Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) Read online

  I sensed I could speak with her and not be censored. “Your instincts about me are right. I do have a secret. There’s a reason I ran away.”

  “Oh, not another runaway.” She frowned. “Oh, dear.”

  “My parents are forcing me to marry someone I don’t care for. He’s rich and terrible. He’s overbearing and far worse than my father, if you can imagine that. I’d not have a life at all. He’d want me to stay at his stodgy estate and bear his children, while he does whatever it is men do when they’re not with their wives.”

  “My dear. You’ve just described marriage. Now I’m confused.”

  “Let me clarify. I would have no freedom. I wouldn’t be able to leave the house. I’d have no friends. Joseph Cardcastle is a possessive, domineering sort of person. I’d live the life of a prisoner, although the cell would be fancier.”

  “How do you know that? Has he been married before?”

  “His father is the same. I’ve seen the mother. The poor woman never speaks. She has no opinion about anything and only speaks when she’s spoken to. She’s a shell of a person. She sits home and reads and knits and does not go out, ever. He allows her to attend church, but that’s all. It’s like her spirit has been broken.”

  “Because the father is such a man, doesn't mean the son will be the same.”

  “I’ve no desire to find out.”

  “Well, it’s neither here nor there anyhow, because you’re in Boot Creek now. What do you plan to do?”

  “I will court Percy, like I told you earlier. I’ll see him tonight. I’ll try my best to find something about him that appeals to me.”

  She seemed troubled. “But what about your family? What about Mr. Cardcastle? What if they find you here? Are you not worried about that?”

  “I am.”

  “Does anyone know where you are?”

  “They’ve discovered me as far as Lamy, unfortunately. I can only hope they don’t come any further.”

  “That’s rather close.”

  “I had hoped to be married and under my husband’s protection.”

  “But you won’t marry Percy.”

  “I know … not yet. It’s a big muddle.”

  “Lola Kelly ran away from her family, and her father tracked her down. He kidnapped her after she married. Her husband managed to find her, but it was dreadfully upsetting for everyone. I should introduce you tonight. Will you be dining in the restaurant?”

  “Yes, at eight.”

  “I’ll be there as well.” She smiled kindly. “I just worry about your family.”

  “So do I.”

  “Have you considered hiring someone to watch over you?”

  “I’ve a maid.”

  “No, that won’t do. A man with a gun is better. Someone who can act as a sort of personal guard.”

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” I took a sip of tea. “I can certainly afford it.”

  “If you want, I’ll speak to my husband. He’s mayor of this town. He would know more about such things.”

  I saw an opening to ask the question that had been needling me all afternoon. “Do you know Chuck Brittle?”

  “Yes, of course. He’s lived here for a few years. He’s just bought some land. He was once employed at the Kelly Ranch.”

  “I see.”

  “Are you thinking of hiring him as your personal guard?”

  The dainty teacup slipped from my fingers, splashing its contents down the front of my skirt. “Oh, no!”

  “Oh, what a shame, but all is not lost.” She sprang to her feet. “Victoria!”

  “Yes, ma’am?” She peeked her head around the corner, and I was sure she had overheard our conversation.

  “Do you have a towel? We’ve had an accident.”

  “Certainly.”

  A moment later, after I had dabbed away at the fabric, the stain being minimal, I glanced at Mrs. Hershey. “Now, what were we talking about?”

  “Hiring a personal guard. If you are considering Mr. Brittle, I should warn you. He’s a bit of a Lothario. He’s tried to seduce every woman in town. I’m sure he’s quite adept at shooting and killing things, and heaven knows he’s been in more scrapes than anyone I know, but he’s a terrible candidate to look after a young, unmarried woman. He’s appalling even with married women.” She grinned ruefully. “I shouldn't gossip, but you’re new here, and you don’t know anyone, so it’s my duty to warn you about these things.”

  “So he’s known as a bit of a rogue.”

  “That’s putting it mildly. I am guilty of throwing him at Celia, who was another mail order bride, but I only did that because I knew Pastor Kinsley would be jealous, and he was. I didn’t think for one moment that he was truly suitable for a woman and her child.”

