Wyoming Lawman by Victoria Bylin Page A

together.”
    Pearl squeezed her hand. “Thank you, cousin.”
    Carrie waved a greeting to Miss Marlowe. “This is my cousin, Pearl Oliver. We have someone very special for you to meet.”
    Thinking of the hair ribbons—a gift to a woman of uncommon courage—Pearl lifted her squawking baby out of the carriage. Mercifully he found his fist and started to suck. As Carrie moved the carriage into a shady spot, Pearl climbed the stairs alone and faced Miss Marlowe.
    â€œThis is my son,” she said quietly. “I’ll tell the story now, but I won’t repeat it. A year ago I was attacked by a man I trusted. I was—”
    â€œOh, child.”
    Miss Marlowe’s pale eyes asked questions— the question—and Pearl answered with a nod. The woman touched her cheek, then lowered her hand, leaving a warm spot that felt empty. Pearl’s heart turned to stone. Sympathydidn’t mean Miss Marlowe would approve of her desire to teach.
    Carrie joined them on the porch. “We wanted you to know Pearl’s circumstances before the board meeting.”
    â€œOf course.” Miss Marlowe indicated the door. “Come inside, girls. We’ll talk over tea and scones. I made them myself.”
    Carrie gave Pearl an encouraging smile. “Miss Marlowe is known for her scones.”
    The older woman indicated a cane rocker. “Have a seat, dear. New mothers need their rest. Carrie and I will bring the cups.”
    â€œThank you,” Pearl managed.
    She sat and put the rocker into motion. The rhythm delighted Toby and he kicked for the fun of it. Arching back, he gave her his first-ever smile. Happy tears pushed into Pearl’s eyes. She longed to share the moment with a husband, but her friends would have to do. She’d tell Carrie on the way home, and tonight she’d write to everyone at Swan’s Nest.
    Miss Marlowe arrived with the tea service and placed it on a low table. Carrie added a plate of scones and a pot of raspberry jam. After serving the refreshments, Miss Marlowe sat tall on a chair that resembled a throne. She studied Pearl for several seconds. “Let me be frank, dear.”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œI’ve reviewed your application and am satisfied with your qualifications. Carrie has provided a wonderful reference for you. As for your son, I have no doubt you’ve been victimized. In fact, I greatly admire your forthright handling of the situation. A lesser woman would lie to save face. You chose an honorable path. Not the easy one, mind you. But the right one.”
    Pearl’s belly started to unknot. “I did, and I have noregrets.” Toby burrowed his head against her neck. She loved the tickle of his hair.
    Carrie cradled the teacup in both hands. “We understand Pearl’s situation will raise eyebrows.”
    Miss Marlowe’s eyes twinkled. “I’m quite accustomed to raising eyebrows.”
    Carrie grinned. “I think you enjoy it.”
    â€œI do,” the woman declared. “So let’s do some politicking. There are five board members including myself. We need three votes. I should be able to twist my nephew’s arm, but the third vote will be a problem.”
    Pearl’s heart soared and crashed in the same breath. She’d earned Miss Marlowe’s support, but she had a fight ahead of her. As Carrie and Miss Marlowe debated the options, Pearl heard references to Chester Gates and Lady Eugenia. Both women thought Lady Eugenia could be persuaded, but that Mr. Gates would be difficult. Carrie named the fifth board member. “What about Jasper Kling?”
    Miss Marlowe grimaced. “The man annoys me.”
    â€œWho is he?” Pearl asked.
    Carrie set down her cup. “He owns a shop on Dryer Street. I’m not ready to write him off.”
    Miss Marlowe wrinkled her brows. “I must admit, I don’t know Jasper well. Why do you think he’ll bend in our