Page 23 of A Groom for Heather
The pastor nodded. His brown hair falling in front of his eyes. “Yes. It is my calling as a man of the cloth to lead these women away from sin. They should marry as soon as possible.”
Dalton furrowed his brow. “Is that why she is leaving?”
Pastor Collins stopped short. “I don’t know why she is leaving. It would be best if she married…” He tilted his head and looked at Dalton. “If you purchased her house, where will she be staying?”
“In the house.”
The pastor looked horrified. “With you?”
“I’m the landowner. Mrs. Barnes is renting the house until she leaves this fall.”
“But where will you be staying, young man? It is extremely inappropriate for you to be there.”
Dalton rubbed the back of his neck. He needed to think carefully about his next words, as he didn’t want to cause Heather any more trouble. “I have a room at the hotel,” he finally said.
The Pastor appeared pleased with the answer. “That is fine. I do expect we will see you at church on Sunday?”
“I will make every attempt to be there.” He pointed down the road. “I need to catch up with Mrs. Barnes. We have some papers to sign.”
“Good. Good. I hope you enjoy your stay in Last Chance.” The pastor did not attempt to move. “You aren’t by chance looking for a wife, are you?”
Dalton nearly choked. “Excuse me?”
“Barnaby!” A young woman called from across the road. “You are going to be late.”
“It appears I need to leave as well. I’m coming Beatrice,” he called as he ran across the road, his frock flapping behind him.
Dalton shook his head.What an odd gentleman,he thought. He wasn’t exactly sure why Heather might be leaving town, but he’d bet a dollar that it had something to do with the pastor.
Heather sat in the chair and tried to collect her thoughts.Oh bother, she thought. She felt terrible about leaving Dalton alone with Pastor Collins, but she couldn’t bear to be around the insufferable man.
Mr. Cairn looked at her from across the table. “Mrs. Barnes, have you thought anything more about what we talked about?
“I’ve not had a moment to think about it,” she lied. It consumed her every waking moment. However, she wasn’t going to be rude to Mr. Cairn as he pressed regarding marriage.Why was marriage so important?She had survived very well these last six months without a man. Yes, there was no reason to get married,thank you very much.
She heard the click of the door and turned to see Dalton come into the room. Why did he have to be so handsome? He walked to the desk and pulled the chair out the same way he did previously. He turned it slightly before sliding in. He had a perfect view of Heather. She squirmed in her seat, the scrutiny making her uncomfortable.
“I apologize,” she said softly.
“For leaving me alone with the pastor?”
Heather nodded. “I just… I can’t…” she lowered her head.
“Let’s get this done and then we can talk.”
Mr. Cairn passed a set of papers over the desk. “You are renting the house from Mr. James. The rent was removed from the purchase price of the house. Mr. James, in return, secures the barns and the land. Access to those is not included in the price of the rent.”
“What about my cow?”
Mr. Cairn lifted his brow. “You mean Mr. James’s cow.”
“Oh. I guess that is right,” she said softly. She didn’t own anything anymore. She gestured to the lawyer. “Please continue.”
“For renting the house there are a few stipulations.”
“Stipulations?” Heather wrinkled her brow. She rubbed the bridge of her nose, willing some of the tension to leave her head.
“Yes. You agree that Mr. James may have meals with you and your family daily and that you will be responsible for doing his laundry.”
