The Marshal's Promise

His eyes twinkled. “Why don’t you open it and find out?”

Rebecca’s mouth dried, she picked up her coffee and sipped the bitter sweetness, allowing it to wash over her tongue. Then she took a deep breath and slid her fingernail under the envelope flap.

Within the depths of the envelope lay a letter. She pulled it out and carefully unfolded what she saw to be a blank piece of paper. Hidden within the paper were money notes. She counted the money and realized there was enough there to pay the Millers for the time she’d spent with them and she’d have a little left over to stay for maybe a month longer. Rebecca silently thanked the Lord for meeting her needs.

“Are you sure it’s all right for me to keep this?” She searched his features once more. His eyes were serious; the chocolate color that had just twinkled with amusement now seemed almost to caramelize as he stared back at her.

He nodded and then finished his coffee. “That money was in his possessions. I’m sure he’d want you to have it. I’d say there is enough money there to take you home, Miss Ramsey.”

Rebecca shook her head. “No, it’s enough to pay the Millers what I owe them. And, I’ve already told you, I’m not going back.”

He stood. “So you are determined to stay here?”

How many ways did she have to say she was staying? She looked up from the money. Then she felt it. Something wasn’t quite right, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. Did the marshal suspect her of some wrongdoing? Or was this just his normal way of dealing with what he might consider a grieving fiancée?

Rebecca stared at the handsome man before her. His jawline tightened and his eyes narrowed. She raised her chin and returned his stare. “Yes, Marshal, I am. You needn’t worry about me. I am an upstanding citizen and, God willing, I will find a job today.”

* * *

Rebecca Ramsey hadn’t reacted the way he’d thought she would when she opened the envelope. Maybe she didn’t know about the rest of the money he’d found in that suitcase. And then again, maybe she did and was sticking around town to find it. What had Jesse been doing with so much money in money notes, diamonds and gold?

Was that the reason Jesse had begged him to keep watch over her? Did the Evans gang know about the stashed treasure in Jesse’s possession? Would they come after her, thinking she had it? The questions swirled through his mind like a Texas twister.

What if she really was just an innocent and had no clue Jesse had been an outlaw? Or that he was far richer than he’d let anyone know. Seth’s protective instincts surged through his stomach.

Seth admitted to himself that he found Jesse’s girl attractive. She seemed young and naive. What kind of woman ventured alone to answer a mail-order-bride ad that would take her to an isolated place like the New Mexico Territory?

He’d read her letters. They were simple letters telling Jesse her age, what she looked like and when she would arrive. She’d asked no questions of Jesse Cole. From what he’d read, it seemed as if Rebecca Ramsey had simply come with no knowledge of anything about her soon-to-be husband.

His first promise to Jesse echoed in Seth’s ears. I’ll take care of her. He tilted his head sideways and studied her. If she really was just a girl looking for work, he should help her. He’d promised, and Seth Billings never broke a promise. “What kind of work are you looking for?”

“I’m not picky, Marshal, and I’m a hard worker, so it really doesn’t matter.” She shrugged her shoulders, picked up her morning coffee and took another sip.

The blue in her dress brought out the blue shades within her eyes. Small ringlets of blond hair drifted about her face as she bent to the hot beverage. Miss Ramsey smiled as she savored the drink. Seth stared at her soft lips and then shook himself mentally. The young woman in front of him was quite attractive, but no lady liked to be stared at.

“Why? Do you know of a position?” Her question pulled him from his musings.

She gazed into his eyes as if she were looking into his soul. What did she see there? He didn’t want to know.

“I might. The sheriff and I were talking this morning and I’ve come to the conclusion that I need a house here in Cottonwood Springs.” Those cornflower eyes continued to study him. “If I find one, I’ll need someone to clean, do laundry and cook for me when I’m in town. Would you be interested in something like that?”

“When will you know if you are going to take up residence here?” Her gaze moved to his left hand.

The urge to tuck it into his pocket proved mighty powerful. He didn’t want her looking to him as a replacement for Jesse. “I’ll let you know by this afternoon. How does that sound?”

Her small smile turned into a big grin. “It sounds like something I wouldn’t mind doing.”

