Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) (2 page)

B
y late afternoon
, we had arrived in Lamy, a barren little town nestled amongst arid, rolling hills, speckled with green shrubs. The railway station brought us nearly to the center of town, the train pulling up to a long, wooden platform.

“Lamy!” shouted the porter. “If you’re traveling on to other destinations, you may disembark for an hour and a half.” He hurried down the aisle, stepping into the next car.

I glanced at Tory, who stared out the window. “I do believe I’m about to meet my new fiancé.”

“The saints preserve us,” she muttered. “I beg you not to marry him straight away.”

“But I promised.” I grinned impishly, knowing I would never commit myself to a stranger. “He’s taking me to the church, as soon as we arrive in Boot Creek.”

“Which would be a terrible mistake. This entire escapade has been a terrible mistake.”

“But in all seriousness, I do have to decide shortly about the marriage. I can’t stay here unprotected, especially if my father and Joseph persist on finding me.” I got to my feet, reaching for a tasseled, drawstring purse. “I’ll keep an open mind regarding Percy. If he’s ruggedly handsome and charming, I might marry him today. If he’s lacking in some capacity, I might … never marry him.”

Tory shook her head. “You’re incorrigible, Evelyn.”

“If you send a letter from this town to anyone we know, I’ll never speak to you again and I won’t pay you another red cent.”

“I’m not doing a thing. I’ll just quietly suffer in this horribly dry place. My lips are already cracking. It’s godawful.”

“Toughen up, little maid. This is where our adventure begins. I’m terribly excited to see what it all looks like.”

“I’m not,” she muttered. “I was happy in Philadelphia. I have family there and friends. You’ve torn me away from everything I’ve ever known. I’m not certain you can even pay me enough; really, to make up for all I lost. The only reason I agreed to accompany you is that I’m certain we shall not be here long. I give it a week at most, and then you owe me a hundred dollars.”

“La, la,” I trilled. “You’ll fall in love with a cowboy, and you won’t want to leave. These men aren’t the pampered dandies from the polo set. Oh, no. They’re rough and coarse and charmingly sinful.”

“Oh, stop it! You’ve no idea what you’re talking about. You’ll eat your words soon enough, Evelyn. I venture you’re wrong about everything.”

We strolled towards the exit. “I shouldn’t let you speak back to me like that. If I’m spoiled, you’re impertinent. You’re the worst maid a girl could have. You never shut your mouth.”

“Someone has to save you from yourself.”

“Bah,” I giggled. “Oh, what a crush.” There were hundreds of people on the platform, along with piles of luggage in all shapes and sizes. “I wonder how long for our trunks to appear?”

“Our porter will bring them out soon enough.” Tory craned her neck, glancing at the passengers. “What does he look like again?”

“How would I know?” I dabbed at my face with a monogramed handkerchief, feeling overly heated, even in the middle of winter. “I wonder how hot it is in summer?”

“All the more reason not to stay.” Her bonnet shaded her eyes. “I’m hungry.”

“We’ll have to wait until supper, Tory.”

“You’re supposed to go straight to the church. How long does it take to travel to Boot Creek?”

“He said it wasn’t far.”

“His letters were always vague. I still maintain he’s hiding something.”

“He’s from a wealthy family. I’ve had him investigated. The Vanguards own a string of grocers from here all the way to Texas. They do very well indeed in business. He should be able to take care of me properly.”

“He’s no match for your family.”

“No, but I don’t care. I’ve grandmother’s jewels, and I’ll sell them, if I have to. I really don’t want to, though. I love granny’s things.” I pouted, feeling a familiar sadness. “I miss my granny.”

“Is that him?” She pointed to a short, thin man in a top hat. “He’s been staring our way for some time.”

The man in question was far too young to be Percy, appearing more like a boy than a man. “No.”

“Then why is he staring at us?”

“Maybe he’s daft? I’ve no clue.”

“Did he give you any kind of description? Brown hair, blonde hair, red hair? Is there anything we should be looking for?”

I yawned, covering my mouth with a hand. “I don’t know. There are some seats. Let’s wait there.”

Before we were able to move, the thin, young-looking man in the top hat approached. “Hello, ladies.”

