Janie and the Judge (Montana Women Book 3) Page 3

  In his room, he shrugged out of his coat and walked to the window overlooking Main Street. There were few folks out since it was close to evening, and winter had arrived with a wicked cold fury.

  He sighed as he sank to his bed, his eyes cutting to articles of his own few personal possessions. As he lay back on the bed and folded his arms beneath his head, the thought struck him; is this all he’d have in life; this tiny room in a boarding house with his few possessions? Is this all? And if it was, why did that thought seem so depressing to him when it hadn’t bothered him before?

  Simon knew the answer; he hadn’t known Janie Miller until now.

  April 1889

  Bozeman, Montana

  The man scowled from his position on the second floor of Tate’s Boarding House. “Damn!” he spat. “Won’t the bastard ever leave town?”

  “You talkin’ to yerself again, boss?”

  Clive Miller looked at, in his opinion, his useless piece of crap foreman and spat a wad of chewing tobacco from his mouth, which landed on his foreman’s jacket front.

  “Why you gotta do that?” Bart Swenson whined as he looked down at the wad soaking into his jacket.

  “Cause you never shut up, that’s why,” Clive snarled. “Now get the hell out of here. I don’t need you hanging over my shoulder, watching me do the job you’re supposed to be doing.”

  The older man snatched his hat off the bed and stalked from the room, slamming the door in his wake.

  Taking up his daily vigil as he’d done for the past week—Clive Miller watched the doorway to Katie’s Palace for any sign of movement. He’d learned the judge’s pattern well and knew he rose early and headed for the jailhouse every morning.

  He shouldn’t have waited almost three months to come after Janie, but his deceased brother’s property had consumed his attention. He also hadn’t counted on another man snatching her up, either. Unfortunately, Simon Hopkins clung to Janie like a feather to tar paper, never leaving her alone for a moment when she was out in public. In fact, he hadn’t had an opportunity to confront her because she was never alone.

  Once he got her alone, he’d have no problem using threats to convince her to marry him, especially now that the judge was interested in her. Pretty Janie. Sweet Janie. The only woman he’d ever loved, yet his damned brother had gotten a hold of her first. He’d hated Robert after that, but had maintained a familial relationship with him only to see Janie. His older brother had taken the only woman Clive would ever love. With Robert’s passing though, Clive had been given a second chance. He wouldn’t let it slip away—wouldn’t let Janie slip away. She belonged with him.

  Clive would give her what his brother hadn’t been able to—children. He recalled how, after Robert and Janie had been married a year, how Robert had come to him with an unusual, shocking request; to try and see if he could father a child for him and his wife. Clive had refused, unable to believe his brother was that desperate, but he had been. In hindsight, he should have taken his brother up on his offer because now Janie would be bound to him—with their child.

  He wouldn’t squander a second chance.

  Chapter 3

  Contentment speared through Janie. She had a home, surrounded by people who were friendly and liked her.

  Katie Freeman was the nicest person she’d ever met. Her husband was a gem, though somewhat taciturn at times. Janie and Simon, Katie and James, frequently met for supper at Katie’s Palace after the supper time crowd dwindled. While she didn’t participate in conversation much, Janie listened and enjoyed the friendly bantering between the other three. Oh, to be so comfortable with even one person would be wonderful! To be so in love with one man, to share her hopes and dreams with him, even if they were never fulfilled, would be so satisfying.

  After fifteen years suffering abuse and neglect from Robert, Janie had never felt so appreciated and protected. In hindsight, she realized she should have left Robert years ago, but she had been bound to him. She could have returned home to her parents’ home when Robert had first showed his true self, but she’d endured a lifetime of abusive treatment from her father. It made no difference; there was no choice. She’d made the same wrong choice as her mother. Now she would live only for herself, though she sighed at what she saw between Katie and James; such devoted love for each other.

