Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) (3 page)

A
t first contact
, a tangible spark burst between us, the sensation shooting all the way down my spine, where it settled in my belly, vibrating pleasurably. His shorn beard felt rough against my cheek, while the kiss deepened, and he invaded my mouth with his tongue. I grasped at his shoulders, my fingers digging into his jacket, clutching at him for dear life. The earth seemed to shift beneath my feet, propelling me to lean further into him.

Breaking the kiss, he held me close, whispering, “Oh, my gravy, what’s your name?”

The question perplexed me, as my mind had drawn a complete blank. His heated, ragged breath filled my ear, while a steely arm remained around my lower back. The reality of what I had just done slowly penetrated my foggy, utterly distracted consciousness. I had just kissed a stranger! I’d behaved like a trollop! My mother would be scandalized. I should be scandalized.

Pushing him away, I slapped him hard, the sound echoing. “Ouf!”

A lazy grin spread across his face. “Yes, ma’am. I had that comin’.”

“I won’t be manhandled, sir.”

“You didn’t seem to mind.”

“You took advantage of me.”

“And you enjoyed every second of it.”

“You’re despicable.”

“I am, but that’s no reason why we can’t be friends.”

People waited for me in the dining room. “Where’s my hat?”

He bent to pick it up. “Here you are.” His interested gaze drifted over me. “You sure are pretty. I mean,
really
pretty. Where are you from?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

“Are you in town long or just passing through?”

“That’s also none of your business.” I bent to retrieve the pins that had fallen out, needing them to secure the hat. It was a miracle my hair had stayed in place. I stood before a mirror, adjusting the hat, while the stranger waited behind me. I could see him looming over me. He had donned a wide-brimmed hat, which shaded his eyes.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Evelyn Warner.”

“Miss or Mrs.?”

“You’d like to know, wouldn't you?” I glared at him, ashamed of myself for having succumbed to his advances.

He seemed thoughtful, his attention on me. “Don’t you want to know who I am?”

“Not especially.”

An unguarded look of disappointment registered for a moment, then it disappeared. “Well, if you’re not spoken for, I’d be mighty happy to court you.”

“No thank you.”

“I might not look like a big city dandy, but I just bought a place of my own. I’m in the cattle business. I used to work for Mr. Kelly, who’s the biggest rancher in the area, but I might rival him one day. You look like a well-bred young lady. I could keep you in the lifestyle you’re accustomed to.”

I finished adjusting the hat, feeling put together and in control of my emotions. Turning to face him, my hands went to my hips. “Is that so?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been thinkin’ I need a wife. You’d do nicely.”

“You put far too much stock in one kiss, sir. It wasn’t
that
good. It wasn’t enough for me to take leave of my senses, which is exactly what I’d have to do to agree to court you.”

“You’re not married then. If you were, you would’ve threatened to send your husband my way to beat me to a pulp.”

“I’m engaged, sir.”

“Oh, yeah? To whom?”

“None of your business.”

“You’re new in town. The only women who come here are catalogue women. Are you one of Mrs. Hershey’s mail order brides?”

“Also none of your business.”

His mouth fell open. “I’ll be darned! You’re a mail order bride, aren’t you? Who’d you come to marry?” He chuckled ruefully at the thought. “Come on, honey. Who’s the lucky guy? I sure am dying to know.”

“I’ve had enough of this conversation. People are waiting for me.”

“There’s a party in the dining room. Filled with Vanguards. Are they waiting for you? Are you marrying a Vanguard? The only bachelor in that family is Percy, and he’s barely nineteen and as green as they come.”

This highlighted the drawbacks of a small town. “Excuse me.” I moved to pass him, but a hand clamped around my upper arm. “Oh!”

He drew me near, which was alarming. “Evelyn. I really like that name. You don’t have to tell me a thing, honey. That’s all right. I’ll find it out myself then, and soon. You can’t kick a stone in Boot Creek without somebody knowing which direction it went.”

“You have the manners of an ox,” I grated, thoroughly annoyed.

“I’ve been accused of that before. I do apologize for being so forward. I’m not sorry I kissed you, though. I think that was the best kiss of my life, and I’ve kissed some beautiful women in my time. There’s something special about you. I can’t put my finger on it.”

He released my arm, and I managed to brush past him, grasping the banister for support. Rendered speechless, my only concern was taking the steps safely and not falling to my death. My knees felt strangely weak, and my heart pounded in my chest, as if I had just run a mile. He came down behind me, because my backbone prickled with awareness. In the lobby, I searched for Percy, finding him speaking with a tall gentleman.

“My dear!” he exclaimed. “There you are.”

