Page 9 of Colorado Bride

“Emily?Be right down.”

Sally set the folders she held on the shelf, climbed down the ladder and hurried over.

She immediately wrapped Emily in her arms and hugged her tight.

“Tell me what has happened.Why are you carrying your valises?”

“I’ve been fired.”

Emily was ashamed at the tears that flowed but was helpless to stop them as she told Sally everything.

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.”

“I was hoping I could stay with you and Mark until I find a new position?IfI can find a new position.I don’t have a reference from Mrs.Slidell so a gap of a year will exist in my work history.”

Emily collapsed onto the sofa.

Sally sat with her.

Emily took her handkerchief from her reticule, dabbed at her eyes and blew her nose.

“Who’ll want to hire me now?Soon my termination will be all over town.What am I to do?I have fifty dollars to my name.”

“You’ll stay with us for as long as you need to.Better yet, Mrs.Black’s apartment just above the office here is vacant.You can stay there.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“You’re so kind to me.You’re a good friend.”

The knots in Emily’s stomach relaxed.

Sally waved off the compliment.

“You would do the same for me.”

Emily sat forward, hope springing to life.

“Maybe you could hire me.I can do your filing.”

Sally snapped her fingers and grinned.

“I won’t hire you, but I’ll find you a husband.”

Emily shook her head.

“Husband?No gentleman will want to marry me now.”

Leaning forward, Sally put her hand on Emily’s knee.

“Become a mail-order bride.”

Going to the desk, Sally snatched up a piece of paper, then returned and sat next to Emily on the sofa.

“I got this from Maggie yesterday.It’s about a rancher in Golden, Colorado Territory where Maggie lives.She sent me a wire with the requirements he’s looking for last week, so I’ve been working on it and then I got this letter yesterday.I haven’t thought anyone we have on file was perfect for him, until you.”

She read the letter out loud.