the point, you don’t belong in a parlour house, honey. You’ve got plenty of options that don’t require you to sleep with strange men every night.”

“I hope so.”

“Do you mind me asking you a personal question?”

“You can ask whatever you want. You’ve been kind enough to answer my questions.”

“I don't expect us to be lifelong friends now or anything, but if you happen to see me on the street, would you be willing to say hello to me?”

This left me staggered. “Yes, of course.”

“I enjoyed listening to your husband’s sermons. I really got something from his preaching. He had a way of putting things…I could understand what he meant. The message was always about being good and doing good. I know I’m a harlot. I’ve seen myself in the mirror plenty of times, but I felt better about things after church. I sure do miss him.”

I hadn’t been prepared for my reaction to those words, tears filling my eyes. “I miss him too.”

“That Bailey fella is all right, but he’s no Frank Clark.” She pointed a finger at me. “And he’s no Nathan Weaver either.”

“W-what?”

“He’s out at your farm, right? Working for you?”

“Yes.”

“That’s one hunk of a good man right there.”

“If you say so.”

Her look was contemplative. “It must be a comfort having him on the property. Bet you feel safer with him.”

“I suppose. I have a woman with me too. Her name is Maria Hermosa, and there’s Jerry Pratt. They all work for me.”

“I see you in town with Nathan a lot.”

“He drives the wagon.”

“I’m gonna stick my neck out and say something I probably shouldn’t. When you’re done feeling sorry for yourself and stumbling into establishments you have no business being in, you might want to look around and take stock.”

I gazed at her in confusion.

“Oh, for Pete’s sakes! That man’s in love with you. Is that plain enough?”

“H-has he told you that?”

“He don't need to tell me anything, honey.”

“Does he come here often?”

“Not anymore. Not since he took up with you folks.”

“Oh.”

“I know you’ve suffered a loss. You’re obviously struggling, or you wouldn’t be here. No woman in her right mind wanders into a whorehouse in broad daylight.” She sat up, her eyes narrowing. “When you’re done grieving, you need to take a good look at that man. He might not be the type of person you thought you’d end up with, but he’s a good man. Those baby-blue eyes are as honest as they come. That’s a man you can count on.”

“I’m still grieving. I can’t think about that right now.”

She got to her feet. “Well, it was nice of you to stop by, Mrs. Clark. I don't usually offer my advice for free. I sure hope some of what I’ve said has sunk in.”

“Thank you for the tea. You’re not how I thought you’d be.”

“Come again?”

“You’ve been far kinder to me than I might’ve been to you, had I met you under different circumstances. I…had judged you pretty harshly. I won’t do that again…and, if I see you in town or at church, I’d be happy to say hello to you.”

“That’s mighty generous of you.” Her grin revealed dimples on either side of her cheeks.

“C-can I ask something?”

“Sure.”

“Is that your real hair color?” The startling quality of the red took my breath away.

“No, honey.”

“You’ve got a dark shadow on your eyelids.”

“Make up.”

“You sure are pretty, Ms. Wallace.”

She laughed, “It’s smoke and mirrors. If you saw me first thing in the morning,” she shook her head, “oh, never mind. I shouldn’t spoil the illusion. Now, you best run along. You’ve probably got the entire town wondering what you’re doing.”

“I suppose. I don’t really care what they think.” She escorted me to the door, as I glanced at the parlor one last time, seeing a man seated at the far end.

Her look was suddenly stern. “I appreciate you trying to point out the error of my ways, Mrs. Clark, but all your morality preachin’ is lost on me, honey.”

I realized this declaration was for the customer, who stared at us transfixed. “I…you really ought to consider another line of work…er…your eternal soul’s in jeopardy, if you continue down this path.”

“Oh,” she laughed bawdily. “If you only knew. Now, shoo. I’ve got work to do. Good day, Mrs. Clark.”

“Good day, Ms. Wallace.”

Out in the street, I raised my chin to find Nathan sitting in the wagon, his expression furious. “What in the blazes were you doing in there?”

Oh…dear.

Chapter Thirteen

He helped me to the seat. “I…I was…talking with Ms. Wallace.”

“What happened to the eggs?”

“I dropped them.”

