Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) (5 page)

T
he dining room
had not filled in yet, because the noon rush hadn’t begun. We were seated near the back, towards the kitchen, but I did not mind. A wall and a large fern offered a fair amount of privacy. Feeling disordered, I had chosen a glass of wine, not caring if it were chilled or not.

“You’re gonna chew that nail right off, if you’re not careful.”

I glanced at Mr. Brittle. “What am I going to do? I can’t stay here, if they’ve found me.”

“Did you tell your first fiancé you’re not gonna marry him?”

“In the letter I left with the ring.”

“Some men need a little more closure than that. I’d get the message straight away, but rich men tend to be pigheaded. They need everything explained to them in detail.”

“That’s because they are used to getting their own way. Everything normally falls into place for them.”

“I think you’re used to that too. You seem awfully picky about men. None of ‘em seem good enough for you.”

“You don’t know me well enough for such a generalization, Mr. Brittle.” My tone sounded harsh, but that had hit a nerve. “I’d appreciate not being judged by the likes of … of … someone’s who’s wanted by the law.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I’ve paid for whatever transgressions I’ve perpetrated on society. I did go to jail for a few months. My name is free and clear now. You’re judging me too, honey.”

“Don’t call me honey.”

“Do call me Chuck.”

“Mr. Brittle,” I said sternly. “Why on earth would I hire you? What exactly would you do for me, besides trying to seduce me?” I glared at him pointedly, challenging him to disagree with that assessment.

He leaned back in his chair, fighting a smile. “There’s something about you I like. I can’t quite put my finger on it. You’re beautiful to be sure, but there’s a fire there that appeals to me. I love spirited women.”

I lifted my chin fractionally. “I can see straight through your flattery.”

“I know my reputation precedes me. I know Mrs. Kelly isn’t happy with how I’ve behaved. I confess to it all and then some, but even a blackguard such as myself has to settle down eventually. Being up to all hours of the night isn’t all that beneficial when I’m running a business. I’ve some big plans for my future. I’ve got nearly eight hundred acres of prime grazing land, bought and paid for. I ordered three hundred head of cattle. I’m ready for a little success, Evie.”

“I’m happy for you.” I meant that, meeting his gaze. “But don’t call me Evie.”

“Evelyn.”

“Not that either. It’s Miss Warner.”

“How about Mrs. Brittle?”

My mouth fell open, but, before I could say anything, Percy appeared. “Hello, my dear. There you are.” He glanced at Mr. Brittle. “Hello, sir.” His smile fell.

Chuck got to his feet. “I was just keepin’ the seat warm for you, Mr. Vanguard. Y’all have a nice lunch.” He glanced at me. “You think about what I said.” With that, he left.

“What was that about?” asked Percy taking the seat.

“Well, I’m not married yet and without protection. He offered to work for me.”

Percy frowned. “He’s the worst possible choice for a young lady. He’s more likely to molest you than watch over you.”

I reeled from the things Chuck had said, and that statement added to my distress, but other matters pressed upon me. I remained certain my father or Joseph had found me. That man in the dark frock coat continued to linger, having taken a table across the room, where he sat by himself. He had more than likely telegraphed my whereabouts, and my family had been notified.

It was difficult to appear light and gay for Percy, the smile on my face feeling forced. We were able to have lunch and discuss our plans for the evening, as he wanted to take me on a carriage ride at sunset and then to dinner. I wished I felt something more than friendship for him, because he was a lovely person and kind and giving, but it remained impossible. Once our meal had concluded, we bid each other goodbye, while I searched the dining room for the mysterious man, not seeing him. As I wandered through the foyer, I did not perceive him here either, heading for the stairs. I hadn’t reached the first landing when a hand shot out capturing my wrist.

“Oh!”

“Have you thought about my offer?” Chuck Brittle stood before me, grinning.

“Why are you lurking in the shadows?” My belly had flipped over with distracting little flutters.

“I was waiting for you. I know you’re on the third floor. I’ll escort you up.”

“What if I don’t want you to?”

“Go on and slap me. I dare you.” He thrust out his chin. “Right in the kisser. I can take it.”

The last hour had been taxing, and I had fought the urge to chew my nails down to nothing. I had wanted to return to my room and gather my thoughts. The last thing I wished for was more stress.

“All right. You may escort me, but do not touch me.” I moved away from him, snatching my hand back. “If you are to be in my employ, there will be several rules you must follow.” Was I really going to hire him?