Seth nodded and then headed for the front door. He had a lot of work to do if he planned on having a home in Cottonwood Springs by this afternoon. The soft swish of her skirts informed him that she had followed him. “I’ll see you later,” he promised and then left.

He shook his head as he climbed into the saddle. Seth Billings, you are going to have to stop making promises.

Chapter Three

Rebecca pulled her wool shawl over her dress, picked up the money and then carried her coffee cup into the kitchen. “Mrs. Miller, I am leaving now to look for employment.” She placed the empty cup beside the older woman.

Mrs. Miller’s hands were up to her elbows in hot soapy water. A pile of dirty dishes was stacked to her left. “Your business with the marshal is finished?” She looked over at Rebecca. Mrs. Miller’s gaze moved to the envelopes in her hand.

Rebecca tucked the letters she’d sent to Jesse under her arm and then opened the packet that held the money. She turned her body so that Mrs. Miller couldn’t see the full contents of the envelope. “I’m not sure. He’s offered me a job.”

Mrs. Miller dried her wet hands on a dish towel and rested a hip against the counter. “Then why are you looking for another one?” Her brows arched as she watched Rebecca count out the money.

“Well, it’s not a for-sure job and I can’t continue living here if I can’t pay for my stay.” Rebecca knew Mrs. Miller wanted to ask her about the money. The older woman opened her mouth and then closed it again. Almost as if she realized it was none of her business.

Rebecca handed her what was owed. The other woman took the money and dropped it into her apron pocket.

“Will you be back in time for lunch?” Mrs. Miller returned to the dishpan full of dirty dishes.

Cottonwood Springs wasn’t that big of a town and Rebecca could return in plenty of time before lunch, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to. Mrs. Miller was nice enough, but Rebecca sensed the other woman would like to have some time to herself and, to be honest, Rebecca felt the same. “Probably not.”

“Have a good day, dear. I’ll see you at supper.” And just like that, Mrs. Miller dismissed her.

Rebecca walked to the front door, stood in the doorway and looked both ways down Main Street. The town’s dirt street and light breeze had sand drifting in the air. She focused her mind on the business in town and not the fact that she hated flying dirt.

Across the street from the Millers’ general store was the newspaper office; next to that stood Mrs. Kelly’s hat and dress shop. She studied the false fronts of both businesses. The newspaper office wouldn’t offer much employment, but maybe Mrs. Kelly could use another seamstress. She’d start with these two businesses and then make her way around town, should she not acquire employment at either establishment.

As she crossed the street, Rebecca lifted her skirts to keep them from getting dusty. A light breeze picked up from the direction of the river and she shivered. Early spring in New Mexico seemed to be rather cold. Truth be told, Rebecca preferred the heat of summer, at least she had in Maryland. Who knew what New Mexico summers would hold for her?

When she arrived at the door of Mrs. Kelly’s hat and dress shop, Rebecca hesitated. She took a deep breath, smoothed out her skirt and slowly exhaled before she entered. A little bell over the door announced her arrival.

A female voice called from the back, “I’ll be right with you. Feel free to browse around.”

Rebecca walked farther into the room. Sunlight shone through the big plate-glass window, creating a cheerful and warm environment. Colorful dresses, shawls, coats and hats took up most of the room. Toward the back, where the mysterious voice had come from, was a curtained-off doorway.

She noticed an area for sewing in the far corner. A long table and two sewing machines occupied the space. The two machines gave her hope that the other woman might need help.

A brown dress caught her eye. She walked over to it and touched the soft fabric. Its color reminded her of the marshal’s eyes. Rebecca admired the way the waist seemed to tuck inward. She took it off the hanger and held it up against her front.

“I like that dress, too, but brown doesn’t seem to be your color.”

Rebecca glanced up and found a woman who looked to be a little older than she, standing off to the side shifting though a rack of dresses. Soft brown hair peeked out from under a stylish green hat that matched the dress she wore. Straight strands of hair escaped the stylish hat and now rested on each side of her heart-shaped face. She stared at Rebecca with interest.

She pulled a light yellow dress off a hanger beside her. It looked to be the same style, just a different color and with a soft print of small blue flowers. “The flowers in this one will accent your eyes beautifully.” The woman held it out to Rebecca.

