Free Love's Story by Kristin; Dianne; Billerbeck Christner Page A

prepared the photograph and package she would mail to Asa, along with a note:
    See what you can find out about this man. His name is Thatcher Talbot. He got on the train in Chicago. He may be a wanted man.
    All she could do, Meredith determined, was wait to hear from Asa. In the meantime, she should put Thatcher Talbot from her mind.

Chapter 10
    T hat night Meredith slept poorly and dreamed of Talbot just before she awoke. She dressed and went straight to her typewriter. When her wastebasket spilled over with crumpled wads of paper, she sighed and pushed away from her desk. Maybe if she went for a walk, the morning air would clear her head. She found herself strolling up the town’s main street.
    It was a pleasant morning with blue sky and fluffy clouds, a melodious string of birds roosted on the cobbler’s hitching post, and a smattering of town residents went about their daily rounds. One, Beatrice Bloomfield, bustled out of the bank’s main entrance, her head bent over an armful of packages. When she recognized Meredith, she gave a start, then a terse greeting before she swooshed away in her chic day dress.
    At least it wasn’t a total snub. I’m making progress.
    Meredith crossed the street, drawn to her favorite store, the dress shop and milliner. The little yellow hat with the green ostrich feather still beckoned from its window display.

    Across the street, Thatcher Talbot strode toward the bank, his mind occupied with the news he had received at the camp: One of his old acquaintances was in town. However, his thoughts shifted when he spotted the fascinating reporter, slightly bent and peering intently at something inside a store window. Thatcher lingered over the delightful vision, his back against a hitching post and his arms and legs casually crossed, until she entered the shop.

    Meredith positioned the little yellow hat with the green ostrich feather on her head while the dressmaker secured it with pins.
    â€œTake a look in that mirror. You look pretty in it.”
    Meredith moved to the cheval mirror. “It’s exquisite.”
    â€œWould you like to see the matching gown?”
    â€œI have a gown from New York that matches perfectly.” Meredith dallied over her reflection until, with a final sigh, she removed the hatpins. “Actually, I’ll need to sell a few more stories before I can afford this hat. But if someone doesn’t beat me to it, I’ll be back for it. It caught my eye the very first day I came to town.”
    â€œThat’s how it goes, my dear. Once something strikes your fancy, you must have it. I hope it’s here when you are ready to purchase it.”
    â€œYes, so do I. Thank you.”
    Meredith exited the dressmaker’s and made a quick assessment of the street only to catch a glimpse of a man who resembled Talbot.
What would he be doing in town on a weekday?
Unconsciously, she found herself trailing after the man across the street. Still unsure of the man’s identity, she watched him enter the bank. She loitered, window shopping, and waited for him to reappear. The owner of the general store happened to be sweeping in front of his store, so she engaged him in conversation, where she could keep a watchful eye on the bank.
    After a time, the man came out of the bank.
It is Talbot. And he’s with another man.
She was surprised to see both men attired in Eastern suits of clothing. Her curiosity intensified; a small voice inside her chirped,
I told you he was suspicious.
    The two men engaged in conversation until they turned a corner and vanished down an unfamiliar side street. Meredith curtailed her conversation with the general store owner and skipped across the street toward the intersection where Mr. Talbot had disappeared. She rounded the corner in haste and, to her horror, ran smack into Mr. Talbot’s broad side. With a shriek of surprise, she allowed a strong hand to steady her.
    â€œIn a hurry, Miss Mears?”