“Oh, Issy! Come quick!”
Isobel dropped the gown in her hands and hurried out of the back room, afraid of what she’d find. She’d only opened the shop a few minutes earlier. Had Stella noticed something amiss that she hadn’t? Isobel might have been the tiniest bit distracted since talking with Alec on the stairs the night before.
Her heart had gone out to him when she’d seen him standing there, looking more solemn than she’d ever seen him. And that same heart had thumped with more than compassion when he started to smile again and they’d exchanged some teasing banter.
There was nothing out of place when she entered the shop’s main room. Nothing except for how pale Stella looked. “What’s wrong?” Isobel asked her.
“I have either the most horrible news or the most flattering.” Stella slumped into one of the armchairs, her coat and hat still on. “I can’t decide which it is, and I didn’t sleep a wink last night for debating it.”
Relieved everything in the shop was still in order, Isobel fought the urge to return to the gown she’d just abandoned. But Stella was clearly too frazzled to concentrate on sewing at the moment.
“Tell me what’s happened.”
Stella’s shoulders drooped. “The council has been arguing about which young lady to ask to participate in the Ride for a Bride race.”
“Ride for a Bride?” Isobel repeated in confusion.
The girl lifted her head to peer at Isobel. “Didn’t I tell you about that?”
“I don’t think so.”
A bit of color returned to Stella’s face as she straightened. “Between seeing Franklin more regularly and working on my May Day dress, it must have slipped my mind.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “Someone proposed the idea to the city council to host a Ride for a Bride race during the festival.”
“But what sort of a race is it?”
“Basically a young lady rides a horse along a set route,” Stella explained, “and the town’s eligible bachelors ride after her. The first man to reach her wins the race and her hand in marriage.”
“Just like that?” Isobel couldn’t keep a doubtful huff from escaping her lips. “They’re supposed to get married?”
It didn’t sound very romantic; it sounded fraught with potential issues. What if the young lady didn’t fancy the man who won? Or what if the would-be groom didn’t know something about the potential bride that would drastically alter his feelings for her later on?
“Typically there’s a preacher on hand to marry the couple before the day’s over.” Stella’s tone held none of the skepticism Isobel felt.
She fought a shudder at the notion of an instant wedding. “Has the city council resolved their arguments about the young lady?”
“They did, just yesterday.” Her assistant regarded her with tear-rimmed eyes. “It’s to be me, Issy. Papa told me last night.”
Doing her best not to gape in shock, Isobel dropped down into the other chair. She hadn’t been wrong in thinking Stella’s parents were growing more anxious about her. But to volunteer their daughter for such an event? It seemed rather drastic to Isobel.
“Y-you’re to be the bride? Is that what you want, Stella?”
The girl shrugged. “I don’t know. At first I was thrilled, thinking how wonderful it would be to have Franklin ride in the race. He’s an excellent horseman. And if he won, I’d get to marry the man I love.”
“But?” Isobel prompted.
Stella glanced at her lap. “But what if Gerald or another of my old beaus takes part, too? What will I do if one of them wins instead?”
“That’s wise, to consider that possibility.”
Burying her face in her hands, the girl groaned. “What do I do, Issy? I don’t want to let Papa down, but I don’t care for anyone else the way I do Franklin.”
Isobel chose her next words carefully. “Do you know if Franklin returns your feelings?”
“I think so,” Stella said as she lowered her hands.
Perhaps more questions would help the girl sort out her quandary. “Is he an honorable man?”
“Yes.”
“Is he a man of faith?”
Stella nodded emphatically. “He is.”
“Does he treat you with respect?”
Her face softened. “Very much so. He’s always been a gentleman with me.”
“I’m guessing I don’t need to ask if you find him handsome,” Isobel said, giving Stella a small smile.
“He’s quite handsome,” she replied, smiling back.
“Have you talked to him about the race?”
The girl dipped her head in another nod. “He told me he’d ride in a race like that if the girl he admired was participating. Then he asked me if I’d thought about volunteering.”
From all Stella had voiced, it sounded to Isobel as though the couple had genuine feelings for each other. That realization brought her relief. She cared about Stella and didn’t want to see the girl hurt.
“Why don’t you see what his reaction is when you tell him you’re going to be the bride in the race?” Isobel patted her hand. “My guess is he’ll be as excited as you were at first. Which means he’ll do everything in his power to be the winner.”
“You’re right.” Stella pulled back her shoulders, her chin rising. “I’ll tell him this weekend.”
Isobel climbed to her feet. “Can the bride-to-be refuse to marry the winner?”
“I suppose so.” Stella stood, as well. “But with all the hoopla that comes with a race like this, I don’t think she’d dare back down. I wouldn’t. The whole town would likely be upset, not to mention the groom-to-be.”