Rebecca handed the brown over and took the yellow. Again she held the soft fabric up to her front. It had been a long time since she had a new dress, and this one flowed about her ankles and looked as if it would cinch in her waist. What was she doing? She couldn’t afford a new dress. “Thank you, but I can’t buy a dress right now.”

The woman smiled at her. “That’s quite all right.” She took the dress back and hung it on its hanger. “So if you aren’t here to buy a dress, what can I help you with? A hat perhaps?”

Rebecca shook her head. “No, not today. My name is Rebecca Ramsey and I need to speak with the owner of this shop.” She thought that sounded like a good way to start business.

“It is nice to meet you, Miss Ramsey. I am Eliza Kelly and I am the owner.” She smiled broadly.

Rebecca hadn’t expected Mrs. Kelly to be so young. She’d pictured an elderly woman running the dress shop. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Kelly. I wondered if you had a position I might fill.”

Her eyes saddened. “I’m afraid not. This is a one-woman show for the time being.” She tugged at a strand of her hair.

“I see. Thank you, Mrs. Kelly.” Disappointment filled her voice and Rebecca wished she could take it back. She offered a smile to show she wasn’t upset and then turned to leave the shop.

The other woman followed her. “Aren’t you Jesse’s girl? I mean… I was just about to make a pot of tea. Would you be interested in having a cup with me?”

Rebecca started to refuse, and then saw Mrs. Kelly’s cheeks had turned pink and her eyes held warmth. She hadn’t meant her inquiry to sound as rude as it had. Did the whole town think of her as Jesse’s girl? Rebecca hoped not.

The thought of a nice cup of tea swayed her decision to stay. It had been weeks since she’d had a sip of her favorite beverage. “Yes, I am, or I was, Jesse’s girl, and I’d love a cup of tea, Mrs. Kelly.”

“Oh, thank you. I was so worried I’d overstepped my bounds. And you must call me Eliza.” She turned to walk into the sitting room. “I hope you can find employment, Rebecca, but I’m afraid if the other merchants are having as hard a time as I am they won’t be open to offering you a job. Have you tried the other shops?”

She followed Eliza into the sitting room, through the dining area and into the kitchen. “No, I came to you first.”

Eliza picked up the teapot and filled it with water. “That is so sweet. I really wish I could afford to hire you. It would be wonderful to have another lady to talk to during the day.”

The statement sounded odd to Rebecca. “Don’t you talk to women all day? I mean, this is a dress shop.”

“Well, yes, I guess I do, but not real talk. You know, my customers are here to talk about dresses and they share gossip, but I want something more, you know?”

Rebecca did understand. “I believe I do.”

Eliza smiled. “I just had a feeling you and I would understand each other. It’s strange how that works. Hannah is fun to talk to, but she only comes to visit once a week. You know Hannah, don’t you?”

At a shake of Rebecca’s head, Eliza pressed on as she made the tea. “Hannah Young. She’s the schoolteacher. She’s about our age and has no husband. But she is devoted to her work as a teacher and only allows herself to visit on Saturdays, and then of course Sunday is full of church.”

Rebecca remembered someone introducing the schoolteacher last Sunday. If memory served her right, Hannah Young was a small woman maybe four feet eleven with black hair and she walked with a slight limp. She’d also seemed very shy and hadn’t spoken much. A flash of humor tugged at the corners of Rebecca’s mouth. Eliza’s fast talking must be the reason Miss Young kept to herself.

The morning flew by as Rebecca enjoyed her visit with Eliza. It didn’t take long to learn that Eliza was lonely. She’d lost her husband two years ago; he’d died when they lived in Silverton, Colorado. According to Eliza, her Charley had been killed in an avalanche during one of the worst snowstorms she’d ever seen. Thankfully, they’d saved enough money for Eliza to get to Cottonwood Springs and purchase this house to start up her hat-and-dress business.

The sound of the bell ringing in the shop had Eliza up and hurrying to take care of her next customer. Rebecca knew it was time to go. She needed employment if she wanted to stay in Cottonwood Springs and get to know her new friend better.

Eliza came back into the room. “That was Mrs. Pierce. She picked up her dress and matching hat.”

