Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) (9 page)

E
ager to take
a trip outside the hacienda, I arose early and dressed, wearing the same clothes from the night before, all of which belonged to Anna. With the bonnet, I appeared just like a señorita, a young, unmarried woman of Hispanic origin. I wore a black shawl around my shoulders as well, because it felt chilly this morning.

“Looks like you’re ready,” said a voice behind me.

I spun around to stare at Chuck. He wore a frock coat and trousers. “I am.”

“Good. We’re traveling by wagon, I’m afraid. It’ll be cumbersome and slow, but I have to pick up a list of things for Pedro. It’s a working trip.”

“That’s fine. I don’t mind.” Excitement raced through me at the prospect of leaving the hacienda. I had been cooped up for days, reading and helping Patricia mend clothing, but I longed to see something new. I needed to speak to a clergyman and ask for advice. “Lead the way.”

The wagon waited by the door, harnessed to two mares that seemed rather docile. Chuck handed me up to the seat, getting in on the other side. After releasing the break, he took up the lines. We ambled from the yard, winding our way down a rutted road through picturesque canyons of sagebrush and cholla cactuses.

Movement to the right caught my eye, and I spied a rider. “Who is that?”

“I’ve some boys shadowing us. It still might not be safe, Evie. I gotta cover my hide, if you know what I mean.”

“I’m glad. I wondered how we’d get along, if anything were to happen.” He wore a six-shooter in a holster at his hip. “You came prepared.”

“Not if we’re ambushed. This is a risky proposition. I still think it’s too early to be gallivanting around, but you wanted to go to town.”

“I don’t think Joseph would recognize me in this costume. I don’t look like Evelyn Warner. I look like Anna.”

“Yeah, but you never know. They might be watching us right now, waiting for you to appear.”

Anger prickled. “This is intolerable! I should be able to live my own life. I don’t want to spend the rest of my days looking over my shoulder.”

He sighed. “When we return to Boot Creek, I’ll have a word with Sheriff Ballew. He’ll know you’ve been wrongfully accused. Whatever warrant they have on you has been falsified.” He gave me a look. “Unless you’re not telling the truth about who you are. That’s always a possibility. I have a knack for attracting beautiful, crafty women who are just no good for me. I somehow doubt that’s you, though.”

“Thank you for your confidence,” I said grumpily. His hand fell to my back, but I brushed him away.

“Now, don’t be like that, honey. I was only pullin’ your leg.”

“I can’t imagine he’s still here. Why go through all the trouble? I’m hardly worth the effort.” I could feel his perusal. “Joseph could have any woman he wants in Philadelphia. He has his pick of socialites and heiresses. They are a dime a dozen where I come from.”

“Maybe he’s in love.”

“I was forced to court him for six months. I never even let him touch my hand. I was always cold. I felt nothing for him. He was someone my family wanted me to connect with. It was more business than romance, I can assure you.”

“Well, maybe he’s gone. Any man with half a brain would realize when he’s not wanted.”

“I left him a letter spelling it out in the unkindest terms possible. I didn’t want him to question my sincerity. I told him I loathed him. I said I never wanted to see him again.”

“It don’t get any clearer than that.” He gazed into the distance. “We’ve got about another half an hour before we hit the outskirts of town.”

“When will we return to Boot Creek?”

“Probably in a day or so. I’m gonna bring you to The Kelly Ranch. It’s the safest place for you. You and Lola Kelly can commiserate on rotten family members, while I get your legal situation straightened out.”

“You’re very sweet to help me.”

“You’re paying me; remember?”

“Yes, but I have a feeling you might’ve helped me even without pay.”

“Yeah, I’m a goner.”

“What?”

“I lost my darn mind.”

“What do you mean?”

“I never asked a woman to marry me before. I still don’t know if you will or not. It’s not a comfortable feeling, not knowing. You might get marriage proposals every month or so, but I’ve never asked a woman. I never wanted to. I reckon, if you refuse me, I might just … ” he grimaced, “never mind.”

A range of emotions rushed through me, all of them unexpected. I had been thinking about what he said all night, having slept only a few hours. “You might what?” He seemed tense, his fingers gripping the reins with more force than necessary. His mouth had formed a grim line.

“I might visit some old haunts. Taking up with ‘painted ladies’ is a lot less complicated.”

