Pony Express Courtship by Rhonda Gibson Page A

him.
    â€œYes and no.”
    A frown creased the center of her brow. “I don’t understand.”
    Seth grinned. “Maybe I should just tell you everything and then let you ask questions.” He hoped she heard the teasing in his voice and didn’t think him rude.
    Rebecca smoothed out her skirt and nodded. “That might work best.” A tiny smile tilted up one corner of her mouth and she shook her head. “Although, men are not always the best at storytelling.”
    â€œAgreed.” He wondered if she knew how easy she was to talk to. He’d never told his story to anyone, yet here he stood eager for her input. “Yes, a young woman answered my ad. Her name is Charlotte Fisher. She wrote and said she’d be on the first stage to St. Joseph, only she never arrived. Grandmother died but not before she made me promise to find Charlotte.” He stopped and inhaled the cold night air. “I have been looking for Charlotte ever since.” His gaze searched Rebecca’s. Sadness filled her sweet face, only this time he could see that she wasn’t sad for herself, but for him and his loss.
    He pressed on with his story. “A few weeks ago while traveling alone, three men held me up and took all my money. When I filed a report with the town sheriff, I told him I needed work that would let me travel and keep me close to the stage route at the same time. He mentioned the Pony Express that had just started up. I found Mr. Bromley and he hired me. The rest you know. That’s why I work for the Pony Express—to make money so I can continue my search for Charlotte.” He eased back against the porch rail. Seth couldn’t remember the last time he’d talked this much.
    â€œSo, no honorable intentions to see that the mail gets through?”
    He stiffened at the challenge in her voice, but boldly lifted his chin and met her gaze. Only to stare tongue-tied. She had a hand pressed to her mouth to stifle the giggles threatening to escape. In spite of himself he chuckled.
    â€œIf you could only have seen your face when I said that.”
    â€œI thought you were judging my intentions.”
    â€œHow could I judge your intentions when I’m doing the same thing?”
    He quirked a brow at her. “How so?”
    â€œMy reasons for accepting the stage stop have nothing to do with the mail. It serves several purposes and all of them are personal.” Her expression stilled and grew serious. “So, how can I help you?”
    Seth had difficulty pulling his gaze away from hers. “Well, the stage runs both east and west, which means that Charlotte is probably somewhere along the line. Last I heard from her she was coming from California. What I’d like to ask you to do is each time the stage stops here to inquire if anyone knows her and, if so, where I can find her?”
    Rebecca nodded. “I’m not sure that will work but I’m more than happy to help you any way I can.” She stood and stretched. “I’m tired and if we’re going to town, I’d like to leave right after breakfast.”
    â€œOh, and one more thing before you go.” Seth pushed away from the porch railing. When she turned to face him, he asked, “Did Jacob tell you I want him to move into the barn’s tack room?”
    â€œNo, but that’s understandable,” she offered.
    Seth was pleased that Rebecca wasn’t going to fight him on this move. “I’m glad you don’t object.”
    â€œI’ll talk to him. There really is no reason for him to stay in the house with me and the younger kids.” She reached for the door and then stopped and turned to face him once more. “Is there anything else?”
    He shook his head. “Not tonight. Thank you, Rebecca. For everything.” Seth realized he’d used her Christian name and quickly bounded off the porch. What had possessed him to become so personal with her? He