My attention drifted over him, dismissing him at once. I never spoke to strangers.

“Hello, sir,” said Tory. “We’re looking for someone.”

“I am too.” He grinned, flashing tiny-looking teeth.

“Do you know Percy Vanguard? He’s supposed to meet us here today.”

His smile widened. “You’re in luck. I’m Percy Vanguard.”

I stood taller than Mr. Vanguard by several inches, and I had worn low boots. Stunned, I wasn't able to form a single word, let alone string together a full sentence. This could not possibly be my fiancé. He looked like a boy!

“Well, then,” murmured Tory. “Isn’t this interesting?” She held out a hand. “I’m Victoria Stevens, and this is my charge, Miss Evelyn Jane Warner.” She glanced at me, her eyes shining with mirth. “I can’t wait for that hundred dollars. It’s burning a hole in my pocket as we speak. Silks and satins and lace, oh, my. They shall all be mine.”

The porter appeared then, with four men, as they brought over two enormous trunks. “Oh,” I said dully. “My things.”

Percy held out a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Evelyn. You’re truly lovely. That drawing did not do you justice in the least. I’m honored to finally make your acquaintance.”

“I … am … thrilled beyond words.” I shook his hand, suddenly slightly dizzy. “I hope you have a carriage waiting. I’m not … feeling all that well.”

“Indeed. I’ll have my man come get your things. Was your journey pleasant? I worried about you, Evelyn. I’m greatly relieved you were able to join me. I’ve arranged everything at the church. It won’t be long before we’re in Boot Creek.”

He led the way, while his hand remained on my lower back possessively. I cast several glances his way, noting that he lacked any sort of facial hair. Not even a hint of stubble graced his pale, flawless cheeks. He looked like a man who had never spent a single day outside.

The trunks remained behind, as we approached a beautifully appointed coach, with a driver. “Gordon. Go retrieve Miss Warner’s things, will you?”

The man stepped from his perch. “Yes, boss.”

Percy held open the door. “Here you are, ladies. It’s nice and cool inside.”

I lifted the bottom of my skirt, exposing several lacy petticoats. “Thank you.” I sat on a soft leather cushion, gazing at the interior, the cherry colored wood shining from fresh polish.

“I’ll see about the luggage,” he said, holding open the door for my maid.

Tory joined me. “I like the carriage,” she crossed one foot over the other, “but I suggest we stay and catch the next train back.”

“Shush.” My mind spun unhappily with feelings of disappointment. “He’s not what I thought he’d be.”

“That’s why arranged marriages are so stupid. No woman in her right mind agrees to marry someone sight unseen. You’re smarter than that, Evelyn. You’re far too astute to fall for something this asinine.”

“I wasn’t swindled. I knew what I was doing. I’m not marrying Joseph. Percy would be a vast improvement over Joseph. I could manage Percy rather easily. I’ll have him wrapped around my finger in no time. He’s a little boy, for heaven’s sake.”

“If that’s what you’re looking for,” she grumbled.

“Let’s not argue about it now. We’ll go to Boot Creek, and I’ll think about my next step. I’ll ask that he court me, and then I’ll come up with some sort of solution.”

“He’ll be terribly disappointed.”

“It can’t be helped.”

The door of the carriage opened. “Everything’s all set.” Percy sat next to me, eyeing me expectantly. “I can’t believe you’re so lovely, Evelyn. I knew you said your hair was nearly black and your eyes brown, but they’re a vibrant shade of chestnut. I’ve never seen hair that glossy before either. You must brush it a hundred times at night. I feel like the luckiest man alive being with you.”

Tory coughed, placing a hand over her mouth. “Excuse me.”

“Thank you, Percy. You’re … you’re quite a bit younger than I thought you’d be. You are the epitome of youthful verve.”

“I’m the youngest of my siblings, like I told you in my letter. I was the runt of the litter, so to speak. I have some fattening up to do. I’m hopeful you’re good at planning meals. I need to eat hearty foods often.”

It’s going to take a great deal more than food to put any muscle on those scrawny bones
. “Yes, Percy.”

“How I look forward to the wedding!” He grinned, as the carriage jolted. “I’ve arranged everything, my dear. We shall have a reception as well. My family is waiting at the church, right this minute.”

