Page 147 of Conveniently Wed
Leah tried her best to ignore Miriam while slicing the ham with a long thick knife. If she got this done without chopping off a finger, or at least drawing blood, it would be a miracle.
“You came here to marry a Bryant, right? It’s the perfect solution. You didn’t know Abel, but you were going to marry him. Why not Gideon?” Miriam’s voice dropped to a stage whisper as she leaned toward Leah. “And I never said this to Abel, but Gideon’s the better looking between the two.”
Leah gasped, bringing a giggle from Miriam. “Your face is as pink as that ham.”
Heat rushed through her body. To be honest, she hadn’t seen enough to know if Gideon was handsome. Sure he was tall withbroad shoulders and striking eyes. But that bushy beard and loose brown curls covered most of his face, making it hard to distinguish the features beneath.
Not that handsome was the only thing she was looking for in a husband.Maybe she should share that thought with Miriam. Let her see how unsuitable Gideon really was.
“Miriam, I can’t deny I was hoping Abel would be handsome, but what drew me to his advertisement is the fact that he wanted a God-fearing wife. It’s most important that my future husband be a devout Christian who knows God and seeks His will. On top of that, he must be kind and considerate to others, honest, loyal, and trustworthy. Someone I can respect.”
Miriam’s eyes were bright and she almost hopped from excitement. “Do you know you just described Gideon exactly?”
Leah gave her a look she hoped said she’d easier believe President Lincoln had come back to life and was knocking at their door.
But Miriam only grinned. “Honest. He just doesn’t know what to do with himself around you. Once you get to know him, you’ll see what I mean.”
Leah shook her head, then placed the plate of ham on the table.
They worked quickly to finish the meal. With twilight dusting through the window, Gideon would be back soon. What would he have to say about Miriam’s outlandish suggestion? It would be nice if Leah knew a little more about the man.
“What does he do all day?” she asked as she placed three sets of plates and forks on the table.
“Usually he works with the cattle or horses. Some days he goes hunting. We eat the meat and tan the hides to sell, so he hunts a good bit. Would you put those preserves on the table, please?” Miriam nodded toward a jar on the shelf nearest the window.
The sound of boot thuds echoed from the porch, followed by the squeak of the front door. Leah grabbed the coffee pot from the stove using her apron for protection from the hot handle as she’d seen Miriam do, and began filling mugs while Miriam carried the sliced bread and green beans to the table. It was amazing how comfortable it felt to work with Miriam in the kitchen. The day had been busy, but fulfilling in a way, as if she were contributing toward a common goal.
“Hi, big brother,” Miriam called out. “You’re just in time for the food.”
Leah forced herself not to look up at Gideon, but when Drifter jogged over and pushed his muzzle in her skirt, she couldn’t resist giving the dog a quick head rub. He seemed disappointed when she stopped, but finally turned back to his master and settled himself next to Gideon’s chair.
When they were all seated, Gideon again spoke a succinct prayer before they loaded plates and began eating. This time, Miriam tried to keep up a steady conversation, first with Gideon. But after a series of nods or one-word answers, she turned her questions toward Leah.
“Did you have any pets back in Richmond?”
“Not really. I had a horse I always rode—an Arabian mare named Dove—but no real pets. Not for lack of asking, though, I assure you.”
Gideon set down his fork, and leaned back in his chair. Both young ladies turned to look at him expectantly.
“Miss Townsend, I’ve given it a lot of thought. You came here with an understanding, in response to my brother’s request. Since it’s not possible for him to honor his side of the agreement, I’d like to pay your fair back to St Louis or wherever you’d like to go.”
“But—”
Gideon held up a commanding hand, and Leah ceased her argument.
“My sister’s right. Butte City is not a place for any proper lady to stay. Fort Benton’s not much better, especially for a lady unescorted. It’d be much safer for ya if you’d head back toward the eastern states. I’ll send you with enough gold dust to cover the cost of your trip out here and your fare back to St. Louis.”
That was the most she’d heard him speak in the two days she’d known Gideon Bryant and she took a moment to let his words fully sink in. She hated for him to put out so much money, but it was true she wouldn’t be here in the first place if it wasn’t for his brother.
“I thank you, Mr. Bryant. That’s generous of you. I am willing to accept your offer, with the exception that I can’t go back to the eastern states. The danger is too great that the man seeking my life would find me. I’ll go to any city in the western territory, though, that you deem suitable.”
Gideon nodded and picked up his fork again. “I’ll give it some thought.”
And that’s what he appeared to do for the next ten minutes or so as they finished the meal. He finally looked up again, which seemed to be his sign he was about to speak.
“I think Helena might be as good a place as any for you to start. It has a few respectable hotels and cafés. Might find a position in one of those. I’ll still refund your fare out here so you have some money to live off for a while.”
Yes, the three hundred dollars she’d spent on the steam boat ride would buy room and board for a gracious while. She nodded and offered a half smile. “Thank you. And do you know when Ol’ Mose was planning to come back through here? I’ll see if he can take me to Helena, or at least to a place where I can hire a driver.”
