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

He handed me the reins. “Here.” Then he mounted his steed, glancing in the direction of the street. “Follow me.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He shook his head, muttering, “It’s gonna be a long day.”

  Our departure from Boot Creek appeared to go unnoticed. Not one person glanced at us twice, as we ambled out of town, trotting at a leisurely pace. It wasn’t until we had reached the outskirts of The Kelly Ranch that we broke into a brisk cantor.

  “How are you?”

  Grinning, I lifted my chin to feel the sun. “Marvelous. It’s so much easier riding a horse astride.”

  “I forgot something.”

  “What?” My spirits plummeted. “We can’t go back. It’s too dangerous.”

  “No, you need a holster and a weapon. I knew I was missin’ something.”

  “I can’t shoot anyway. I’m liable to kill myself.”

  “Yeah, guns and women don’t mix, but you’re trying to pass yourself off as a man. I’ve got an extra weapon in one of the bags. I’ll get it out when we stop for the night.”

  “I can’t sleep outdoors, Mr. Brittle. I really can’t. I won’t get a wink of sleep that way, worrying about bugs crawling all over me or some snake biting me. It’s too terrible to contemplate.”

  He gave me a look. “Uh-huh.”

  “I’m partial to water closets and breakfast in bed. I can’t fix my hair, unless I’ve Tory to help me. You do understand, don’t you?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I didn’t really think this through.” We appeared to be descending into a canyon of Russian knapweeds and cottonwoods. “I might’ve just ruined my reputation too. You’re a complete stranger, after all. I’ve no idea if you mean me harm or if you’re going to force yourself on me in the middle of the night. I really didn’t think this through properly.” Isn’t it a little late now, Evelyn? You should have thought of this before you ran off with him.

  “You’d rather stay and be arrested on a false charge? We can turn around right now, if you want.”

  “No.”

  “How do I know you’re not a fugitive from justice? What if I’m aiding a criminal? I’d be implicated by association. I could go to jail too.”

  “I’m not a criminal. I’ve never done anything illegal. I ran away from an intolerable situation, but that doesn’t make me a liar or a thief or a murderer or whatever they’re accusing me of. I just don’t want to marry Joseph.”

  “Or Percy. You don’t seem to like men all that much, Evie.”

  My mouth fell open. “That’s not true at all! I like men plenty, but just not those men.”

  “I’ve met some ladies that prefer other ladies.” He grinned mischievously.

  “Oh, stop that. That’s disgusting.”

  “Not really. It’s … titillating.”

  “I’m not listening to this. I don’t want to know anymore about it, and I won’t even ask where you got that notion, although I can only imagine.”

  “You ever consider the fact they might come after us?”

  “What?”

  “I’m wonderin’ about your maid. What if she tells them you went out looking like a man.”

  He had verbalized a fear of mine. I could not be certain if Tory had given away my location, because she had been writing letters on the journey. I had been suspicious of her. “I hope not.”

  “Let’s gallop for a spell, all right? I want to put more distance between us and Boot Creek just in case.”

  “Good idea.”

  Kicking my horse in its flanks, we darted ahead, while a billowing dust cloud followed, although it dissipated soon enough. It felt exhilarating to travel at such speeds, the wind whipping loose strands of hair into my face, while I clenched my thighs around the animal beneath me. The mare was a pretty brown and white creature with a friendly temperament. She seemed to adore a good run, although my bottom had become sore from the jarring and bouncing. I lifted myself off her back, bending my knees to keep up with her movements, but this soon became exhausting as well.

  Once we had cleared the canyon, leaving a sizable mountain behind, Mr. Brittle slowed to a trot. “That’ll do it for now. We’ll take a rest and continue on until suppertime.”

  I glanced at the horizon, seeing nothing but an endless expanse of desert. “Goodness, it goes on forever.”

  “Yeah.” He gazed at me. “You look fetching in that outfit.”

