If Pearl knew he didn’t hold her son against her, maybe she’d accept his help. If she accepted his help, he could feel good about paying her back. He didn’t know who had fathered her baby, or why the man hadn’t married her, but he knew how it felt to live with a bad decision. Hoping to persuade her, he gentled his voice. “I’m not the most influential man in Cheyenne. The letter might not change any minds, but it won’t hurt, either.”
Pearl looked at her father.
He gave a crisp nod. “Say yes, princess.”
Matt smiled at the nickname. He didn’t like ministers, but he was impressed by Reverend Oliver. The man clearly loved his daughter in spite of her mistake. Pearl, though, looked mildly irked at the childish moniker.
She turned to Matt. “Thank you, Deputy. I accept.”
“My pleasure.”
She smiled, then blushed and looked away as if she’d committed a crime. Matt had no idea what she was thinking, but he liked knowing he could make her grin…and blush. The thought gave him pause. He had no business flirting with Pearl Oliver, except he liked her and she’d worn his ribbons. Not only did she make him want to whistle “Dixie,” he admired her integrity. Matt didn’t know what to make of his wayward thoughts, but he couldn’t deny a simple truth. He liked Pearl Oliver far more than was wise.
Chapter Four
“Carrie!” Pearl cried. “It’s lovely.”
The women were in the parlor ready to leave for the meeting with Miss Marlowe. In the middle of the room sat a baby carriage. Pearl had never seen such a fine buggy. Narrow spokes graced the large metal wheels, and powder blue satin lined the wicker basket. Earlier, when Carrie announced she had a gift for Toby, Pearl hadn’t known what to expect.
“Do you like it?” Carrie asked.
“I love it.” Pearl pulled her cousin into a hug. “You’ve been so kind. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done.”
Not only had Carrie arranged a private meeting with Miss Marlowe, but she’d also invited Pearl and her father to move out of the hotel and live with her. Pearl now had the pleasure of Carrie’s company and the benefit of a housekeeper and nanny. Martha Dinwiddie, a widow, came daily to cook and clean. When she’d set eyes on Toby, she’d vowed to spoil him like a grandson. With Martha’s help, Pearl and Carrie had aired out the rooms on the second floor. While beating rugs and laundering bed linens, they’d become as close as sisters.
Carrie touched the wooden handle of the carriage. “I know you planned to leave Toby with Martha, but I think we should take him.”
Pearl’s nerves prickled. “Are you sure?”
“Miss Marlowe loves babies.”
“But this is an interview.”
“Not exactly,” Carrie replied. “We’re going to her house, not the school. Toby can sleep in the carriage. If he gets fussy, I’ll hold him.”
Pearl had mixed feelings about going out in public with her son. She wanted the world to know she had a beautiful baby boy, but his lack of a father raised questions she didn’t want to answer. Today, though, she had to answer them for Miss Marlowe. Having Carrie at her side made the decision easier. She refused to be ashamed of her child. “We’ll do it.”
Her cousin beamed a smile. “Get Toby. I’ll meet you outside.”
Pearl hurried up the stairs. By the time she returned with the baby, Carrie had the carriage pointed down the street. Pearl set her son on the cushion and tucked a blanket around him. She’d nursed him earlier and hoped he’d be content. Keeping him fed and happy while she taught was a big concern, but she had a plan. Carrie’s house was a short walk from the school. She could hurry home during lunch. In a pinch, he’d be satisfied with goat’s milk she’d keep in the ice box.
Carrie looped her arm around Pearl’s elbow. “Are you ready?”
“I have to be.”
Steeling herself for curious neighbors, Pearl pushed the carriage down the street. As they bumped along, Toby opened his little mouth and found a new sound. He sounded like a tiny locomotive. Laughing, Pearl touched his cheek.
Carrie turned wistful. “He’s wonderful, Pearl. I can’t wait to have a baby of my own.”
Toby had come at a cost, but Pearl loved him without shame. “It’s the best feeling in the world.”
“I want a huge family,” Carrie declared.
A long time ago, Pearl had felt the same way. “Three boys and three girls?”
“Maybe.” She sighed. “First I need a husband, and Matt Wiley doesn’t know I’m alive.”
Pearl had to agree with her cousin’s assessment. While preparing the bedrooms, they’d spoken at length about Matt. Carrie had met him in September, the first day of school when he’d brought Sarah. They often chatted, but he hadn’t done more than express appreciation for her interest in his daughter. Thanks to watching Adie and Josh at Swan’s Nest, Pearl knew what love looked like. Matt had been friendly to Carrie, but he didn’t look smitten.
At least not when he looked at Carrie. To Pearl’s chagrin, she’d seen a spark in his eyes when he’d noticed the ribbons, and again at dinner when she’d passed the potatoes. Not that his mild interest in her mattered. As far as Pearl was concerned, Matt belonged to Carrie.
A gust of wind tugged at their skirts. Carrie tightened the shawl around her shoulders. “I wish I knew what to do. Matt said more at supper than he’s ever said before.”
“Really?”
“You impressed him. I’m glad he’s writing a letter.”
Pearl had told her cousin about Matt’s offer after he left. Carrie had sung his praises, and the women had talked about the evening for hours. True to his word, Matt hadn’t asked a single nosy question. Instead they’d all shared stories about children and growing up. Sarah had glowed with the attention, and Pearl had been happy to show off Toby. They’d all agreed he was exceptionally bright and destined to be president of the United States. Sarah had announced she wanted to be a teacher at Miss Marlowe’s School.
Pearl hadn’t been that relaxed in a year. “Matt definitely enjoyed the meal.”
“I guess that’s a start.”
“I hope so.” She meant it. More than anything, Pearl wanted Carrie to be happy.
Her cousin twisted the ends of the shawl. “It’s just that Matt doesn’t see me. I’m nothing but Sarah’s teacher.”
“Maybe he’s been hurt,” Pearl said. “Do you know what happened to Sarah’s mother?”
Carrie’s mouth formed a grim line. “They’re divorced. She left him. She left Sarah, too.”
“I can’t imagine—”
“Neither can I.” Carrie leaned into the wind. “He told me so I wouldn’t say something awkward to Sarah.”
Pearl couldn’t imagine a woman abandoning her child, though for a short time during her pregnancy, she’d considered giving up Toby for adoption. In those dark days, she’d feared Franklin Dean and she’d had no way to support herself. Her friends at Swan’s Nest had come to her rescue and she’d be forever grateful.
Carrie broke into her thoughts. “Matt’s wife broke his heart when she left. You can see it in his eyes.”
Pearl understood too well. She’d seen that look when they’d first met. “How long ago was it?”
“A year or so.” As they turned toward the school, Carrie squinted against the sun. “I know Matt likes me. He’s just