There was something in his look, his enthusiasm and happiness, that kept me from telling him I wanted to wait. I would have to speak soon, though, as we neared our destination with each passing mile, the coach traveling over what felt like a rutted road. I kept the conversation light, asking Percy about his business and family, while Tory glanced out the window, a sour expression on her face. Being an employee, my maid was also my faithful companion, and, despite her error in notifying my family about my plans, I trusted her judgment in most things. Perhaps, I had acted impulsively by agreeing to marry Percy after only corresponding with him for two months. As usual, I had gotten myself into a rather sticky pickle.

“It’s almost upon us,” gushed Percy. “I know you said you longed for a small, western town with character. Here it is.” He pushed back a velvet curtain, exposing a charmingly rustic scene of horse drawn carriages, a dusty thoroughfare, and clapboard sided buildings.

“It’s … quaint,” I said. This had been what I had asked for. I wanted to get as far away from Philadelphia as I could, and I had accomplished the task. “It’s lovely.”

Tory coughed again. “Goodness, it’s dry here. I’m parched.”

“We’ll be able to eat at the reception.” Percy sat on the edge of the seat, his eyes sparkling like an excited child. “How I look forward to being a married man. I was jealous of my brothers when they found wives. I can’t wait for them to see you. They’ll be green with envy. I’ll have the most beautiful wife in the territory.”

“That’s very sweet of you to say,” I murmured, hating that I would disappoint him shortly. I spied a whitewashed building up ahead with a steeple. “Is that the church?”

“It is indeed.”

There were several carriages parked beneath what looked like Coyote Willows. I had researched New Mexico, knowing this sort of tree commonly grew here. As we pulled up to the building, an older woman in a large black hat stood at the top of the steps with a tall, blond man. He looked authoritative, yet serene, and I assumed he was the preacher.

“Here we are.” Percy flung open the door, exclaiming loudly, “Come meet my beautiful fiancé!”

“
Y
ou’ve gone
and done it now,” muttered Tory.

I had yet to alight, clinging to the edge of the seat, while a wave of terror rendered me immobile. “Oh, by golly, what a mess. Perhaps, I should’ve spoken to him on the way here.”

“I shant lecture you, because you know you’ve erred badly.” She slid from the seat. “Time to face the music, Evelyn.”

Feeling dreadful, I left the carriage, keeping my head down, grateful for the fashionable bonnet. Percy grasped my hand, dragging me up the steps, where I found myself before two strangers.

“Here she is!”

“All right, Mr. Vanguard,” said the woman. “You go inside, and wait for us. It’s bad luck to see the bride on her wedding day.” She smiled kindly. “I’m Mrs. Hershey. I’ve been corresponding with you, my dear. I’m so happy you’re here.” She held out a hand. “How do you do?”

I shook it. “I’m fine. It’s lovely to finally meet you.” I turned to Tory. “This is my maid, Victoria.”

“Hello, dear.” Mrs. Hershey shook her hand. “And may I introduce Pastor Kinsley? He’s going to officiate the ceremony.”

“Hello, sir.” I shook his hand.

“Would you like to come inside?” he asked, pointing to the doorway. “I’ve a small room where you may ready yourself.”

“I … that would be good. Thank you.”

“I’m so pleased things are falling into place so readily,” said Mrs. Hershey, as she followed us into the building. People waited, sitting in the nave, while speaking in hushed tones. I assumed they were all members of the Vanguard family. “I’ve had some near disasters of late with the mail order business, although each of my couples managed to marry happily.”

We stood in a small room, which looked like an office with bookcases and a desk. I turned to Mrs. Hershey, knowing I would have to confess now. “I must speak to you in private.”

Pastor Kinsley’s astute gaze raked over me. “Oh, dear,” he chortled. “I sense a calamity is about to befall us, Doris.” He shook his head. “The last time you brought in a woman, the man refused to marry her. Luckily enough, I fell in love with her instead. I have a feeling poor Percy is about to find himself—”

“Oh, shush, Nicolas!” She scowled at him. “Nothing of the sort will happen. I’m sure whatever Miss Warner has to say has nothing to do with changing her mind or not wanting to marry Mr. Vanguard. He’s from a wealthy, god-fearing family, and all will go according to plan.”

