She imagined standing beside him in his store.
She imagined evenings spent reading together while snow fell outside.
She imagined a home where her body would not be the first subject of every conversation.
When she finally reached Cedar Run, the merchant was waiting near the general store.
He wore an expensive dark coat, polished boots, and a silver watch chain.
He stood beside a sturdy wagon while several townspeople gathered nearby.
The woman smiled when she recognized him from the description in his letters.
She lifted one hand.
“Sir?”
The merchant turned.
His smile disappeared.
For several seconds, he simply stared.
The woman felt a familiar coldness spreading through her chest.
She had seen that expression before.
Disappointment.
Disbelief.
Embarrassment at being associated with her.
She forced herself to smile.
“I hope I haven't kept you waiting.”
The merchant looked her up and down.
“You're the woman from Missouri?”
“Yes.”
He glanced toward the people standing near the store.
Then back at her.
“You didn't tell me you were quite this large.”
Her smile faded.
“I told you my weight.”
He shook his head.
“Numbers don't properly explain a thing like this.”
A man near the wagon coughed to disguise a laugh.
The woman looked down.
“I was honest in every letter.”
The merchant's face reddened.
“You expect me to bring you into my house?”
She stared.
“You invited me.”
“I expected a woman who could help manage a respectable household.”
“I can manage a household.”
He gave a short, cruel laugh.
“Can you even climb the stairs without stopping?”
Several townspeople looked away.
A younger man near the saloon snickered.
The woman felt her cheeks burning.
She had traveled hundreds of miles.
She had spent much of her savings.
And now the man who promised to value her character was making her body a public spectacle.
She reached into her bag.
“I have your letters.”
He waved a dismissive hand.
“Put those away.”
“You knew exactly who I was.”
“I knew what you wrote. I didn't understand what it meant.”
Her voice trembled.
“Then you should have asked.”
The merchant stepped closer.