The stranger, who had taken advantage of me, loitered near an urn, leaning against the wall, while staring at us, listening to every word.

“This is my older brother, Harold. Harold, this is Evelyn.”

“How do you do?” I asked, holding out a hand.

He shook it. “I’m well, and you?”

“Just fine, thank you.” Knowing the stranger listened to our conversation inhibited me greatly, fearing he might learn too much, but he already knew everything. He was far too astute for his own good and far too handsome.

“I thought we’d be celebrating a wedding,” said Harold. “Mother’s disappointed it didn’t happen.”

“I’m sorry about that. You’ll have to forgive me for the delay. I’d like to get to know Percy a while, before making such an important decision. It would be sensible to give it a little more time.”

“If you ask me, this mail order business is anything but sensible. It’s a farce, and Mrs. Hershey should quit while she’s ahead.” He seemed rather stern, his features pinched.

“Yes, perhaps,” I murmured, slightly intimidated by him.

“Don’t lecture my fiancé, Harold.” Percy’s hand fell to my back. “Evelyn’s decision to wait is indeed practical. I, for one, am relieved I’ve found such a wise woman. Not only is she dreadfully smart, but her beauty is beyond compare. Have you ever seen a woman as lovely?”

“I’d have to disagree and say my wife, Percy, otherwise I’d find myself sleeping with the dog in the barn.”

Laughter rang out behind us, and we turned to observe the stranger, striding across the carpet, like a leopard approaching his prey. “I couldn’t help overhearing,” he said. “Congratulations, Mr. Vanguard. This is your fiancé?” His eyes roamed over me. “She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I sure hope I don’t get in trouble for saying that out loud.”

“Mr. Brittle, your interruption is unwarranted,” grumbled Percy. “Your opinion does not matter in the least to me.”

“I’m aware of that. I know I don't fit in with your type of society, but that won’t stop me from speaking my mind.”

“This is a private conversation,” said Harold.

“In a very public place,” countered Mr. Brittle. He tipped his hat. “Y’all have a nice day now, you hear? Welcome to Boot Creek, Miss Warner. I’m sure you’re going to find us folks just as charming as you please.” He headed for the exit, while Harold and Percy stared after him.

“How did he know your name?”

I faced my fiancé, at a loss. “I … I … had the misfortune of meeting him in the stairwell. We … we collided.”

“Chuck Brittle’s a hard case,” said Harold. “He’s a womanizer and gambler and generally not fit for polite society. I don’t care if he’s been successful in business. Ingrid and I would never have him over for supper, nor would we ever dine with him in public.”

“Indeed.” Percy grinned. “He’s of no consequence to us in the least.” His hand remained on my back. “Why don’t we go in and meet my family? I’m sure you’ll want some champagne and cake. It’s all waiting.”

Harold seemed perturbed about something. “Yes, a celebration for a non-wedding. Very odd, if I may say so. How do you plan on getting on in Boot Creek, Miss Warner?”

“What do you mean?”

“You came to marry, and you failed to do so. Now you’re here alone, without protection. A woman’s reputation is a delicate and fragile thing. Mother would be appalled, if Percy were to marry someone whose character was brought into question.”

“I can assure you, I am not going to jeopardize my reputation, sir.” His words rankled me, and I forced myself to remain calm, schooling my features. “I’m staying at the hotel with my maid. I assume this is a safe place, is it not? Should I worry about my physical well-being at the hotel?”

“That’s enough,” grumbled Percy. “I don’t like the tone you’re taking with my fiancé.”

“I’m saying what everyone is thinking, Percy. Mother will want to know how long this courtship will go on before things are legal. She’s not happy with the mail order bride business. We don’t marry strangers. It’s not how it’s done.”

Having been raised in polite society, I understood exactly what he meant, and he was right. However, I had several reasons for agreeing to become a mail order bride, no matter how foolish that decision had been. I had no desire to marry the man my family chose, fleeing the situation and agreeing to marry a stranger instead. I realized it had been a poor choice, but desperation had brought me to this juncture. I had behaved rashly, yet the alternative remained too awful to contemplate. I could not marry Joseph Cardcastle, and now I wondered if I could marry Percy Vanguard.

“Let’s go in,” said Percy. “I wish to introduce Evelyn to everyone. Once mother meets her, she’ll realize her concerns are for naught. Evelyn belongs in our world. She’s an accomplished woman in her own right and deserving of the name Vanguard. It’s wrong of you to question her character. She’s from old money, Harold. Her father’s father came from England, and the family is far more successful than ours. If anything, she should be questioning if we fit into her society. We’re the lacking ones.”

