Amelia (The Marriage Market Book 1) (11 page)

"I offered you a respectable life as my wife. If that's all I wanted, I could visit the cribs along the wharf."

"Mr. McGuire, please," Tempest said. She liked a man with fire, and she'd known Angus for a long time. If she had to guess, she'd say the feisty Molly was a good match for him, but the choice wasn't hers to make.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Jordon. I just never expected this. I thought everything was settled but I can see it's not. All right, Miss Muldoon, if you want to renege on our deal I have no choice, but you will pay me back for your passage, every last dime."

"Perhaps you could build Molly her own cabin on the mountain? Then she could work for you until she pays back the money."

Angus snorted. "This sassy baggage living alone up there with all those men?" he asked, pointing to Molly. "It's a recipe for disaster. Why I'd spend so much time looking out for her, I'd never get anything done," he insisted.

"I still think it's something to consider. Molly, if you had your own cabin, would you be willing to go up the mountain and work off your debt to Mr. McGuire?"

"I would," she said. "Molly Muldoon always pays her debts."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Angus replied.

"Build the cabin, Mr. McGuire, and then come and fetch Miss Muldoon. She'll be ready." Tempest smiled.

"But, Mrs. Jordon, the camp is no place for a young single woman, especially one who doesn't seem to have a lick of sense," Angus pleaded.

"I have complete faith our Molly will fare very well," Tempest insisted. "After all, she traveled across the country on her own. Unless you'd like some breakfast, I will have Yvette show you to the door."

"No, thank you, Ma'am," he replied, slapping his hat on his head. "I've had about all I can stomach."

As soon as he left, there were several sighs and giggles.

"I do admire the way you handled that, Mrs. Jordon," Martha said.

"Thank you. It's an acquired skill." Tempest grinned before taking a sip of her chocolate. "We must be firm, Mademoiselles. Your husbands must not only win your hand, but your hearts also. Are you frightened of going up there alone, Molly?"

"Not at all," Molly replied with a twinkle in her eye. "I have five brothers and I'm looking forward to taking Angus McGuire down a peg or two."

"Excellent! I will enjoy keeping track of your success and I have no doubt you will be well protected by your infuriated fiancé."

* * *

Clarence Henderson walked to work with a spring in his step. It was entirely possible he would be terminated today from Jordon Timber Company, but it still wouldn't ruin his outlook on life. He'd married Alice Baker last night, and although they didn't share a bed, he was still a very happy man. Little Delia developed a bellyache after dinner and if his wife showed him one tenth of the compassion and kindness she showed her daughter, he would consider himself blessed.

He knew explanations would be required and he was prepared to tell the truth. Therefore, he was not at all surprised when he was called into the office as soon as he arrived. Hugh Jordon and his brother did not beat around the bush.

"Good morning," he said as he entered the office and closed the door behind him.

"Whom did you give the letters to?" Hugh asked. "I know you answered one, and Dr. Martin sent for Jane Watson. Who got the others?"

"I'm not sure," Clarence admitted.

"What the hell do you mean you're not sure? For heaven's sake sit down," Sam said, leaning back in his chair.

"I had a hard time matching the right woman with the right man. I knew Alice was the one for me and Jane would be perfect for Dr. Martin, but the others were more difficult. I didn't want to make a mistake, so I gathered what I thought were the most trustworthy men I knew and gave them the letters. I figured they should write to whomever they found most appealing."

"Go on."

"I specifically instructed them to reply in their own names and there was some concern that some of the women might not be so eager to come west and marry men who were not as wealthy as the Jordon name implies. In fact, I took some of the letters back and gave them to men I thought would be more inclined to want to acquire a wife based on their own merits. Apparently, my trust was misplaced."

"As was mine," Hugh stated. "You realize I should dismiss you immediately. Have you any idea of the trouble you've caused me?"

"I wasn't until yesterday, sir, when I saw the commotion on the wharf. Of course many of the men were there, but they could not claim their brides without revealing their deception."