  Stabbing pain shot through her body then as she thought about Robert’s hurtful words and his hands attacking her body; it was her fault they hadn’t been able to have any children he’d said. Whose fault it was she had no idea, and neither had the doctors she’d visited in hopes of finding some simple cure. While her heart longed for a child, she knew the Lord had been looking after her; knew Robert would not make a good father so he’d denied them that joy.

  But now, as she thought about Simon, she wondered… He’d make a wonderful father, no question in her mind. The man had more patience than ten people and a soft-spoken manner, unless someone infuriated him in his court room, then his deep voice would boom through the space. Yes, he would have made a wonderful father, but she guessed he was several years older than her thirty-two years and, being a bachelor, set in his ways. Getting married and becoming a father were, she guessed, the furthest things from his mind.

  Now the four of them sat in the dining room of the palace, eating a late supper when James asked, “Well, Janie, tell me, after three months of working here at Katie’s Palace, do you plan on staying put for a while?”

  Janie smiled and briefly touched on each of her new friends’ faces. “Yes, I feel like this place could be a permanent home for me. You’ve all been so wonderful. I don’t know how to thank you for your kindness.”

  “There she goes again,” Simon exclaimed, throwing up his arms.

  They laughed at his remark, and Janie reminded herself to stop thanking them. She was leading a blessed life now, and had these three people to thank for it.

  “I love staying home with my brood,” Katie said, “and, thanks to you, I can do that now and not feel guilty or anxious about the running of this place. So, the feeling’s mutual, Janie. Have you thought at all about your future plans?”

  “Now, Katie,” James warned.

  “What?” Katie gave her husband an innocent look. “I’m just wondering how long she’s thinking about staying, that’s all.”

  “Right now,” Janie said, “I think I could spend the rest of my life here.”

  Katie grinned. “Oh! You won’t hear me object!”

  Simon smiled. “I’d like that.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, releasing it before she could even think about pulling it away.

  Janie was disconcerted to find she wanted him to kiss her hand again, and again. Then she caught the smiles on Katie’s and James’s faces and, flustered, her cheeks feeling hot, she rose from the table. “Excuse me but I’m exhausted and must retire for the night.”

  “Of course you are,” Katie said. You were on your feet making pies all day. You need a good night’s rest. Why don’t you come in tomorrow at ten instead of six? I’m afraid I’m overworking you so I’ll cover the early morning hours, with Annie.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t do that, Katie! You stay home with the children. And I forgot to mention to you that Annie won’t be here tomorrow, and Eileen is ill. I’ll be down at six as usual.”

  Annie Smith and her husband, Cane, had had a baby girl they named Eileen, nine months ago, born a month early. The couple had prayed for a miracle and the babe had survived, though she was frail and small and prone to picking up illnesses. And now Annie was pregnant again already. Janie couldn’t help but feel melancholy at the thought of having a baby and thought how lucky Annie was to have her children. And Katie, too.

  “Sick?” Katie said. She looked at James. “Have you heard about this?”

  “Nope, but you know how kids catch everything that comes along, honey,” James said, trying to reassure Katie.

  “Baby Eileen cannot afford to get sick. I think I’ll stop by her place tomorrow m
orning.” Katie rose from the table and, with a chagrinned expression at Janie, said, “Sorry, but you’ll have to start at your six o’clock time after all. I’m worried about Annie and her baby. She needs help, being sick herself in the first place with another pregnancy.”

  Janie patted Katie’s shoulder. “If there’s anything I can do let me know.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Well, goodnight, then,” Janie said.

  The trio replied in kind and Janie went up the stairs, deciding Katie was the kindest person she’d ever known. Janie was being paid well to manage Katie’s Palace, and she would do her job the best she knew how. Then she thought of poor Annie Smith and her baby, praying the babe would gain health soon.

  The next morning, Janie left her room, closed, and locked the door and bumped into Simon leaving his room.

  Grasping her shoulders to steady her, he said, “Sorry. Didn’t mean to run into you like that.”

  Janie had frozen at his touch and her heart sped up as she stood before him, unable to formulate a sentence.

  “Are you all right?”