Harold seemed unmoved, his look bland. “I maintain that something isn’t right here. I mean you no offense, Miss Warner, but I’ve a sixth sense about things. I somehow don’t think this will end well. Percy’s far too immature to comprehend what’s happening. For a blue-blooded woman to flee west and throw herself at the mercy of strangers, it’s all very shady, if you ask me.”

I hated that he had figured me out. “My family’s overbearing, Harold. I did flee them. You’re right. I never dreamed I’d find someone as darling as Percy. He writes lovely letters. It’s possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never met. It happened to me,” I lied. I had to salvage the conversation, hoping to take the upper hand. I grasped Percy’s arm, gazing at him with as much adoration as I could muster. “He’s so boyishly handsome and charming. I just adore dimples.”

Unfortunately, Harold seemed unmoved by this display, frowning. “I’ve seen better acting at the Bird Cage Theatre.”

“Don’t mind him,” said Percy. “He’s always grumpy.”

We stood in the doorway of a large dining room, which had been decorated with fresh flowers and streamers. Tables had been set with gleaming cutlery and pretty, scalloped edge plates. An impressive three-tier wedding cake stood out amongst a collection of plates and spoons. Everyone had turned to stare at us, a sea of interested faces—faces of the Vanguard family, waiting expectantly to meet me.

I knew I had disappointed them, just as I had disappointed Percy by not marrying him. This was going to be the most difficult hour of my life, having to pretend that I was madly in love with Percy. To add to my consternation, all I could think about was the encounter with the stranger in the stairwell, someone by the name of Chuck Brittle, who had shamelessly taken advantage of me and had kissed me, as if we were lovers.

Oh, Lord. Give me strength. I’ve gotten myself into a real quandary.

I
excused
myself after two hours’ worth of what felt like an interrogation, pleading a headache. I had never felt worse about myself in my life, having lied my way through every conversation. My face felt fatigued, because I had smiled brightly, pretending to look as joyous and excited as any bride-to-be. The truth was an entirely different matter. No amount of cake or champagne could convince me that I was in love with Percy.

Tory had unpacked my things, arranging tea, which waited on the small table before the couch. I had collapsed against the sofa, staring miserably at the detail work on the ceiling. The well-appointed room boasted lavish wallpaper, heavily carved furniture, and decorative lamps, which gave off a fair amount of light, as the draperies had been drawn.

“Aren’t you going to have tea?” Tory sat in a plush chair across from me. “It’s chamomile. It’ll soothe your aching head.”

“I underestimated my own stupidity,” I murmured.

She giggled, “I knew you’d come to your senses. I’m quite eager for that hundred dollars. You can give it to me when we board the train in a few days.”

“I feel nothing for Percy.”

“I’m not surprised. You’ve courted far more distinguished gentlemen, as I recall. He’s no more than a boy. He’s handsome enough and polite, but he’s hardly a match for a woman who knows her own mind.” She appeared thoughtful. “Or, you could marry him and rule the roost. If you want to control every aspect of your life, he’s the man for you. You could do whatever you wanted. You could marry him and insist on a separate house. You’d never have to be intimate with him. You could take on a lover. Perhaps, it’s not as bleak as you think.”

“That’s terrible. Then how would I have children?”

“Your lover could sire them.”

I sat up, reaching for the cup. “I thought my ideas were foolish. That’s even worse.”

“Well, it looks like we shall return to Philadelphia and Joseph Cardcastle then.”

“No. Absolutely not. I won’t marry him, and they can’t force me.” A knock on the door startled us. “Are we expecting something? Did you order food?”

“No.” She got to her feet. “I’ll see who it is.” Opening the door, Mrs. Hershey appeared.

“Hello, my dear. May I speak to Miss Warner, please.”

Tory stood aside. “Mrs. Hershey is here to see you, Evelyn.”

“Let her in.” I got to my feet. “Hello.”

“I wanted to speak to you, but I never did get a chance. You were quite popular downstairs. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well.” She smiled sympathetically. “I had hoped to have a word.”

“Please come in. Would you like some tea?”

“That would be wonderful, thank you.”

She sat in Tory’s seat, as the maid left the room. “I confess, but it was too much for me.”

“I could see that. You tried rather hard to be as sociable as possible. I wish this mail order business would go off without a hitch. It seems all the women who come here have something rather big to hide.” She looked sheepish. “Not that I’m accusing you of deception, I just wonder why a woman of your stature, with your name and connections, would agree to be a mail order bride in the first place. All the other ladies were badly off, I’m afraid. They were destitute and desperate, and one was even with child.”

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.”