An Agent for JuliaPinkerton Matchmaker Series Book 79
Marianne Spitzer
An Agent for Julia
(Pinkerton Matchmaker Series Book 79)
By Marianne Spitzer
© May 2020
This book is a work of fiction. All the names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, events, locations, or organizations is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the written consent of the author.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
The End
Acknowledgments
There are many people I would like to thank for their help and understanding while I wrote this book, but first and foremost, I want to thank God for all His blessings. I also wish to thank my family and friends for their patience and understanding when I disappear into my writing world especially my son, Lance, for his unwavering support. Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank my loyal readers who read my books and leave reviews. I couldn’t do this without you. You’re the best.
A special mention for the talented Virginia McKevitt for the beautiful cover design.
Chapter 1
Dark gray skies hung over the small convent nestled in southeastern Wisconsin’s countryside. Julia Masters made her way to the Mother Superior’s office, shivering in the hallway. She stopped in front of the heavy oak door and knocked.
“Come in,” Mother Superior’s voice sounded muffled through the wooden door.
Julia opened the door and stepped into the office. “Good morning, Mother Superior.”
“Good morning, Julia. Please sit. I’d like to speak to you.”
Julia obeyed and waited patiently for Mother Superior to speak.
When Mother Superior’s eyes met hers, Julia knew this wouldn’t be a casual discussion about some small infraction Julia had managed to commit again. This conversation would be serious, and Julia felt confused.
Mother Superior said, “From the expression on your face, you appear troubled. Don’t worry, you aren’t here for a lecture on behavior or failed expectations.”
Julia nodded.
Mother Superior continued, “You have been with us for two years, Julia. When your mother passed away, you came here seeking solace and said you wished to join the order. Over the two years, you’ve been wonderful with the children and a great help to the other sisters, but I don’t believe your heart is here with us. You take a great interest in the history lessons you help teach the children, and I’ve seen you daydreaming quite often with a book in your lap. I believe you have dreams beyond the walls of our convent.”
Julia dropped her head. Shame washed over her. When she looked back at Mother Superior, she said, “I’m sorry, but you’re right. I wanted to be here after mama died. Everyone was so kind, and no one expected me not to grieve or smile all the time. I had time to myself, peace, and women who cared for me.”
“But?” questioned Mother Superior.
“But I still love the other sisters, the students, and the peace I found here, but sometimes I dream about what my life could be outside of the convent.”
Mother Superior nodded, “I thought that would be your answer. You haven’t taken vows or made a commitment to the order and are free to leave any time you wish. Before your brother headed west in his search for a better life, he left money with me for this very reason. He was concerned you came here to grieve and not commit yourself. If you decide to leave, you will have enough funds to travel to wherever you feel you’d be happy and live until you find employment or a young man steals your heart.”
Julia blushed and asked, “You aren’t angry with me?”
“No, child, I’m not upset. Each of us has a path to walk in God’s plan, and this is not your path. Trust in the Lord, and He will guide you.”
“Thank you. I feel the same but wasn’t sure how to explain it to you. You and the other sisters have been kind and helped me these past two years. I felt I owed you my loyalty.”
“Any loyalty you owe is to God, my dear, and the best way to show that is to follow your heart. The Lord will guide you.”
“Thank you, Mother Superior. I’ll think about this, and when I leave, I think I might go back to Gentle Falls. My aunt and uncle own the mercantile there, and I believe I could be of help to them. I’ll write them a letter and let them know I’m thinking about returning.”
Mother Superior nodded, and Julia left her office feeling a bit frightened and excited all at once. She would start a new life, but would the outside world welcome her back?
Julia slowly walked back to the library, where she had been working before Mother Superior’s summons.
Winter was right around the corner, and there was a chill in the air Julia couldn’t shake. It was more than the cold breezes off the lake. Deeper. She had just turned nineteen when her mother passed away. She had helped her older brother run their farm and care for their mother, but the grief that consumed her disrupted her life at every turn. When her brother decided he wanted to head west and start a new life, Julia decided to join the convent. It had been two years. Her brother was somewhere in Wyoming or Colorado. The few letters he sent always said he was in a new place looking for his future.
What lay ahead for her future? She couldn’t roam the west like her brother, could she? She’d return home to the town where she was born and still had some family. Her Aunt Minnie and Uncle Louis would welcome her home. She had such fun growing up in the small town of Gentle Falls. The farm was still there. Her brother hadn’t sold it. Could she
