Wyoming Lawman (4 page)

“Matt?”

He turned back to Carrie and saw a sweet smile. He truly appreciated the interest she'd taken in Sarah. The preacher's daughter hadn't been a little girl like he'd expected, but Sarah would enjoy a fancy dinner with feminine touches. He could see why Dan liked Carrie. She had a good heart and generous nature. And his friend had no reservations about marriage.

Pleased for Dan, he felt good as Carrie led him into the parlor. She sat on the divan, so he took the armchair next to Reverend Oliver. Sarah sat at his feet with her doll in her lap, talking to Annie as if she were a real girl. Her loneliness punched Matt in the gut. So did Pearl's arrival in the parlor. Instead of the hat and ribbons, he saw a braid wrapped so tight he wondered if her scalp hurt.

Holding Toby, she scanned the room for a place to sit.
Carrie patted the divan. “Sit with me. I want to hold the baby.”

Pearl sat and handed over her son. Cuddling him, Carrie looked at Matt and smiled. He liked babies, so he smiled back. He wanted Pearl to know he didn't hold her indiscretion against her, so he studied Toby a long time, then said, “He looks like you.”

When she beamed a mother's smile, Matt recalled the joy of being a family. For a short time, life with Bettina had been good. Pearl made him long for things he couldn't have, things he didn't want because he'd be a bad husband. At the same time, he enjoyed pulling her out of her shell. Wise or not, he wanted to know more about her. As the four of them chatted about the train ride from Denver, Matt gauged her expression. When she looked relaxed, he ventured a question.

“What brings you to Cheyenne?” He'd addressed the question to both Pearl and her father, but his gaze stayed on Pearl.

When she stiffened, Carrie answered for her. “Pearl's going to teach at Miss Marlowe's School.”

“That sounds rewarding.”

“I hope so.” She knotted her hands in her lap. “I don't have the job
yet.
I'll be interviewed first.”

“You'll do fine.” Carrie patted Toby's back. “The interview with the school board is next Tuesday. That'll give us time to meet with Miss Marlowe. She's going to love you.”

“You'll do great,” Matt added.

He tugged on Sarah's braid, a reminder to Pearl that she'd risked her life for a child. At the same moment, Toby fussed. The cry brought another truth to light. A single woman with an out-of-wedlock baby would have some explaining to do. He didn't know if the people of Cheyenne
would look past her indiscretion. Matt wanted to help her and he had the means. If he wrote a letter describing how she'd saved Sarah, surely the board would see her true character and forgive her past mistakes.

When Pearl cooed to soothe him, the baby wiggled and reached for her. Carrie scooted toward Pearl and handed him back. “I think he wants his mama.”

Pearl propped Toby against her shoulder. In spite of the difficulty the baby posed, her smile turned radiant. Matt's belly clenched again. Pearl loved her son far more than Bettina had loved Sarah.

Carrie stood. “If you'll excuse me, I'll check with the cook about supper.”

“Can I help?” Pearl asked

“No, but Sarah can.” Carrie smiled at his daughter, still glued to his leg. “Would you and Annie like to see what's for dessert?”

Sarah needed all the female attention she could get, so he patted her back. “Go on, sweetheart.”

“Don't tell your daddy.” Carrie feigned a whisper. “But I baked cookies. I don't think tasting just one will spoil your supper.”

Ah, temptation! The war waged on Sarah's face until the cookie won. She pushed to her feet. “I like cookies.”

With Annie in tow, she crossed the parlor. Carrie guided her out the door, leaving Matt to consider how different this day could have been. If Sarah had been hit by the freight wagon, he'd have been burying her instead of waiting for a good meal. He'd thanked Pearl with the ribbons, but he still owed her a favor. The interview at Miss Marlowe's School gave him an opportunity and he decided to take it.

“I don't know how much it will help,” he said. “But I'd be glad to write a letter to the trustees about what happened
today. We haven't been acquainted long, but what you did proves you'll be a good teacher.”

She bristled. “Thank you, Deputy. But no.”

“Why not?”

“My situation is…complicated.”

He'd figured that out already. “So?”

Tobias cleared his throat. “Why would you offer? You barely know my daughter.”

“I know her better than you think.” Matt spoke to the reverend but kept his eyes on Pearl. “Not many people would do what she did today. I owe her.” He'd told the truth, but there was more to his reasoning. Guilt for what he'd done in the war never left him. Every time he helped someone, his conscience eased a bit. By helping Pearl, he'd sleep tonight instead of tossing like he usually did.

She looked at him with hope and hesitation. “I appreciate the offer. It's just that…” She shook her head.

“You want your privacy,” he finished for her.

“Yes.”