Grabbing the reins, he called to the horse, while the wagon creaked into motion. “You’re going to explain this to me, Hannah. What on earth are you thinking?”

“She’s a nice woman. Did you know she colors her hair?”

There was a tick in his cheek; his expression was stormy. “Are you trying to ruin your reputation or have you lost your mind?”

“I’ve lost my mind.”

He glanced at me. “What’s the matter? Why would you go in there like that in broad daylight?”

“I was preaching morality to her. That’s all.”

“No, it isn’t.”

“It doesn’t matter why I was in there.”

“What did she say?”

“About you?” He tried to hide the glimmer of panic in his eye, but I saw it. “Are you worried she spilled the beans about your…virility?”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“Maybe she told me everything you’ve ever whispered to her in the heat of passion.”

His mouth had formed a grim line. “You’re gettin’ on my last nerve, Hannah. I take you to town to sell eggs, and you break all of ‘em. Then I find you coming out of a parlour house. I say you’ve lost your mind.”

“She’s a smart woman. I guess the word sassy applies.” I stared straight ahead, but I could feel his attention on me. “She had some interesting observations about things.”

“Like what?”

“Oh, this and that.”

When I wouldn’t elaborate, he gritted his teeth, as steam came out of his ears. He wanted to know what Ruby had said about him, but I wouldn’t divulge her secrets. The things I had learned were for my benefit, and I had a lot to think about.

Later that day, I wandered the property, staring at the field that Frank had planted, seeing rows of stalks, brimming with corn. We would harvest soon; the men were preparing for this event, having brought in the necessary equipment.

“Oh, Frank, if you could only see it. You’d be so proud.”

“It’s looking good, Mrs. Clark,” said Jerry, who wandered up the lane towards me. “We’ve had good rain this season. We got lucky.”

“Well, at least that’s one thing that’s worked out,” I mumbled. He wore a hat that shaded his face. “Do you think there will be enough money to see me through till spring?”

He nodded. “Oh, I think so.”

“Will you stay here, Mr. Pratt, or are you moving on after the harvest?”

“I move on.”

That was a surprise. “Where are you going?”

“Into the mountains to prospect.”

“In the middle of winter?”

“For a spell. Then I come back in the spring.”

“So you will come back?”

“Yes, Mrs. Clark.”

“You’ve been a good worker, Jerry. I’d hate to lose you.”

“I come back. Not much for farming in the winter, so I make money elsewhere.”

“That’s very practical.”

He eyed me with sympathy. “I am sorry for your loss. Your husband was a good man. A kind man.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re young and pretty. I know you’ll find another husband.”

I hadn’t been expecting him to say that. “Um…I’m in mourning now.” He nodded, his look imperceptible. The sound of a wagon had my attention. “Someone’s here.” I hurried down the lane to see who was visiting, as I wasn’t expecting anyone today. To my surprise, Sally Higgins stepped down from her perch.

“Hello!”

“Well, hello.” I rushed towards her. “What brings you out on this fine Friday morning?”

“I haven’t seen you since church last week.” Her gaze skimmed over me. “I thought I’d check up on you. I brought some sarsaparilla and peanut butter cookies.”

“Oh, that sounds delicious. Come inside.” I held open the door, ushering her down the hallway to the kitchen. Grasping two glasses from a shelf, I left them on the table. “So, how are you? How’s your husband and your kids?”

“We’re fine.” She lifted the cloth on a small basket, exposing the cookies. “Help yourself.”

“Thank you.” I took a bite, the sweet, crumbly cookie falling to pieces in my mouth. “Hum…it’s good.”

“Hannah,” her look was suddenly grave, “I’ve really come here to ask you a few questions. I thought it best that you heard it from me first, rather than some stranger.”

“What questions?”

“There’s a rumor that you were seen coming out of—”

“I know. The parlour house. I’m aware of it.”

“Is it true?”

I shrugged. “Yes.”

“What on earth were you doing in there?”

“I had a moment of insanity, Sally. I can’t say exactly why I did it. All I know is that Ruby Wallace is a nice lady. She’s very kind. She talked to me for a bit, and then I was on my way.”

Her eyes widened. “What does it look like in there?”

“Like a fancy house. There’s pretty furniture and plush carpet. She even has plants!”