  “I only asked because I met him today. I’ll take your advice to heart.”

  “I wish he’d settle down with a woman. He’s too often at the saloon with the rest of the rabble-rousers.”

  “I suppose that won’t do,” I murmured.

  “Pardon?”

  “Thank you for coming to see me. I’m hoping to take a rest for a while, before I meet Percy for dinner.”

  She got to her feet. “Excellent idea. I look forward to seeing you tonight and introducing you to the Kellys. They are marvelous people. You’ll also meet Celia Kinsley, who is a lovely young woman. I’m entirely proud of my successes in matchmaking. Everyone who’s been here under my care has found a husband. Not only that, but they’ve fallen in love. Do you know how rare that is?”

  “Love,” I murmured, remembering being in Mr. Brittle’s arms. “How singular.”

  “Indeed. I’m just pleased as punch that not only have I made fine matches, but these couples enjoy one another’s company. They adore their spouses and vise versa.” Her grin remained enormous. “My husband thinks little of my skills, but I have a secret ally.”

  “Who’s that?”

  “The Lord, my dear. I’ve prayed long and hard on each couple, and,” she threw her hands up, “voilà! Smashing successes!”

  “That is a skill indeed.” I held open the door, while she brushed by, her skirts swooshing.

  “Till later then.”

  “Goodbye, Mrs. Hershey.”

  “Have a lovely rest.”

  “I will.” I closed the door, my mind spinning with the things I had just learned.

  “Do you need help?”

  I turned to face Tory. “Yes, this corset is killing me. I’d love an hour or two of sleep.”

  “I overheard some of what was said. Dinner is at eight?”

  “It is.”

  “Who’s Chuck Brittle?”

  “No one.”

  She gave me a look. “You brought him up. When did you meet him?”

  “You’re far too nosy for a maid. You should be seen, not heard.”

  Giggling, Tory gestured for me. “Come here, Miss Warner. Let’s undo that corset by plucking loose those stays.”

  “Thank you.” I began to pull pins from my hair, the dark, nearly black tresses falling around my shoulders. “I don’t know what to do.”

  “The Percy issue.”

  “Yes, and the Joseph issue. I have this dreadful feeling he’s going to find me.”

  “No doubt.”

  “I don’t wish to be kidnapped.”

  “Then you’ll need protection, like Mrs. Hershey said.”

  “I suppose so.” The garment loosened, and I divested myself of the bodice. “I’ll ask tonight who people recommend.”

  “Or we could just go home. We’ve had an adventure. You’ve had a vacation, and now it’s time to return to the business of life.”

  “Bosh. I’m never going back.” I glanced over my shoulder at her look of horror. “I’m serious, Tory. If I must, I’ll give you train fare, and you can go back, but I’m not.”

  “You can’t mean to be this far from your family. No holidays with those you love, no Christmas, no church functions and weddings and things. You’ll miss it all.
”

  Taking a deep breath, I said, “It’s time for a change. I feel in my heart this is where I belong now.”

  “It’s a horrible town. There’s nothing here.”

  “I’m here. My future’s here.”

  She harrumphed. “Oh, bother.”

  Chapter 6

  After a refreshing nap, I woke to find that lamps had been lit, as the sun had gone down. I luxuriated in a bath, indulging myself for an hour in the tub, while Tory washed and rinsed my hair. The tresses being as long as they were, I sat by the fire waiting for them to dry, although most were still damp when Tory arranged them cleverly on top of my head.

  By eight o’clock, I had dressed in a tight-fitting bodice, with a crisp flare that hung over a bustled skirt. I adored the satiny patterned fabric, with a high-necked, black frill collar. Whilst examining myself in a mirror, I felt certain I was ready to join the others at dinner.

  “You’ll be late.”

  “Only by a few minutes. It’ll be my grand entrance.”

  Tory stood behind me with her hands on her hips. “You look lovely, as always.”

  “Thank you.” Retrieving my drawstring purse from the dresser, I held it on a gloved hand. “Then I’m off.”

  “When can I expect you?”

  “Eleven or later.”

  “Very well. Shall I have tea waiting?”

