“No.” Charlie shook his head. “I’ve never even really explained my heart to him. Oh, he knows that I fancied the idea of teaching, but that’s all. I didn’t want to disappoint him.”
“Is yar father a difficult man?”
“He is a stern and serious-natured person,” Charlie replied.“He is very business minded. That’s something he got from his father. At times, rare though they are, Father allows himself to relax. But he is devoted to hard work and serving his community. I greatly respect him.”
“Aye, but do ya love him?”
It was such an odd question to be asked by a man who was nearly a stranger. Yet Charlie didn’t find it at all offensive. Clancy Doyle had a way about him that put men at ease. Charlie thought for a moment of what Melody had said about her father’s discernment.
“I do love him. He’s never been a man to show great affection, but I feel confident he loves his family. And I find myself wanting to please him more than any earthly thing.”
“And why would that be?” the older man asked.
“I want his approval, of course.” Charlie shrugged. “Doesn’t every man want his father’s approval? The same is true of my walk with the Lord. I want His approval, and so I do my best to live the life He calls me to live. I look to follow His Word and ways.”
Mr. Doyle nodded. “A good answer, to be sure. Now, I have somethin’ else to discuss.”
“Ah yes, international banking. Please tell me what you wish to know.” Charlie tried not to show any disappointment. The fact was, he was quite enjoying sharing his heart with Clancy Doyle. But work came first.
“Actually, I’ve another topic of discussion.”
Charlie eyed the man for a long moment. “And what would that be?”
“Me daughter, Melody.” The older man grinned. “I’m wonderin’ what yar feelin’s for her might be.”
9
Friday evening, Melody and her father greeted Jackson Malbry. The forty-year-old was of medium build and height. He extended his hand to Melody’s father, and the two spoke briefly.
“I was afraid it would be raining this evening. Saw that cloudbank come up in the west,” Jackson said, giving Melody a slight smile. “Didn’t want it to spoil our dinner.”
Melody shrugged and took up her shawl. “A little rain couldn’t hurt us. In fact, the garden would greatly appreciate the watering.”
He nodded while Da asked him something about his workday. Melody studied the man carefully. He had a reddish glint to his brown hair, and his eyes were a sort of hazel color. He seemed nervous, but who could blame him? This wasn’t exactly a typical course of events.
“And we’ve definitely had an increased number of orders,” Jackson was telling Da.
As Melody understood it, the man was a wainwright. He owned a shop where he built and repaired wagons and carriages.
“’Tis always good to see business doin’ so well.” Da turned to Melody and gave a wink before fixing Jackson with a stern look. “I’ll be expectin’ nothin’ less than gentlemanly conduct from ya, Mr. Malbry. Have me daughter home by eight, or I’ll come lookin’ for ya, and the outcome won’t be pleasant.”
“I’ll have her home by eight,” the man said, nodding. “And of course I will treat her with the utmost respect.”
“Good. Then off with ya both, and have a lovely time.”
Jackson nodded, and Melody hurried through the tent flap. She wasn’t sure what kind of evening she was headed for, but Jackson seemed companionable. She whispered a prayer hoping the evening would go well, even if he wasn’t the man God had in mind for her husband.
“Your father can certainly be intimidating,” Jackson said after they’d walked a few minutes.
Melody couldn’t help laughing. “That was Da’s good side. You don’t want to get on his bad side, that’s for sure. But you can relax now. I don’t want to have any pretense between us. My father wants me to marry quickly, before he leaves with the railroad. I desire to remain in Cheyenne, and marriage was his idea so that I would have someone to watch over me.”
“Yes, he told me. I’m not opposed to an arranged marriage,” Jackson replied. “My mother and father were arranged and did quite well.”
“I did wonder what kind of man would show up when Da put out the call for someone to be my husband.”
“I am surprised you weren’t already spoken for.” He looked at her, and Melody couldn’t help but smile again.
“I was busy taking care of Da. And Da can be quite intimidating too. A great many men weigh the odds and walk away rather than deal with my father. That’s why I’m still single, Mr. Malbry.”
