AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When no one answered, Regan stood. “I will.”
All eyes turned her way.
A confused Nelson looked her up and down. “And you are?”
“Regan Carmichael Lee. Dr. Colton Lee’s wife.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
“Same here.” Regan began having second thoughts almost immediately. She’d never taught school a day in her life, and wondered if she’d ever learn to control her impulsive nature.
Miller asked derisively, “What makes you think you’re qualified?”
“The completion certificate I earned at Oberlin College,” she returned flatly.
Leary eyed her with smiling wonder. “Have you ever taught school, Mrs. Lee?”
“No.”
Beck asked, “How much do you want to be paid?”
“Nothing.”
The men stared. The women smiled.
“I’ll start as soon as the ladies and I look into what the classroom needs.”
And with that, the meeting was adjourned.
Outside, Glenda said, “We need to meet and hash out this petition nonsense.”
Further discussion was interrupted temporarily by the men leaving the building. Cale and Miller edged past without a word. Beck at least offered a polite good night before walking towards his undertaker business.
Nelson paused for a moment to say, “Thanks, ladies. I know the mayor and Miller won’t agree, but I’m glad you were here tonight, and I’ll get those signatures. I’ll also ask around about a good teacher willing to move here.” He tipped his hat and moved on.
His departure left gambler Heath Leary standing with them, a presence Dovie seemed determined to ignore.
“Boudicca,” he began.
“How many times have I asked you to stop calling me that?”
“Probably as many times as I’ve dreamt of making love to you.”
Jaws dropped.
A bright red Dovie said, “Go away.”
He bowed. “If you insist. But know this. I will marry you, Dovie. Soon.”
Giving the women a solemn nod, he crossed the street and walked off towards the saloon.
Once he was gone, Dovie ran her hands down her cheeks and whispered, “Glory!”
Glenda chuckled. “I’d pay any man to worship me the way he worships you.”
“He’s unsuitable, Glenny. He’s a gambler. He owns a saloon.”
Lucretia said, “And so madly in love with you, he can’t see straight.”