  “That would be nice. Enjoy your quiet evening.” I strolled from the room, heading towards the door.

  She followed me through the parlor. “I think I’ll read.”

  “Excellent idea.” My hand wrapped around the knob. “I’ll take you to lunch tomorrow. Would you like that?”

  “I suppose.” She seemed a little low on spirits.

  “Smile, Tory. All is not lost.”

  “I miss my family.”

  Irritated, I ignored that comment, knowing I would have to deal with this issue at a later date. If I decided to stay in Boot Creek, I might have to let Tory go. That bothered me immensely, as she was more than my maid, and I would never find another like her.

  Pushing aside these unhappy thoughts, I descended the three flights of stairs to the foyer, where ladies and gentlemen had gathered, waiting to be seated in the dining room. The glow of lamps cast a flattering light, and, as I passed a mirror, I noted that I did not appear as pale now.

  “My dear.”

  I turned to find Percy, who had changed into a frock coat and top hat. “Hello.”

  “I was waiting for you.”

  “I’m sorry I’m late.”

  His appreciative gaze drifted over me. “It was worth every minute.”

  I smiled. “I’m glad you think so.”

  “You truly are one of the loveliest women I’ve ever seen.”

  “Oh, you mustn’t flatter me.” I placed a hand on his proffered arm, near the wrist. “But thank you.”

  “I’ve a table, but I won’t have you to myself, I’m afraid. I’ll have to share you with the mayor and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, and,” he grimaced, “Mr. Brittle.”

  The toe of my boot caught the edge of the carpet. “Oh!”

  His hand grasped mine. “Do be careful, Evelyn.”

  “I’m not normally so clumsy.” People glanced our way, leaving me slightly embarrassed. “I doubt anyone saw that.”

  “No, you’re fine.” He guided me across the room, where the din of conversations drifted into quiet murmurs. “We’ll be the talk of the town tomorrow.”

  I spied the table, because I recognized Mr. Brittle, who seemed to sit taller than everyone else. A distinguished looking couple sat next to the mayor and his wife, and I assumed they were Mr. and Mrs. Kelly. When we approached, the men stood.

  Mr. Brittle grinned. “Good evening, Miss Warner.”

  “Hello.” I glanced at the expectant faces around me. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

  “My dear,” said Percy. “This is Mr. and Mrs. Hershey and Mr. and Mrs. Kelly.”

  “How do you do?” I asked politely.

  “It’s good to meet you,” said Mr. Kelly, pulling out my chair. “Come sit next to us.”

  By a strange twist of fate, I found myself seated between Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Brittle, while Percy remained across the table. A waiter placed the napkin in my lap, while another poured wine.

  “Mrs. Kelly is one of my success stories,” said Mrs. Hershey. “She’s a mail order bride too.”

  I glanced at the pretty blonde in the feathered hat. “Congratulations on your marriage,” I murmured. “It’s a comfort to know the process can work.”

  “Jack and I had a few bumps along the way.” She cast a teasing, yet disgruntled look towards Mr. Brittle. “There was some trouble, but it all sorted itself out in the end.”

  “And the Kellys have an adorable new baby, little Elizabeth.”

  Mr. Kelly grinned, and, from the looks of it, he was substantially older than his wife. “Indeed. We couldn’t be happier about that.”

  “Although you wanted a boy to inherit.” Mrs. Kelly gazed at her husband. “We’ll just have to give Lizzy a brother, I suppose.”

  I felt a ping of jealously at the way he looked at his wife. Unguarded affection shone in his expression, while he placed a hand over hers. “I’m hopeful for such an outcome too, although my maid wants to return to Philadelphia. I might have to send her home on her own. I’ve made up my mind. I don’t plan on returning.”

  “It’s difficult to leave everything behind,” said Mrs. Kelly. “It’s a huge leap of faith.”

  “Or desperation,” murmured Mr. Brittle. He sipped what looked like whiskey, and I had to wonder why he was with us at dinner. Percy and his brother had made it rather clear that he was beneath them and they would never dine with him.

  “Yes, there were some secrets, weren’t there, Lola dear?” Mr. Kelly grinned, the edges of his eyes creasing.