  He looked at her, concern in his eyes as Janie thought, no, she wasn’t all right. From the moment he’d grasped her shoulders. Her mind had a way of wandering, thinking how easy it would be to fall in love with a man like Simon Hopkins. He was everything her young, girlish heart dreamed of years ago, but then she shook herself out of her reveries. Looking down in embarrassment at her plain black sensible woolen gown and white apron, she decided the bloom of youth had long ago withered away.

  “I’m fine.” He released her shoulders and she took a step back. “You’re up early this morning.” She started down the stairs and felt Simon following her.

  “I’m holding court today beginning at nine but wanted to head out to the old Rawlings place first. He died a few months back and his family from out east has put his farm up for sale. I thought I’d take a look at it.”

  “I had no idea you knew anything about farming.” She paused outside the kitchen door.

  “I don’t. I grew up in the heart of New York City. But I’m thinking of trying my hand at it a bit, nothing real serious though.”

  “If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “You know about farm life?”

  She nodded. “My parents were farmers and my husband, too. Yes, I know farm life well.”

  He grinned. “I may take you up on that offer.”

  “So, you’ll be hanging up your judge hat?” She couldn’t imagine him being a farmer, but stranger things in life happened.

  “No, but I am thinking of hanging up a shingle with ‘barrister’ on it. Haven’t practiced law for years, but Bozeman could use another attorney seeing as it’s just Bob Jensen and Perry O’Connor here. Besides, I’m getting tired of not having any permanent place to hang my hat, though I have to admit I just started having that feeling.”

  Janie’s face burned when she saw the significant look he gave her, and wondered what he meant. Why did he suddenly want permanency? It was none of her business. For all she knew he had a fiancée tucked away somewhere. She knew very little about Simon, except that he was kind, gentle and smart. She bit her lip, unable to think of any more small talk.

  “Well, I’ve got to get to work.” Before she could turn away he took her elbow and held her in place.

  “There’s a barn raising and dance in two weeks out at Annie and Cane’s place. Would you go with me?”

  Just then Annie came hustling out of the kitchen.

  “I didn’t expect you here!” Janie exclaimed. “How’s the baby?”

  Annie, pretty, tiny and blonde with blue eyes swiped a strand of hair off her forehead. “She’s doing much better. Fever’s gone and she’s got a slight cough is all. Cane’s caring for her.” She smiled and added, “Did I just hear you two talking about our barn raising?”

  Simon nodded. “Sure did. I’m waitin’ on Janie’s reply.”

  “We’d love for you to come,” Annie said.

  “Well, let me think…”

  “Then that’s settled,” Simon said. With a tip of his hat, he murmured, “Ladies, until later.”

  Janie scowled as she watched Simon leave. “Darn it. I hate men making up my mind for me.”

  Annie gave her a puzzled look. “I don’t blame you. Cane has long ago given up on telling me what to do. But Simon doing it is very unusual.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Being demanding. He’s generally not like that, except when he’s in his courtroom.”

  “What does it take to get a cup of coffee around here?”

  Janie saw James Freeman sitting at a table near a window and smiled. “You’re in here early, Sheriff.”

  “Early? The sun’s been up half an hour already,” he groused. “I’ll have you know I passed up my wife’s coffee to come here for yours, Janie.”

  She laughed. “Hmm, now that’s interesting seeing as your wife’s the one who taught me how to make a good cup of coffee.”

  They all laughed, then James’ smile faded as he looked at Annie. “How’s Eileen?”

  “She’s with Cane for the morning and doing much better.”

  James nodded. “Good.” He glanced at his pocket watch. “Got to get to the jailhouse soon, to relieve Harvey earlier than usual. He’s got harvesting to do.”

  “Of course. Coffee comin’ right up,” Annie said. “And how about some hash and eggs?”

  “You twisted my arms.”

  Both women turned into the kitchen. Janie was surprised that Ethel Haroldson wasn’t in place behind the stove. In fact, the stove was stone cold.