“I understand about private matters.” He flashed a grin he hoped would be roguish. “If you don't ask questions, neither will I.”

If Pearl knew he didn't hold her son against her, maybe she'd accept his help. If she accepted his help, he could feel good about paying her back. He didn't know who had fathered her baby, or why the man hadn't married her, but he knew how it felt to live with a bad decision. Hoping to persuade her, he gentled his voice. “I'm not the most influential man in Cheyenne. The letter might not change any minds, but it won't hurt, either.”

Pearl looked at her father.

He gave a crisp nod. “Say yes, princess.”

Matt smiled at the nickname. He didn't like ministers, but he was impressed by Reverend Oliver. The man clearly
loved his daughter in spite of her mistake. Pearl, though, looked mildly irked at the childish moniker.

She turned to Matt. “Thank you, Deputy. I accept.”

“My pleasure.”

She smiled, then blushed and looked away as if she'd committed a crime. Matt had no idea what she was thinking, but he liked knowing he could make her grin…and blush. The thought gave him pause. He had no business flirting with Pearl Oliver, except he liked her and she'd worn his ribbons. Not only did she make him want to whistle “Dixie,” he admired her integrity. Matt didn't know what to make of his wayward thoughts, but he couldn't deny a simple truth. He liked Pearl Oliver far more than was wise.

“C
arrie!” Pearl cried. “It's lovely.”

The women were in the parlor ready to leave for the meeting with Miss Marlowe. In the middle of the room sat a baby carriage. Pearl had never seen such a fine buggy. Narrow spokes graced the large metal wheels, and powder blue satin lined the wicker basket. Earlier, when Carrie announced she had a gift for Toby, Pearl hadn't known what to expect.

“Do you like it?” Carrie asked.

“I
love
it.” Pearl pulled her cousin into a hug. “You've been so kind. I can't thank you enough for what you've done.”

Not only had Carrie arranged a private meeting with Miss Marlowe, but she'd also invited Pearl and her father to move out of the hotel and live with her. Pearl now had the pleasure of Carrie's company and the benefit of a housekeeper and nanny. Martha Dinwiddie, a widow, came daily to cook and clean. When she'd set eyes on Toby, she'd vowed to spoil him like a grandson. With Martha's help, Pearl and Carrie had aired out the rooms on the second floor. While beating rugs and laundering bed linens, they'd become as close as sisters.

Carrie touched the wooden handle of the carriage. “I know you planned to leave Toby with Martha, but I think we should take him.”

Pearl's nerves prickled. “Are you sure?”

“Miss Marlowe loves babies.”

“But this is an interview.”

“Not exactly,” Carrie replied. “We're going to her house, not the school. Toby can sleep in the carriage. If he gets fussy, I'll hold him.”

Pearl had mixed feelings about going out in public with her son. She wanted the world to know she had a beautiful baby boy, but his lack of a father raised questions she didn't want to answer. Today, though, she had to answer them for Miss Marlowe. Having Carrie at her side made the decision easier. She refused to be ashamed of her child. “We'll do it.”

Her cousin beamed a smile. “Get Toby. I'll meet you outside.”

Pearl hurried up the stairs. By the time she returned with the baby, Carrie had the carriage pointed down the street. Pearl set her son on the cushion and tucked a blanket around him. She'd nursed him earlier and hoped he'd be content. Keeping him fed and happy while she taught was a big concern, but she had a plan. Carrie's house was a short walk from the school. She could hurry home during lunch. In a pinch, he'd be satisfied with goat's milk she'd keep in the ice box.

Carrie looped her arm around Pearl's elbow. “Are you ready?”

“I have to be.”

Steeling herself for curious neighbors, Pearl pushed the carriage down the street. As they bumped along, Toby opened his little mouth and found a new sound. He
sounded like a tiny locomotive. Laughing, Pearl touched his cheek.

Carrie turned wistful. “He's wonderful, Pearl. I can't wait to have a baby of my own.”

Toby had come at a cost, but Pearl loved him without shame. “It's the best feeling in the world.”

“I want a
huge
family,” Carrie declared.

A long time ago, Pearl had felt the same way. “Three boys and three girls?”

“Maybe.” She sighed. “First I need a husband, and Matt Wiley doesn't know I'm alive.”

Pearl had to agree with her cousin's assessment. While preparing the bedrooms, they'd spoken at length about Matt. Carrie had met him in September, the first day of school when he'd brought Sarah. They often chatted, but he hadn't done more than express appreciation for her interest in his daughter. Thanks to watching Adie and Josh at Swan's Nest, Pearl knew what love looked like. Matt had been friendly to Carrie, but he didn't look smitten.