That bothered me immensely. “Most people court for a long time before they marry. It’s unwise to rush into anything willy-nilly. We are essentially strangers, Mr. Brittle.”

“That’s true, but I always follow my gut. It’s never led me wrong.” His gaze roamed over me. “We’d do rather well together. I like an opinionated, hardheaded woman, and you’d never get bored with me. I have a knack for stirring up trouble, enough to keep things interesting anyway.”

I closed my hand over his. “I haven’t said no. I'm still thinking about the offer. I just need to fix my messes first before I move on to … another disaster.” I giggled at that. “Whoever thought my life would be so convoluted? It’s more drama than a night at Vaudeville.”

To my astonishment, he wrapped an arm around my back, drawing me near, while his lips captured mine. I closed my eyes, succumbing to the kiss. I leaned into him, wanting to be closer. The languid, drugging quality of his kisses went on and on, my senses prickling with awareness and pleasure. He smelled of soap with citrus undertones and tobacco. The combination filled my senses, adding to a wondrous euphoria I could not even begin to explain.

He drew away, clearing his throat. “Well, if you didn’t like me, you’re one heck of an actress.”

“I do like you. I couldn’t begin to pretend any of this.” I stared raptly at the side of his face, seeing the abrasive stubble that had chaffed my cheek. “What do you put in your kisses?”

“Pardon?” He grinned beneath the hat he wore.

“I feel like I’ve had champagne. I feel … this strange sort of bliss.”

“So do I. It scares the tar outta me.”

“Why?”

His smile faded. “If you left me, I’d suffer. I’ve never cried over a woman before, but you might just do that to me. I’d find a saloon and drink myself into a stupor. I’m not particularly looking forward to pain like that.”

I scooted nearer, until our thighs touched. Then I rested my head against his shoulder. “I have an awful lot to think about.”

It wasn’t long before the sprawling metropolis of Albuquerque appeared in the distance, the city having been built in the middle of the Rio Grande valley. The town had benefited from the arrival of the railroads, bringing in rapid growth and homesteaders. Wooden structures bordered busy streets, while every manner of conveyance trundled along to unknown destinations. Having been trapped at the hacienda, it felt exhilarating to see such activity, the sights and smells assaulting me from all sides. We continued on, heading towards older adobe structures, which had been built by the Spanish in the early 1700’s. These buildings had been grouped around a central plaza, with the San Felipe de Neri Church on the north side.

“I’ll drop you off, so I can get my things.” Chuck glanced at me. “Or do you want me to go with you? I’ll leave a man here to watch over you.”

“That’s fine. I should be perfectly safe.” I gazed around at the people, most of whom continued along with their business, not paying us any attention. “We blend in rather well, I say. I doubt we should encounter any trouble.”

“All right. I won’t be too long. I just gotta get the items on this list. I have to pack everything in ice too. It’s meat and produce. Then we need to be on our way, so nothing melts.”

We approached the church with its cream-colored exterior and twin towers. “I’ll just be a moment.”

“Take your time. Loading everything will more than likely take an hour.” He cast a look around. “Things appear good so far. Nothing out of the ordinary, as far as I can tell.”

I stepped from the wagon. “It’s just fine.” The man behind us on horseback dismounted.

“This is Darren. He’ll watch over you, till I’m back.”

“Very well.” I turned for the church, eager to speak to a priest. I was in desperate need of consultation and confession, but time was limited. “See you soon.”

He tipped his hat. “Take care.”

“I will.”

Several women stood out front with their children. I smiled at them, while passing through the double doors, entering a whitewashed building with bleached pews. The aroma of incense lingered heavily. Dabbing my finger into holy water, I crossed myself. Then I wandered down the aisle, until I found a place to sit and stare at the stonework behind the altar. Kneeling on the pew before me, I bowed my head and closed my eyes. Whispered voices echoed and a baby cried. Others lingered here, arriving in the middle of the day to pray. An elderly woman sat several rows before me.

“I thought that was you,” said a male voice beside me.

I jumped, knowing who the voice belonged to. “Joseph.” I gazed in horror at my ex-fiancé. He wore a frock coat with a narrow necktie, the color of sky blue. It was the same tie I had given him for his birthday last year. I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I … ” It was too late to pretend I didn’t know him. I had stupidly blurted out his name.