  “It’s no secret I wanted to escape my family.”

  Now this had my attention, because I was in a similar circumstance. “You did?”

  “I was essentially a runaway. I lied about my last name, and I married Jack without anyone’s knowledge. My stepfather managed to find me. He kidnapped me, but Jack stopped him. It was a horrible time, but I’d do it again, because I adore you so.” She glanced at her husband. “I don’t regret a thing.” Again she glowered at Mr. Brittle briefly, and I had to wonder at that look.

  The waiter arrived with the menus, and once we had placed our orders, more wine appeared. I took a glass, feeling the attention of Mr. Brittle. How I had ended up sitting next to him baffled me.

  “You’re the prettiest woman in the room,” he murmured.

  “Please, don’t talk to me.”

  He chuckled, “Aw … come on, honey. I’m not gonna bite.”

  “Oh, you’ve done more than enough already.” I lifted my chin, smiling at everyone. “Cheers.” I held up the glass. “To new beginnings.”

  “Indeed,” agreed Mrs. Hershey.

  “What are your plans, Miss Warner?” asked the mayor, who was a rosy-cheeked, rotund man.

  “I plan to marry … soon.” This had everyone’s attention. “Very soon.”

  “Which one of the ladies ended up without a husband?” asked Mr. Hershey. “Who was that?”

  “That was Celia, but she married Pastor Kinsley instead. It was a far better match anyhow. They’re very happy indeed.”

  “Celia’s one of my best friends,” said Mrs. Kelly. “I adore her. Our children will play together soon enough, once Lizzy is older. Little Noah is the most adorable little boy.”

  Mrs. Hershey beamed. “I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see all these babies. It warms my heart. It’s a confirmation that my efforts are not in vain.”

  Mr. Brittle coughed. “Excuse me.”

  I glanced at him, finding him staring in another direction. This presented his profile and a slightly crooked, aquiline nose. A dusting of shorn, darkish hair covered a strong jawline. He sensed my attention, glancing at me. To m
y dismay, I flushed then, either from the wine or the feeling of flutters and tingles in my belly, which was most disconcerting.

  Percy had been quiet, but he spoke then. “I do declare, isn’t Evelyn a handsome woman? My mother said so herself when she met her today. My family esteems you, my dear.”

  He exaggerated greatly. “It was my pleasure meeting them as well. Your mother is delightful.”

  “At the church, right?” asked Mr. Brittle. “Where you were supposed to marry.”

  I glared at him. “No. I met them at the … at the … hotel.”

  “At the wedding reception.”

  “An engagement luncheon.”

  “With an enormous wedding cake.”

  “Oh, stop it, Chuck,” admonished Mrs. Kelly. “So things have not gone smoothly, but when do they ever? I’m sure we’ll have a wedding and a reception soon enough.”

  “Indeed,” agreed Percy. “By next week.”

  Mr. Brittle asked, “Why wait? Keeping this one on a long tether might be dangerous. She could end up marrying some other fella, if you’re not careful.”

  “She’s my fiancé, Chuck. That would be impossible.” Percy scowled, reaching for a glass of wine.

  Mrs. Hershey glanced my way, her look astute. “Mr. Brittle, might I be so bold to ask how old you are?”

  “You can ask. It’s no secret. I’m nearly thirty.”

  “And yet you have no wife.”

  “Seems like I don’t.” He leaned back in the chair, a lazy grin on his face. “I just bought land and I’m building a house. I sure could use a pretty lady to … keep my bed warm.”

  Laughter rang out. Mr. Kelly saying, “You can dust the road from his coat, but he’ll always be an uncouth cowboy.”

  “Truly,” said Mrs. Hershey, shaking her head with disapproval. “There are ladies at the table.” But, her look remained inquisitive. “What do you intend to do about the issue of your bachelorhood?”

  “I didn’t think it was an issue.”

  “You don’t plan on continuing this way, do you?”

  “My dear,” chastised Mr. Hershey. “It’s none of our concern how Mr. Brittle conducts himself in his private life. Please, don’t bring in one of these catalogue women for him. I beg you. Enough of this nonsense.”