"Well, pardon me for not feeling sorry for them. My wife, the only wife I chose, is now living with my mother of all people and my father has been tossed out of the house. Amelia believes I not only deceived her, but nine other women as well and has taken to wearing mourning, for God's sake. Imagine a woman like her in mourning!"

"I'm truly sorry, sir."

"Fuck sorry, Clarence. I want a list of those other men and I want it now. Sam and I will pay a little social call on each and every one of them. You will go and see my wife and explain your part in all of this. If she is in my bed this evening, you will keep your job. If not, you will need to seek other employment."

"How will I know, sir?" Clarence asked, clearly embarrassed.

"You'll know by the fact that if she's home, I will not be in tomorrow, if you get my meaning. Possibly I will not be in for quite a few days."

"Yes, sir. I understand."

Clarence wrote out a list of names and handed them to Hugh. Just before he left the office, Hugh called him back.

"Did you require anything else, sir?" he asked softly.

"Only this; if you should arrive in the morning and find I am not here, take the day off and spend it with your new bride."

"Yes, sir!"

"Go on, get out of here."

It was a relatively quiet morning despite Tempest's prediction. The only gentleman caller was her father-in-law who requested Amelia go for a ride with him. Changing her clothes she once again donned the black dress that so closely matched her mood.

Duncan assisted her into an open carriage and took the reins himself. He showed her the closest camp and explained the basics of their operation and how the logs were handled and transported once the massive trees were felled.

Amelia talked to him about her family and friends back east and he shared Hugh's exploits as a child and then a young man. She found him easy to talk to and learned many things about her husband, his education and hobbies.

It was Duncan who told her Hugh actually owned the Mystic Maiden and frequently took the helm himself. He also had a small sailboat that was used strictly for short pleasure trips.

They spoke briefly about Duncan's own marriage and how he'd met Tempest. Instantly smitten, he would have moved heaven and earth to have her. Even after all these years there were times he looked at her and found it hard to believe she was his. He knew his sons were frustrated with her behavior, but he'd learned to overlook many things over the years.

"What do you think of your new mother-in-law?" he asked when they were almost back to the house.

"Truthfully?"

"Yes."

"You won't tell Hugh?"

"It will be our secret," he promised.

"I adore her," Amelia admitted with a grin. "I've never met someone so full of life, so willing to thumb her nose at the world. She's beautiful and charming; I guess I would call her fearless. I know I shouldn't say this, but I overheard your argument last night. I expect all the girls did. The sound of breaking glass and things shattering against the wall was, well, exhilarating on some level. She was like a warrior woman unleashing her power. I'm sorry it had to be against you, though," she added softly, taking his hand for a moment. "You're such a sweet man."

"A sweet man, am I?" he asked thoughtfully.

"Yes," she said, nudging his shoulder. "It's a compliment."

"I'm not so sure."

"I'm sorry if I offended you in any way," she offered, slightly confused as he helped her from the carriage. "If it's any consolation, she cried for hours after you'd left. I've never heard such heart-breaking sobs," she said quietly as she looked away. "I wanted to go to her, but I was afraid."

"Afraid? Afraid of what?" he asked, as they moved up the walk.

"I don't know. I guess if she would do that to you, her husband, how could I know she wouldn't get angry at me for butting in? I think Hugh has more of his mother in him than he realizes."

"No, darling, you're wrong. Hugh is slow to anger and quick to forgive. He does, however, have a stern side I apparently lack. As lovely and sweet as you are, I'm sure you'll be able to stay on his good side."

"I don't know if I'm staying," she said sadly as they stood on the stairs.

"What are you talking about? Of course you must stay. I believe Hugh is already half in love with you."

"I'm sorry. Half isn't good enough for me. I thought it would be, but it's not. This whole thing has been crazy from the start. Maybe I'm more like Tempest than I thought. I seem to have jumped when I should have stayed put. I'm thinking about returning home and getting an annulment or whatever they do when you've only been married a short time." Squaring her shoulders, she took a deep breath and kissed him on the cheek.

"In any case, thank you for taking me out today. I've enjoyed it and I believe I'll miss you, Pa Pa," she said with a sad smile as she ran to the door and let herself in.