“I’ve been waiting patiently for you. I was prepared to wait another week, if necessary. You’ve saved me from such a fate.”

“I have nothing to say to you. Go away.”

He cleared his throat. “I am not in the habit of being tossed aside like a used rag. You owe me an explanation. That is the least you can do.”

“I told you everything in my letter. I made myself very clear. I’ve no desire to marry you.”

“Then you run off to Lamy to marry a grocer, whom you’ve never met. Your behavior is irrational. Your father’s worried you’ve lost your mind. I’m inclined to agree with him.”

“Think what you want.”

“Fancy you running off with your grandmother’s jewels, although the sheriff of Boot Creek believes you’ve stolen these items. You're a no good thief.”

“That’s a lie. Those belong to me. They were my inheritance.”

“It’s time this charade ends. I’ve come to take you home, where we will be married.”

“I won’t go anywhere with you. I’m not marrying you, you imbecile. What part of that don’t you understand?”

“You may address your concerns to your father. He will decide what is best for you. You’re impulsive and reckless. You are not allowed to make further decisions regarding anything. You are under my protection now.”

My ire rose. “I think not. I’m engaged to Percy Vanguard for the moment, and he is the only one I answer to.” What I neglected to mention was that I planned to break this engagement as well.

“Wrong.” His expression froze me all the way through. “You’re my fiancé, and you
will
be my wife. You will have my children and raise them in the manner I see fit. You shall manage my house and warm my bed.”

I got to my feet, but I trembled slightly, hoping he had not noticed. There was a man—Darren, and he would protect me. “I have nothing further to say to you. You’ve spoiled my visit to the church. I feel ill now.” I moved past him, but he grabbed my arm. “Let go!”

“I’ve enjoyed the chase, I really have, but enough’s enough. I have every intention of taking you home.” His disdainful look passed over me. “These clothes are hideous. You should see yourself, Evelyn. What a disgrace. I shant mention this to your mother. These flights of fancy in which you’ve indulged are coming to an end. I won’t have my wife dressed as a beggar.”

Wrenching my arm from his grasp, I strode by him, stepping on his polished boot. I wasn’t about to look behind me to see if he followed, rushing down the aisle, hurrying for the door where Darren was.

I
stepped
out into blinding sunlight, while panic raced through me. The man Chuck had left to guard me waited on the steps, sitting with his arms over his knees, while he smoked a cigarette.

“I need Chuck! I’m in trouble.” He scrambled to his feet, reaching for the gun at his hip, while a tingle went down my spine. I did not have to turn around to know Joseph stood in the doorway.

“You’re coming with me, Evelyn, dear.”

I spun around, glaring at him. “No, I’m not.” With a swiftness that startled me, I rushed towards Darren. “I’m not going anywhere, especially with you.”

“This escapade is over now. It’s gone on long enough.”

“Go away!”

“This woman is under Chuck Brittle’s protection. You’d best leave her be.”

I wondered where the lawmen were he had brought with him to chase after me, not seeing anyone but Joseph. Perhaps they grew tired of waiting for me to appear or were they hiding somewhere?

“Let’s go,” I said. “Chuck’s waiting for us.”

Darren escorted me down the steps of the church, and we walked together towards the central plaza, which was surrounded by adobe houses. Some had their washing out on lines, pants and shirts blowing in the breeze. I trembled with uncertainty, wondering what might happen next. Joseph had made it clear he intended to bring me home, but how would he accomplish this?

“Where are we going?”

“To the wagon.” Darren glanced over his shoulder. “He’s persistent. I’ve half a mind to shoot him.”

“What worries me is the lawmen he had with him. Where are they?”

“Don’t see ‘em. Let’s just keep moving. The sooner we reach Chuck, the better. He’s got Larson with him. That’s three men to one. Far better odds.”

But his words did not bring me any comfort. My instincts warned me that this matter would not be resolved as easily as walking away. Darren and I wandered down crowded streets, passing shop after shop, closing in on the newer part of town, which had been built of wood rather than adobe. I spied Chuck before the grocers, loading wooden crates onto the back of the wagon.

“Hey boss!” shouted Darren.

Glancing over my shoulder, I failed to see Joseph, but I knew he was there. I could feel it in the pit of my belly. “Chuck!”

