But when she closed her eyes, she could still see the look in Daniel Walker's gray eyes, the vulnerability and hope mixed together. She could still feel the gentle but firm way he had held her wrist, not forcing but asking, always asking, and she could not shake the feeling that perhaps, just perhaps, she had made the right choice after all. That night, lying in her narrow bed, listening to the unfamiliar sounds of Mrs. Patterson's boarding house, Wilhelmina thought about her family in Boston. They would be expecting her to arrive in another week or so. When she did not appear, would they worry?
Would they send someone looking for her? She would need to write to them, she decided, explaining her decision to stay in Nevada. She would not mention Daniel Walker yet. Not until she knew if this improbable courtship had any chance of success. Her mother would have hysterics if she knew her daughter was being courted by a rancher.
The next morning, after a breakfast of eggs, biscuits, and strong coffee with the other boarding house residents, Wilhelmina set out to find employment. She visited the general store first, hoping they might need help with their accounts or inventory. The owner, a balding man named Mr. Griggs, listened politely to her inquiry and then shook his head. I am sorry, Miss Dalton, but my wife and I manage the store ourselves. We do not need additional help.
He would not meet her eyes, and she suspected his refusal had more to do with her reputation than his actual staffing needs. She tried the hotel next, then the newspaper office, then the assayer's office. Everywhere she went, the answer was the same polite refusal. By midday, Wilhelmina was dusty, tired, and increasingly discouraged. It seemed Daniel had been right about small town memories and prejudices.
She was walking back toward the boarding house, wondering if she should have boarded that train after all, when she heard a familiar voice call her name. Turning, she saw Mrs. Chen approaching, carrying a basket covered with a cloth. Miss Dalton, is true you stay in Hawthorne? The elderly woman asked in her accented English. I hear you miss train yesterday.
News traveled fast in small towns. Willilhelm meaner reflected. Yes, Mrs. Chen. I decided to remain here for a while longer. Is good is good?
Mrs. Chen said, nodding enthusiastically. You are kind lady. Most people not kind to Chinese, but you are different. You need job. Yes, I hear you looking for work.
I do need employment. Yes, Wilhelmina admitted. But I have not had much success so far. Mrs. Chen's weathered face broke into a smile. You come with me.
My daughter, she run laundry business. Very successful. She needs someone who can read, write, keep books in English. Chinese customers, no problem. But American customers want someone who speak perfect English.
You come, I introduce you. Wilhelmina felt a surge of hope. That would be wonderful, Mrs. Chen. Thank you. The laundry was a large building on the edge of town with great vats of boiling water and lines of washing hanging to dry in the desert sun.
Mrs. Chen's daughter, May was a capable-looking woman in her 30s who spoke excellent English and ran her business with impressive efficiency. She listened to Wilhelmina's qualifications, asked several pointed questions about her bookkeeping skills, and then offered her a position on the spot. I can pay you $20 a month to manage the accounts, handle correspondence with customers, and help with the English-speaking clients. May said, "The work is not glamorous, but it is honest and steady. Are you interested? " "
I am very interested, " Wilhelmina said, relief flooding through her. $20 a month was not much, but it was enough to pay for her room and board with a little leftover. More importantly, it was honest work that would let her maintain her independence. When would you like me to start? Tomorrow morning, if you are available, I can show you the books and explain the system.
May extended her hand, and Wilhelmina shook it, sealing the agreement. Walking back to the boarding house, Wilhelmina felt lighter than she had all day. She had a job, a place to live, and that evening she would have her first proper dinner with Daniel Walker. Perhaps this impulsive decision was not such a disaster after all. She spent the afternoon washing up, pressing her best dress, a deep green silk that brought out the color of her hazel eyes, and arranging her auburn hair in a style that was elegant but not too elaborate.
When Daniel arrived at precisely 6:00, wearing a clean shirt and vest with his dark hair still damp from washing, she felt a flutter of nervousness in her stomach. " Miss Dalton, you look lovely, " he said. and the sincerity in his voice made her blush. " Thank you, Mr. Walker. Shall we go? "
The hotel restaurant was the finest dining establishment in Hawthorne, which meant it had actual tablecloths and menus written on chalkboards. Daniel held her chair for her with the careful courtesy of someone trying hard to remember proper manners, and Wilhelmina found his nervousness oddly endearing. Over dinner of roast beef, potatoes, and vegetables, they began the delicate process of getting to know each other. Daniel told her about his ranch, how he had come west from Missouri 5 years ago with nothing but his horse and his saddle, working various jobs until he had saved enough to buy his land. He spoke about his plans for the future, breeding better cattle, improving his water sources.
maybe one day having the finest ranch in the territory. " What about your family? " Wilhelmina asked. " Do they still live in Missouri? " a shadow crossed his face. "
My mother died when I was 16. " " Consumption. " " My father followed her 2 years later. Just seemed to give up after she was gone. I have a sister somewhere.
Married and moved to California last I heard, but we have not kept in touch. " Coming west was about starting fresh, building something that was mine. I understand that feeling, Wilhelmina said softly. My family is well established in Boston. My father is a banker, very successful, very respected.
They have my entire life planned out for me. Who I should marry, how I should behave, what I should want. Coming to Nevada was my attempt to escape all of that and find out who I actually am separate from their expectations. And what have you discovered so far? Daniel asked, leaning forward with genuine interest.