Chapter 24

 

 

August 17, 1878

B lythe’s steps slowed as she followed Mary through the front door of the hotel. She raised her eyebrows as she studied the backs of two men dressed in wrinkled and dirty work clothes, who stood in front of the desk and spoke to Allen Hayes. Stacked by their feet were several canvas bags and haversacks as well as a familiar-looking camera case.

“Look who’s returned a day early, dear.” Allen called out.

Jason Sewell and Rand Poechet, both bearded and scruffy in appearance, turned around and smiled.

“Good morning, Mrs. Hayes.” Jason nodded, and then his gaze landed on Blythe. “Hello, Mrs. Greenly. It’s a pleasure seeing you again.”

“We expected to see you behind the desk this time of day, Mrs. Hayes, but your husband assures us you have rooms available for us.” Rand motioned toward the desk. “Is Mr. Morgan still at the hotel?”

“He’s running an errand at the moment.” Mary walked over and joined her husband. “It’s been a busy day around here. We’re preparing for a wedding.”

Rand turned to face Jason, narrowed his gaze at him from beneath lowered eyebrows, and smirked. “I told you so.” Wearing a smug smile, he returned his gaze to Mary. “That’s why we came back a day early.”

“Eli…I mean, Mr. Morgan told you before he left that we would be getting married?” Blythe blinked, and her gaze moved from Rand to Jason and back again.

“No, Mrs. Greenly.” His words reassuring, Jason shook his head. “However, we knew he left us with the intent of returning to court you.”

“Court her?” Rand choked on his words. “He informed us what was expected from us as wedding gifts. It was akin to extortion.”

“Rand…” Jason cleared his throat. “Dr. Poechet, you know now’s not the time to discuss that.” He turned to Blythe and smiled. “Our apologies. My friend will behave in a more civil manner after he gets a good night’s sleep in a decent bed.”

“I put you two gentlemen in the same rooms you had before.” Allen picked up two keys by their fobs and waved them. “I hope that’s acceptable to you. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until Mr. Morgan returns to reclaim your belongings stored in his former room.”

The door opened and closed. Eli walked into the lobby. He grinned as his gaze moved between Rand and Jason. “Welcome back. Don’t tell me, did you two finally decided you had enough of the great Wyoming wilderness?”

“We came back a day early because I suspected that not only would you court your chosen sweetheart, but you would pull the stunt it sounds like you managed to arrange.” Rand folded his arms and slouched with one hip cocked. “I figure, with the outrageous wedding gift you expect from me, I ought to at least attend the wedding.”

“I’m glad you’ll be able to make it. It will be after church tomorrow.”

“We knew about the wedding, but not the details of when and where it would take place. At least, we’ll have time to clean up and find a barber.” Jason reached for his key.

“How about I give the letter back to you and take a wedding portrait of you instead?”

Eli shook his head. “I’ve already made an appointment with the local photographer to have our portrait taken Monday morning before we board the train. You can take a family portrait of us after the baby comes.”

“But that would be a baby gift.” Rand pinched the bridge of his nose.

Eli nodded. “A much appreciated one. Now, if you each want a bath, my bride-to-be is too busy today to heat and haul water. You’ll have to wait until I can do it. You may use my room for a bathing room since it’s on the ground floor, and Blythe won’t be joining me until Sunday night.” He turned to Mary. “The baker said he would have the cake and six dozen rolls ready by five o’clock today. The trick will be to keep these two away from them until tomorrow afternoon.” He gave Rand a pointed look. “If you two will follow me, I’ll open up my old bedroom so you can reclaim your trunks.”

After the two returned adventurers trailed behind Eli up the stairs, Blythe followed Mary to the kitchen.

“Blythe, I know many engaged couples in your situation…you know, where there’s a baby on the way…would wait until after the baby comes to marry. I’m happy for you that Mr. Morgan wants to marry you now. I don’t know your full situation, only that it’s been hard for you. He’ll be a good husband.”

“I believe so.” Even as she smiled, Blythe felt her cheeks heat. She looked down at the pewter ring and twisted it around her finger. Then, without warning, tears filled her eyes. “I’m so fortunate he fell in love with me. When I first met him on the train platform in Omaha, he was so considerate and helpful. I think I fell in love with him by the time we arrived in Rawlins.”