He stopped to look at us. “I was gonna get you when I finished.” Untying a bandana, he wiped his brow with it. “What’s the matter?”

“A fella’s after Miss Warner. He came upon her in the church.”

We reached Chuck, who frowned. “It’s true,” I said. “He’s still here somewhere. He threatened to take me home. I can’t go home.”

“Tarnation!”

“It was just him, boss. He was alone.”

“I doubt that.” Chuck glanced at the wagon. “Looks like our plans our changing. I don’t think we should be moseying on out of here in broad daylight. I gotta talk to the grocer. I might have to put it all back until later. I’ve perishable items. They’ll need ice.”

“You mean wait until it’s dark?” I asked.

“Yeah. If what you say is true, we’re being watched. We’re gonna have to sneak outta town tonight.”

“You don’t need to empty the wagon. I, or Larson can drive it back. You and Miss Warner can get a room for a day and leave tonight on horseback.”

Something flashed in Chuck’s eyes. “No, I got a better idea. Hire a saloon girl who looks like Evelyn, and take her with you. Dress her up in the same clothes and hat. That way they’ll think we’ve left town.” He grinned. “That’s a grand idea, if I don’t say so myself. Then Evie and I will lay low until nightfall, slipping away on a coupla horses.”

Darren nodded. “That could work. We’ll be stopped for certain. But they’ll know you’re still in town then. They’ll scour the place for you.”

“What if we left at the same time?” I asked. “They’ll follow the wagon, and you and I can go another way.”

“That might be the best idea, boss. The girl has a point.”

He grinned. “She does. I do believe that’ll work. A decoy of sorts and then we’re scot-free.” His hand closed around my arm, drawing me near. “Are you all right, darlin’?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“What did he say to you?”

“He wants to marry me. He’s not going to stop. He seems to enjoy the chase, which is disturbing.”

“Everybody wants to marry you.”

“He ruined my time in church. I wanted to ask the clergy for advice. I’m quite vexed about that. I’m tired of being shadowed. I want to live my own life. I want to choose my husband. Why can’t I be left in peace?”

“I hear you, but now’s not the time for self-pity. I got to load the rest of these things, and Darren needs to hire a girl for the day.” He glanced at his man. “Go on, and see what you can find. She’ll need to look like Miss Warner. Do you think you can do that?”

He tipped his hat. “Yes, sir. I’ll get on it.”

“I’ll finish this chore, while I wait for you. Larson can get the horses for Evelyn and I. You and Larson can travel south outta town, while Evie and I go north.” He glanced at me. “It might be time to dress like a man again.”

“I can do that.” This plan would work. “I don’t mind trousers in the least.”

“I’ll see about gettin’ some duds for you then. Come stand inside the shop, while I load this wagon. When everything’s ready, we’ll leave through a back exit.” He squinted into the sunlight. “We need to get you outta sight. The saloon girl will have to change inside. They have a washroom. That way, whoever’s watching will think it’s Evie.”

“Yes, boss. I’ll get on it.”

A half an hour later, I found myself in the back of the grocer’s in the washroom with a woman I had just met. I had taken off my clothes, handing each item to her. “Here you are.”

“Thank you.”

She hadn’t spoken much, accepting the clothing without preamble. She did not look like me in the least, but her hair was long and dark. She would wear my bonnet, which would hide her face to a degree. This impromptu plan needed to work, and, as I donned men’s clothing two sizes too big, I prayed Chuck had brought a belt. Once dressed, I gave the woman my bonnet, which she promptly wore. Her dark hair hung down her back, looking like my own. From a distance, no one would know the difference.

“Y’all decent?” asked Chuck from the other side of the door.

“Yes.”

He appeared then, smiling. “I got a belt and a hat for you, honey.”

“Oh, thank goodness. I’m in danger of losing these pants if I walk.”

“Well, we can’t have that.” He glanced at the woman. “You look perfect. Go wait by the door, but don’t go outside. Darren’s gonna give you a ride to a nice hacienda for the evenin’. He’ll bring you back in the morning.”

“Yes, sir.” She did not seem to care in the least about entrusting her well being to strangers.

“You and I are gonna slip out the back. I got the horses waiting.”

“This is a marvelous idea.”

“Yeah, because you came up with it. You’re quick on your feet.”

“No, it was your idea. I’m just desperate enough not to want to go home with Joseph.”

