He stilled and wondered if he’d misheard her. “So, you lied about having attended Oberlin?”
“Of course not.”
“But—” He didn’t know what to ask or think. “And your uncle allowed this?”
“Yes. It took me a while to convince him but he eventually agreed.”
“But why would a well-raised woman want to do such a thing?”
“It’s my adventurous nature I suppose. My sister, Portia, and I are both considered unconventional by the men back home. She enjoys working with numbers and handles my uncle’s ledgers for the hotel. I enjoy seeing what’s over the next hill, which is one of the reasons I responded to your advertisement. But as I said in my letters, I can also cook, set a proper table, and have impeccable manners. I speak English and Spanish. I hunt, fish, swim, and ride. I’d hoped to find a husband who’d view these qualities as assets, but if you’re seeking what society considers to be a proper wife who’ll defer to you in all things, and spend her days in a rocker with an embroidery hoop in her hand, you should say so and I’ll return to Arizona.”
Colt blinked. He didn’t know any woman with the pluck to toss down a gauntlet so effortlessly. Adele had been a devoted tabby, but the sheer force of Regan’s fiery spirit made her more akin to a she-puma, both wily and untamable. Life with her would be neither easy nor boring, and as his sister stated, he could do a lot worse. “Would you come to dinner this evening and meet my daughter? I know she’s only a child but this will impact her as well.”
“I’d enjoy that.”
“If meeting Anna goes well and you’re still willing to accept my proposal, we’ll set a date for the wedding.”
She responded with a soft smile and it seemed to fill the cloudy day with sunshine. Getting to her feet, she stuck out her hand. That threw him a bit, but he stood, took it, and was surprised to feel the calluses there. They shook, and she said, “We have a deal.”
“Ask Spring to bring you over.”
“I will.”
A part of him was certain he’d lost his mind, but the agreement was made.
After Colton’s departure, Spring stepped outside to join Regan and asked, “All’s well?”
“As well as can be expected under the circumstances.” And she relayed what transpired and asked if Spring would drive her over for the dinner.
“Of course.”
“Thank you.”
“Oh for heaven’s sake. What does she want?” Spring snarled.
Regan turned to see an approaching buggy driven by a woman wearing a fancy green hat and a matching ensemble. “Who is she?”
“Colleen Enright. Widow and local busybody. Probably stopping by to see what gossip she can pick up on you. In her mind, she’s more educated, well-mannered, and better dressed than any other woman of color in the Territory, and not afraid to voice it. Maybe once she gets a look at what’s inside all your trunks she’ll be so devastated she’ll move to the Klondike.”
Regan smiled.
The widow parked the buggy and stepped down. After adjusting her skirt, she paused, as if allowing the morning to view her and her attire approvingly before walking over to join them. “Morning, Spring. Is this Colt’s intended?”
“It is.”
The visitor extended a green-gloved hand to Regan. “I’m Colleen Enright.”
Regan took the hand. “I’m Regan Carmichael.”
Colleen looked Regan up and down. “Denims,” she voiced with disapproval at Regan’s attire. “You’ve already turned her into a hoyden, Spring. Shame on you.”
“Hoydens of a feather, flock together.”
The widow countered, “Colton is a well-respected doctor. His wife should be above reproach in both manner and dress.”
Regan didn’t want to judge the woman, but couldn’t remember ever not liking a person within seconds of being introduced—other than Minnie Gore.
“So, Regan. What an odd name. Where are you from?”