Mrs. Miller returned with Rebecca’s cup of coffee. “Here you go, dear. It’s hot.” She set the cup on the table in front of her along with a small sugar bowl.
“Thank you, Mrs. Miller.” Rebecca pulled both the coffee and sugar toward her. “Please go on, Marshal.” She scooped two teaspoons of sugar into her cup.
“If you two will excuse me, I’ve work to do in the kitchen.” Mrs. Miller left without waiting for their answers.
“As I was saying, while I was out there, Mr. Vaughan gave me some of Jesse’s personal belongings. The sheriff and I have gone through them and there are a couple of things we thought you might like to have, Miss Ramsey.” He picked up his coffee and took a sip.
The marshal continued to study her over the rim of the cup. His eyes bored into her as if searching for something. Rebecca ignored his look. She focused on her coffee instead as her mind raced.
What could he possess of Jesse’s that she might like to have? His letters from her? Maybe. A family Bible? But wouldn’t that go to his family? The Bible, not the letters, she mentally corrected herself.
When it became apparent he was waiting for a reaction from her, heat began to fill Rebecca’s face. She set her cup down and asked, “What sort of belongings?”
The marshal reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a small bundle of letters. When he handed them to her, Rebecca recognized her handwriting on the outside of the envelopes.
Had he read them? She searched his eyes for the answer. He held her gaze, but she couldn’t read their expression. Now her face felt on fire. She prayed he hadn’t read them. “Thank you.” She laid the bundle on the table and reached for her drink.
“There’s more.” The marshal reached into the other side of his jacket and pulled out another envelope. He handed it to her.
She didn’t recognize this one. Rebecca turned the plain white envelope over in her hands. “Are you sure? I didn’t send this one to him.”
The marshal raised his head and nodded. “Yes. I think you should have it.”
Rebecca ran her fingertips over the seal. “What about his family?”
“Jesse moved here six years ago. During that time he never mentioned family, so since you were to be his wife, the sheriff and I decided you should receive that, as well.” He nodded his head in the direction of her hands and grinned.
He’d discussed this with the local sheriff? “What’s in here?” Her hands trembled. Was she really ready to take whatever was inside the envelope? Was it a deed to the farm he had talked about in his last letter?
A warm chuckle brought her attention back to the marshal’s face. A woman could get used to the sound of his easy laugh and handsome features; she jerked her mind away from such foolish thoughts.
His eyes twinkled. “Why don’t you open it and find out?”
Rebecca’s mouth dried, she picked up her coffee and sipped the bitter sweetness, allowing it to wash over her tongue. Then she took a deep breath and slid her fingernail under the envelope flap.
Within the depths of the envelope lay a letter. She pulled it out and carefully unfolded what she saw to be a blank piece of paper. Hidden within the paper were money notes. She counted the money and realized there was enough there to pay the Millers for the time she’d spent with them and she’d have a little left over to stay for maybe a month longer. Rebecca silently thanked the Lord for meeting her needs.
“Are you sure it’s all right for me to keep this?” She searched his features once more. His eyes were serious; the chocolate color that had just twinkled with amusement now seemed almost to caramelize as he stared back at her.
He nodded and then finished his coffee. “That money was in his possessions. I’m sure he’d want you to have it. I’d say there is enough money there to take you home, Miss Ramsey.”
Rebecca shook her head. “No, it’s enough to pay the Millers what I owe them. And, I’ve already told you, I’m not going back.”
He stood. “So you are determined to stay here?”
How many ways did she have to say she was staying? She looked up from the money. Then she felt it. Something wasn’t quite right, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. Did the marshal suspect her of some wrongdoing? Or was this just his normal way of dealing with what he might consider a grieving fiancée?
Rebecca stared at the handsome man before her. His jawline tightened and his eyes narrowed. She raised her chin and returned his stare. “Yes, Marshal, I am. You needn’t worry about me. I am an upstanding citizen and, God willing, I will find a job today.”
* * *
Rebecca Ramsey hadn’t reacted the way he’d thought she would when she opened the envelope. Maybe she didn’t know about the rest of the money he’d found in that suitcase. And then again, maybe she did and was sticking around town to find it. What had Jesse been doing with so much money in money notes, diamonds and gold?
Was that the reason Jesse had begged him to keep watch over her? Did the Evans gang know about the stashed treasure in Jesse’s possession? Would they come after her, thinking she had it? The questions swirled through his mind like a Texas twister.
What if she really was just an innocent and had no clue Jesse had been an outlaw? Or that he was far richer than he’d let anyone know. Seth’s protective instincts surged through his stomach.
Seth admitted to himself that he found Jesse’s girl attractive. She seemed young and naive. What kind of woman ventured alone to answer a mail-order-bride ad that would take her to an isolated place like the New Mexico Territory?
He’d read her letters. They were simple letters telling Jesse her age, what she looked like and when she would arrive. She’d asked no questions of Jesse Cole. From what he’d read, it seemed as if Rebecca Ramsey had simply come with no knowledge of anything about her soon-to-be husband.
His first promise to Jesse echoed in Seth’s ears. I’ll take care of her. He tilted his head sideways and studied her. If she really was just a girl looking for work, he should help her. He’d promised, and Seth Billings never broke a promise. “What kind of work are you looking for?”
“I’m not picky, Marshal, and I’m a hard worker, so it really doesn’t matter.” She shrugged her shoulders, picked up her morning coffee and took another sip.
The blue in her dress brought out the blue shades within her eyes. Small ringlets of blond hair drifted about her face as she bent to the hot beverage. Miss Ramsey smiled as she savored the drink. Seth stared at her soft lips and then shook himself mentally. The young woman in front of him was quite attractive, but no lady liked to be stared at.
“Why? Do you know of a position?” Her question pulled him from his musings.
She gazed into his eyes as if she were looking into his soul. What did she see there? He didn’t want to know.
“I might. The sheriff and I were talking this morning and I’ve come to the conclusion that I need a house here in Cottonwood Springs.” Those cornflower eyes continued to study him. “If I find one, I’ll need someone to clean, do laundry and cook for me when I’m in town. Would you be interested in something like that?”
“When will you know if you are going to take up residence here?” Her gaze moved to his left hand.
The urge to tuck it into his pocket proved mighty powerful. He didn’t want her looking to him as a replacement for Jesse. “I’ll let you know by this afternoon. How does that sound?”
Her small smile turned into a big grin. “It sounds like something I wouldn’t mind doing.”
Seth nodded and then headed for the front door. He had a lot of work to do if he planned on having a home in Cottonwood