Page 220 of Conveniently Wed
Aunt Mary chuckled, the sound ending sharply as her pain evidenced. “You have made a judgment, haven’t you?”
“From what I’ve observed, she is a gentle soul.” But he could not say what lay beneath that first impression.
“Hmm. That’s high praise from you.”
“Why? Am I given to harsh assessments of others?”
Aunt Mary patted his hand. “Only of young women.”
He knew it was true. One learned to be cautious after a bad experience.
“Miss Louella has made you look differently at marriageable females.”
“She wasn’t what she appeared to be.” Mrs. Norwood could be the same…one thing on the surface, another when you scratched a thin veneer.
“I know, and I’m sorry it turned out the way it did.”
“I’m sorry it involved you. I’ll make it up to you any way I can.”
She studied him. “Bruce, don’t base your decision on what you think I need. I don’t care where I live. My sister and I have never gotten along. We’re much better friends in our letters than in person. But she’s willing to give me a home.” Her eyelids drooped. He understood it was the laudanum.
“I’ll let you rest. We’ll spend the night here then make plans.”
She nodded, already half asleep.
He tiptoed from the room. He would make it up to his aunt. He was surprised at her confession that she didn’t care whether or not she joined her sister.
Was it possible to provide what she needed without dragging her across the mountains?
He pursed his lips. Marrying a stranger and becoming a permanent part of her life was not the answer.
There had to be another way to provide a place for his aunt to recover.
He returned to his wagon and sat on the tailgate to think. The preacher had suggested prayer. Bruce bowed his head.God, please provide a way for me to care for my aunt.
Some way other than marriage, he quickly added.
A black and white dog ran up to him, a boy of about ten right behind. The dog sniffed around the wheels, his plumy tail waving wildly at all the exciting smells he discovered. The boy stopped six feet away and studied Bruce.
“I’m Jimmy.”
“Howdy. I’m Bruce Reynolds.”
“You visitin’ the Kinsleys?”
“My aunt is injured, and Mrs. Kinsley is tending her.” Maybe this boy knew where Bruce could find lodging. “I need a place to stay for a few weeks while her broken leg mends. You happen to know any place?”
The boy rocked back on his heels. “Why’nt you stay with the Kinsleys?”
“They’re full.”
“Yeah, I guess. There’s the hotel. It’s okay. Not like the Kinsleys though.”
“I can’t afford it.”
Jimmy tipped his head to the side. “See you’re goin’ on a journey. Got everythin’ you need?”
“I think so.”