Tory coughed, needing to leave the room. While she stood in the hallway, I faced Mrs. Hershey. “I do have a confession to make.”

Pastor Kinsley moved towards the door. “Excuse me. I’ll go keep your maid company. From the sound of it, she could use a cup of water.”

After he had left, Mrs. Hershey placed her hands on her hips. “What sort of confession? Are you with child?”

I gasped. “No!”

“Married already?”

“No.”

“Are you a fugitive from justice?”

“I most certainly am not.”

“You’re running from something then.”

“Oh, gracious be. I am not a criminal. I … do believe I’ve made a mistake. I … meant well, Mrs. Hershey, I truly did. I wanted to find him attractive, but I can’t marry a boy.”

She went to the desk, leaning against it, as if she might fall over without the support. “No, no, no. Not again. Can’t a couple just come together the first time around without all the drama?”

It aggrieved me to see her so distraught. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. I … didn’t say that I wouldn’t marry him, though. I would like a few days to think about it. It’s sensible to at least court briefly, wouldn't you say? Can I postpone the wedding?” I glanced at her hopefully. “A week is what I need.”

She sighed. “I can’t force you to marry him, my dear. I think a week is reasonable, but you’ll have to tell him. His family is waiting for you to walk down the aisle. There’s a reception in your honor at the hotel as well.”

“I’ve an idea. Why don’t we still attend the reception? It could be a welcoming party. That way, I might meet his parents and siblings, and we can greet one another properly. Then I’ll settle in at the hotel, and Percy and I shall court.” I had stumbled upon a solution, feeling quite proud in that moment.

“It’s your prerogative to do as you must.” She managed to stand on her own. “I could use a glass of wine … or two, myself.”

“Marvelous. Can you or someone bring Mr. Vanguard to me? I shall explain it all to him.”

She grasped the knob, opening the door. “Wait here, Evelyn. I’ll go find him.”

“Thank you.”

Tory peeked into the room. “Did you confess your sins?”

I gave her a look. “The marriage is postponed, and we’re attending the reception. That is all. Now go away, you irritating pest.” She giggled at that, closing the door. I braced myself for the confrontation with Percy, praying fervently that he would understand and react reasonably. When he appeared, his eyes flashing expectantly, I knew it might not be all that hard to get him to come around to my line of thinking.

“You asked for me?”

“I did. I must speak plainly. I know this will cause you pain, but it can’t be helped.”

His smile fell. “Oh, dear.”

“I ask that we postpone the ceremony by a week. I really do think it prudent for us to court first. I’d love to meet your family and speak to them. We should attend the reception together. What do you think of this plan?”

“Am I not handsome enough?”

Now I felt badly, because it seemed as if he read my mind. “Of course not. I mean, you’re just fine. I can find no fault in your looks, Percy. I simply would like a little time to get to know you better.”

“You think I look too young.”

“Not at all,” I lied.

“I need a wife to fatten me up. I’ll grow right and strong soon enough. If you have the cook bake rich fare, I’ll double my size in a year. I promise.”

“Oh, Percy.” I frowned. “Stop that. You’re handsome just the way you are. There’s no reason to change. I merely wish to get to know you better, that’s all.”

“I’ll have to tell my family. Father said you wouldn’t marry me. He told me it was foolish to propose to someone I’d never met. We’ve only been corresponding for two months. Perhaps, it wasn’t long enough.”

“Please, don’t take on all the blame. I’ve behaved rashly as well. I’d like to meet your family and explain to them my decision. I hope they won’t be too angry with me.”

“I’ll send you on ahead to the hotel, so you can freshen up. I’ll meet you in the lobby in a half an hour. That will give me time to speak to my family. I’ll break the news, my dear. You shouldn’t trouble yourself about that.”

Now I felt badly. “You’re a darling for doing this. I appreciate your help, even though I don’t deserve it.”

“Nonsense. I’ll prove to you that I’m the man for you, Evelyn. In a week, we shall be husband and wife, because I intend on winning you over.”

