Settling down behind the small desk in the library, Julia removed a piece of writing paper from the drawer and picked up the pen and ink, trying to find the right words to explain why she wanted to leave the safety of the convent. She began:
Dear Aunt Minnie and Uncle Louis,
After much thought and heart-searching, I have decided to leave the convent. Robert left enough money with the Mother Superior before he left to help me come back to Gentle Falls or to remain here and find employment. I am not sure what I should do. If I decide to return home, would there be a place for me in town, or would I be able to stay on the farm? I could help you with the mercantile until I find employment. Please write back and help me decide what to do. The past two years have been peaceful, and my heart is mending. I need to move on with my life.
I have missed you terribly while I have been here. Your letters were always encouraging. I pray that you are both well. I hope to hear from you soon.
Your loving niece,
Julia
Julia slipped the letter into an envelope and rose to find her coat and prepared to post her letter. She hummed as she walked toward the small area of businesses near the convent. After posting the letter, she wandered around the small store and wondered how much life had changed since she entered the convent.
Not knowing what, if anything, she might need, Julia bought a peppermint stick and a newspaper. Perhaps reading news stories while waiting for her aunt and uncle to respond to her letter would help her learn more about the changing world.
Feeling a bit of freedom after spending two years at the convent, Julia decided to stop in the café and have a cup of tea. She would read the paper and enjoy seeing how, or if, the world had changed.
Settled at a table, the waitress brought her tea and said, “If you need anything else, just ask.”
Julia returned the young woman’s smile and said, “Thank you. I think this is all I need right now.”
Julia glanced at the paper, read a few short articles, and turned to the inside pages when an advertisement caught her eye.
The Denver Office of the Pinkerton Detective Agency was hiring female agents.
Female agents? Julia thought. How wonderful. Women are coming into their own, and becoming an agent would be an excellent career. Could I? Should I? I have enough money to travel to Denver. What would Aunt Minnie and Uncle Louis think? What about Mother Superior? She would frown at my idea of traveling to Denver alone. I’ve received a solid education. I could be an asset. I can do this, at least I can try. If I fail, I can always return to Gentle Falls. If I don’t try, I might regret it for the rest of my life.
Julia stirred sugar into her second cup of tea and smiled. Now, her only problem would be writing a second letter to her aunt and uncle and explaining her decision to Mother Superior. She loved her family, but her brother had set out on his own. Why couldn’t she? Thinking of every possible argument that could be made from the work is too dangerous for a woman to how could she ever expect to marry if she chose to work in a man’s place, Julia decided on answers to each conceivable question.
Gathering her courage, Julia paid for her tea and began her walk back to the convent, where she would write another letter to her aunt and uncle and inform Mother Superior of her travel plans. Worrying a bit about their reactions, and needing a firm plan, she stopped at the store again to inquire about the train schedule she had seen posted on the wall. Yes, she was ready to make a move to Denver and apply to be an agent with the Pinkertons.
Chapter 2
Denver Colorado
Marianne looked up from her desk when she heard the front door open. She smiled when she saw Agent West Lange enter carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers.
“Did you bring flowers for Archie,” Marianne asked the handsome young man.
“No, ma’am, these are for you. When I returned from my assignment, I heard you and Archie married. I want to offer my congratulations, and perhaps you would spare one flower for the grave of my broken heart,” West said, removing his hat and bowing with a flourish.
Marianne laughed. “You’re not only a flirt but dramatic. Perhaps you should leave the agency for a job on the stage.”
West held his hands up in front of him and said, “I’m only stating the obvious, but I’m pleased you and Archie are happy.”
“One day, you will find the same happiness,” Marianne assured.
“Me? Married? No, that will never happen. My sister is married with five children. Five little critters that spill milk, cry for no reason, and upend the household daily.”
Marianne laughed again.
West leaned a bit closer to her desk and whispered, “Life is far from calm at her home. It has gotten to the point that my brother-in-law stops each evening on his way home from work for a beer and a shot of whiskey. He needs the courage to face the wild bunch that has taken over his peaceful home.”
Marianne bit back more laughter and asked, “Could it be your brother-in-law enjoys his drink and uses that as his excuse?”
“Could be, could be, but still you’ll never see me married with wild critters running around,” West stated emphatically.
Marianne doubted his words but smiled politely and said, “Archie doesn’t have anyone in his office. You can go right in.”
“Thank you, I’ll do that,” West told her as he strode toward Archie’s office.
The front door opened again