He stepped in behind me. “I think I’m gonna like taking orders from a woman. I can tell you’re good at being bossy.”

I ignored that. “There are some things you should know about me.”

“I’ll be an apt pupil. You can teach me anything.”

I stopped, turning to stare at him. “The first thing is silence. Do be quiet, sir.”

He clamped his lips together, nodding.

“Now,” I took another step, “I will not be disrespected. I’ll always have final say in all decisions and I reserve the right to dismiss you at a moment’s notice.” He followed me, until we reached the third floor. “And, under absolutely no circumstance are you allowed to kiss me.” I neared the door. “Now you may speak.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

We entered the room, finding Tory sitting and reading. “This is Mr. Brittle.”

She got to her feet, her expression confused. “Hello.”

“I’m being followed.”

Chuck glanced around the room. “This is well-appointed. Fancy.”

“There’s a man following me. He’s been following me all morning. I hardly know what to do.”

“Who is he?”

“I can only assume someone Joseph or my father hired.”

She eyed Mr. Brittle. “And this person is aware of our situation?”

“Yes, I told him. Mrs. Hershey said I should hire someone to watch over me. I suppose he’ll do. He’s without employment at the moment. I’m saving him from drunkenness, apparently.” I teased Chuck on purpose, wondering if he would respond to the barb.

Laugher resounded. “You needn’t bother on that score. I only drink when I’m bored. I have a feeling you’ll keep me plenty occupied.” He strolled to the window, moving the drapes aside. “Your shadow’s across the street now.”

Alarmed, I joined him, noticing the stranger standing on the boardwalk. He spoke with another man. “Who’s with him?”

“Looks like a sheriff’s deputy. I believe that’s Spencer Harding. Nice fella, but he’s a lousy card player.”

“Why would he be speaking to a deputy?”

“I’ll go down and loiter. I know Spencer rather well. I should find somethin’ out. Just sit tight, darlin’.” He strode from the room, the door closing behind him.

“Why on earth did you tell him your secret?” Tory joined me at the window.

“Because I’ve no choice. This person’s following me. I feel trouble coming. It’s not good, Tory. I think something is going to happen today.”

“You should’ve married Percy. How was lunch?”

“It was fine, except I worried the entire time about this stranger person.” I observed Chuck then, crossing the street in a leisurely fashion. “There’s Mr. Brittle.”

“And about Mr. Brittle. Who is he? Why would you divulge secrets to him? What if he leads them straight to you?”

“I’m sure whoever hired that man knows exactly where I am now.”

Chuck had gone to the other side of the boardwalk, standing behind the men and appearing to idle like so many of the cowboys in town. We waited for nearly ten minutes, before the stranger left, heading away from the man he had been speaking to. Chuck then took that opportunity to speak with the Sheriff’s deputy.

“Now we’ll find out what’s happening.” They weren’t in discussion long before Mr. Brittle turned towards the street, crossing before a wagon. He disappeared from view then, as he entered the hotel. “He’s coming back.”

“Will he be in this room now or what will happen? If he’s watching over you, where will he stay?”

“I don’t know, but I need protection.”

“You should tell Percy. You should marry him.”

“I can’t marry him.” A knock sounded on the door. “Oh! That’s him.” I hurried over, pulling at the knob. “What happened?”

Mr. Brittle entered the room. “Well, that was interesting.” He glanced at me. “You, my dear, are apparently a fugitive from justice. You’re wanted by the law for embezzlement, extortion, and forgery.” He stood with his hands on his hips. “I’m impressed.”

I gasped. “That’s not true! That’s an outright lie!”

“They’re waiting until evening to apprehend you.”

My mouth fell open. “You can’t be serious. This has to be some sort of error. I’ve never committed a crime in my life. Running away isn’t a crime.”

“Well, it’s what they’re gonna get you for. I believe you, Evie, I do, but it makes little difference. I remember when Lola Kelly was with us. She married Jack, and her stepfather still came for her. He had the sheriff with him as well. They said the marriage wasn’t legal, because she had used a fake last name. The stepfather had guardianship over her, and the sheriff let him take her away.”

My hand went to my mouth. “If that happens to me, my life’s over.”

He smiled, which was exasperating. “How come? Is that fancy fiancé of yours
that
bad? Most women would give their eye teeth to be kept in a mansion with servants aplenty.”