Rebecca stood to leave. “I best be going, Eliza. It’s almost lunchtime and I haven’t inquired about employment anywhere but here.” She slipped her shawl over her shoulders and headed for the door.

“Oh, I wish you didn’t have to go.” Eliza followed her. “Do come back when you are done and let me know if you found a job.”

Rebecca smiled. “I will and thanks for the tea.”

Eliza had been right. An hour later, Rebecca walked out of the general store still jobless. Everyone wanted to give her employment, but none of them had the funds to do so—everyone, that was, except Mrs. Walker, the owner of the general store. Rebecca had the impression that Mrs. Walker had taken an instant disliking to her.

Her thoughts went to the marshal. Maybe he’d had better luck in finding a house to buy. She hoped so. If nothing else good came of the day, thanks to Eliza, Rebecca now felt she had a friend close to her age in Cottonwood Springs.

Rebecca’s gaze moved over the town. It was pleasant enough and sat back against a mountain. The mountain resembled a sand rock, but trees lined the river below and, because smaller streams ran across the back side of the town, cottonwood trees shaded the majority of the businesses and homes. A beautiful spot if ever she’d seen one.

The marshal’s voice pulled her from her musings. “Any luck finding work?”

Rebecca searched the shadows of the buildings to locate him. He stood propped against the blacksmith shop. His arms crossed and his eyes narrowed.

His tone indicated he wasn’t a happy man. So she answered in a short, crisp reply of, “No.”

“I thought we had an understanding.” He pushed away from the wall and walked over to her.

Rebecca didn’t like his tone and hardened her voice to match his. “What kind of understanding?”

He crossed his arms again, spread his legs and glared down at her. “That you now work for me.”

“But, that is only going to happen if you find a house. Did you buy a house, Marshal?” She crossed her arms to match his stance.

He relaxed and grinned. “As a matter of fact I did. And, I have already moved in.” The sudden pleasure in his voice surprised her.

Rebecca really hadn’t expected him to follow through with his offer of a job. Her spirits lifted, knowing she now held a position and would be able to stay in Cottonwood Springs. She silently thanked the Lord for yet another blessing and smiled. “That’s wonderful.”

The dimple in his cheek winked. “Would you like to see it?”

“I’d love to, Marshal, and while we walk you can tell me what this job entails.”

He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and began walking. Her heart did a little flutter as tingles climbed up her hand and into her hairline. Seth Billings made her feel alive.

With Jesse Cole dead, could this be the man God sent her to the New Mexico Territory for?

Chapter Four

Seth led Rebecca toward his new home. He hoped she liked it as much as he did. The front was white and had a small porch that led off the right-hand side. Two windows faced forward with dark brown shutters on each side. It was small but could be added on to, should he ever decide to marry and have a family.

He liked the fact that it was on a side street and that there weren’t many other houses close by. Cottonwood trees surrounded the house, giving it plenty of shade. He stopped in the yard and waited for her reaction.

Her eyes seemed to drink in the front of the little house. She sighed and pulled her shawl closer about her shoulders. “It’s wonderful, Marshal.” Rebecca turned to look up at him. She tilted her head sideways and smiled up into his face.

Seth felt as if he would drown in the blue pools of her eyes. “Thank you. I’m glad you like it. I’m thinking of adding a couple of rosebushes to the front, under the windows. What do you think of that?”

She stared at the windows as if she could picture the flowers already in full bloom. “They will look and smell wonderful. What color roses?”

He reached up and gently brushed aside a wayward curl from her cheek. Seth was surprised when she turned to face him. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink. “Pink, I think.”

Rebecca stepped away from him and nodded. “I’m sure they will be lovely.”

Seth realized he had embarrassed her with his actions, and moved forward to open the door. She followed him up the steps and waited. His boot heels clicked against the hardwood floor as he stepped inside the doorway and allowed her to pass.

His gaze swept the sitting room trying to visualize how the space must look to Rebecca. It was small with a couch and end table. A bookshelf rested against one wall, empty of books at the moment.

It felt empty, but Seth had been blessed that the Wilsons were willing to sell it at such a low price and were willing to leave some furniture behind. Granted, he had plenty of money sitting in the bank, but he had hoped not to have to touch the money until his days of marshaling were over.