“What do her girls look like?”

“I only saw one. She was very pretty. They wear make up. They dye their hair.”

“Oh, my.”

“She gave me some advice. That was all.”

“What sort of advice?”

“About men.”

“What did she say?”

“It doesn’t matter. I…have a lot to think about.”

“You must know that people are talking. I asked Adaline and Rhoda to come with me today, and they refused.”

“They did?”

“They’re trying to distance themselves from you.”

That revelation hurt. “I only spoke with the woman for five minutes. I’m tainted now?”

“I’m sure you’ll redeem yourself in time, Hannah, but people are all abuzz. That’s all anyone can talk about.”

I stood so quickly that the chair fell over with a bang. “I can’t believe this!” Pacing the floor, I took a deep breath. “How dare they judge me like that! It's not like I’m working there.”

“It’ll blow over. It’s just strange that you would pay a call to such an establishment. They don’t see that every day.”

“Can’t a person be curious?” Her look was doubtful. “So, I made a mistake. You’re right, it’ll blow over.” I glanced out the window, as something unpleasant settled in my gut. “I hope so anyway.”

But by Sunday, I felt distinctly uncomfortable in church, as I perceived many sets of eyes boring holes through my back. I tried to focus on Pastor Bailey’s sermon, but it was difficult being the object of rampant speculation. After the service had concluded, I made my way down the aisle, spying Ruby Wallace at the end, sitting with a wide straw hat on, which brimmed with flowers and feathers. I nodded to her, and she nodded in return.

“How do you do?” I asked.

“Very well, and you?”

“Just fine, Ms. Wallace.” She smiled, her pretty features were downplayed today, as she wore only traces of the face paint she had on the other day. I was going to speak to Adaline and Rhoda, but their husbands escorted them from the church. Only Sally remained, waiting for me by the door. “Hello.”

“You scared everyone off.”

“Ouf!” I muttered, under my breath. “Was that all it took?”

“I’m astounded you spoke to her.”

“I only said hello. It’s not like she’s joining me for tea.”

Nathan stood across the street, leaning against the hitching post. His hat hid his eyes, but a palpable energy radiated from him in waves. His denim pants were a deep blue, while his shirt was a white and black calico. Every female instinct I possessed told me that his attention was focused my way. This produced a tingle of pleasure, my stomach flipping around distractingly.

Mrs. Hermosa was by my side. “I wait by the wagon, Mrs. Clark.”

“That’s fine. I’ll be right there.” I turned to Sally. “You’d think people would have a tiny bit of sympathy for my plight. I’ve just lost my husband, after all.”

“They have sympathy…”

“But?”

She appeared hesitant. “Well, you’re a single woman now. You’re young and pretty. A lot of male eyes turn your way. Even the married men are looking.”

“What does that mean?”

“Some women…some women can be insecure. They’re worried their men might leave them for you.”

I gasped. “You can’t be serious? I would NEVER steal another woman’s husband.” Anger mixed with indignation. It was an effort to school my features. I smoothed my skirt with trembling hands. “I think I’ll stay away from town for a while. If I need anything here, Maria can come get it.”

“I’m sorry. I probably should’ve kept that to myself.”

“No, you’re fine. If it weren’t for you, I’d be wondering what in the graces is wrong with people.”

“The best thing would be for you to get married as soon as possible.”

“I’m in mourning,” I grated through clenched teeth.

“This isn’t home. This is the new frontier, and women need the protection of a man. There’s a social on Wednesday night. I’m providing the lemonade and some treats. You should come. There are eligible bachelors in Denver City, you know. Pastor Bailey for one. Dwight Bates is another. There are some businessmen who need wives. Marshal Peters lost his wife last year.”

It seemed unpalatable to be thinking of such things. “I shouldn’t.”

“No one would think ill of you, Hannah. You need to meet these men and see if any suit you.”

I glanced at Nathan. He’d tilted his head to the side, his eyes hidden in shadow. There was something graceful about the way he slouched, the line from his shoulders to his hips arched inwardly, leading downward toward lean thighs. I’d been in his arms before when he’d been in my bed, offering comfort. Now he avoided the house at night, refusing to provide those services, which was disappointing.