The Heart Leads West

By Joanna Deputy

As a single woman living in 1889 in Philadelphia, Eliza Fuller longs for independence from her controlling brother and the wealthy older men he is constantly trying to get her to marry. She wants nothing to do with a society where marriage is a business transaction. When she learns of an employment opportunity in Colorado, Eliza and her best friend, Lydia, gather their courage and travel west.

Far from home, the ladies arrive in Durango, Colorado, only to discover all hope of employment is dashed. With no one else to turn to, they must take a chance on a stranger they hope can be trusted.

Blake Matthews is no stranger to difficulty. His ranch has barely withstood three harsh winters, the bank has been threatening to take his land, he can't pay the workers he has, and he's been charged with raising two young nieces. Blake feels hopeless and certainly doesn't have time for a woman in his life.

When Blake's ranch comes under attack and visitors from Eliza's past arrive, the two must learn to depend on one another. Will Eliza be able to gain the independence that she's always wanted, or will adversity send her back to the comfort of her brother's home and the life she has spent so many years trying to escape?

The Heart Leads West is a story of resilience and trust in the face of upheaval and danger. Unexpected provision and new relationships prove God's faithfulness even when tragedy threatens to destroy the new future Eliza has worked so hard to secure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joanna Deputy
• Release date: Apr 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798990345508

Joanna Deputy

Joanna Deputy has always loved history and fiction. She combines these two loves into Christian historical novels that inspire the reader through Biblical truths and a hint of romance. Joanna lives in Florida with her husband and three children. A former music teacher, she loves using her talents in her church's music ministry. In her free time, Joanna loves baking, crafting, watching rocket launches, and, of course, reading!

Book preview

Chapter 1

Philadelphia, May 1889

Eliza Fuller grinned mischievously at the towheaded boy next to her. Remember, she whispered, just this one time.

Rupert Jr. nodded seriously as he tightly gripped the cushion beneath his bottom, eyes wide as he studied the stairway descending before him. Eliza took one last look around, ensuring that grouchy Miles was nowhere to be found. Content they were all alone, she gripped her own cushion and winked.

Pushing forward, Eliza grinned with glee as her body bounced softly over each polished wooden step. Glimpses from her own childhood, growing up on a street not far from this one, flashed before her eyes. She could still remember her older brother grinning at the bottom of their staircase as little Eliza bounced down each step, laughing with abandon the whole way. Oh, how life had changed.

Squelching the squeal of joy that threatened to break the silence, she prayed the six-year-old at the top of the steps would remember his promise to stay quiet. As the floor quickly approached, she used her stockinged feet to slow her approach, and then stood with only the softest scuff.

At the top of the stairs, Rupert’s large blue eyes searched hers for permission. All around her the room remained still and silent. The delicious smells and the sound of laughter coming from the dining room down the hall ensured her that the boy’s parents were still occupied with their dinner guests. The distant clink of dishes confirmed the house’s waitstaff was busy meticulously serving the meal.

Giving the boy the nod he had been waiting for, Eliza braced herself to catch him at the bottom. Apprehensive as his descent began, the little boy’s trepidation quickly melted into a wide smile as his small body bounced down each step. Eliza, too, had to smile at his joy. Life for the heir of the Jarvis fortune was far too serious for Eliza’s liking. Rupert slowed himself, using his feet as Eliza had been careful to show him. He was but three steps from the marble floor when the sound of a door caught his attention. Eliza was helpless to stop the little boy as his body turned sideways, and his foot caught between two polished spindles. A shriek escaped his lips as his ankle twisted, and the cushion which had carried him almost to safety slid out beneath his bottom, leaving him dangling upside down by the captive foot. Eliza hurried to release him, gently maneuvering his small foot free. With a sigh of relief, Eliza and Rupert shared a quick smile. However, their happiness was interrupted as the little boy’s prone body slid into hers, knocking them both down the remaining steps and into a heap on the floor.

Hurried footsteps sounded from the hallway, and Eliza rushed to straighten both herself and the little boy. Smoothing the front of her long, brown skirt, she stood up just as Miles stormed into the hallway.

What is going on in here? the old butler demanded, his angry voice a harsh whisper as his eyes studied their stockinged feet.