Another shudder wound through Isobel. Even at her age, she’d never attempt to find or force a match by participating in such an event. Besides, she’d look ridiculous riding a horse, since she didn’t know how.
“I think you’re quite brave, Stella,” she said, linking her arm through the girl’s.
Stella gave her arm a squeeze. “Thank you. But I’m not as brave as you, Isobel.”
“What do you mean?”
The girl waved her free hand at the shop. “Opening this place all by yourself, wanting to expand it, feeling content with being unmarried. That’s braver than anything I’ve done or could do.”
She knew Stella meant the words to be complimentary. However, Isobel felt a slight sting at the last item on the girl’s list. She was content, yes, but Stella made it sound as if Isobel had never wanted to marry. Or that she didn’t want that now. Nothing could be further from the truth. While Isobel recognized that finding a good man like her aunt had would likely not happen for her, it didn’t stop her from wishing for it all the same, now and again.
“Will you come?” Stella asked. “To the May Day celebration now that I’m going to be in the race?”
Normally Isobel avoided the large town gatherings that brought ranchers and their families to Sheridan from the outlying communities. Doing so meant she was less likely to run into her former fiancé Beau Doyle as she had in the past. She wanted to support Stella, but she wanted to see Beau even less.
As Isobel hesitated with how best to answer, someone entered the shop behind them. “Morning, Isobel.”
She released Stella’s arm and turned. “Good morning.” Seeing Alec again so soon was a surprise—but not an unpleasant one if the quickening of her heartbeat was any indicator. “Doctor Russell, I don’t think you’ve officially met my exceptional assistant, Stella Ivy.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss Ivy.” He gave Stella a polite nod.
Stella smiled coyly at Isobel before turning her attention to Alec. “A pleasure to meet you, doctor. I’d love to hear all about your new clinic next door, but I’d better get started on the day’s projects. Don’t you think, Issy?” With that, the girl disappeared into the back room, looking far too eager to leave them alone.
“Are you here for your suit? If so, I’m afraid it’s still not ready.”
Alec shook his head. “No, it’s not about the suit. I have an idea I’d like to run by you.”
“All right.” Her curiosity increased when Alec put his hands in his pockets and glanced about the room as though slightly embarrassed. “What is it?”
Clearing his throat, he met her gaze straight on. “I was thinking this morning about attending the May Day festival and passing out leaflets about the clinic.” He pulled a wrinkled paper from his pocket and handed it to her.
Isobel read through the words he’d written on the paper. The message was short and concise but also persuasive. “I think this is well worded, Alec. And an excellent idea.” His relief was palpable as she passed back his paper.
“You think so?” His eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded her. “You’re not just saying that?”
It was her turn to shake her head. “No,” she said with a light laugh. “I’m not just saying that. Handing out a leaflet like that at the festival is a wise business idea.”
“Thank you.” Alec put away the paper. “You’re going to the festival, aren’t you?” He chuckled before she could respond. “What am I saying? Of course you’re going, what with all those women and families attending. I’m guessing you’ll have a bunch of new clients by the time the festivities are over.”
She turned slightly to face the back of the shop, hoping to hide the blush creeping into her cheeks. Of course, she ought to go. If she wanted to expand her business, which she still did, then she had to think in broader terms about finding more clients, as Alec was doing. Whether she saw one of her former fiancés or not. And what better way to find new customers than to interact with the women attending the celebration? She could even wear a new gown that showcased the upcoming summer fashions.
“Yes, I’ll be there,” Isobel said, facing Alec again. “What’s more, I’ll be sure to have your suit finished by then.”
He smiled, renewing the rapidity of her pulse. “That’d be great, Isobel. If anyone asks about its fine craftsmanship, I’ll send them your way.”
“Likewise, if any men are looking particularly bored while their wives and I talk dresses, I’ll hand them over to you.”
His smile increased along with the warm feeling inside her. “Who would have thought two business owners like us, the animal doctor and the dressmaker, could actually help each other?”
“Indeed.”
Some of her enjoyment faded at the reminder of what their relationship was and what it wasn’t. She liked talking with Alec and certainly hoped to continue to help him with his business, but they would never be more than fellow business owners and friends.
In spite of the sobering thought, Isobel couldn’t deny a stir of excitement at the idea of actually attending the festival this year. The town had been hosting it for years, but she hadn’t gone since she’d first come to Sheridan. Not only would she have a chance to possibly find more clients, but seeing Alec at the event would be nice, too.
“I appreciate you listening to my idea,” Alec said, his tone sincere, “and reading through what I wrote.”
Isobel trailed him to the door. “It’s only your second day and already you’re showing evidence of a born businessman.”
Pausing with his hand on the doorknob, he looked back at her. The intensity in his gaze as he did so had the strangest effect on Isobel’s senses. A tingle ran up her back, while at the same time goose bumps riddled her arms and heat infused her cheeks.