Duncan drove slowly away from the house. Lord, what had he done? Sweet Amelia was afraid to go to his wife based on what she heard taking place. What would happen when there were grandchildren? His sons were right. He should have listened to them years ago. Tempest was a beautiful, passionate woman with a temper to match. It was time to put a stop to the tantrums the only way he knew how. Was he man enough to tame his warrior woman? He hoped so.

Clarence Henderson was waiting for Amelia in the study, her mother-in-law informed her as soon as she came through the door.

"Come with me?"

"Of course, ma petit. Did you have a nice drive with your new pa pa?" Tempest asked as she led the way. "You have a little color in your cheeks."

"Oh, a very nice time," Amelia assured her with a smile. "Mr. Henderson, is everything all right with Alice?"

"Yes, thank you for asking," Clarence said, taking Amelia's outstretched hand. "It's nice to see you again, Mrs. Jordon."

"Thank you. What did you want to see my daughter-in-law about, Mr. Henderson?"

"Wait, Ma Ma," Amelia said, placing a gentle hand on Tempest's arm. "Have you and Alice married?"

"Yes, last night," Clarence replied proudly.

"Oh good, I wondered when she did not come here. I hope you both will be very happy."

"Thank you, but it's your marriage I've come to talk about, Mrs. Jordon. Perhaps you should sit down."

Amelia sank onto the settee, with Tempest beside her as Clarence told them of his intentions and what actually happened to the letters Hugh had rejected. Explaining his part in it was not easy and both women admired his honesty and willingness to accept responsibility.

"Hugh and Sam are rounding up the miscreants now, so I would expect some visitors this afternoon. I believe the men will be coming to apologize and claim their brides."

"Mon dieu, do they think these women will have them now?" Tempest demanded. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Henderson. I will speak with the girls, but I myself would not have such a husband. A man afraid to use his own name?" she scoffed. "What has he to hide that he must use my son's name to win a bride? Non!"

"Well, that's up to the ladies, of course," Clarence said, tugging at his collar. "I'll take my leave now and please accept my apologies. I hope you will still continue to consider Alice as a friend?" he said to Amelia.

"Of course, tell Alice I'll see her soon," she said absently. So he'd done nothing wrong. Had she ever made a bigger fool of herself?

"See, ma petit, I told you Hugh was an honorable man and would not do such things. Come, we must speak with the mademoiselles before all hell breaks loose," she said with a smile. "Then I will help you pack. I'm sure Hugh will be coming to take you home."

"I cannot go with him," Amelia whispered.

"What? Why not? He is innocent."

"Yes, but I'm not. I was more than willing to believe the worst of him. This marriage was ill fated from the start. I must return to my home and put this behind me. Hugh will find a more worthy wife in time," she whispered as a tear slid down her cheek.

"Ah, such nonsense from one so young," Tempest declared as she took Amelia's limp arm and pulled her up. "Do you not know true love always wins, my angel? Let us wait and see how things unfold before we make any rash decision, oui?"

* * *

Just as Tempest predicted, men were turned away from the door one after the other all afternoon. After being told the truth, the women were furious, not only because they'd been deceived, but because a very nice man had been wronged. The Jordon family had been nothing but kind to them. Hugh and Amelia's marriage was in tatters and a young woman who had become their friend was planning to go back east.

"Well, what shall we do now?" Ellie asked. "I don't think any of us have the funds to return home and I, for one, have nothing to go back too."

"I could open another dress shop, I suppose," Martha sighed. "I still have the money from the sale of my Philadelphia shop."

"Lucy, Lydia and I all worked in a knitting mill back in New York," Sara said. "I don't suppose there's anything like that around here?"

Amelia looked helplessly at her mother-in-law.

"Ah, mademoiselles," Tempest said. "There is no reason for such distress. You came to Seattle to find husbands, did you not?" she demanded, looking around the room as heads nodded in agreement. "Bon, then we will figure something out. You must not judge all the men by a few foolish ones. There are many men in Seattle who would not treat you so shabbily."

"But where will we stay?" Suzanne asked.