How would she ever explain this? Feigning confusion, she gestured towards the dining room. Is someone calling for you?

The old butler’s eyes followed her finger, duty calling him back to his station. Spinning on his heel, he turned towards the hallway, which would lead him back to Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis and their guests. Eliza and Rupert breathed a collective sigh of relief.

The older man’s footsteps stilled, and he turned to face them again, his beady eyes drawn to the two mauve cushions on the floor behind them. I knew it! He pointed at the pillows. I knew you were up to something. Just wait until- his voice was cut off as the kitchen assistant ran into the room.

Mr. Gaines, you’re needed immediately, the young woman urged. A bowl of pudding has just spilled all over Mrs. Jarvis!

Eliza laughed softly as she and Rupert watched him hurry down the hallway. Remembering the boy’s twisted ankle, Eliza quickly sobered. Oh, Rupert, please say your ankle isn’t hurt. How could I ever explain that to your mother?

Rupert smiled as he reached down to pick up his cushion. I’m fine, Miss Eliza. It just got twisted a little, but you know I’m big.

Retrieving her own pillow, she quickly urged her young charge up the stairs. I’m glad you’re all right. And yes, you are growing into a very fine young man.

Replacing the cushions on two chairs positioned in an upstairs corner, Eliza followed Rupert into his bedroom. The small boy bounded onto his bed. Thank you for teaching me how to ride the stairs tonight, Miss Eliza. I’ve wanted to try it ever since you told me how you used to ride the stairs in your house when you were little.

Eliza ruffled the boy’s wayward locks. Now, just remember it is our little secret.

Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis would not be pleased if they discovered that she had taught their little boy such a naughty thing. After all, it was her own fine upbringing that had earned her a position in the Jarvis home.

At Rupert’s serious nod, she gave him his bedtime instructions. After you wash up and change into your pajamas, you may play with your toys. But no big messes, she reminded him. I’ll be back to tuck you in after Mary and Elizabeth are in bed.

Eliza walked down two doors to little Mary’s nursery. The one-year-old still used a crib, but she would soon need to vacate it. Her little brother or sister, currently growing large in Mrs. Jarvis’s womb, would need it before long. Sitting in the middle of a soft white rug, Mary cried softly as she chewed on a wooden block. Across the room, Mrs. Jarvis’s maid, Abigail, worked to plait the wriggling four-year-old Elizabeth’s blond curls into two matching braids. I’m glad you’re back, Abigail spoke around the comb she held between her lips. The baby is ready to be rocked.

Eliza sat down next to Mary, and the toddler quickly abandoned her block to crawl into Eliza’s lap. Wrapping her arms around the sleepy child, Eliza kissed the top of her downy head.

If you’ll get her to sleep, I’ll tuck Miss Elizabeth into bed. Abigail finished the last braid and tied a ribbon around its tail. At Eliza’s acknowledgement, the maid and Elizabeth left the room.

Shhh, little one, time to sleep. Eliza and the toddler settled into the waiting rocking chair. Cradling little Mary against her chest, Eliza set the chair in motion and began to hum a lullaby. Mary’s cries softened, and Eliza breathed a sigh of relief. The children’s bedtime was her favorite part of the day and signaled the last of her daily responsibilities. Her job as nanny to the three small children left her exhausted at the end of each day. 

As Mary drifted off to sleep, Eliza’s stomach began to growl. The enticing aromas from downstairs had teased her senses all evening. Lydia, her closest friend and the Jarvis’s cook, had promised to save her dessert. Eliza had been anxiously awaiting the moment when all three children were asleep, and she could finally sneak downstairs to enjoy the delectable creation.

With the baby finally asleep, Eliza gently laid her in the polished crib and made her way back to Rupert’s room, where she found the pajama-clad boy lying on his bed playing with his carved animal toys. 

Master Rupert, time for bed! Eliza called out in her most regal voice as she curtsied low, eliciting a giggle of delight. He placed his beloved toys on a nearby shelf and crawled under the bed covers. Brushing a blonde curl from his forehead, Eliza prayed with him, Heavenly Father, I pray that You will give Rupert Jr. sweet dreams and a restful night’s sleep. Thinking fast, she added, And please cause the butler to forget what he caught us doing earlier. As the little boy giggled, she ended her prayer, and the two said their good nights.

