Mr. Son asked, “Have you traveled widely?”
“Hardly at all. I hadn’t been out of Delaware before this trip. Of course, I enjoyed watching the landscape change from the train window. I even enjoyed the view from the stage.”
She grimaced and brushed at her clothes. “However, the stage’s bumping and swaying grew tiresome. In addition, I’m certain an inch of your state’s soil is on my person. The ferry at Oaks Crossing on the Brazos was a new experience, too. One of the passengers said there was a danger of quicksand along the Brazos shores.” She couldn’t suppress a shudder.
The newspaperman nodded. “That’s correct. Terrible accidents have occurred and many lives and goods have been lost.” He read over his notes. “Let’s see, tell me something about your family back in Delaware.”
“My parents were Betty and Harold Stapleton. Papa—who was the brother of Mrs. Kennedy’s father—worked as the apothecary. Both my parents died in a boating accident eight years ago. My older sister, her name is Lily, and I remained in our small family home where we had lived all our lives.”
“You must have still been in school at that time.”
“I was and my sister had just graduated. My sister and I attended the Women’s Institute for Higher Learning. That’s a women’s college in Selbyville. When Lily married, her husband moved into our home. Now they have three children and a fourth will arrive in a few months. I thought they needed the house to themselves.”
He closed his notebook and slid it into his pocket. “Thank you for answering my questions, Miss Stapleton. I need to rush to the office and finish setting type for this edition.” He stood. “Mrs. Kennedy, thank you for your hospitality. Bert, Austin, nice to see you. I’ll show myself out.”
Mina leaned back in her chair, in spite of the fact ladies were supposed to sit erect on the edge. Cindy didn’t hold with silly social conventions that meant discomfort. In fact, her cousin was leaning against the back of her chair as well.
Cindy sent her a secretive grin. “I can’t stand the curiosity. Did your sister chip in to pay part of your fare?”
Bert appeared shocked. “Cynthia Jane Kennedy, that’s none of your business.”
Mina smiled at him. “It’s all right, Bert. Cindy and I have always shared secrets. I’d told her how tight Will is and that I wondered if he would help with my fare. After all, he and Lily have the house that was supposedly half mine.”
She turned to Cindy. “You won’t believe it, but he paid all the fare and gave me extra. I can’t tell you how shocked I was. He said he would have given me more because of the house, but that was all he could raise.”
Cindy slapped the table with her hand. “He should have. I don’t know how much the house is worth but I’ll bet your half is more than he gave you. He came out well in that deal.”
Mina tilted her head. She’d been thinking about this subject during her trip. “I don’t have enough to buy a home here, of course, but I can certainly pay you room and board while I’m staying here.”
Bert’s face turned red. “Absolutely not! You’re family and our guest for as long as you wish—including permanently if you choose. Save your money. You never know what will come up later.”
Mina rose and kissed his cheek. “No wonder Cindy adores you. You’re a kind and generous man, Bert. I’m glad you two found one another.”
His expression changed immediately as he gazed at his wife. “Not half as glad as I am.”
Mina longed for a man to look at her with that much love shining in his eyes. Would that day ever come?
Austin rose and reached for his hat. “Whew, getting too mushy for me. Reckon I’ll head home. Bert, look into what I asked and I’ll see you in a few days.”
“Will do. You’ll be here for the party Friday. Be careful in the meantime.” Bert stood and followed his friend to the door.
Cindy grabbed Mina’s hand. “Let me show you the house.”
Mina looked at the housekeeper. “Thank you for the refreshments, Mrs. Brown. The cake was delicious.”
The housekeeper rewarded her with a generous smile. “Thank you, Miss Stapleton. Welcome to Palo Pinto.”
Chapter Three
Mina was amazed at her cousin’s home so far. “Bert must be quite successful to provide this for you.” They walked up the stairs.
“Actually, he had enough money from his parents’ estate to use for this house and leave some in savings. I guess they were quite wealthy. He certainly spared no expense on the house. He doesn’t make that much as the junior partner in the law firm.”
“He’s awfully handsome and seems so nice. You’re a lucky woman. I hope I can find someone as suitable.”
Cindy laughed. “You can find someone almost as perfect but no man in the entire world can match Bert. He’s the very best. I’m sure he’s my true soul mate.”
“Then I guess I’ll have to settle for the second greatest husband, won’t I? I admit I’m willing to settle for second best.”
For the first time in a long while she sensed a satisfactory outcome for her life. She didn’t need a home as fancy as Cindy’s. Her husband didn’t have to be handsome or perfect, just a good man who might learn to love her.
The Lovelorn’s suggested change could prove to be the very help she needed. Perhaps this town would provide the right match for her. Hope for a home of her own created a buoyant mood that lessened