At least not when he looked at Carrie. To Pearl's chagrin, she'd seen a spark in his eyes when he'd noticed the ribbons, and again at dinner when she'd passed the potatoes. Not that his mild interest in her mattered. As far as Pearl was concerned, Matt belonged to Carrie.

A gust of wind tugged at their skirts. Carrie tightened the shawl around her shoulders. “I wish I knew what to do. Matt said more at supper than he's ever said before.”

“Really?”

“You impressed him. I'm glad he's writing a letter.”

Pearl had told her cousin about Matt's offer after he left. Carrie had sung his praises, and the women had talked about the evening for hours. True to his word, Matt hadn't asked a single nosy question. Instead they'd all shared stories about children and growing up. Sarah had glowed with
the attention, and Pearl had been happy to show off Toby. They'd all agreed he was exceptionally bright and destined to be president of the United States. Sarah had announced she wanted to be a teacher at Miss Marlowe's School.

Pearl hadn't been that relaxed in a year. “Matt definitely enjoyed the meal.”

“I guess that's a start.”

“I hope so.” She meant it. More than anything, Pearl wanted Carrie to be happy.

Her cousin twisted the ends of the shawl. “It's just that Matt doesn't
see
me. I'm nothing but Sarah's teacher.”

“Maybe he's been hurt,” Pearl said. “Do you know what happened to Sarah's mother?”

Carrie's mouth formed a grim line. “They're divorced. She left him. She left Sarah, too.”

“I can't imagine—”

“Neither can I.” Carrie leaned into the wind. “He told me so I wouldn't say something awkward to Sarah.”

Pearl couldn't imagine a woman abandoning her child, though for a short time during her pregnancy, she'd considered giving up Toby for adoption. In those dark days, she'd feared Franklin Dean and she'd had no way to support herself. Her friends at Swan's Nest had come to her rescue and she'd be forever grateful.

Carrie broke into her thoughts. “Matt's wife broke his heart when she left. You can see it in his eyes.”

Pearl understood too well. She'd seen that look when they'd first met. “How long ago was it?”

“A year or so.” As they turned toward the school, Carrie squinted against the sun. “I know Matt likes me. He's just scared. He needs to know I'd never hurt him.”

“Of course, you wouldn't.”

Carrie bit her lip, then released it. “He needs convincing, that's all.”

Pearl didn't doubt her cousin's sincerity, only her reasoning. Matt hadn't shown even a spark of interest. “I don't know.”

“I do,” Carrie insisted. “Matt needs a push.”

Pearl loved her cousin, but she had strong feelings about
pushing
anyone. Even before the attack, she'd been pressured by Franklin Dean and she'd resented it. She considered sharing her doubts with Carrie, but what did she know about men and courtship? Her perspective was skewed and always would be. Carrie's instincts had to be better than her own. “What do you have in mind?” she asked.

“I don't know. Any ideas?”

“Not a one.”

Carrie's eyes twinkled. “How about a supper party? I could invite a few people over.”

Pearl couldn't bear the thought. Carrie would invite single men. They'd tease and flirt with her.

“It's perfect!” Carrie declared. “You're new in town. The party will be in your honor.”

“No, Carrie. I'm not ready for something like that.”

“Please?” She made a winsome face.

How could Pearl say no? She owed Carrie for the food on her table, the roof over her head. She wanted to say yes, but she croaked with panic. “I'll think about it.”

“It'll be great,” Carrie insisted. “It's just what Matt needs. And you, too!”

Right now, Pearl needed to collect her thoughts. They'd reached the school. Behind the main building she saw a cottage. She tightened her grip on the handle of the carriage. “Is that Miss Marlowe's house?”

“It is,” Carrie answered. “Isn't it charming?”

Pearl loved the little house. Ivy climbed the porch railing, and the gabled roof boasted a turret. As they walked up the path with the baby carriage, Miss Marlowe herself
came out the door. Pearl saw a woman in her forties with chestnut hair and ivory skin. Petite and wearing a pea-green dress, she looked more like a leprechaun than the founder of a prestigious girls' academy. Pearl relaxed, but only until the carriage hit a rut and Toby started to fuss.

“Oh dear,” she murmured. If he didn't settle, she'd have to pick him up. Meeting Miss Marlowe with her son tucked in the carriage would have been challenging. Meeting her with a crying infant in her arms made Pearl shake.

Miss Marlowe greeted them with a wave. “Hello, ladies!”

“Be brave.” Carrie touched her hand. “She's going to love you.”

“And if she doesn't?”

Carrie shot her a look of confidence. “I'll still love you, and so will Toby. Don't be afraid. We're in this together.”

Pearl squeezed her hand. “Thank you, cousin.”