Relieved at the silence coming from the children’s rooms, Eliza walked down the hall toward the stairway. Stopping to check her reflection in a golden-framed mirror, she noticed that her thick, dark chocolate locks had escaped some of the pins she had so carefully arranged that morning. She quickly re-pinned the errant strands and smoothed her rumpled cream-colored shirtwaist. Making her way down the stairway, she ran her hand down the freshly polished banister and marveled at the beauty of the house where she had been employed for the past four years. As the daughter of a businessman, she had been privileged to receive a good education. Her mother passed away when she was just a girl, and her father had been careful to ensure that she had a proper lady’s upbringing. When her father died after a lengthy illness five years ago and her brother gained control of the family assets, Eliza had been fortunate to find employment with the Jarvis family.

As Eliza walked to the kitchen, she passed Mr. Jarvis’s study. She heard his voice call out to her, Miss Fuller, may I have a moment of your time?

She paused, a chill passing over her. Had the butler tattled on her? Yes, sir, she responded with trepidation, then held her breath as she stepped into the room.

How are the children tonight?

They are wonderful, as always, sir, she answered. They are all tucked in and probably sleeping soundly by now. Abigail was taking care of Elizabeth when I came downstairs.

Thank you for your great kindness to the children, Miss Fuller. I know they are all quite fond of you, her employer said with a smile. Well, the real reason I called you in here is to give you this. He handed her a newspaper. "I know you enjoy reading the Inquirer, and I have just finished with it."

Thank you, Mr. Jarvis, she responded as she took the paper from his outstretched hand.

Enjoy your evening, Miss Fuller. He gave her another kind smile and nodded his head in dismissal before turning to lift a book from a nearby table.

Eliza approached the kitchen, anxious to discover what kind of treat Lydia had saved for her. As she entered, she found Martha Jarvis seated at the table, hungrily devouring a sweet-smelling dessert. 

Oh, Eliza, you startled me! I sneaked down here and was so happy to find that Lydia saved some of tonight’s delicious dessert. This little one must be hungry because I cannot stop eating! She giggled as she patted her well-rounded belly.

There goes my dessert, Eliza inwardly groaned. I’m happy that you’re feeling well, Mrs. Jarvis. If this sweet baby is anything like your other children, then he or she will be an absolute pleasure, Eliza said with a forced smile.

Mrs. Jarvis returned the smile as she lifted herself from the chair and left the table. Well, I’m off to bed. If Rupert or Abigail discovers I’ve been in here, I’ll certainly find myself in trouble. With that, Mrs. Jarvis left the room.

Eliza carried Mrs. Jarvis’s empty bowl to the sink and washed it. If I leave this on the table, Lyddie will know exactly who ate it. It is better to clean it up and keep this a secret from her. I would hate for her to say something to Mrs. Jarvis. Lydia Marshall was known to have a serious flaw of speaking her mind, which had brought her heaps of trouble in the past. If it wasn’t for her tremendous cooking skill, Lydia probably would have been fired years ago.

Eliza found a leftover dinner roll and smothered it with creamy butter, hoping it would satisfy her growling stomach. Spoiled rotten! That’s what Eliza’s father would have called Martha Jarvis. Mrs. Jarvis was only a couple of years older than Eliza and extremely immature. Eliza often wondered how much love was truly shared between the much older Rupert and his young wife. It certainly was not the kind of marriage Eliza wanted for herself.

Marriage. Eliza rolled her eyes. At twenty-three years of age, and in her current employment, she knew her chances of marriage were slim. Not that she would pass up the opportunity of a loving marriage. However, those marriages didn’t seem to exist, as far as Eliza was concerned.

It’s all about the connection made, Eliza murmured, repeating the words her older brother, Robert, had spoken so many times as he tried to pair her with one of his well-aged business associates. Her reluctance to marry had greatly aggravated Robert and his wife, Charlotte. Eliza had found herself looking for an escape, someplace to live away from them. That was when she met the Jarvis family.

