21

Grace pushed open the door to the sheriff’s office. A gentleman with a badge pinned to his shirt looked up from behind a cluttered desk. He was the only one in the room besides two young men asleep on the jail cell floor.

The man stood. “Never mind them. They’re asleep off a hard drunk.” He motioned for her to come farther in. “I’m Sheriff Pryor. What can I do for you?”

“I’m Grace Cantrell. I came in to ask a few questions.” Grace sat in a chair. “My sisters and I moved to Sheldon this past April. My sister Mercy married one of your deputies, Jared Montrose.”

“Oh, yes.” The sheriff’s eyebrows lifted. “I remember. Jared is a good man. Justice of the Peace married them the day she arrived.”

“I got a letter the other day from my other sister, Joy. Neither of us have heard from Mercy.”

“Funny thing.” The sheriff sat back in his chair. “He resigned his position, although I tried to talk him out of it. Next thing I heard was that they took off and headed out of town. Don’t know the whole story. But a telegram arrived the other day stating they’re on their way and should be back in town in a few days.”

“And they seemed to be all right?”

“Well, sounds like Jared got into a fix of some sort, but I think he got himself out.” He smiled. “Usually does.”

“That’s good news, then. We were both worried.” She shifted in her seat and considered her next words carefully. “I also wanted to inquire about the Children’s Aid Society worker that arrived recently.”

“Been here and gone already. Got on the stage this morning for Wellington.”

“And so his business here is done? He left?”

Sheriff Pryor placed his forearms on the desk. “I need to ask why you’re so concerned, miss.”

“Two boys, Thomas and Josiah, were my students.”

“The ones Big Jed took in, right?”

“Yes. The boys have made so much progress. And after not getting proper schooling for some time.” She swallowed. “I…” She struggled to explain. How could she validate her thoughts?

“You’re worried about the boys being in a proper home?”

“No, not at all.” She looked down at her hands. “I’m not sure why I’m here.” She met his gaze again. “Just that I would hate to see Thomas and Josiah on that train again.”

“Well, it looks like that won’t happen, at least not now. Surprised he bothered to come out this far from Wellington. The organization tries to keep up with placements, but that doesn’t always happen.”

“I feel better now.” Grace smiled and stood. “Thank you, Sheriff, for your time.”

Sheriff Pryor stood. “Glad to do it. Sorry to hear your mission here in Sheldon may be cut short. Heard Hennessy arrived back in town.”

The sorrow pooled in Grace’s heart. “Yes.”

“Well, there’s eligible men here in Sheldon, and mining camps are looking for cooks, although that’s not always the safest place for a woman.”

“I’m not sure what I’ll do. Mrs. Farley said I could stay with her for a while.” Grace walked home from town. The news of her sister had given her peace. And it appeared Thomas and Josiah would stay with Mr. Green, which was also wonderful news. But her heart ached, and she felt more alone than ever. She trudged the dirt path. Edith’s small house appeared on the horizon. Her chest warmed. An angel, that woman.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me a home, even if I have to leave soon. I have been thoroughly blessed. Please guide me where You want me to go, and prevent me from taking a path that was not designed by You.

Edith stood from her chair and smiled. She stepped forward with one hand on the porch railing and the other on her cane. The twinkle in Edith’s eyes grew brighter. What had made the old woman so cheerful?

“Is that your best dress?” Edith asked her.

Grace looked down at the slightly uneven knife pleats on the indigo print. Mismatched buttons and a slightly frayed hem completed the look. “Just as good as my others. Why do you ask?”

“You have a visitor coming shortly.”

“I do?” Grace pulled her bonnet off her head. “Who?”

“I’m not to say, but all the troubles my sister caused will be put to rest.”

Edith had her attention. “And why is that?”

“A certain gentleman came-a-calling while you were out. He told me of his intentions and asked for my blessing. I told him I was expecting you back anytime, and as long as you were so inclined, I’d be perfectly all right with it.”

Adrenaline flooded her body so quickly she brought a hand to her chest to calm the energy. She sat down on the bench. “A gentleman?”

Edith nodded with a smile. “You’ve never said anything about him, but you sure think a lot of his family.”

Jedidiah Green. “Who?”

“It’s not my place to say.” Edith stepped backward and sat down in her chair. “But he was an awful wreck. Could barely talk he was so nervous. Fidgeted with his hat the whole time.”

Jedidiah Green.

“You better go inside and do something with your hair.”

Grace touched the loose hairs around her ears and forehead. The irony of her giddiness surfaced. For a woman convinced she would never marry, elation filled her. She rushed to her bedroom, undid her bun, and brushed her long, brown hair in smooth strokes. Her fingers shook as she pushed through the tangles. Water from the pitcher cooled her face and neck and removed the grit from the dusty air. She sat on the edge of the bed, a mirror in one hand. A pinch on both sides of her cheeks added some color.

The front door opened and shut, and Edith spoke, followed by a man’s deep voice.

Grace tied her hair into a bun and secured it with a few pins.

Edith called her name.

In the top drawer of the dresser she found her lace collar and put it on. Her hands smoothed down the pleats from her waistline as she reached for the knob.

In a chair in the corner of the room sat her caller. He stood as she entered and tore the hat from his head.

Grace couldn’t feel her knees. Or her feet. She tried to open her mouth, but her lips stayed sealed.

A second hadn’t escaped and the man fell to one knee, his hat almost twisted into a ball.

From a faint, far away distance, Edith ask if she was all right.

No, I’m not. For I’m about to consider a proposal from Erastus Littleberry.