  “Stop it. I look like I’m drowning in fabric. Everything’s too big.”

  “You sore?”

  “Yes.”

  “We’ve got a few hours yet to go, honey. You’re gonna have to suffer through it.”

  I frowned at that, but the alternative would have seen me arrested on false charges and hauled to the nearest train station. Whether my father had hired those men or Joseph, the end result would have been the same. Everything—especially my freedom, was at stake. I needed to do whatever I could to decide my own fate, although I had been praying for the last hour, because I had a terrible feeling it might be for naught.

  Chapter 10

  It was well after dark that we made camp, choosing to remain hidden near a riverbed, which would provide water for the horses. A fire had been made, and a kettle hung over the flames, while a pan sizzled with beef and beans. I had washed off the best I could, feeling especially filthy after riding for hours. My back ached, while my bottom throbbed from having been beaten to a pulp by the saddle.

  I watched the flames and waited to eat, my belly protesting noisily. “Where are we going?”

  “A friend’s hacienda.”

  “Where’s that?”

  “Outside of Albuquerque. We won’t get there until tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Is he an outlaw?”

  Holding a tin plate, Chuck ladled out a portion of the impromptu stew. “Here you go, and, no, he isn’t an outlaw. He’s a rancher.”

  “Oh. Thank you.”

  “He’s a friend of mine. I’ve known him since the Lincoln Country War days. He was on the wrong side, unfortunately, but then again, there really was no right side.”

  “I’ve heard about that. They just killed Billy the Kid not that long ago.”

  “Last summer.”

  “Did you know him?”

  He gave me a look. “No, honey. I don’t know any outlaws. I’ve been working for Mr. Kelly for a few years now. I was wild in my youth. I don’t have the energy for that sort of thing anymore. Livin’ hard gave me an ulcer. Runnin’ from the law’s stressful.”

  “I know.” Then I realized I had done just that today. “Oh, gracious be. I’m a fugitive from justice. My mother would just die. She’d keel over at the thought.”

  “You look like a hardened criminal.” A glimmer of humor flashed in his eyes.

  “I feel like one. I don’t think I’ve ever been this filthy. I didn’t even bring a brush. I’ll look like a street urchin by morning.”

  He sat next to me holding his plate, while his attention roamed over my face. I had taken the hat off, leaving myself exposed. There were loose clumps of hair down my back, while the rest managed to stay secured. “You look just fine to me.”

  “You'd say that to any woman.”

  “Nope.” He took a bite of food. “Hum … good.”

  “It is. You’re a decent cook.”

  “It’s typical camp fare. I’ve been on enough cattle drives to know how to make chuck wagon staples. Tomorrow mornin’ I’ll treat you to some nice and hard sourdough biscuits.”

  “That’s kind of you.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  “It’s getting colder by the second.”

  “Nights in the desert will do that.”

  “Those bedrolls look terribly thin.” A watertight canvas held a rolled up blanket and pillow. “I can’t imagine this will be comfortable.”

  “It’s not.”

  “Won’t we be bitten by snakes?”

  “They’re in their hiding places now. I wouldn’t worry about that.”

  “What about coyotes?”

  “What about ‘em?”

  “Won’t they attack?”

  “It’s not likely.”

  I sighed, finishing the food on the plate. “That was good.”

  “I’ve some jerky, if you’re still hungry.”

  “No, thank you.” Again his attention lingered on me, his expression neutral, but I could tell he was mulling something over. “Are you going to stare at me like that all night?”

  “I could easily.”

  “Is this where I have to worry about my virtue?”

  “No.”

  “Lola Kelly said you kissed her. She said her husband hired you to find out if she was loyal or some such silly thing. You should be ashamed of yourself. How could you do that to a woman?”

  “First of all, I was doing my job, and secondly, kissing Lola Kelly was hardly a hardship. She’s a beautiful woman, but I can now say I’ve met an even lovelier one.”