“That means a lot to hear you say. Especially coming from someone as successful in business as you’ve been.”
She couldn’t wield her tongue to reply so she simply nodded. The moment he exited the shop, though, and she had the door closed, she called out, “Stella? I’ve decided to attend the May Day festival.”
A cry of delight sounded from the back room before the girl came out, beaming. “Issy, that’s wonderful! What do we need to do to be ready?”
“I’m going to finish Alec’s suit and the dress you’re currently working on. Because you need to complete your May Day dress.” Isobel sailed past her, a smile settling on her lips when Stella blinked in surprise. “After all, every would-be bride needs an exceptional gown, don’t they?”
Her assistant gave a dazed laugh and hurried after her. “What about you, Isobel? What will you wear?”
“A brand-new dress of my own.”
The people of Sheridan sure knew how to throw a party, Alec mused as he rode his horse down the main thoroughfare of the festival grounds. Children played around a maypole adorned with brightly colored ribbons. Wooden booths and tables offered attendees a variety of food and trinkets. A large banner strung between two poles announced the Ride for a Bride event, and the grandstand nearby was likely where the mayor would give his welcoming speech.
Dismounting, Alec tethered his horse to the makeshift hitching post. He’d chosen not to borrow a buggy from the livery to avoid the likely snarl of wagons and carriages. For now, he left the leaflets he’d had printed inside his saddle bag. He’d pass them out after he’d looked around.
His veterinary clinic had been open an entire week, and yet things hadn’t been any busier than his first day. Mrs. Stone had returned to show him a happy, active Frances. She’d also insisted on reimbursing Alec for his help with a plate of freshly made scones. A group of schoolchildren had brought in a bird with a broken wing, which Alec had done his best to mend. There’d even been several farmers and ranchers who’d stopped in to ask about his skills, but he hadn’t yet had a paying customer. He missed his busy days on the dude ranch. There he’d done more than look out for the health of the horses and cattle; he’d repaired roofs and fencing, worked the land and taken guests on horseback rides.
Still, Alec refused to let discouragement eat at him. He often reminded himself of Isobel’s encouraging words from last week, and he spent longer on his knees praying at night too. Each time he questioned the Lord about his plans, he felt a sense of rightness at seeing them through, at least until his birthday. By then he’d know if his clinic had become a real success or not.
Alec wandered about the crowd, looking for Isobel. She’d told him she would be here. A sign bearing the HC Bar brand on one of the display tables caught his eye and drew a smile from him. “West,” he called out as he approached.
His best friend circled the table and greeted him with a hearty handshake. “Good to see you, Alec.”
“What are you selling?”
West waved to Vienna and Hattie, who were seated on chairs behind the table. “Vienna made some pies and created the small bouquets of May Day flowers to sell. Figured anything we offered would help get word out about the dude ranch.”
“Hello, Mr. Alec.” Hattie smiled up at him.
Alec doffed his hat to her and Vienna. “Howdy, ladies. May I say how lovely you look in your blue gingham dress, Miss Hattie?” The little girl giggled at the compliment. “How are you feeling, Vienna?”
“Tired but well.” She exchanged a smile with West as he stepped behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder. Then she turned her attention to Alec again. “You’re looking very doctor-like in that suit.”
He took the lapels of his jacket in his hands. “Thank you, ma’am. This is a one-of-a-kind suit designed by Miss Isobel Glasen herself.” She’d brought the finished product over to him the night before, and Alec had been impressed with how well it fit and how he was able to comfortably move around in it.
“I didn’t know Miss Glasen designed clothes,” Vienna said.
Would Isobel be upset with him for saying something? Alec hoped not. “She’s actually quite talented at it, but she’s convinced herself that the women here don’t want something created by her.” He pushed aside one side of his jacket to show off his waistcoat. “She ingeniously designed this suit so I can look professional while working with animals.”
“Sounds like she has a champion in you, Alec.” Vienna and West shared a glance.
Alec had no trouble deciphering its meaning. His happily married friends were eager to see him follow a similar path. They didn’t know that he and Isobel could never be more than friends. He was holding out for a girl who hadn’t been blind to him in the past, and Isobel seemed completely content with her present life.
“I made some leaflets to hand out about the clinic.” He pointed his thumb in the direction from which he’d come. “I’m going to get them and start passing them out. But if there’s any pie left over later, I want to buy one.”
After the three of them bid him goodbye, Alec headed back toward his horse. He didn’t fault Vienna and West for wanting to see him get married and soon. He wanted the same thing. Now that the clinic was open, maybe it was time for him to concentrate on the other tasks he’d been given by his father.
Rather than filling him with any degree of excitement, he felt mild trepidation. He might not have his brother or a friend around as competition this time, and yet he couldn’t help wondering if there actually was a girl out there who would see him for himself.