Golden Chances (Jordan-Alexander Family 1)

Faith thought for a moment and then gave Bert Winthrop a hesitant, little smile. “Yes, Mr. Winthrop, I suppose it does.”

Chapter Nine

David Alexander arrived in Richmond early the next morning. He hired a hack at the livery and drove to Collins House.

Faith answered the door when he knocked. “Do you have it?” she whispered, urgently.

David nodded. He reached inside his overcoat and patted the breast pocket of his jacket. “It’s safe and sound.”

“May I see it?”

David shook his head. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Collins, but I have very explicit instructions from Reese. It’s better if no one knows I have this on me.” David tried to soften her disappointment.

Faith looked up at him with understanding in her eyes. She had been the victim of a robbery. “The bank opens at eight-thirty.”

“Good. We have three hours before our train leaves. Are you ready?” She looked tired, as if she’d slept very little the night before.

“Yes, we’re all packed, but Joy is still sleeping.” Faith stared at David Alexander. He looked tired. There were dark circles under his eyes, his suit was wrinkled, and he still stood on the front porch, his hat in one hand, his satchel in the other. “Goodness, where are my manners? Come in, Mr. Alexander. Make yourself comfortable while I get you a cup of strong, black coffee.” Faith stepped aside and allowed David to enter the house.

He started in the direction of the parlor, but she led him past it to the kitchen. A fire burned in the big, cast iron stove in the corner of the room. A pot of coffee simmered on top.

“Aunt Tempy, you remember Mr. Alexander?”

Tempy turned from the stove. “Of course I do. Sit down, Mr. Alexander. Let me take your hat and coat while Faith pours you a cup of coffee.”

David handed his coat and hat to Temperance, but kept his satchel full of documents by his side. Faith poured the coffee and placed a cup in front of him. David took a sip of the hot liquid before he spoke. “You,” he said to Faith, “and one of the ladies will need to come with me to the bank and to the courthouse.”

“Why?” Faith asked.

“I need to transfer some money into your aunts’ account.” David placed his cup back in its saucer. “And we need to accomplish the marriage.”

Faith nearly dropped the coffee pot. “Marriage? Mr. Jordan didn’t say anything about a wedding.”

“I’ll go,” Tempy volunteered.

“Fine. You can be our witness.” David continued, “We’ll go to the courthouse as soon as it opens, then to the bank. Miss Hamilton, we’ll also need you in Washington. To witness the contracts. It will mean an overnight stay, but Reese will pay your expenses.” David took another sip of coffee, then reached for the plate of biscuits Tempy put before him.

“What time will Mr. Jordan be arriving?” Tempy was nearly bursting with excitement.

“He’s not coming. I’ll be standing in for him,” David said.

“I’ll be marrying you?” Faith gestured toward David.

Temperance prudently took the coffee pot from her niece’s hand and placed it on the stove.

“You’ll be marrying Reese,” David assured her, “by legal proxy.”

“He’s not coming to our wedding?”

“He has business in Washington,” David said gently.

“It doesn’t matter, darling.” Tempy rushed to soothe Faith’s wounds. “You’ll still be married to him.”

Faith looked David Alexander in the eye. “For how long?”

“Until the baby’s born.”

“And then what? Annulment?”