  “If you think I’m going to lie with you, you’re wasting your breath. If you think to force yourself on me, I shant like it, and I’ll scream in your ear the entire time, while clawing your eyes out.”

  “That doesn't sound like much fun.” He grinned.

  “It won’t be.”

  “I know I’ve made some mistakes in the past. I never should’ve agreed to seduce Lola, but it was better it was me. If it had been any one of the other guys, she might’ve had a worse situation. I’d never force a woman to sleep with me. I’ve never had to. I kissed her briefly, and that was that.”

  “She doesn’t like you.”

  “She’s learned to tolerate me. It’s one of the reasons I’ve gone and gotten my own land. I made a bad first impression, and it seems those can’t be rectified. I don’t blame her for hating me.”

  It was odd, but I felt more at ease with him now, my instincts telling me that he was a good man. None of us were perfect beings, and heaven knew I had made some mistakes. “I don’t know what to do.”

  “About what?”

  “About my father, about Joseph. I’m … scared. I ran away on a whim, but it seems like things have gotten dangerous. Now there are lawmen after me, and more might follow. I’m not a criminal. I hate what’s happened, but, if I had stayed, I’d live the life of some poor, mindless creature.”

  “It’s a mess, all right. I’ve heard about families like yours. They won’t tolerate disobedience.”

  “What should I do?”

  “You can keep running, until they no longer chase you.”

  “Marriage didn’t help Mrs. Kelly. Her father found her and tried to drag her with him.”

  “Her stepfather kidnapped her.”

  “Has he caused trouble again?”

  “Her mother’s coming for a visit without the stepfather. I believe Mr. Kelly threatened him in some manner. He won’t let that man on the property.”

  “I can see why.”

  He took my plate. “I don't have the answers for you, Evie. You’ve hired me to get you outta town, and that’s what I’ve done. I’m gonna go wash up and have some whiskey. You want some?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  “What if some animal attacks me?”

  “They won’t.”

  “Hurry back.”

  He stepped into the bushes, chuckling, “Yes, darlin’.”

  Mr. Brittle had taken to calling me Evie, which no one had ever done before, but, coming from him, it sounded lovely. I adored the way he said honey and darling and all those other overly familiar terms he was want to use when addressing me. I should chastise him, but I wasn’t able.

  When he returned, he tossed another log on the fire, while settling in next to me. The sound of crickets resounded, as the horses made the occasional whinnying noise, while tied to a tree. Shivering, I gazed at the stars overhead, their brightness illuminating the night sky. Mr. Brittle observed me, sitting with his arms over his knees.

  “It’s so cold.”

  “We could combine the bedrolls and double up on the blankets and canvas.”

  That sent a shiver down my spine. “Then we’d be sleeping together.”

  “Seems like it, but we’d be reasonably warm.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that. I’m not fond of the cold. I have two down comforters in the wintertime at home. I loathe being cold.”

  “Then bring your things over here.”

  “You won’t be inappropriate, will you?”

  He grinned. “Hardly ever.”

  “I knew you’d say something like that.” I got up, reaching for the bedroll, dragging it with me. “Here.”

  “A smart decision.”

  “Just don’t touch me.”

  “Of course not.” He lifted the bedding before him. “Get in.”

  Taking the pillow, I placed it next to his, scooting nearer. I was fully clothed with a jacket on and boots, but the cold had seeped through each layer of material, even with the fire. Shivering, I wiggled closer. He lifted the bedding, adjusting the blankets for full coverage.

  Then he turned to look at me, grinning. “You comfortable?”

  “Not really. I think there’s a rock under here.”

  “I’m sorry it’s not hotel quality.”

  “I suppose it’s better than being arrested for something I didn’t do.”

  “You wouldn't be the first person in that predicament.”

  “Why aren’t you married?” The only light came from the fire, and I thought I saw his eyebrow lift. I had caught him off guard. Why had I asked that question?

  “Um … I haven’t tried hard enough.”