  “Ethel’s ill this morning,” Annie said. “I was just going to start up the stove when you came down. Do you want to cook or serve today?”

  “I’ll cook,” Janie said. Usually, with Ethel here, the both of them cooked and managed to easily keep up with the typical brisk morning crowd on a week day morning, but today she’d be busy alone, which was fine with her. Busy kept her mind off things she had no business thinking.

  All morning, as she cooked eggs, bacon and hash and kettles of oatmeal for her hungry customers, she thought about Simon’s offer to attend the barn raising and dance. She’d attended plenty of them when she was a young girl, but since marrying at sixteen she hadn’t been to one in years.

  She thought about Simon, trusting him to be the gentleman he’d thus far proved to be. He would pose no threat to her of a physical nature, but recognized the fact he could do irreparable harm to her poor heart, though, if she let him.

  Two weeks later, on the day of the barn dance, Katie closed the Palace down early. Most everyone in Bozeman would be out at the Cane place erecting the barn walls that had been built over the past two weeks.

  Excitement strummed through Janie, plucking away at the strings of her heart. She recalled the barn raisings she’d attended in her youth and decided they were some of the happiest times in her life. Then dread settled inside her at the thought of dancing. She hadn’t in years, and was embarrassed at the thought of making a fool of herself, still, she knew she wouldn’t be able to resist an invitation.

  Annie had arrived to help her dress in one of Katie’s dresses since she hadn’t purchased nor found the time to sew herself an appropriate one. Now she looked at herself in the mirror and, twisting side to side, she saw a woman she didn’t recognize; one with hope in her eyes. Then memories returned and she saw the woman she’d been the day she married Robert; young, pretty, hopeful…

  The dress was peacock blue which enhanced her blue eyes and contrasted well with her dark hair.

  Annie pressed down on Janie’s shoulders, encouraging her to sit on the edge of the bed.

  “Just a bit of color in your cheeks and you’ll be the prettiest woman at the dance,” she enthused.

  Janie pulled back from Annie when she saw she held a small glass jar of rose colored paint in her hand. “Only women of less fortunate circumstances would stoop to wearing face paint,
Annie!”

  Annie laughed and dug her finger into the jar. “Nonsense! You’re a beautiful woman in her prime. And the good Lord would not find fault with you enhancing yourself.”

  “Maybe you’re right,” Janie said, hearing the hesitancy in her own voice, “but just a very tiny bit. I don’t want people thinking I’m…thinking I’m something I’m not.”

  “They won’t. They wouldn’t dare since you’ll be with Simon. He’d never allow anyone to say a word against you.” She grinned. “Simon has a hankerin’ for you, don’t you know?”

  “He most certainly does not,” Janie said stiffly.

  Annie just laughed. “He does. And I guarantee he won’t be able to take his eyes off you today.”

  Janie wasn’t certain she liked that idea at all. Annie left then to return to her home to finish food preparations for the event. She’d dressed Janie’s hair into a braided coronet atop her head, wisps of dark tendrils she’d coerced into curls on either side of her face. With a sigh, she rose and headed for the door to check to make sure she hadn’t missed closing down anything in the kitchen before heading out, snatching up her old woolen gray cloak since evenings were cool.

  She met up with Simon in the hallway. He wore a chambray shirt. Dungarees and a black leather vest and string tie.

  He swept Janie a long, intent look that left her feeling breathless.

  “You look beautiful,” he murmured, taking her cloak from her hands.

  “You do too,” she said and smiled at how handsome he appeared, even in the simplest of clothes. Yet, she wondered why he was dressed so casually when Katie and Annie had instructed her to wear party attire. Then she remembered; he’d be doing hard labor lifting walls. She saw the satchel he carried and knew he’d probably packed a good set of clothes as well to change into afterwards.

  “Thank you,” he said, setting the satchel down on the floor. “Turn about.”

  “Excuse me?”

  He flung the cloak over his shoulder and drew a small, tight circle with one finger in the air. “Turn for me.”