Cachet Read Free Page A

the house is acceptable?" Boyd inquired.
    "It's wonderful. You've very generous to let me stay here. I hope the owner isn't going to change his mind and decide to move back in."
    "I wouldn't worry about that. Morgan hasn't lived here for years. As I said, he's quite comfortable at the inn. He lets this cottage on a yearly lease."
    Rachel flinched inside at that news. She couldn't promise to stay a year. Not nearly that long, if there was any kindness left in the world! "I don't know whether I can commit to a full year, sir. Perhaps half that time." She was afraid she'd just ruined her chance at both the house and the post, but it had to be said.
    "Widow Cordell—"
    "Rachel, please."
    "All right, Rachel," he smiled, "Don't feel you must make too many decisions all at once. Six months will be fine for now." He had the driver unload her trunk, and sternly shook his head when Rachel dug into her handbag. "I'll deduct the rent from your salary each week. I know you haven't much money. Your aunt explained the difficult circumstances that caused you to sell the farm after your husband's death. Pity, leaving you so indebted. But please don't worry, I won't repeat a word to anyone else."
    "My aunt told you all about it, though." Violet, you wicked storyteller! I guess that's only fair after the balderdash I handed him about you and the horse.
    Boyd coughed into a fist. "She led Mr. Soames to understand you'd had a rough time back on the frontier and arrived in England with limited resources. I don't mean to dwell on your misfortune. I thought I might ask my fiancee to look in on you tomorrow. Chrissandra would love to help you stock up on provisions. She adores any excuse to be out browsing. Please dine at the inn this evening and tell Mrs. Poole to put your meal on Morgan's account."
    Rachel studied his face. "What's he like, sir? I feel a little strange moving into the man's home and eating at his inn, working in his office, yet we're complete strangers."
    "Let's see. Some call him the Bargainer. He lives and breathes trade, which makes him the ideal partner for me. I believe there's more to life than commerce. Morgan believes life is commerce. He's a proud man, but not above plowing a field or making a delivery himself. Has a reputation for honoring his word. Something we literally bank upon. I think you'll get on. You seem the earnest sort, which he'll appreciate."
    He was almost back in the carriage before she remembered to ask when she was expected at his office. "Take a few days to settle in," he called back. "I'll send Miss James by tomorrow and expect you Friday morning at nine."
    Rachel closed the cottage door and turned to gaze again around the snug parlor. This musty but appealing little domicile was hers alone. The thought had her mind reeling. For the first time in her life, she would be residing alone. Working at a clerking post she had chosen to accept, eating meals when she wanted to fix them, bathing and sleeping and doing dozens of things when the whims—not Cletus—struck her. He'd been gone for over three months, but she hadn't been able to shake the horrid memories of all their years together.
    Those bleak nights in the shack. The even worse times when his elder brother had come to stay for extended visits. The sour smell of liquor, stale smoke, vomit, and God knew what else on the men's clothes.
    There would be no drunken fools to contend with here, no gropings, rushed apologies for imaginary failings.
    She was really and truly alone.
    Wanted as a criminal...and yet free for the first time in years. That thought brought her a strange peace that allowed her to rest easy in the strange new bed that night.
    Rachel surveyed the cottage again the next day. The furniture was in good condition, but the kitchen curtains would have to be replaced. The hardwood floors in the parlor needed polishing. All she could do now was give the place a good clean sweep. She opened the front door and knocked a cloud of dust onto the