Groom by Arrangement. Rhonda Gibson
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did the U.S. Marshal want to talk about? She knew he was in a hurry to get back to Rebecca and his girls. Eliza looked to Jackson Hart; his focus seemed to be on something in the bottom of his cup.
Had he filed a complaint against her for dragging him from the train station? Why else would Seth be acting so formal? Heat filled her face. Eliza wasn’t sure if it was from the anger she felt toward Jackson Hart or if it was because of her embarrassment at having Seth learn what she’d done the day before.
Mrs. Hattie smiled and nodded to the chair. “Can I get you a cup of coffee or tea, dear?”
Eliza slid into the chair and lowered her bag to the floor. “No thanks. I’m sure that Seth is about ready to head home.” She turned her attention to Seth. Her stomach took that moment to grumble noisily.
Mrs. Hattie’s laughed softly. “I’ll go fix you some breakfast and a strong pot of tea.” She pushed away from the table and walked to the kitchen.
Seth took a deep breath. “Eliza, I can’t leave Durango just yet. The trial I’m here for is being held over, there’s nothing I can do but stay.”
Her mind worked frantically. She needed to get back to her dress shop. Millie Hamilton was seventeen years old and had only agreed to watch the store for a week. They were expected home today. Would the girl be able to watch her shop for a few more days?
She caught Jackson sneaking a peak at her over his mug. Eliza felt as if she’d made a fool of herself enough for one visit to Durango. All she wanted right now was to go home and try to forget Jackson Hart and Miles Thatcher ever existed.
His blue eyes drilled into hers. She took a deep breath and dismissed him. Eliza returned her focus to the marshal. “I understand, Seth. I’ll rent a wagon and horse from the livery.”
Seth’s gaze bore into hers. “No, you won’t.”
She knew that stubborn look and opened her mouth to protest. “I need to get back to Cottonwood Springs, Seth. I have a store to run.”
He nodded. “I’m aware of that, Eliza. I’ve made arrangements to have you escorted home today.”
Eliza felt she knew the answer before she asked. “Who shall be escorting me?”
Seth took a drink and his eyes moved to Jackson Hart. He lowered the cup once more. “Mr. Hart has agreed to accompany you.”
Just as she feared.
Seth held up his hand to stop her from protesting. “I know he’s a stranger to you, Eliza, but I met and worked with Jackson a couple of years ago and trust me when I tell you, he’s a good man. You’ll be perfectly safe with Jackson as your escort.”
Eliza swallowed hard. A full day with Jackson Hart. Hadn’t she suffered enough embarrassment in the presence of this man? “Seth, I’m sure Mr. Hart has his own business to attend to.”
Seth placed his mug on the table. “Mr. Hart and I have already established a fee, and he’s agreed to take you. The matter is settled, Eliza.” He paused and gave her a grave look. “Unless you want to spend another week, maybe two, here in Durango.”
Eliza wanted to stomp her foot and demand to be allowed to return home alone. She was an adult. What was to stop her from leaving on her own?
A plan began to form in her mind. She could agree to stay and then simply change her mind and head home later in the morning. The thought of traveling alone both excited and scared her.
She felt Seth studying her. Eliza raised her head and tried not to look guilty. Her gaze met his.
“Don’t even think about it, Eliza Kelly. If I have to track you down and find you halfway home...” He let the threat hang in the air between them.
What would he do? Throw her in jail? Eliza saw his jaw harden. Possibly. Her heart sank, and she realized she couldn’t have lied to him, anyway. That wouldn’t have been the right thing for her to do. Instead, Eliza had a choice to make, spend her day with Jackson or stay in Durango for who knew how long.
She glanced across the table at the blacksmith and caught Jackson’s grin just before he hid it behind his cup of coffee. Today he wore a blue shirt that brought the rich blue color out of his eyes. Eyes that seemed to twinkle at her predicament. His short brown hair looked wet, as if he’d just taken a bath. Strong hands held the cup.
Seth cleared his throat. Eliza swung her gaze back to him. “Well, seeing as I really don’t have a choice, I suppose Mr. Hart can escort me today.”
Mrs. Hattie set a small plate before her with a piece of toast and egg upon it. “Here, eat this while you wait for Mr. Hart to get the wagon ready,” she instructed. “I’ll bring you a hot cup of tea to go with it, too. You have a long day of travel ahead of you, so eat up.”
Jackson pushed his chair back. “It shouldn’t take more than five minutes. As soon as the wagon is ready, I’ll return to collect you and your things, Mrs. Kelly.” He left the room.
“Seth, I’m not sure about this. What do we know about Jackson Hart?” Eliza spread strawberry jam onto the slice of toast.
He leaned toward her. “Are you afraid of Jackson, Eliza? Because if you are, just say the word and I’ll fire him now.” His brown eyes searched hers.
She trusted Seth with her life. If he thought Jackson was reliable, then that was good enough for her. Eliza didn’t really know why she was protesting so much, other than the fact that she’d completely embarrassed herself with the man the day before. “No, I’m not afraid of him. I just don’t know him.”
Mrs. Hattie snorted and set a teacup beside Eliza’s plate. “And yet yesterday you dragged him back here as husband material.”
“I did not! I brought him here to tell him there had been a mistake,” Eliza protested, dropping the toast back on its plate and crossing her arms over her chest. If Mrs. Hattie thought she’d intended to marry Mr. Hart, what must he think? She tried to remember if she’d told him differently.
She had. Eliza replayed the conversation in her mind and was sure of it.
Hattie slipped back into her chair. “I’m sorry, child. I didn’t mean any harm in my teasing.”
“Hannah really put you in an awkward position, didn’t she?” Seth said.
Eliza turned to look at him. How did he know what Hannah had done? Had Jackson told him?
Seth continued. “Rebecca tried to talk her out of it, but that woman can be stubborn.” He finished drinking the coffee from his cup.
Her hands fell to her side. “Rebecca knew?” Disbelief and hurt filled her voice. Rebecca Billings was supposed to be her best friend, too.
He looked up and understanding crossed his face. “I...” Seth sighed. “Yes, she did. Hannah’s been talking about it for weeks. I’m surprised they were able to keep the secret from you.”
Eliza felt betrayed. She looked down at the toast and egg, no longer hungry. How could they have done this to her? And why did they think she needed a new husband?
Both of them knew of her love for her deceased husband, Charlie. Her inner voice defended them. But he died five years ago and you never shared with your friends his unhappiness at never having fathered a child.
“Anyway, I think you will be safe with Mr. Hart.” Seth pushed away from the table and headed for the door. “I’ll see you outside, ladies.” And with that he left the room.
Hattie cleared her throat. She reached out and took one of Eliza’s cold hands. “I heard Mr. Hart promise Seth he’d take care of you and make sure you got home safe. So I believe you will be secure and protected with him around.”
“I’m sure I will be.” Eliza picked up the toast and took a bite. The sweet strawberry jam would have tasted wonderful if she hadn’t been so upset with her friends. Plus,