Carrie waved a greeting to Miss Marlowe. “This is my cousin, Pearl Oliver. We have someone very special for you to meet.”

Thinking of the hair ribbons—a gift to a woman of uncommon courage—Pearl lifted her squawking baby out of the carriage. Mercifully he found his fist and started to suck. As Carrie moved the carriage into a shady spot, Pearl climbed the stairs alone and faced Miss Marlowe.

“This is my son,” she said quietly. “I'll tell the story now, but I won't repeat it. A year ago I was attacked by a man I trusted. I was—”

“Oh, child.”

Miss Marlowe's pale eyes asked questions—
the
question—and Pearl answered with a nod. The woman touched her cheek, then lowered her hand, leaving a warm spot that felt empty. Pearl's heart turned to stone. Sympathy
didn't mean Miss Marlowe would approve of her desire to teach.

Carrie joined them on the porch. “We wanted you to know Pearl's circumstances before the board meeting.”

“Of course.” Miss Marlowe indicated the door. “Come inside, girls. We'll talk over tea and scones. I made them myself.”

Carrie gave Pearl an encouraging smile. “Miss Marlowe is known for her scones.”

The older woman indicated a cane rocker. “Have a seat, dear. New mothers need their rest. Carrie and I will bring the cups.”

“Thank you,” Pearl managed.

She sat and put the rocker into motion. The rhythm delighted Toby and he kicked for the fun of it. Arching back, he gave her his first-ever smile. Happy tears pushed into Pearl's eyes. She longed to share the moment with a husband, but her friends would have to do. She'd tell Carrie on the way home, and tonight she'd write to everyone at Swan's Nest.

Miss Marlowe arrived with the tea service and placed it on a low table. Carrie added a plate of scones and a pot of raspberry jam. After serving the refreshments, Miss Marlowe sat tall on a chair that resembled a throne. She studied Pearl for several seconds. “Let me be frank, dear.”

“Of course.”

“I've reviewed your application and am satisfied with your qualifications. Carrie has provided a wonderful reference for you. As for your son, I have no doubt you've been victimized. In fact, I greatly admire your forthright handling of the situation. A lesser woman would lie to save face. You chose an honorable path. Not the easy one, mind you. But the right one.”

Pearl's belly started to unknot. “I did, and I have no
regrets.” Toby burrowed his head against her neck. She loved the tickle of his hair.

Carrie cradled the teacup in both hands. “We understand Pearl's situation will raise eyebrows.”

Miss Marlowe's eyes twinkled. “I'm quite accustomed to raising eyebrows.”

Carrie grinned. “I think you enjoy it.”

“I do,” the woman declared. “So let's do some politicking. There are five board members including myself. We need three votes. I should be able to twist my nephew's arm, but the third vote will be a problem.”

Pearl's heart soared and crashed in the same breath. She'd earned Miss Marlowe's support, but she had a fight ahead of her. As Carrie and Miss Marlowe debated the options, Pearl heard references to Chester Gates and Lady Eugenia. Both women thought Lady Eugenia could be persuaded, but that Mr. Gates would be difficult. Carrie named the fifth board member. “What about Jasper Kling?”

Miss Marlowe grimaced. “The man annoys me.”

“Who is he?” Pearl asked.

Carrie set down her cup. “He owns a shop on Dryer Street. I'm not ready to write him off.”

Miss Marlowe wrinkled her brows. “I must admit, I don't know Jasper well. Why do you think he'll bend in our direction?”

“He went to church with my parents.”

“I see.” Miss Marlowe sipped her tea. “You're hoping he'll respect Pearl's refusal to lie.”

“Yes.”

“He might.” She set down the cup. “Jasper's quite determined to build moral character among our girls. Just last week he championed the purchase of McGuffey Readers for the entire school.”

Pearl had fond memories of the textbook. The primer
was full of Bible stories, moral tales and lessons for life. If Jasper Kling believed in the principles of truth and honesty, he just might support her. “There's always hope,” she said to Miss Marlowe. “I'll have to persuade him at the interview.”

Toby kicked and the women chuckled. Pearl saw envy in Carrie's eyes and something deeper in Miss Marlowe's. Maybe regret. The older woman offered the scones. “I'll speak to the trustees myself. You won't have to tell your story, but you might have to answer questions.”

“Of course.”

After Pearl took a scone, Miss Marlowe set down the plate. “You have two letters of reference. One from Carrie and one from Reverend Joshua Blue. Do you know anyone in Cheyenne?”

Before Pearl could answer, Carrie told the story of Sarah's rescue from the freight wagon and Matt's offer to write a letter.

“Excellent,” Miss Marlowe replied. “A letter from a parent will carry weight. He's new to Cheyenne, but he's respected.