“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Margaret said. “Augusta told us all about it.”
Phoebe turned to Augusta. “You’ve already discussed it?”
“Of course, dear, and we’re all in agreement. We’ll not only hire you on as an assistant, but you’ll stay on after Val returns from Wild Rose Ridge.”
Phoebe’s jaw dropped. “I… I will?”
“Yes. This way we can take all the time we need to find you a suitable husband right here in Chicago,” Augusta said. “We don’t simply send women out west, you know.”
Phoebe pressed a hand to her chest and drew a deep breath. “You’re offering me permanent employment?”
“Didn’t we just say so?” Margaret asked, glancing at the others.
Josie and Augusta nodded. “We did,” Josie confirmed.
Phoebe sidestepped to the nearest chair and sat. “I don’t believe it. This… this is wonderful!”
The sisters exchanged pleased looks. “We thought you’d be happy,” Augusta said.
Tears burned behind Phoebe’s eyes as the reality settled in. They discussed her wages and explained how it would free Val to handle other responsibilities. With what they offered, Phoebe could support herself, remain at Randall’s Boarding House, and even begin saving.
“Thank you so much,” she said, hugging Augusta. “You have no idea how much this helps me.”
“Oh, we have some idea,” Josie said with a wink.
Phoebe didn’t ask what she meant. She was too happy.
She turned away and wiped her eyes. Now she could repay Braxton.
Phoebe took a steadying breath. She’d make arrangements to send the money to him as soon as possible.
Her shoulders sagged. She didn’t want to say goodbye to the tall rancher. She would… miss him.
“Well, now that that’s settled,” Margaret said, “we can make a list of your duties. With Val away, you’ll have more than your fair share. But once she returns, the responsibilities will be divided.”
“And in the meantime,” Josie added, “we’ll find you the perfect groom.”
Phoebe laughed. “Of course you will. And what happens when you do?”
The sisters exchanged glances.
“You keep working, of course,” Josie said. “Unless he doesn’t want you to. But will you?”
“Of course I will.” Phoebe hugged Josie, then Margaret. “I’ve grown fond of you three.”
“And we you, dear,” Augusta said warmly. “Braxton as well. I do wish Miss Poppinstock had suited him, but you’ll be pleased to know we’ve arranged a meeting between her and Mr. Pringle.”
Phoebe cringed at the name and nodded. “Lovely. I’m sure they’ll get along.”
“Oh, of course they will,” Margaret gushed.
They discussed the next day’s work and several upcoming appointments. Phoebe’s heart sank at the mention of the women scheduled to visit. What if Braxton took a fancy to one of them?
Then again, who was she to object? He’d come to Chicago for a bride. If he found one and took her home, the sisters would have done exactly what they set out to do.
She pushed the thought aside as she waited for Braxton and George to return. Now she could support herself. She didn’tneeda husband if she didn’t want one.
Her thoughts drifted anyway to children, a house in the country, and Braxton’s ranch. Phoebe shook her head. What was she doing? She had no business imagining herself there. She’d likely faint the first time she had to sit a horse or stand too close to a herd of cattle.
