Chapter Nine
THE WILEYS REMINDEDDeirdre of her own parents. They were a lively couple, smart and friendly. They were clearly happy to meet her and asked her numerous questions about her family, her time in New York, and her life here in Crest Stone. Deirdre had answered them all and was met with smiles and nods of approval.
Her shoulders relaxed as the conversation continued through dinner. She glanced at Jeremiah, who seemed flushed. He swiped away what Deirdre thought was perspiration. He must have been awfully nervous still, as the evening had cooled the temperature to a pleasant level.
She sat back and thought over the dinner’s conversation. His parents seemed to like her, and that could only help Jeremiah with his request. She wanted so badly for him to get the funding he needed, and yet she knew it numbered her days as his wife.
No, she couldn’t think about that right now. Maybe Jeremiah would see how helpful she was and forget all about his plan for an annulment.
The waitress took away the plate Jeremiah had barely touched and brought cake for dessert. When she left, Mr. Wiley finally addressed Jeremiah’s proposal. Deirdre sat quietly as Jeremiah explained his plans. He would borrow from them the remainder of the money he needed to buy into partnership at the livery. With business growing, he’d make enough back in profit to repay his father n a year’s time, with interest, if he’d like.
“I can see this town is growing quickly,” Mr. Wiley said, sitting back in his chair. “What makes you think some other man won’t come in and open a competing stable?”
“One already exists, right here at the hotel. But we’re in the middle of town. Anyone who comes in sees us. It’s a large space, with plenty of room for growth. And we make enough profit now that we could lower the cost for boarding and rentals if we needed to be more competitive. It’s so busy now that we’re often short on help. Deirdre can attest to that.” He turned a smile toward her.
“Oh, yes. I’m there most days to do what I can. Mr. Carlisle’s wife is there frequently too,” Deirdre said.
“Is that so?” Mrs. Wiley asked. “How fascinating. I can’t say I’ve ever stepped foot inside a livery stable. They tend to be places for men to congregate.”
“Mr. Carlisle and Jeremiah keep it safe enough for us ladies.” An idea sprung to Deirdre’s mind. “You ought to come see it, Mrs. Wiley. You and your husband both,” she said, glancing at Mr. Wiley.
“That’s a fine idea,” Mr. Wiley said. “Perhaps tomorrow morning?”
Jeremiah grinned. “I’d be delighted to give you the tour.”
Deirdre pulled in her bottom lip to keep from smiling too much. She had a good feeling about this. She took a bite of cake as the men continued talking specifics about numbers and plans for expansion.
“I must say you’ve impressed me with how well you’ve thought through this. You’ve got a good mind for business, and I wasn’t sure I could say that five years ago.” Mr. Wiley stood and held out his hand. “Provided the place operates the way I imagine it does tomorrow, you can count on that loan.”
Deirdre clasped her hands together in glee, exchanging a happy look with Mrs. Wiley. Jeremiah stood and shook his father’s hand.
“Thank you, sir. You won’t regret this.”
“I hope you make me wish I’d insisted on a share of the profits,” Mr. Wiley said.
Jeremiah wiped his brow again, and Deirdre caught his mother’s concerned look. “Are you feeling well, Jeremiah? You look flushed.”
“I’m fine,” he said. “It’s only the excitement of the evening.” He held out a hand to assist Deirdre.
She took it, noting how warm his skin was. She should have been thrilled to finally feel her hand in his again, but worry edged in. Hesaidhe felt fine, but Deirdre had a feeling that wasn’t entirely true.
They bid his parents goodnight with plans to meet them mid-morning. Outside the hotel, Jeremiah smiled at Deirdre.
“I can’t ever thank you enough,” he said. “My parents took a liking to you.”
Deirdre warmed at his compliment. “I believe your father was more sold on your solid plans for the business than on anything I had to say.”
“You showed them how serious I am.” He smiled out into the cooling night. A raucous piano tune sounded from the Starlight Saloon at the bottom of the hill, while somewhere off in the valley, the faint howl of a coyote vied for attention. “My father has never spoken to me like that, man to man. But now I have savings, work, a chance to join a prosperous business, and a wife. I can’t ever repay you for what you gave me tonight.”
“You don’t have to, Jeremiah. I’m your wife. Of course I want to help you.” She bit down on her lip, hoping she didn’t sound too plaintive.
He didn’t say anything in return. A moment passed silently as they reached the depot at the bottom of the hill. Jeremiah turned them right, toward the boardinghouse.
Deirdre chanced a glance up at him, dying to know what he was thinking and unable to bear not knowing a moment longer. He slowed just as she looked up.
His eyes closed, and he stopped walking.
“Jeremiah?” A note of alarm crept into her voice.
