Page 10 of The Marshal's Bride
“I love you, Hope,” she said, blowing a kiss into the crib. She watched as Hope put her little fingers to her lips and mimicked the same motion, before sticking her thumb in her mouth and rolling to her side.
Justine pulled the door slightly. She wanted to be able to hear Hope in case she woke up but didn’t want to disturb her with their talking. Normally if they were alone, she’d just leave the door open.
“Ah! Justine, I think the tea will be ready in a minute,” Marmee said. “I was just telling June that I can’t get over the change I’ve seen in Ranger since they’ve married. And those two little boys.” She leaned back in the chair and put her hand against her heart. “I have seen quite a change in him, as most men do when they find a companion they love with their whole heart. His presence on Sundays has been noted as well.” Marmee had a look in her eye that Justine couldn’t decipher. While she was getting to know the woman, they really did not see each other frequently enough for her to note the different expressions just yet.
“He says that he enjoys the Sunday services,” June said. “Now that he is in town on his nights off, it is easier to attend the services regularly. We also discuss the scriptures each week. But I think he enjoys being at home with the children. I have never seen anyone take to fatherhood as quickly as Ranger has.”
“I think that might have something to do with you, June. The greatest gift a man can give to his children is to love their mother. Now I don’t think Ranger expected to have three children so soon after getting married, but if that is what the good Lord plans, who are we to argue? Weston was surprised when we had Owen and Oliver. I know he wasn’t expecting twins. But he adapted and our family just grew and grew.” Marmee gave a little giggle. “He became the best father he could be to those children, and the best husband I could imagine. The Lord certainly blessed us.” There was almost a dreamy look in her eyes as she talked about her husband. “I’m so happy to hear that things are working well for you.” Turning her attention back to Justine, a half-smile graced her lips. “What about you, my dear? Have you begun to consider your future?”
June chuckled at her side and Justine simply smiled, shaking her head and reaching for the teapot to see if the brew was ready. “Is there a reason that Flat River does not yet have a restaurant or cafe?”
Marmee’s eyes widened. “I think because no one has thought to open one yet. We do not get that much traffic, and those who do come are often visiting family, or are the sort who are comfortable at Miss Marcy’s. Why do you ask?”
“The lack of boarding house, for those who are not availing themselves of your matchmaking services, or of places to go take a meal and maintain propriety are obvious. I thought perhaps I could open a small cafe that served breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner. The stage makes regular stops in Flat River on its way to and from other locations, and the town is growing.”
“You believe that you could offer these services?” Marmee asked with interest clear in her eyes.
“I think it would be wonderful,” June spoke up before taking a biscuit from the tin and putting it on her saucer. “Justine has all her ideas written down on paper.”
“It is apparent your friend believes in you,” Marmee said. “What say you, Justine?”
“I thought that the cafe was a wonderful idea. I’ve been praying about it, but I saw the banker this morning. Apparently, for as far as this nation has grown, Flat River has yet to catch up with the changing times. Women are not allowed to own property in town. I’m surprised I’m allowed to live alone. The horror of it all!” She couldn’t keep the bitterness out of her voice. She was a widow, who wanted to be able to guide her own future. Now she would be forced to marry or depend on the kindness of others if she had any dreams of supporting Hope and herself.
“Ah. The truth comes out.” Marmee nodded, reaching out to pat her hand. “You’re right. Nebraska isn’t as modern as places like Colorado, but there are ways to work within the rules for those that are motivated.”
“The banker said that I must be married. I was telling June at the park this morning, that I intend to speak with my cousin. Perhaps he could sponsor me or speak with the banker on my behalf.”
“You could do that. However, perhaps it is time for you to consider taking a new husband,” Marmee spoke gently, adding a splash of milk to her tea and stirring.
“My mourning period is not complete until March.” Justine curled her toes inside her shoes. She loved Jacob and she wasn’t ready to put herself in the position of losing someone again.
“Mourning periods are different when we live this far out from the more polite societies. It also has not stopped you from spending time with another.”
“I have done nothing untoward.” Justine felt her spine straighten. She did not need to have the townspeople thinking poorly of her.
“I am not suggesting that you have, but what better champion could one have for their cause than a handsome marshal, perhaps? One who is well respected and not likely to be turned away at the bank.”
Justine nearly dropped her cup. “Mrs. Chapman, with all due respect, I do not need someone to fund my dreams. The money is in my account, and I should not need a husband to use it for something as simple as acquiring a building, that would allow me to have a living situation outside of complicating things for you. Perhaps Mr. Chapman would speak with the banker?”
“My dear, there are many types of marriages. Name only, arranged, proxy. A marriage of convenience even. Not all require immediate love and affection or coupling, either. Why not consider a marriage of convenience? It could be like a business arrangement. You seem to be a businesswoman.”
“And what would he benefit from this convenience? I do not see why anyone would agree to that.”
“I do not see you denying an interest in the marshal either. I’m sure having you feed him, as opposed to dinner at Miss Marcy’s, or what I can only assume is a healthy diet of eggs and beans, would pique his interest. He’s also very fond of Hope as well.”
A smile bloomed on Justine’s face as she thought of the way Hope seemed to adore Sam. He was certainly good with children –all children. If she were honest with herself, he always appeared right when she wished for another pair of hands or a voice of reason. It was as if the Lord provided Sam just at the time she needed him.
She sipped on her tea to give herself a moment to reflect before speaking.
“I like Marshal Davis quite well, and he is very attached to Hope. I wouldn’t know how to approach him, though.”
She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and waited. Marmee always had a plan. Justine could see Marmee’s eyes twinkle over the edge of her cup.
“I’ll speak with him. I am the matchmaker, after all.”
Chapter Four
Sam stared at the notebook in front of him.
