“Melody Doyle.”
She turned at the sound of her name. It was Jefferson Lane. He walked up to her like a man with a purpose.
“I’m so happy to have run into you.”
“Good morning, Jefferson. I’m afraid I haven’t much time to waste. My da is ill.”
He sobered and nodded. “I know. He’s dying.”
She was surprised by this. “How did you hear about it?”
“Your father was at the bank not long ago. He told Mr. Decker, and I couldn’t help but overhear. I’m sure sorry to hear about it. I know that can’t be easy on you, even if you are rich now.”
“What are you talking about?”
Jefferson smiled. “The money coming from Ireland. It, along with the money your father already saved, will see you through for life. If you’re careful. You certainly would need to be wise about investments, and I could help you with that.”
“Why would I ask you to help me with that?” She hadn’t meant to ask the question aloud, but since she had, she fixed him with a hard look.
“Well, it’s just that you are looking for a husband, and Ihave shown my interest to be considered. As your husband, I would have control over such matters. However, being the kind of man I am, I would seek your opinion and discuss the matter thoroughly with you. I believe that’s what women are asking for now.”
“I suppose women would like for men to be considerate of their interests and thoughts on matters of importance,” Melody countered. “But the fact is, I’m no longer looking for a husband. I need to take care of my father, so I’m no longer accepting suitors.”
“That’s foolish, Miss Doyle. Your father will die soon, and you’ll be without protection.”
“Hardly that. I have the good Lord, first and foremost, and dear friends who will watch over me otherwise. Also, I’m quite capable. I’m a very good shot, and if need be, I’m not afraid to prove it.”
Jefferson chuckled. “Now, Miss Doyle, you can hardly walk around with a gun strapped on like a gunfighter. And while friends are good to have, they can’t be there in the middle of the night should someone attempt to rob your home. Not only that, but you live in a tent provided by the railroad. When your father passes, you will have to move.”
“I have considered that, Mr. Lane. I have friends who have invited me to move in with them if need be. However, since, as you say, I am rich, I might just buy myself a house to live in.”
“Yes, but the sorrows of losing your father will be great, and wouldn’t it be better to have another with you who can share the load? I’m a good man, Miss Doyle. I would see your every need met.”
“Well, perhaps in time I might feel differently, but for now my answer is the same. I am no longer in search of a husband.”
“Perhaps you might hire me to help with the things that your father can no longer do. I could even help to care for him. I believe once you spend more time with me, you’ll see how well suited we are.”
“Hire you? What about your job at the bank?”
Jefferson shifted his weight and looked heavenward. “Well, that’s an entirely different matter. You see, Mr. Decker fired me.” He looked back at her, his expression downcast. “I still don’t even understand why, but the truth doesn’t seem to matter to him. I suppose when you own the bank you can do as you please.”
“But Charlie doesn’t own the bank. His father does. In fact, as I understand it, there is an entire board that has a share of the ownership. Charlie’s father just happens to be the majority owner.”
“Yes, well, it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t work for someone as heartless and mean-spirited as Charles Decker.”
Melody almost laughed out loud. Charlie? Mean? Heartless?
“I have no idea of what transpired to cause Charlie to fire you, Mr. Lane, but I’m sure there was a very good reason. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make my way home. I’ve already been gone longer than I intended.”
She swept past him and continued down the street. Melody was almost certain he would come after her or at least call out, but he did neither. She shook her head at the thought of Charlie being ill-tempered with Jefferson. It was ridiculous. She imagined even in firing Jefferson, Charlie had been nothing but kind and gentle.
Of course, just a short time ago, she had thought ill of Charlie too. How sorry she was to have held that attitude.
Charlie arrived at the breakfast table wondering if he’d see Melody as usual. Instead, Mrs. Cooper made an announcement just before her husband offered grace.
“Miss Doyle will be absent from us for a while. Her father has taken ill, and the doctors believe it to be such that he will die in a very short time. I beg your indulgence and ask that you arrange for your laundry elsewhere. I won’t have nearly enough time to manage it all without Melody here to help.” She turned to her husband. “You may now offer the blessing.”
Charlie bowed his head for the morning prayer. He had been praying constantly for Melody and her father. He still hadn’t had a chance to tell Melody that he’d fallen in love with her.
