“There’s a first time for everything.”
Luke nodded. “All right, Sarah. Friends.” Then he headed the horses into town.
* * * * *
SARAH ASKED LUKE TOdrop her off at the local bank. He’d informed her that Mr. William Cole, the most influential man on the school board, could usually be found there at this time of day. She’d refused Luke’s offer to go along and smooth the way. He owed her nothing, after all. She’d already been enough of a bother. She had to do this on her own.
Despite his eleventh-hour offer of friendship, Sarah thought he seemed glad to be rid of her. She watched him guide his team down the dusty street toward the general store and allowed herself a small sigh of regret.
There had been moments when he’d actually been quite likable. Though she barely knew him, she’d seen enough to realize that he was deeply wounded and lashing out, like a wolf with a leg in a trap. Though he’d said and done some terrible things, he’d also shown her moments of kindness.
Perhaps she’d see him again soon, but she doubted it. Luke Chandler seemed to like his solitude. It was too bad, because she’d never known anyone who needed someone more than he did. His loneliness clung to him like a shield. She could have helped him, if he’d only given her a chance.
Squaring her shoulders, she strode up the steps and into the interior of the bank. Pausing on the threshold, she blinked to accustom herself to the dim lighting after the brightness of the street.
A teller’s cage sat directly in front of her and a slim, mustachioed man stood behind it. “May I help you, miss?”
“Yes.” She forced a smile and crossed the lobby. “I’m looking for Mr. Cole.”
The teller gave her oft-mended dress and wind-ruffled hair a disdainful look. “Do you have an appointment?”
Sarah flushed, humiliated to the tips of her toes. Obviously, he thought she wasn’t good enough to take up Mr. Cole’s time.
“My name is Sarah Montgomery. Please ask Mr. Cole if he’ll see me.”
The teller made a disapproving noise under his breath and disappeared behind an intimidating oak door. Several minutes passed before he returned and reluctantly admitted her into William Cole’s office.
The room was meant to impress, and it did, from the massive mahogany desk to the rich, masculine decor. It even smelled of money.
Mr. Cole stood when she entered. He was a distinguished older man with graying hair and a trim figure. He smiled and held out his hand. “Miss Montgomery. What a pleasure.”
“Mr. Cole.” She shook his hand gratefully. His smile allayed some of her fears. Perhaps Luke had been right. Everything might work out for the best, after all. “It’s so good of you to see me.”
“Sit down. Sit down.” He gestured to a stiff leather chair that faced the desk and waited for her to be seated before resuming his place behind it. “Did Chandler send you?”
She nodded, clenching her hands in her lap, wondering how he’d made the connection. She’d hoped to omit any mention of Luke. She didn’t want to be further indebted to him.
Mr. Cole eyed her with speculation. “I can’t tell you how surprised I was to hear Luke Chandler had sent away for a mail-order bride. I saw him just three weeks ago, and he never even mentioned it.”
Dear Lord. No wonder he was being so nice. Despite his eccentric ways, Luke Chandler was obviously quite wealthy. Mr. Chandler probably assumed she would soon share that wealth.
“We’re not getting married,” she interjected, intent on stopping this farce before it went any further.
“Not getting married?” Mr. Cole frowned. “But my dear girl, you spent the night at his home, did you not?”
“Well, yes,” she murmured, distressed. How could she have forgotten the way gossip spread in a small town? “It was late, and he offered me the use of his guest room, but I can assure you nothing happened.”
“If you wish to salvage your reputation, I’m afraid you must marry him.” He sighed. “The man needs a wife and a few children. Perhaps then he’d take an interest in this town and come down from that mountain more than once a month. I know the sight of his...disability must have been a shock to you, but he’s financially secure, you needn’t worry about that.”
Sarah stared down at her tightly clenched hands. “It has nothing to do with his disability.” She wasn’t about to admit that it was Luke who didn’t want this marriage.
Mr. Cole seemed surprised. “What other reason could there be?”
“It’s a private matter. I’d prefer not to discuss this any further.” Sarah took a calming breath and then plunged ahead, determined to dispense with this talk of Luke. “Mr. Chandler suggested I speak to you about obtaining a teaching position.”
“You want to teach?” He shook his head. “I don’t think that’s an option.”
“I’m well educated,” Sarah hastened to assure him. “I know Latin and French. I’m certain I could be quite an asset.”
