They walked in silence the short distance back to his office, and he ushered her in and shut the door. “Please have a seat. Might I offer you coffee or other refreshment?”
She took off her gloves and sat in the offered chair. “No, but thank you. I really am pressed for time. You said you wanted to help? Do you have any medicine or supplies you wanted to send with us?”
“Yes. Let me send my secretary for some extra blankets and lanterns. I’m sure you will need them.” He held up a finger and went back out the door, gave his secretary instructions on what to pack up and fast. Back in his office, he went behind his desk. “There will be plenty of oil for the lanterns as well.”
“Thank you.” She stood.
He stood with her. “It’s the least I could do. But that’s not all I wished to speak to you about.”
“Oh?” She waited for a moment and then took her seat again.
He followed suit. “Yes, and as much as I wish to be delicate about this, I know we don’t have time, so let me be brief.” He used the most concerned tone he could conjure. “It won’t be long before the town is abuzz with the news of the inheritance you and your sisters received. The rumors will fly and grow, and I wanted you to be aware—and give you warning—that there are many men in this town who would seek to steal that away from you. As you probably know, Icare for your family a great deal and I have long appreciated your strength of character.”
“Thank you, Judas. But I—”
“I’m sorry to interrupt, truly I am, but I must admit that I am nervous and need to speak my mind.” He swiped a hand down his face and shifted his weight. Would she buy his charade?
Her eyes widened and her lips shut.
“I have all the money a man could want and am making more every day, so you can rest assured that I am not after your money. I consideryoua friend, but I would like to deepen that friendship. My dear, would you consider allowing me to court you?”
Whitney blinked several times and her jaw dropped open half an inch. Caught her by surprise.
Good.
He pressed on. “I know, and greatly respect, the fact that for the years I’ve known you, you’ve felt it your job to take care of your family. You’ve always been wise and knowledgeable. Mature and capable. But with the loss you’ve faced and with your sisters married, you are finally free to think of what you need and want for yourself. I’d like you to consider how I might be a part of that answer.”
Several moments went by in a bit of awkward silence. He kept his expression eager ... hopeful. His acting skills were great—even if he said so himself.
Then she stood to her feet and replaced her heavy mittens on her hands. “I admit your question has taken me aback. I need to ask you to give me some time to think on it. You have always been a dear friend of our family, and I appreciate your care and concern. I need to get on the trail, though. Maybe we could continue this discussion sometime next week?” She offered a slight smile.
“That would be lovely. I will anxiously await the time.” He went to the door and opened it for her. It wouldn’t take long for her to agree. Of that he was certain. “Do you have room on one of the sleds for the mail for the gold camps out that way?”
“If it’s not too much, I’m sure we could manage.”
“That would be wonderful. It’s been over two weeks since we have delivered any mail to them.” He reached for her hand.
As soon as they touched, she jerked her hand back and her eyes went wide. “I’m sorry.”
“Oh gracious, please acceptmyapologies, Miss Powell. It was thoughtless of me to touch you without permission.”
Her expression softened. “Thank you for your understanding. I find myself reacting most harshly at times. I do apologize.” She lifted the hood of her coat back up and turned for the street. “I’ll speak with you next week.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Judas watched as she left and grinned. His plan would work.
Martin Beaufort ran up to him. “Judas, I’m glad I caught you. I need to speak with you.”
Well. What was this about? “Of course, Martin. Please come into my office.” Judas ushered the man inside. “Now, what can I do to help you?” He glanced out the window to watch Whitney, her steps confident and swift as she headed back to her sleds. Then she halted for a moment and looked back over her shoulder. Toward him. Her lips lifted slightly.
There. Perfect.
The mercantile owner sighed, and it brought Judas’s attention back to the man in front of him. “Martin? Is everything all right?”
Beaufort’s head drooped a bit. “I don’t know what I’mdoing wrong, but sales have been down. There’s not enough to make my payment this month.”
Putting on his concerned façade, Judas gave a slow nod. “I hear you. Many businesses are struggling this time of year.” He watched the man for several moments and then pulled out his ledger. “I’ll tell you what, let’s not worry about your payments until the first ship comes in.”
Martin gasped. “But that’s months away. Not until May. I can’t ask you to do that.”
