“I have been all over the world, and I have to say that this part of God’s Earth has to be close to Eden. I grew up in London, and always imagined I’d return to the city after my husband’s duty to our country was over. But God has his own path in mind for you, for all of us. Do you really think it was a coincidence that Garret stopped at your shoe polishing stand that day? That he felt the urge to follow you to make sure you were safe? Sounds to me like you had a guardian angel looking out for you that night.”
Rowan didn’t know how to respond to the other woman’s words, her practical mind insisting Mrs. Tibbs was full of romantic nonsense, while her heart hoped it was true.
“But my brother… He’s coming back for me,” Rowan said, almost desperately. “I promised my father we’d both go west together. Start a new life, a better one.”
“And you have,” Mrs. Tibbs helped her out of the robe and helped her into her undergarments and a lovely soft teal blue dress with a touch of lace at the cuffs. “And you could not ask for a better life than being the wife of Garret and Edward. Let me tell you, more women than just my Nancy will be suffering from a broken heart tonight after word spreads around town.”
“Really? Did they have a lot of admirers?”
“Indeed. Managing to marry into the Bridgewater community is considered quite a prize by some women in the area. They see how happy the Bridgewater wives are and want that for themselves.” Mrs. Tibbs gave her a giggle and a wink. “Besides, Garret and Edward are rather easy on the eyes in addition to being successful ranchers. Many a woman has tried to capture their interest. I’m sure they’ll find an excuse to drop by the Inn this evening to see if the rumors are true.”
Feeling self-conscious, she looked down at her work roughened, tanned hands, not looking forward to being judged by strangers at all. “Won’t that be fun.”
Laughing, Mrs. Tibbs gave Rowan’s unbruised cheek a gentle pat. “Worry not, dear girl. Just keep in mind that no matter who those other women are, Garret and Edward could have had them, but they picked you. I know women can be catty, but just ignore them.”
Wanting to change the subject, she smoothed her hands down the dress and said, “Thank you so much for lending this to me.”
“Oh, that dress isn’t mine,” Mrs. Tibbs chuckled and patted her hips. “I have a bit more padding. Garret and Edward supplied it. I must say, the cut is very flattering on you. You’re so slight, it’s no wonder you were able to disguise yourself. I’m afraid there isn’t enough bandages in the world to flatten down my chest.”
Rowan frowned down at the lovely gown. “They bought this for me? When?”
“While you were in the city, I’d imagine. That has the look of a store-bought dress, not homemade.” Mrs. Tibbs said as she examined the high lace collar of the dress. “Yes, definitely not homemade.”
“But why would they buy me an expensive dress?”
Mrs. Tibbs rolled her eyes as she swept Rowan’s hair up into a stylish do and secured the wild curls with what seemed like a million pins. “Because they adore you.”
“They hardly know me,” she protested. “And they didn’t know me at all when we left the city.”
“They bought the dress because they are decent men and wanted to make sure you are properly clothed.” Mrs. Tibbs paused for a moment, the hair pin in her hand gleaming in the light from the overhead oil lanterns. “You haven’t known much kindness in your life, have you?”
Rowan shrugged and looked away. “When you’re poor, and everyone around you is poor, kindness is a luxury most people can’t afford. I find it hard to believe that they would spend so much money on me without wanting anything in return.”
“I understand, but they do want something in return.” Mrs. Tibbs laughed at Rowan’s knowing look. “Not that, or at least not only that. When a man loves a woman, he will do anything to make her happy, to see her smile. They didn’t buy you the dress so that you would feel you owe them in some way. They bought you the dress to make you happy. As far as them not knowing you, I knew my Harold for three days before we wed. He was about to go off to battle, and I couldn’t bear the thought of him going into danger without knowing I would be waiting at home for him.” Mrs. Tibbs sighed happily as she turned Rowan around. “Lovely.”
Touching her hair and brushing a stray blonde curl from her face, she gave Mrs. Tibbs an impulsive hug. “Thank you so much for talking with me.”
“It is my pleasure, dear. You’ve had a rough go of it, and my heart breaks for all that you’ve been through, but I am sure God brought you to us for a reason.” Mrs. Tibbs fanned her face, blinking rapidly. “Now, let’s go find your fiancés and see what the cook has made up for dinner. We don’t have many guests this time of year, so she’ll be eager to show off her skills and will make us something particularly delicious.”
Walking down the hall with Mrs. Tibbs, Rowan took in the opulence and said in a hesitant voice, “It is rather surprising to find such a refined Inn out in the middle of the frontier. I certainly didn’t expect indoor plumbing.”
“It cost a pretty penny, but my Harold, though he likes to deny it, comes from a rather wealthy aristocratic family and likes his luxuries. We used his inheritance to build our inn to his rather demanding specifications.”
“Is Dr. Tibbs royalty?” Rowan asked in a hushed voice.
“He is.”
“Good golly,” Rowan breathed out.
Mrs. Tibbs giggled and led her to yet another set