  “I’ve been told there’s a shortage of women in these parts. That’s why Mrs. Hershey brings in the mail order brides.”

  “That’s true, but that’s not why I haven’t married.”

  “Are you picky about your women?”

  He chuckled, “Picky? Not really. I’ve just been waiting for the right one to come along. I’d rather not be saddled with someone I didn’t get along with.”

  We were mere inches apart, facing one another. “Oh.”

  “Then there’s wanting to build a nice house and get my business started. Ladies like those sort of things. It makes them feel secure.”

  “True.”

  “Coming out here was foolhardy. A woman like you belongs in a nice mansion.”

  “You don’t know anything about me. I might appear to be spoiled and pampered, but I like freedom and adventure. I could see myself married to a rancher. I’d like to learn to ride better and shoot. I don’t mind the isolation. I’ve always longed for open spaces. There’s nothing more claustrophobic than a forest. That’s all there is around where I live. It feels like everything’s closing in. I adore being able to see for miles and miles.”

  He remained thoughtful, his eyes fixed on me. “I got that sense about you. You were game when I suggested you wear men’s clothes. Most women would’ve faced the consequences and left it to fate before doing such a daring thing. You didn’t bat an eye when I suggested it. Your maid was more scandalized than you.”

  “It’s an adventure. It’s something I can tell my children one of these days. I’ll say, your mother once rode from Boot Creek to Albuquerque in men’s pants. They’d get a good laugh out of that.”

  “You sit a horse well, like a natural.”

  “From the sores on my behind, I’d say there was nothing natural about that.” I giggled, shivering.

  “You’re still cold.”

  “A little.”

  He lifted his arm over my head. “You can come closer. I won’t try any funny stuff, I swear.”

  Letting my defenses down completely, I rolled into him, snuggling into his arms, while sighing. He was indeed warm, as heat spread through layers of clothing. We didn’t speak much after that, cuddling and listening to the crickets, while all around us the world slept, but what would morning bring? I closed my eyes and tried not to worry, hating that I sensed misfortune drawing nearer by the hour. I hope I’m wrong about that.

  Chapter 11

  “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

  Warm and comfortable, I resisted the urge to open my eyes, wanting to rest a little longer.

  “Evie, it’s time to go.”

  “No.”

  He chuckled, “I’ve got everything packed but the bedrolls. I think we better be on our way.”

  There was something in his tone that had me sitting up, brushing aside a lock of hair from my face. “Let me wash up, and I’ll be ready.” Being completely dressed in boots and a jacket, all I needed was a trip to the privy and a thorough face washing. I stood, brushing dust away from the pant legs of the trousers. “I’ll be a moment.” Once I returned from the creek, the horses waited. “Is something wrong?”

  Chuck glanced into the distance. “I don’t know, but my gut tells me we better go.”

  Grasping the reins, I hauled myself up onto Marla, flinging a leg over. “Then let’s get to it.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  I wouldn’t ask about breakfast, realizing something must be amiss, because he would have made a fire. As it was, Chuck had taken the stones away and covered what remained of the smoldering rubble with sand and debris. It looked like he wanted to hide the fact that we had camped here. Ignoring my growling belly, I cantered beside him, happy to feel the wind in my face and the strength of the steed beneath me. Glancing over my shoulder, I did not see anything out of the ordinary, worried that, perhaps, we had been seen.

  “Thank you for keeping me warm last night.”

  He grinned. “You’re welcome.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “The Hernandez family lives on the outskirts of Albuquerque. It’s a couple of hours away. I’m sorry about breakfast.”

  “That’s all right.”

  “I’ve some jerky, but it’s better to keep going right now. I’ll feel more secure about this when we get to the ranch.”

  The horses kicked up less dust here, their hooves pounding into what looked like gravel and sand. “I’m not sure I want to live the life of a fugitive.”

  “It’s not fun.”

  “I’m sickened that false charges have been leveled against me. If it weren’t for you, I’d be in custody now.”