"Here, of course," Tempest replied smoothly. "I will assist you all in making wonderful matches."

"But Madam, we cannot stay here indefinitely. You have put your husband out of his home," Suzanne pointed out.

"Ah, we have, how you say…a marriage of convenience," Tempest replied airily. "He does not mind."

"Yes, he does, very much," Duncan said, entering the room.

All eyes turned to the large man as Tempest spun in his direction.

"Duncan, they are all jeunes filles," she insisted. "I cannot put them out. What would become of them?"

"Ladies, rest assured, suitable arrangements will be made. If I turned you loose in Seattle, I would be hard pressed to find one lumberjack at work the next morning," he teased. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I'll have a word with my wife."

"Amelia, ma petit, take the ladies upstairs while your pa pa and I discuss this."

Sensing the tension and having already been privy to one
discussion
between Mr. and Mrs. Jordon, the girls scattered like leaves in a strong wind. Just before Amelia made her escape, Duncan stopped her with a hand on her arm

"Amelia, Hugh will be here soon. He's asked that you be ready."

Amelia said nothing as she hurried from the room.

Twenty minutes later when Hugh arrived, he found his parents in a heated discussion.

"Ah, finally a reasonable man," Tempest cried when he entered the room. "Your pa pa would have me toss the poor Mademoiselles out on the street," she informed her son, sending her husband a scathing look.

"That's not what I said at all. I merely said other arrangements would have to be made."

"What happened to all the happy bridegrooms?" Hugh asked.

"They have been refused," Tempest crowed. "My girls will not marry liars and sneaks."

"They are not
your girls
," Duncan insisted. "You've only known them two days. Surely a boarding house would be a proper place for them to stay temporarily."

"Bah, temporarily," she sniffed. "And what boarding house would you suggest?" She planted her hands on her hips. "There are only two that could be considered habitable and they both take in male boarders. If you wish to return home, you must build me a new house!"

"What?" both men demanded at the same time.

"Oui, I would like a new home, made to my specifications," she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Then and only then may your return here. I will stay with the jeunes filles until they find acceptable husbands."

Hugh watched his father's face darken with anger, saw the light of challenge in his mother's eyes and cleared his throat. He'd been down this road many times and had no wish to take the journey again. "Yvette," he called.

"Mon cher, tell your pa pa he is wrong to act this way," Tempest insisted. "Or perhaps we can go to your house. You have, after all, eight bedrooms, oui? Yes, that would be perfect." She smiled, clapping her hands. "You and Amelia can live here until I find husbands. There it is, all settled."

"Yes, sir," Yvette said softly as she hovered at the doorway.

"Go and tell my wife I'm here. I'll send for her trunks later," Hugh instructed.

"Yes, sir," Yvette said, running toward the stairs, clearly happy to be away from the scene unfolding on the lower floor.

"No, it is not settled," Duncan replied. "Hugh and Amelia are newly wed. They need privacy."

"Then give them privacy," she smiled coyly. "You can go and stay with Sam, or in one of the seedy boarding houses in town."

"Monsieur Hugh," Yvette said, looking at the floor. "Madam Amelia is indisposed. She said to tell you she has a headache and perhaps you could call another day."

"Oh, she has a headache, does she?" Hugh said, slipping off his coat. "And she doesn't want to be disturbed? How very unfortunate for Madam Amelia, yes, Yvette?" He rolled up his sleeves as he started toward the stairs.

"Oui, Monsieur," Yvette gasped, her eyes wide as she backed up.

"What room is she in, Mother?" he called over his shoulder.

"Yours, but what are you going to do?" she demanded as she followed him.

Hugh didn't answer. He took the stairs two at a time.

"Hugh, mon dieu. Come back here immediatement!" Picking up her skirts, Tempest dashed toward the stairs only to have her husband catch her with an arm around her waist.

"Release me," she screamed, trying to pry his hands off her as he carried her to the parlor. "Amelia needs me."

"Amelia needs her husband," he replied, dropping her on the settee.

Instantly Tempest bounded to her feet and tried to dodge around him.

"Sit down, Tempest," he ordered, "while you still can."