“I don’t want that!” I cried passionately. “I need a measure of freedom.”

“Then you should never marry,” he chortled.

“You don’t know Joseph. You don’t know that family. There are things happening there that border on abuse. I never desired that engagement, but father insisted. He wants to connect himself to the Cardcastles for business reasons, using me to sweeten the pot.”

“You’d sure do that.”

“I can’t stay here. I have to go.”

“What about Percy?” asked Tory. “Maybe he can help you.”

“No. He’ll have no pull where the law is concerned. They’ve made up things about me, and I’ll be arrested and sent back. That can’t happen.”

“What do you propose to do then?”

“You have to help me, Mr. Brittle.”

“It’s just Chuck.”

“You have to help me, Chuck.”

His grin transformed his face. “Is that so?”

“You offered to work for me.”

“I did, but now that I know you’re a wanted felon; well, it’s gotten a little tricky.”

“But that’s not true!”

“You’re even prettier all upset and desperate-looking.”

“If you won’t help me, then I’ll have to go on alone.” Tears formed in my eyes. “I won’t be treated like a criminal when I’m not.”

“Here now, don’t cry, honey.” He handed me a handkerchief. “How good are you on horseback?”

“Terrible.”

“Have you ever ridden?”

“Of course I have.”

“You’re gonna have to leave town, soon.”

“I’m well aware of that.”

“But, we gotta go quick. I mean, we gotta ride fast. You’re gonna need trousers.”

Tory gasped. “What? What are you planning, sir?”

“She’s gonna be a man. We’ll need horses and supplies, and we’ll be gone.”

“Are you out of your mind?” My maid looked horrified. “Miss Warner can’t go around dressed like a man.”

“It’s the only way of sneaking outta here. It’s the only way to ride fast.” He glanced at me. “If you’d rather wait here until they kick your door down, be my guest.”

I blew my nose, sniffling. “Oh, gracious. How scandalous.”
But what an adventure! What would all the girls back home say, if they knew I wore trousers and galloped across the desert astride a horse?
Gazing at Mr. Brittle, I searched his face to ascertain if he meant to swindle or seduce me in some way. “I don’t think I can do this.”

“Why not?”

“Who will protect me from you?”

“Pardon?”

“You're a cad of the first water. What guarantee do I have that you won’t … that you won’t … behave ungentlemanly?”

He laughed, “That’s a chance you’ll have to take, honey. It’s your call.”

“
T
his is possibly
the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done, Evelyn.” Tory scowled, standing behind me, as I gazed at myself in the mirror.

“It’s madness I know, but what choice do I have?”

“You can’t mean to go gallivanting around the territory dressed like that.”

Mr. Brittle had bought clothing for a boy, but the trousers were still a size too big. I had to tie them around my waist with a length of rope. “It’s remarkably comfortable,” I giggled. “I might never wear a corset again, to tell you the truth.”

“I cannot believe this. I watched you graduate with honors from the School of Design, completing the most beautiful sampler I’ve ever seen. Then there was the triumph of your engagement to Joseph Cardcastle. Now you’re going to risk it all by throwing yourself upon the mercy of a complete stranger. Do you know how scandalous it is for you to be alone with this person? I certainly cannot join you, nor would I, even if you asked. This is too much.”

“I know you disapprove, but I might remind you that you’re working for me. I adore you, Tory, but, this time, I’m going to take matters into my own hands.”

“That’s what you’re doing anyhow. How is running off with this man going to right the situation? What you should do is either marry Percy or return home.”

“I cannot marry Percy. I’ve written him a note, which I trust you will pass along. I’ll return as soon as these men go away. Then I’ll decide my future.”

“Must you take off across the desert in this manner?”

“How else will I leave the hotel unnoticed?”

“I’m sure there’s a back exit, where Mr. Brittle can arrange a dignified carriage for you to travel in. No lady in her right mind would ever dream of dressing so.”

I placed a man’s wide-brimmed hat over a high bun, which had been secured by dozens of pins. “How do I look?”

“Dreadful. Just astonishingly awful.”

“Excellent. That means I’ve succeeded.”

The slamming of a door was followed by, “You ready? We better go. More lawmen have arrived. It’s like they’re gathering for a Bible revival outside.” He appeared in the doorway, catching sight of me and whistling. “You look good. Never thought you’d look so fetching in trousers.”