After Eliza prepared for bed, she sat down to read through the newspaper Mr. Jarvis had given her. She enjoyed this evening ritual, when she was able to read through The Philadelphia Inquirer and catch up on what was happening around the country. Growing up in a household with two men, Eliza had listened to many conversations about politics and current events. It was something she missed, and reading the newspaper offered a small, but happy, connection to those childhood memories. 

As she turned a page, an advertisement caught Eliza’s eye:

Durango, Colorado’s finest establishment,

The Templeton Hotel

Seeks educated young women with sound morals

To work as waitresses and hotel staff.

Please inquire in person to Micah Mitchell, manager,

Templeton Hotel, Durango, Colorado.

She and Lydia had been searching for an opportunity like this. Eliza’s heart pounded in her chest as she reread the words. Her father and brother had always treated her as such a weakling, not capable of any kind of work. Becoming a nanny for the Jarvis family had been Eliza’s way of showing Robert that he was not in control of her.

However, Eliza still desired something greater in life. She was tired of the big city and dreamed of moving west to have a true adventure of her very own. Lydia felt the same, and the two had instantly bonded over this dream and a shared faith in Christ. 

Donning her slippers and robe, Eliza padded to Lydia’s room, newspaper in hand. News like this simply could not wait until the morning! Lydia quickly opened her door, and invited her friend in. 

What is it, Liza? Lydia asked, using the nickname she called Eliza.

I found something in today’s paper that I think you will find interesting! Eliza handed her the newspaper, pointing to The Templeton Hotel’s advertisement.

Lydia’s blue eyes grew large as she read the advertisement. Liza, this is exactly what we’ve been praying for! We’re just the kind of women Mr. Mitchell is seeking. And, we have no other options for heading west.

I know, Lyddie, but this is so sudden. Everything seems unsure. I don’t like that they want us to apply in person. What if we get to Colorado and find that the whole advertisement was a farce? I want a little adventure in life, but this might be too much of a risk.

Lydia studied the newspaper again, hope filling her eyes. I know it’s a risk, Eliza, but when will we have this opportunity again? We’ve been dreaming of moving west ever since we became friends four years ago, and this is the first good opportunity we’ve found. When will another one come? You complain about living in the big city and hate being under your brother’s control. The West is our dream of a new beginning. And just think of the men we might meet. Now, I know you’re not so interested in marriage, but I want to get married and have a family. I’m getting older; why, in just two months I’ll turn 30. My chances for love are slipping away.

Eliza knew Lydia was right. They were already considered old maids by polite society’s standards, and true adventure wasn’t often offered to nannies and cooks working for wealthy families in big cities.

We’ll pray about it more, Lyddie. We have time. The advertisement didn’t say we had to be there by a certain date. Let’s think and pray before we make such a life-altering decision. We have to know we’re doing the right thing.

The girls bowed their heads in prayer before Eliza headed back to her room adjoining the nursery. She had some big choices to make.

Chapter 2

Aweek later Eliza knew she had to follow her heart and take a chance on making a new life in Durango, Colorado. Each evening she and Lydia had sought the Lord’s direction and felt a tugging in their spirit to respond to The Templeton Hotel’s advertisement. Today, on her day off, she would speak to her brother. 

Climbing the steps of her childhood home, Eliza took a deep breath before knocking. Robert would not be thrilled with her announcement. She was surprised when an unfamiliar housekeeper opened the door. The new woman led her into the sitting room, where she noticed new furniture, in addition to rich new tapestries hanging over the windows. Charlotte greeted her with a kiss to the cheek and led her to a place on the settee. 

Mabel, please bring some tea for my sister-in-law, Charlotte directed the new housekeeper.

As the woman left the room, Eliza inquired about Mrs. Talbot, who had long served the Fuller family in the service of housekeeper.

Oh, that irritable Mrs. Talbot just became more and more difficult in her old age. She never did respect me as the woman of the house. So, after much begging, Robert sent her on her way, and we hired Mabel, who is working out just fine.

Eliza blinked back tears. Mrs. Talbot had cared for Eliza and Robert since their mother passed away. She had been like a grandmother to both of them, and Eliza was irate with her brother for sending her away simply because his wife couldn’t get along with her. Mrs. Talbot was far too old to be hired by a new family. Eliza could only pray for her well-being.

