Henrietta twisted the handle of her parasol. “We’ve been traveling companions since leaving San Francisco. And during the few months we were delayed in Salt Lake City together, we developed affection for one another. I’d made arrangements to become a teacher in Denver, but Phineas assured me Fairplay could use a teacher too.”

The tension in Wyatt’s muscles eased, and he allowed himself the first full breath since walking into Steele’s house. “So the two of you are hoping to get married?”

The woman nodded. “Being such a man of principle, Phineas wants to make arrangements for Miss Nilsson first. And when I saw him walking with so pretty a young woman, I assumed he’d changed his mind.”

“No, no, no.” Hallock’s face turned red. “Indeed not. I haven’t changed my mind. I just haven’t yet figured out how to change Miss Nilsson’s.”

“Let’s talk to her together, Phineas. If she’s as kind as you indicated, then when she sees us together, she’ll surely give us her blessing.”

“Of course I give you my blessing,” Greta said.

Henrietta’s eyes rounded, and she glanced at everyone as though trying to make sense of who belonged to whom.

“I’m the mail-order bride.” Greta smiled gently. “And since Phineas wasn’t here when I arrived on the stagecoach, Wyatt offered to marry me.”

“I see.” Henrietta smiled back. “Then nothing is preventing Phineas and me from getting married?”

Wyatt shook his head. “Nope—”

Hallock cut him off. “If Wyatt promises to take care of Greta for the rest of her earthly days—then I will, with good conscience, release her from any obligation to me.” Hallock met Wyatt’s gaze. Friendship and goodwill radiated from Hallock’s face just as it always had.

“You have my word. I love Greta more than my own life. And as much as I respect you, I wouldn’t have been able to let you have her. So thank the good Lord He’s provided a solution.”

“Indeed.” Hallock shifted his attention to Henrietta, his eyes filling with hope. “I shall go speak with Mr. Steele and let him know the decision.”

“And I shall come with you.” Henrietta snapped her parasol closed and bustled past Wyatt. Hallock held out his arm, and she slipped her gloved hand into the crook.

As they disappeared into Steele’s office, Wyatt took a step toward Greta.

She inched back. “Even if I don’t marry Phineas, I still have to sign the annulment papers, Wyatt.”

Greta’s chest pounded with what she needed to do. During the walk from the hotel to Mr. Steele’s and the time they’d been in his office, she sensed the same distraction and despondency from Phineas that she had since they started their conversation.