“This is beautiful, Marshal. I love that the living area is open to the kitchen.” She spun around the room, touching the furniture. “It needs a thorough dusting and the floors require a good sweeping, but other than that it is great.”

He leaned against the door frame and watched as she flittered from room to room. It wasn’t a big house—two small bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen with a dining area. Each room opened off of the sitting room. With her gasps and excited squeaks, you would think it was a mansion on a hill.

Seth couldn’t stop the smile that lifted the corners of his mouth. For some odd reason he felt pleasure at her excitement. “Thank you, Miss Ramsey.”

Her skirts swirled about her ankles as she hurried to the kitchen. “How did you get moved in so quickly?”

Seth pushed away from the frame work and followed her. “It came fully furnished and I don’t have that many clothes.”

Her gaze moved about the rooms. “That was very fortunate for you.”

He nodded. Her eyes sparkled as she ran her hands over the shelves and stove. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was envisioning the kitchen as her own. Maybe she was, it was easy to do.

Seth decided right then and there to continue taking his meals over at the diner. The last thing he needed was to have Rebecca Ramsey getting too comfortable in his kitchen. Women and marshaling didn’t mix. He couldn’t live through another woman’s death caused by his job.

Rebecca looked about the area and spread her hands. “You will need a few kitchen things.”

“Kitchen things?”

Rebecca grinned. “Yes, kitchen things.”

Seth crossed his arms. He’d just decided on eating over at the diner like normal. He didn’t need kitchen things. He set his jaw and started to tell her that he didn’t need another thing in the kitchen.

“Wouldn’t you like to have a fresh pot of coffee first thing in the morning?” she asked, once again mimicking his stance and arms.

How did she know what he’d been thinking? A fresh pot of coffee first thing in the morning did sound nice. He nodded and grunted his agreement. All right, he’d give in on the coffee, but other than that, Seth refused to give in any further.

And then she walked over to the stove. A wistful longing sound entered her voice. “I can cook some marvelous dinners at this stove. Just think, a hot meal at the end of the day.”

The last part seemed to be more a thought to herself than a statement for him. He stepped closer to her. The hopeful sound in her voice pulled at his heartstrings. “Sounds like you miss cooking.”

Rebecca tilted her head to the side and studied him. “I do. Cooking was one of the few things I enjoyed back home.”

The desire to make her feel at home, in his house, overwhelmed him. “It’s a good thing, then, that I said I’d need a cook, too.”

As if she’d forgotten, joy filled her face. “That’s right, you did.”

Seth crossed his arms to restrain himself from reaching out and hugging her. So much for taking his meals at the diner, his inner voice taunted. Rebecca was getting too close and he couldn’t afford to allow that to happen.

He took a step away from her. “I need to get back to work. You go and get the things needed for cooking and cleaning from the Millers’ store.” His boots pounded across the wood floors as he hurried to leave.

“Have Mrs. Miller charge whatever you feel is needed to my account.” Seth rushed out the door and across to his horse. He needed to put some space between himself and Miss Ramsey.

* * *

Rebecca wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and followed him out the door. She pulled the door shut behind her. What had happened? One moment he’d been smiling and seemed happy she’d taken an interest in his home and her new job, the next he’d exited the house like a cat that had been threatened with a bath. She shook her head. The marshal was turning out to be one complex man.

He mounted his horse and rode out of town. His wide shoulders swayed in the saddle. He was attractive, and for a few minutes earlier, she’d thought he might kiss her. His touch on her cheek had been warm. She shook her head. Get those thoughts out of your mind, Rebecca Ramsey, she reprimanded. Now that Jesse was gone, Rebecca knew she could only rely on herself. Her own father had deserted her. No man could be trusted not to cast her aside.

She focused instead on what having a job and money coming in would mean for her. If she saved enough, maybe the bank would allow her to buy a house. She’d need a down payment. Rebecca thought about writing to her father and asking for money, but just as quickly tossed the thought aside. No, it was time she depended on herself.

A few minutes later, she entered Eliza’s hat-and-dress shop. The bell announced her arrival. Within seconds Eliza arrived to greet her.