Well, Charlotte, where is my handsome nephew and his father? I haven’t seen Charles in weeks, and he must’ve grown another two inches like he had at our last visit.

At least two inches! Why, the boy is so difficult to keep clothed! He is growing tall just like Robert and your father. As for their whereabouts, they’re walking around the garden. Charles has a fondness for birds, and Robert bought him a bird feeder just last week. Charles insists on watching those birds every day, Charlotte explained.

Laughter in the hallway warned Eliza of her nephew’s approach and she turned to see him walk in, accompanied by her brother.

Aunt Eliza! Charles nearly dove into her arms, and she had to steady herself against the arm of the settee to keep from falling over. 

After giving the seven-year-old a big hug, she stood him up in front of her and looked him over. My, my, but you simply can’t be my nephew, Charles. Why, I just saw him three weeks ago, and he was much smaller than you!

Oh, Aunt Eliza, of course it’s me! I’ve just been eating my vegetables and growing big and strong like Father!

Eliza looked past the boy to smile at her brother, but he did not return her warmth. It had been many years since she had seen him smile. And, Robert, how is my big brother doing?

Please, Eliza, there’s no need to speak to me as though we are children. We are adults now and I, for one, endeavor to act like one. Robert’s frown deepened with each word.  Charles, go on to your room and ask Mabel to help you prepare for dinner.

The boy’s shoulders slumped as he sullenly left the room. Robert accepted the cup of tea Charlotte handed him, and he addressed Eliza, Well, sister, to what do we owe the honor of your visit today? Have you come to see about returning home and accepting one of the offers of marriage from my many business associates?

Eliza gathered her courage and began, No, Robert, I told you that I am not interested in your older, widowed business associates. While I am sure they are wonderful men, they simply do not appeal to me. I am here to discuss something different. Stopping to take a deep, steadying breath, she continued, I am moving to Colorado.

Droplets sprayed from Robert’s mouth as he choked on his tea. Next to him, Charlotte’s own cup clattered into her saucer, spilling dark brown liquid all over her rose-colored dress. Eliza hid her smile behind her own teacup as Robert dabbed at the stains on his crisp, white shirt and Charlotte tried to hide her gaffe under a napkin.

I know this is sudden, but it has been a dream of mine since Father died. I want to do something new and bold, and Colorado is just what I have been praying and hoping for.

Eliza, you cannot be serious! Robert exclaimed. That is uncivilized territory, and I shudder to even think of the dangers awaiting a single woman!

Charlotte was quick to offer her own advice. Yes, Eliza, you must be mistaken about your dreams. Cultured women simply do not just pack their bags and move to Colorado on a whim.

If it would make both of you feel better, Eliza quickly countered, I don’t plan on heading west alone. My best friend, Lydia, will be accompanying me. We simply do not see many opportunities awaiting us here in Philadelphia. She pulled the advertisement from her reticule and handed it to Robert. This is where we will be heading.

Her brother scanned the newspaper clipping and slowly shook his head. Eliza, you have no idea if this is even true. What if the hotel was never completed? What if it has already been fully staffed? What will you do then? Even worse, this could be a ploy to lure young, single women to the middle of nowhere and force them to become wives to greedy miners.

I’ve even heard of disgusting establishments out West where women are paid to, well, offer services of an immoral nature, Charlotte quietly added with a shudder.

Eliza had not expected such an argument from the two of them. Disappointment, maybe, but not absolute abhorrence. I’m truly touched that both of you are so concerned about my safety, but I’ve prayed about this, and Lydia has, as well. We feel it is an opportunity from God, and we are both ready to pursue it.

Robert’s eyes lit up with another idea. Eliza, if you want to visit the West, I have just the acquaintance for you to meet. His name is Mr. Hershaw, and he talks about little else but moving west. Perhaps, we could set up a dinner here for the two of you to meet.

Really, Robert? Is this Phillip Hershaw? At Robert’s nod, Eliza continued, Phillip Hershaw is old enough to be my grandfather! How can you keep suggesting such suitors? Am I so awful? 

Honestly, Eliza, you must understand that you are not exactly a desirable suitor yourself, her brother responded. At her raised eyebrows, he continued, "It isn’t that you aren’t an attractive woman. You take after Mother, and she was a beautiful woman. It