Page 31 of The Heart of Bennet Hollow

“That’s the reason Callum Brydolf is here as well. Man’s a lawyer, does Drake’s bidding in these endeavors. No mere mortal can stand up to them. No matter how hard people have tried. You’d do your older sister a favor to caution her as well.”

Her head was growing light.

“I don’t know if it’s been made clear just how much land Mr. Drake owns.

Hundreds of acres across the nation. More businesses and employees than people like you and I could ever stomach.

And he’s always looking for more.” Mr. Westgard shook his head slowly.

“His greed has no end. Have you not noticed how he and the other coal barons have been sinking their talons into this town? Especially the young women? One of the investors even indicated he might want to marry one of the local girls as a business strategy.”

Lizbeth felt sick. She hadn’t noticed these things but perhaps she’d been too blind to see.

“Has Drake or Brydolf shown you or your sisters any of that kind of behavior?” His puzzled expression held an air of innocence.

“If so, I’d advise you to be wary. They’re not the only ones looking to endear themselves to the people of New River.

The mine might go to the highest bidder, but the respect will go to the one who is best able to throw the wool over people’s eyes. ”

At the sound of someone calling out, his demeanor changed. “You’ve got company coming.”

Lizbeth glanced back to see Hattie hurrying their way.

“I’ll leave you now, but...” He touched a hand to his chest again. “Please consider me a friend if you ever need one in the matter.”

Hattie called out again from behind them. “Lizzy!”

The man angled away. “Just be cautious with Drake. I’m sorry to be the one to share that bad news with you. I figured it best to explain his true colors before it was too late.” He gave a polite smile.

Overwhelmed, Lizbeth turned for Hattie’s approach, her thoughts more on William Drake than the young woman who reached her side.

If William had the power to evict them from their home, why endear himself to her and her sisters? Was he deceitful? Was that why he’d stood as tall and taut as mine timber upon their first meeting? And once again today?

“Lizzy?”

How easy to recount the sweet pastries and glistening fruits she’d admired just days ago along with his speech about the beautiful racehorse she might one day lay eyes on. She’d been caught up in the moment—as enchanted with his train car as she’d been with him, admittedly.

And all of it only a show, then? Her stomach clenched.

“Lizzy!” Hattie dropped her shawl as she nudged Lizbeth’s shoulder. “You’re a million miles away.” She bent to retrieve the tumble of wool.

Lizbeth tried to brush aside rising panic. How foolish she’d been. “I—uh, I’ve got too much on my mind.”

Hattie winced. “That’s why I’ve come myself. There’s somethin’ I need to tell you.”

“Of course.” Lizbeth went to loop her arm through Hattie’s for support, but Hattie pulled away, putting a step of distance between them.

“What’s the matter? Is somethin’ wrong?”

“Nothin’s wrong.” Hattie pulled her gray shawl tighter. “In fact, it’s quite good. At least, I think so. I just need to see you to say this.”

Lizbeth clasped her friend’s chilled hand as more worries rose. “Tell me.”

“Well...” Hattie fiddled nervously with the fringe of her shawl. “Reverend Coburn has asked me if he and I might marry. And I’ve said yes .”

Hattie’s eyes were a bright shade of brown. Like coffee with a splash of cream. The color was all that Lizbeth could compute as she retraced those words in her mind. “Come... come again?”

“We’re to be married. Reverend Coburn and myself. We’ve set a date already. For before his return so that I’ll be able to accompany him. I do hope you’ll come.”

Lizbeth shook her head to jar her hearing. “You’re plannin’ to marry Reverend Coburn?”

“Don’t say it like that. He’s a fine man.

A minister.” Hattie smoothed a hand over her straight hair, which angled back into a tight bun.

“He’s got a good and sensible occupation and a nice livin’.

I’ll have a chance to do more with my life than be a burden to my parents.

Pa’s about to retire. They still have me to look after.

I’ll have the chance to prosper in this life. To run a home all my own.”

“But this way? You’re a smart girl, Hattie! You’ve had schooling—a tutor even. You’re wise and capable. Any man would be lucky to have you.”

“And one wants me!”

“But Reverend Coburn?”

“What other choices do I have? I’m plain, Lizzy.

” With dismay, Hattie held out her hands.

“Even for the men of New River. ’Sides, what miner would ever dare to court the boss’s daughter?

They were too afraid to even ask me to dance.

Or did you not notice that at the gatherin’?

Did you not notice that I was the only woman our age without a man who extended his arm? ”

“No, I’m sorry.” She’d been too preoccupied with her own thoughts. Her own offers to dance. Shame burned Lizbeth’s cheeks.

“I’m already twenty-seven years old, and with no other prospects at hand. My dear friend—by acceptin’ Reverend Coburn, I’ll have the chance to be a mother.”

A joy that Hattie deserved.

“Hattie, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken as I did.”

“I don’t need you to be sorry, Lizzy. I only need you to be happy for me.

” She smoothed her plain dress front as her thick eyebrows bridged in yearning.

“I’ve shared many evenings lately listenin’ to Reverend Coburn read.

We’ve gone for strolls and he even helped me trim Ma’s roses yesterday.

Oh, he’s serious in ways. Perhaps clumsy in others.

But he’s a decent man and I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve shared with him.

Pa and Ma like him as well. His stayin’ with us helped them get to know him. It helped all of us.”

A pair of miners strode past. Some of the very men who’d showed no interest in courting Hattie Jorgensen because of all that she described.

Now Hattie had a chance with someone who wasn’t connected to a life of coal in any way.

She had a chance at an all-new future with a decent man.

Did that mean Hattie was marrying for love?

Lizbeth searched her friend’s watery gaze.

Could sincere affection bloom in only a few weeks’ time? Was it possible?

“You’re gonna marry Reverend Coburn,” Lizbeth said weakly, needing it to sink in. Which meant Hattie would soon be leaving for Pennsylvania.

She would be leaving this place.

“Yes. And please be glad for me.”

Swallowing all her uncertainty over her friend’s choice, Lizbeth reached for Hattie’s hand once more to warm it.

Just because Mr. Westgard had implied that Lizbeth was a poor judge of men, it didn’t mean that others were.

“I’m glad for you, Hattie. Grateful you’ve found someone who is your match.

May it be a wonderful life that you share. ”