“And if you had no economic needs?”
“I suspect society here is not so different with regard to mourning a loved one. My instinct would be to wait, and recover fully from my loss, before embarking on another adventure. In fact that is my primary concern. Am I attracted to Chip for himself or only because he represents security?”
“You sound quite mature and clear thinking. I cannot suggest what path you should take, my child, as that is a matter for your heart. And you must also consider your daughter.”
Celeste grinned up at him. “Leaving me exactly where I started.”
Father Francis laughed. “I am always here for you any time you wish to talk. You are already aware of the complete commitment required by marriage. I believe you will make a wise decision.”
CHAPTER 8 – Green RiverCards on the Table
A particularly bad pothole jounced Celeste out of her brief reverie.
“There is so much to talk about, but I think we should start with the reason you have traveled west, to marry your fiancé. Let me tell you what I found out when I arrived,” Celeste began, too anxious to fill her sister in to wait for the promised tea.
“In a nutshell, the man you were writing to as Charles Patrick Hardwick, who prefers to be known as ‘Chip,’” he grinned at her as she nodded toward him, “was, in fact, the one on whose behalf the original letters were sent. However, after the first letter he had nothing to do with the correspondence; the whole idea of finding a bride for Chip was his brother's, and Sylvester did all the writing. So you’ve actually been corresponding with Sylvester all this time.
“They didn't know there were two of us and we didn't know there were two of them, because the subject simply never came up in your correspondence. You were too busy discussing shoes and ships and sealing wax to ask such mundane questions of each other. I didn't pay much attention, simply copying over whatever you wrote. And Chip didn't pay any attention whatsoever as Sylvester was handling one hundred percent of the correspondence.
“So technically, and on paper, you are engaged to Chip but, while there may never have been an intention of false pretenses, you have been corresponding with Sylvester and not Chip. It was Sylvester who sent the proposal, although he did it in Chip’s name.”
“Celeste, I am thoroughly confused!” said Miranda. “Tell me again with whom I was actually corresponding?”
“With Sylvester,” replied Celeste.
Chip had broken into a huge grin. “Celeste. Celestial Celeste,” he murmured, remembering the word that had startled her.
Sylvester, on the other hand, had rather a hangdog expression of guilt. “I am an attorney, for Heaven’s sake,” he said, “and it never occurred to me. I don't know what I was thinking. I thought I was acting on Chip’s behalf, in his best interest.”
He reached over and grasped Miranda's hand.
“My dear Miranda, because everything was not fully open and aboveboard, you are not bound by anything you wrote. You do not have to marry Chip. In fact, I actually wish you would marry me.”
Pulling her hand free and raising it to her forehead, Miranda exclaimed, “You do understand my head is spinning!”
Sylvester hung his head again. “I am so sorry,” he sighed, then raised his eyes.
“When you have had a minute to think things over, I wish you will forgive me and give me a chance to woo you properly.”
“Well,” she said dryly, “I gather you already have! It seems you’ve been the one wooing me all along.”
A smile lit up his face. “Why so I have! Of course I have! If you are but one-tenth of the woman you have been in writing, I am fully enamored. And your sister tells me you wish to pass the bar. I certainly cannot speak for the state, but I would be pleased to have you join my practice. You have exhibited a very keen mind in your letters.”
Miranda, who had been half in love with the man in the letters to begin with was now thoroughly enchanted with the reality. And a law firm would be a great deal more interesting for her than a sawmill.
“But what of Chip? He was the one who needed a wife, or so the letters said.”
Sylvester lowered his voice. “I think that issue has been resolved as well. Chip fell in love with your sister at first sight and even more so with her daughter.”
Miranda glanced over at her sister who had thoughtfully provided privacy by starting to chat with Chip.
“You were right,” Chip was saying. “Celeste is a unique and beautiful name, perfectly fitting for a unique and beautiful woman.”
And he grinned again. “I knew I had come close.”
He leaned his head close to hers. “It would seem your sister’s engagement has been resolved.”
Miranda and Sylvester were rather mooning at each other with adorable smiles on their faces.
“Well, she was planning to marry a stranger, but the one she'd fallen in love from his writing. I just hope he can deal with her snoring and she with his kicking.”
“I do not snore,” called out Miranda.
“How did you know I kick?” queried Sylvester.
Celeste and Chip just started laughing
“It was a jest,” giggled Celeste.
Green River Church
They had arrived at a large wooden church with adjoining parsonage. Celeste nodded reassuringly to Miranda’s questioning look, as the Richardson’s came out to greet them. Mrs. Richardson flung her arms around Miranda in greeting.
“Oh, I’m so glad to see you made it here safely! When we heard the Krause Gang was stalking you we started praying!”
Seeing the concerned look on Miranda’s face, Pastor Joe, as Celeste