“You ready?”

I struggled with the belt. “Almost. I just need to fix my hair too. There weren’t any pins. I’m using twine to hold it up.” He clutched a man’s hat, waiting for me to finish the task, while staring intently. “What?”

“You sure are beautiful.”

Something pleasing flipped over in my belly. “Gosh, I’m a sight. I feel like I’m wearing sacks.” The trousers were bunched up in front and back, held together with a belt, while the frock coat hung loosely on my thin frame. “I’m drowning in fabric.”

“You’re one of the prettiest women I’ve ever seen.”

“Stop that. That’s not true.”

“It is. If you don’t marry me, I’ll drink myself blind with grief. I might never recover from such a slight.”

“You’re being overly dramatic, don’t you think?” My hands went to my hips. “You’d find another lady to keep you company. You’re not exactly ugly yourself. A little rough around the edges maybe, but I can see why women would find you attractive.”

“I only want one woman to want me.” His smile vanished. “You.”

“I didn’t say that I didn’t want you. I’m trying to be practical. This is the rest of my life, you know. If I marry, it’s forever. I have to be very careful whom I decide to spend forever with. I certainly don’t want to be miserable.”

“I think you and me would get on rather well. You might be spoiled rotten, but your heart’s in the right place. There’s a reckless and fickle streak about you, but I can overlook it. Once you’re in our house with a kid in your belly, you’ll settle down nicely.” He grinned. “From that frown, I take it you didn’t care to hear that, huh?”

“I’m not some wild stallion that needs to be tamed. I’m a woman who knows her own mind. I have choices, sir. I’ve money. I can do what I want. Spoiled and fickle?” I pursed my lips. “You’re arrogant and annoying. You have terrible manners. I still don’t know if I can trust you not to run around on me with every floozy in town. You’ve yet to prove yourself. Winning me won’t be as easy as you think.”

He handed the hat to me. “Before we get into a genuine argument, let’s hit the road, shall we? We can talk about this all the way back to the hacienda.”

“Fine. But, I’m right.” I moved to pass him, feeling the palm of his hand connect with my bottom in a stinging slap. “Ouf!”

“You had that comin’,” he chuckled. “You were long overdue for a spanking.”

Shocked, I glared at him with my mouth open. “Well, I never.”

“Come on. The boys are fixin’ to leave. We gotta hit the road.”

“I have a few things to say to you.”

He grasped my arm, pulling me towards the door. “Save it.” Two horses waited, tethered to a tree. The back of the grocer’s faced another building; the windows had been covered with boards. “Time to get that hat on.”

I did as he asked. “It’s on.” Approaching the mare, I stepped into the stirrup. “I’m glad this trip is only an hour or so. I’ve no desire to sleep outdoors.”

“You did well the last time.” He untied the reins. “Might have to do it again soon when we head back to Boot Creek.” Then he approached his horse, tossing a leg over. “Let’s skedaddle. The sooner we hit the road, the better.”

“Do you think Darren and Larson have left?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Will that woman be safe with them?”

“Yes, honey. Mr. Hernandez’s men are trustworthy. They’ll take good care of her. She’ll be brought back tomorrow with enough gold pieces to keep her happy for a while.”

I encouraged my horse to go forward, pressing into her flanks. “I hope this works.” Unease prickled me, but I set it aside, lowering my head. The hat I wore was a size too big, but it would have to do. From all appearances, I looked like a man. My hair had been secured and it remained out of sight. I should not attract any unwanted attention.

“Once we’re through the city, we’ll make a run for it. I want to get to safety as fast as possible.”

“I love to gallop.”

“You’ll do plenty of it, till your bum hurts.”

“Speaking of that, how dare you hit me in such a manner. You really are uncouth.”

He cast a lazy glance my way, although the brim of his hat hid his eyes. “Yeah? I suppose so, but I just couldn’t resist. You sure have the prettiest little behind I’ve ever seen. Those pants fit well.”

My mouth fell open. “You dirty old man.”

“You saucy little flirt.”

“I’m not flirting! Certainly not with you.” I stifled a chuckle.

“I beg to differ. I know a flirt when I see one.”

I harrumphed, giggling.

His look remained considering. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were falling in love with me.”

“Not a chance, cowboy.”

“You’re a lousy liar.”