“Miss Flanagan, Mrs. Millard has informed me that, because you and Mr. O’Hare are both Catholic, you are not amendable to being married by our local pastor, Mr. Alwin. I understand the priest from Pueblo does not get up this way except on the first Sunday of the month. However, I have been in communication with him by telegraph. I explained the importance of not delaying your wedding longer than necessary. In addition to getting the two of you married so you can begin your lives together, this matter also affects Mrs. Millard.”
Kate watched as the man turned his head and focused his attention on Lizett. The woman batted her eyes and met his gaze with such an adoring look, Kate wondered if the two were involved in a romance themselves. Mr. Bainbridge appeared to regain his senses, cleared his throat, and turned to face Kate once more.
“I am aware after working with Mrs. Millard these past months that it is her policy to escort her brides to meet their prospective grooms. When possible, she prefers to stay until after the marriages take place in order to be assured all goes well. We cannot help but admire such dedication, can we? Perhaps it is a little selfish, but I have convinced her to stay and enjoy Christmas with my brother and me here in Jubilee Springs. However, she does have obligations in Denver, and she must return to them the week following.”
Kate grew impatient. Why did the man not get to the point? So far, none of what he said had anything to do with her.
“You will be pleased to know—especially you, Miss Flanagan—I convinced Father O’Nalley to come up on the train the Friday before Christmas. Since he has someone who has joined him at the church in Pueblo, his congregants in that town will still be able to worship Christmas with their usual services—mass, I think you call it. I understand another train will bring him as far as safely possible next Friday. Using the railroad handcar and my sleigh, we will see to it he and a couple others intrepid enough to travel to Jubilee Springs this time of year, can safely reach town. He will offer his Christmas services up here. So, Miss Flanagan, you will not need to wait until the first Sunday of the new year to marry. You and Mr. O’Hare may celebrate Christmas with Fr. O’Nalley, and afterward, he will perform your wedding.”
Stunned at the news, Kate felt her lips part, but no words found their way out of her mouth. She thought she had two weeks to get to know Michael well enough to become comfortable with the idea of marrying him. She hoped to fall in love with him during those two weeks. Now his boss had arranged things to cut the time in half.
Her eyes bright with excitement, Lizett clapped her hands together. “Isn’t that wonderful, Kate? By this time next week, you’ll be married.”
“It’s grand, sure. My thanks for going to the trouble arranging it.” Only, Kate did not feel quite as thankful at this latest development.
I’m not ready for this.
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