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casual, friendly tone he’d used when discussing the silk had changed, and the sincerity she had thought she’d heard when he’d told her his color preference had disappeared. Thechanges were subtle, but to Charlotte’s ears, the words he’d spoken to Miriam rang false.
    Afraid that her friend was making a mistake, Charlotte waited until Miriam returned to the dressing room before she said, “I’ve heard rumors that you’re considering entering politics.”
    Barrett Landry leaned against the counter, his blue eyes sparkling. “I am. Don’t tell me you disapprove. I was counting on your vote.”
    His smile was engaging, and Charlotte did not doubt that he was accustomed to charming women with it. She would not succumb to that charm.
    â€œIt’s too soon for me to know whether I approve or disapprove,” she told him. “I am curious, though, about your reasons for running for office.” In Charlotte’s experience, too many men were like Jeffrey, seeking fame or fortune or both. For Miriam’s sake, she hoped Barrett Landry was not one of them.
    â€œWhat would you consider a valid reason?”
    Charlotte noticed that he had not answered her question but had instead turned the tables. “I’ve always believed that each of us was put on Earth to make it a better place. We can’t change the past, but if we make the present the best it can be, we can influence the future. Whatever we choose to do with our lives should be done with that in mind.” Now she was sounding like Papa, preaching a sermon. That wasn’t what she had intended. She was supposed to be learning more about Barrett Landry, not telling him her deepest beliefs.
    He was silent for a moment, absentmindedly rubbing the bump on his nose while his eyes remained fixed on her face as if he were assessing her sincerity. “I have no doubt that thecitizens of Wyoming would be better off if we were a state instead of a territory. We could elect our governor, not have some crony the president appointed running Wyoming. We know how to manage our resources, especially water, better than a man who’s never set foot in the territory. The politicians back East don’t understand how scarce water is or how lives depend on its being managed wisely.”
    He was not a dilettante or a man out for only personal gain. The passion in his voice convinced Charlotte of his sincerity about running for public office. “And you believe you’re the man to change Washington?”
    Barrett Landry shook his head. “Not alone. But with the right advisers, yes, I believe I could make a difference.”
    Charlotte heard the sound of muted laughter coming from the dressing room. Whatever Molly and Miriam were discussing, it was lighter than her conversation with Mr. Landry.
    â€œWhat about you, Madame Charlotte?” he asked, his lips quirked into a semblance of a smile. “Do you believe that sewing fancy gowns for wealthy women is making the world a better place?”
    Charlotte blanched as his words registered. She was doing what she could to provide for herself and David, but she wasn’t improving the world by dressing women like Miriam. She should never have introduced the subject. “No, I don’t,” Charlotte admitted. “I guess that makes me a hypocrite. I apologize, Mr. Landry.” She forced herself to keep her gaze steady, though she longed to duck her head.
    To Charlotte’s surprise, Barrett Landry shook his head. “I’m the one who should apologize.” The sparkle faded from his eyes. “My mother would have washed my mouth out with soap if she’d heard me. If there was one lesson she drummedinto us boys, it was that a gentleman is never rude to a lady. I was, and I’m sorry.”
    â€œYou were only being honest with your question.”
    â€œHonest. Indeed.” Though there was nothing remotely amusing about her