The Prospect: The Malloy Family, Book 10 Read Online Free PDF Page B

Mrs. Chastain frowned.
    “There’s no guarantee he’ll do such a thing. I suspect he’s the type of man whose pockets need to be heavy or he won’t be doing a thing.” Declan didn’t want her to think the man was a saint.
    “ Mon dieu , that is unfortunate.” She blinked hard and, he suspected, fought back tears. “There is no other choice, then. You must marry her to keep her safe.”
    Declan’s gut entered his throat with a mighty crash. “I don’t know about that.”
    “I have no other suggestions. I do not wish to beg.” Mrs. Chastain clenched her hands.
    “We can bring someone in and pretend to marry us. Perhaps one of the men on the wagon train.” Declan was scrambling backwards as fast as he could. The last thing either of them needed was to be married. They barely knew each other.
    “ Oui , that might work. I will arrange for it. My husband is bringing the rest of her things. I will check on her and get her settled.” Mrs. Chastain breezed past him to the cabin. After donning a scarf around her mouth and nose and tugging her gloves tightly, she knocked softly on the door before entering.
     
    Jo was miserable. She had only just taken sick and already she was a complete wreck. When the door to the cabin opened, she was relieved to see her mother step in, even if she wore protective clothing.
    “Maman.”
    “ Oui , cherie . It is I.” Her mother glanced around and couldn’t hide the frown that followed. Jo didn’t blame her. From her vantage point, it was a dismal little shack. “This is not much, is it?”
    “No, but it is enough.” Jo hoped Declan would help her clean up to at a minimum rid the small room of the dust and dirt. At least there didn’t appear to be any animal droppings, and it was dry for now. She reminded herself to ask Declan to also check the roof, but given the way her mind was wandering, she might not remember.
    Maman sat beside her. “I am so sorry, Josephine. I do not want to leave you here.”
    “You are not leaving me. I am staying and you are going.” Jo closed her eyes, unable to look at the misery in her mother’s eyes any longer. “Frankie is no longer with you either.”
    “That is different. She married John and is off to start her life anew. You are staying with a man who kidnapped her for money.” Maman sounded fierce, like a lioness.
    “I believe Declan redeemed himself when he killed the dark man who wanted her kidnapped. Monsieur Malloy also trusts him, and John is now my brother-in-law.” Jo didn’t mention she had been thinking of kicking and kissing Declan every ten minutes for the last two weeks.
    “He has promised me to keep you safe and bring you to Oregon in the spring.” Maman took a deep breath. “I have to believe he will keep his word or I will not be able to leave.”
    Jo’s eyes pricked with tears. She took off her spectacles and pressed her fingers into her eyes to hold back the emotions. The pain in her body was nearly matched by the pain in her heart.
    “I will see you again, Maman.” Jo forced a smile although she wanted to weep. “You must think of the land in Oregon, Papa’s woodcraft and most of all, Isabelle and Charlotte. They are too young to lose their future.”
    “You are only nineteen, cherie . Too young to lose your future as well. You had hopes to teach in Oregon, no?” Maman cupped her cheek, the soft fabric of her glove warm on Jo’s fevered skin.
    “I am certain I can teach here throughout the winter. There are children everywhere who need to learn.” Jo had no desire to do anything but sleep, but she would not give in while her mother remained at her side. The typhoid was taking hold like a steel-mouthed trap, snapping its jaws on her with bone-jarring thud.
    “ Oui , you are correct.” Maman closed her eyes, and Jo felt her mother’s hand tremble on her skin. “I will still worry every moment until I see you again. Please send word if you can.”
    Jo nodded. “I will. You must go now. Do not risk