“Call me Jackson. May I call you Melody?”
“Of course. I see no reason to stand on formalities, especially given the circumstances.”
“I hope you don’t mind walking to the supper club. I’m a little embarrassed to admit I don’t own a carriage. Seems each time I start to build myself a wagon or carriage, someone in dire need talks me into selling it.”
“You’re kind to let them buy something you intended for yourself. But no, I don’t mind walking at all. I walk everywhere, every day. I’m used to it. And you’ll find that I’m no grand lady requiring finery. I’m pretty capable and work hard. I have a job at the Coopers’ boardinghouse, and I intend to keep it for a time because Mrs. Cooper is rather desperate for the help. Would you have problems with that?”
He considered that for a moment. “I never thought of having a wife working a job since I can easily provide for my family. It doesn’t seem fitting for a married woman to hold a job.”
Melody was disappointed by his reply. She didn’t want to let Mrs. Cooper down, and if she married Jackson Malbry, it was clear that she would most likely have to quit.
“However,” Jackson continued, “what with Mrs. Cooper being in great need, that changes things. I’ve always been one to help my neighbors out. You could continue working for her, and ... well, it might sound strange, but ... take no pay.”
Melody was surprised by his answer. So many men were money hungry, yet here was a man who would allow his wife to work for no pay in order to help a friend.
“You have a kind heart, Jackson. I like that idea very much.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you think so. I know I’m considerably older than you. Fact is, I was married once before. We werechildhood sweethearts. My wife died from pleurisy twenty years ago, only a year after we married. We had no children. I wasn’t of a mind to marry again, but the idea of growing older without someone ... well, it makes for a lonely life.”
Melody felt great sympathy for the man. He had faced the loss of a loved one. A childhood sweetheart. The very thought touched Melody deeply. Perhaps she could be the one to mend Jackson Malbry’s broken heart.
On Saturday, Bruce Cadot showed up to take Melody out for a day of fun at the McDaniel Museum. It was more than a simple museum and, in fact, had a variety hall and saloons. The performances ran the gamut from lectures to ballets and everything in between. Melody had heard that it was most entertaining.
After a brief introduction, the couple headed to the museum, with Bruce offering nonstop talk all the way.
“I got out of the army last year, and then my father died. He was the last of my kin. He left me a little money, so I came here to get homestead land. I have cattle and am about to take on even more.”
“So your desire is to have a large ranch here in Cheyenne?” Melody asked him.
“Yes, ma’am. I grew up with cattle, and it’s in my blood. I know I can make a go of it as long as I can find me some good hands.”
“And a wife would be one of those ... hands?”
“No, not at all. I need a wife to run the house and give me ... well, I want a family. A big one.”
Melody could see he was rather embarrassed by his declaration. “I want children too. I appreciate that you wouldbring up the matter. I think it’s important to discuss all the details. After all, it wouldn’t serve either of us well to court and marry only to find we didn’t want the same things.”
“No, ma’am. That would be a disaster.”
As they reached the museum, the McDaniel’s famed hurdy-gurdy played loudly and constantly. Folks in the area were used to the noise, while newcomers were often seen with their hands over their ears. Sunday was the only day of the week that Professor McDaniel, as he was known to call himself, silenced the beast.
Melody thought it a pleasant sound and didn’t mind the music it made. Bruce laughed and led her toward the free museum. “My beeves wouldn’t care for the caterwauling of that thing at all.” She laughed.
The museum advertised itself as having 1,001 marvels, with free admission to any man who drank at the saloon. Melody didn’t have to wait long to see how Bruce might handle the situation.
“We’ll pay,” he told the admission clerk.
After Bruce paid for their tickets, she questioned him. “You don’t drink?”
“No, ma’am. My mother and father were completely against it. They said it was a sin, and I believe if it’s not, then it can definitely lead to that.”
She found his comment rather reassuring. So many of the men in town lost themselves in liquor. Her own father had suffered greatly from drink. He would appreciate Bruce’s teetotaling ways. No doubt he had questioned the young man all about it.
“I appreciate your thoughts on the matter.” Melody allowed him to lead her into the museum. “My father gave up drinking when he got right with God.”
“Your father is ... well, he’s rather intimidating. I’m glad he’s a Christian.”
Melody laughed. “It doesn’t stop Da from fighting when the moment requires it. I know he can be a bit frightening. But have no fear, Bruce. You’ve passed Da’s first inspection and made it this far. Tell me about your parents. Were they people of God?”