I smiled. “I look forward to being courted, Percy. Let’s look at it as an enjoyable task, not something to fear in the least. It’s how most young couples meet and grow to love one another.” Perhaps, I might change my mind about him … but it still remained doubtful. I felt nothing other than friendship for this boy—man, who gazed at me with hopeful expectancy. It would be dreadful to have to break his heart.

“Then I’ll tell the driver to take you and your maid to the hotel.”

“Thank you.”

“Very good. Come along, Evelyn. I’m sure you must be exhausted.”

“I’m fine.”

A short while later, while I struggled to unlock one of the trunks, Tory entered the bedroom. I had reserved the largest suite, which took up a good portion of the third floor, with a view of the street. “There’s a water closet down the hall,” she said. “It’s only available to us and another room down the end.”

“That sounds heavenly, Tory. I’m dying for a bath.”

“It’ll have to wait. You’re already late for the reception.”

I had been hunting for another corset, wanting to wear the older one that wasn’t as stiff. “Oh, drat. I can’t find anything in this mess.”

“That’s because I’ve yet to put it all away. I’ll have it organized by the time you return.”

Sighing, I strolled to the window, pulling back heavy drapes. “It’s noisy.”

“You’re smack in the middle of Boot Creek. The issue is the saloon across the way.” She muttered, “And the brothel.”

“It’s going to be dreadful loud, isn’t it?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Are there any other hotels?”

“No.”

“Fine. I’ll be back in an hour or so. If you’re hungry, please order yourself something. Go have a bath. I’m going to eat my wedding cake.”

“That’s rich,” she laughed. “Congratulations. I wish you much felicity and happiness in your marriage.”

I scowled at her, but a smile broke through. “I should scold you for your impertinence.”

“You won’t, because you know I speak the truth.”

“Then lie a little more, please.” I reached the door. “I’ll be back.”

“Good luck.”

Leaving Tory, I ventured down a lushly carpeted hallway towards a set of heavy oak steps. As I descended, passing several mirrors, I glanced at myself, seeing a woman with pale skin and dark hair, which had been artfully arranged. I wore a mini top hat with a green sash and feathers. My dress was green satin with lavish, black decoration and a high bustle. I knew the Vanguards would find little fault in my appearance, but it was what they thought of my character that worried me. I had proven myself to be rather fickle. I would have to win them over in some manner.

Rounding the bend on the last landing before the entranceway, something tall and dark collided with me. “Oh!” This person had nearly trampled me, and we both fell, although he grabbed my waist in such a manner that instead of falling to the floor, I fell on him. “By mighty!” My hat was no match for gravity, sliding free of its pins, while it sailed across the landing. I lay on top of a complete stranger, in a jumble of arms and legs and enough fabric to drown us both. Mortified, I sucked in a shocked breath, while meeting his startled expression.

“Well, hello, little lady,” he drawled.

As I pushed against his chest, he felt muscular beneath my fingertips, entirely hard and unyielding. “Sir!”

His hat had fallen as well, exposing a mass of dark, thick hair. “You sure are a tall glass of water. Yes, ma’am.” I’d managed to get to my knees, although breathing had become difficult in this position, the corset digging into my chest. “Let me help you, honey.” He grabbed me around the waist, hauling me upwards, but, instead of letting me go, he pulled me near. “You’re not from around these parts. We don’t get ladies this pretty, normally.” He stood taller by nearly a foot, his face weathered, yet friendly, while a teasing smile lit his eyes.

“I’m fine, sir. You may unhand me.” I sounded slightly breathless.

“Oh, indeed, you are fine.”

Never having been treated in such a manner by anyone, I strove to form the words needed to chastise him for his impertinence. An arm remained around my back in a far too familiar manner, while the aroma of brandy and cigar smoke clung to his clothing. In that moment, while gazing at his pleasing face, I felt the most outrageous urge to kiss him. Never in my life had I faced such a startling dilemma. This rough and rugged man was the epitome of what I imagined cowboys were like from these parts, and it seemed as if my dream of meeting one had come true. Something glimmered in his eyes, a flash of roguish intent, because he grasped my face then, his sizable thumbs pressing into my cheeks.

“I’ll probably get slapped for this, but I don’t care,” he murmured, closing his lips over mine.