Tory grimaced. “Please, don’t do this.”

“I need my sack suit.”

She handed me a tailored jacket with a wingtip collar. “Here, but you can put it on yourself. I’m done helping. I’ll just sit and pray, while you’re away, and hope for your safe return.”

“My maid disapproves.”

“I’d never recommend it, but those fellas are gonna beat down your door soon enough. I’ve got horses waiting at the livery. All we need to do is stroll on outta here, nice and easy, as if nothing out of the ordinary is happening. You think you can do that?”

“I believe so.”

“All right. Let’s go.”

I glanced at Tory, giving her a hug. “Please, don’t worry. I’ll be back shortly. A few days hiding and when the danger has passed, I’ll return.”

“What do I tell them when they demand to know where you’ve gone?”

“Say that I’ve taken the train somewhere.”

“They’ll go through all your things. They’ll find your money and jewels.”

“Gosh, I hadn’t thought of that.”

“What jewels?”

“I have some of my grandmother’s things.” I hurried to the bedroom. “I’ll just get them, and we can leave everything in the hotel safe before we go.” Digging through a set of drawers, I found the petticoats, which held the gems and money, tearing them from the hem. “Here we are.” I stuffed the items into a drawstring purse.

When I returned, Mr. Brittle laughed, “You walk like a girl.”

“What?”

“You sashay around like a girl.”

“It’s the shoes. They’re too tight.”

“No, it’s not the boots. It’s your walk. You gotta relax your legs and increase your stride.”

“Oh, balderdash! I don’t have time to unlearn years worth of finishing school practice.”

“No, you don’t. We’ll have to go over it in the hallway.” He glanced at Tory. “I’ll take real good care of her. You tell Mrs. Hershey what happened. Tell them not to worry. I’ve been hired to watch over Miss Warner, and I take my job very seriously. She’s in good hands.”

“I don’t like this,” she grumbled.

“We should go. I don’t even know where you’re taking me.”

“I’ll tell you after we leave.”

“I won’t have to sleep out in the open, will I?”

He reached for the door. “Maybe.”

I made a face, hating that idea. “Please, no.”

“Just one night. It’ll be fine.”

“It’s chilly at night. We’re in the middle of winter!” I followed him to the door, holding the purse.

“I’ll make a big fire.”

In the hallway, I practiced lengthening my gait, although it felt strange. Chuck observed me walking back and forth, treading over thick carpet. “This is bizarre.”

“Try to be a little bowlegged. You got the shape of a boy under those baggy clothes. Make it look like you’ve been in the saddle your whole life.”

“Goodness gracious, this is ridiculous.” I nearly tripped, because the bottom of the pant legs hung too long.

“Roll those up quick. We gotta get outta here.” I did so, and then we carried on, descending to the foyer, where people had gathered. A woman held a baby, who cried. Chuck approached the counter, where a man worked, handing out keys to the various rooms. After the purse had been deposited in a safety box, he took my arm, leaning in to whisper, “Here we go. Keep your head down, and don’t look up. Try not to trip. Keep walking like the man you are.”

I stifled a giggle. “Yes, sir.” Then I lowered my voice. “Yes, sir.”

“Better.”

It took every bit of willpower not to glance around, and, from the reflection in the mirror across the room, I saw myself as a slight, short man in a wide-brimmed hat. No one seemed to pay me any attention, even as I walked by, trying my best to saunter in a masculine fashion. I swung my arms and lengthened my strides, following Mr. Brittle out the door and onto the boardwalk. I could not know if anyone glanced my way, as I kept my gaze on the wooden boards beneath my feet that clonked with each booted step.

“Good, good, so far,” said Chuck. “You’re a fast learner.”

Afraid to speak, I waited until we reached the livery, where two horses had been tethered, their saddlebags brimming with supplies. Chuck paid the owner, who had kept an eye on our things. When he returned, I glanced at him.

“Were there men there? I didn’t see anything.”

“That shadow guy and several deputies. If we had waited another ten minutes, things might’ve been unpleasant.”

“Do you think they’ve gone up already?”

“I don’t know, but you gotta get on. We need to go.”

Stepping into the stirrup, I hauled myself up, tossing a leg over. “Oh, this is singular.”

“Lower your voice. You talk like a woman.”

“Yes, sir,” I said deeply, but then I giggled, because I sounded ridiculous.

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.