Charlotte bounced in her chair. “I like that idea. Seems a lot less intimidating.”
“Agreed.” Hannah inclined her head. “But I’m concerned the other women won’t want to participate. I think we should require all unmarried persons to participate.”
The others nodded their agreement before Grace looked thoughtfully at Abby. “You wouldn’t mind, would you?”
“Not at all.” She smiled brightly. She was happy to help in any way she could, and if it made them feel more comfortable to have her chatting with men right alongside them, she would gladly do it. “It sounds enjoyable.”
Rhys nodded firmly. “Good. That’s settled then. I think it’s a good plan, and it’ll accomplish what we need it to. I’ll arrange for it to take place in a few days. The sooner the better.” He looked to Lucas for confirmation, and when he nodded, Rhys continued. “However, I don’t feel comfortable with you all alone at the house. I can’t force you, but it would ease my mind if you would stay in the hotel.” When Abby was about to object, he added, “Only until the event.”
She would’ve immediately agreed to the request, but she wouldn’t speak for the others. “What do you think?” she asked them.
Emery shrugged. “It seems the most logical course. We’ll be safer here.”
The others voiced their agreements, and Abby smiled. “Looks like we’re staying here.”
Hopefully, in a week, all of this would be over.
Chapter 7
The party was a smashing success and it was still early. Lucas stood at the entrance and greeted guests with Rhys while the women, dressed in their finery, mingled around the room.
Lucas caught a flute of champagne from a passing server as he nodded to another newcomer. Rhys had been right to suggest the hotel. He couldn’t imagine getting the same elevated manners outdoors. The gleaming floors, the sparkling chandeliers, and the quartet, softly playing in the corner, all whispered of sophistication.
Men were taking turns with the ladies, and it appeared as though several married couples had stationed themselves close to the ladies as another form of protection. Lucas appreciated the gesture, and marveled that the community functioned so well, considering the imbalance between men and women.
The town was small, and everyone knew each other, that much was clear. But that would soon change as the copper mine began production. More men would be added to the mix, and Lucas wondered how things would change.
Abigail’s laughter floated in the air, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He didn’t look in her direction, just relished the sound, as he welcomed another guest into the ballroom.
Even now, he could picture the mint silk she wore molded to her body. It was shades lighter than the emeralds that graced her neck, but neither could compare to the hue of her eyes.
His own were brown. Like mud, he’d always thought. Except now he remembered Abby had said they were like brandy. Warm, rich, and inviting. He’d forgotten that. He’d forgotten so much. And he wondered if those things had slowly left his mind, or if he’d forced them out, knowing that if he remembered those moments—remembered her—he would have returned and begged her forgiveness, never to become the type of man she deserved.
He gulped the rest of his champagne and glanced in Abigail’s direction. She was speaking with three men, all dressed in their finest suits, their adoring gazes all on her as she smiled and entranced them all.
He knew what that felt like, to be captivated by her. To get lost in her joy for life and the goodness she saw around her. It was heady, addicting, and he didn’t blame those poor fools for an instant.
Rhys leaned closer to him. “Stop looking at her.”
Amused, Lucas kept his face forward and placed his glass on a server’s empty tray. “I was looking out at the room.”
“No, you weren’t. I might be helping you, but only because it’ll protect Abby. Everything I said still stands.”
He didn’t disagree with Rhys—he wasn’t going to force himself, or his company, on Abigail. But he hadn’t expected the interest he felt toward her, and he was tired of Rhys telling him what to do. “I’ll stay away as long as she wants me to.”
When Rhys inhaled sharply, Lucas knew he’d hit his mark. Rhys wanted to protect Abby, but he wouldn’t control her. Lucas wanted the same thing. “And now, I think it’s about time we start the main event.”
They walked farther in the room, and Lucas went to stand on a small platform, so everyone could see him. As he stepped on stage, the noise level in the room dropped. Lucas smiled. That never got old. When he’d been poor, a nobody, this never would have happened. It amazed him what money and power could do.
He waved for the quartet to take a break. “Thank you all for joining us this evening.” He waited a moment for the applause to stop. “I hope you’ve been enjoying the delicious food the Promise Creek Hotel has provided for us, as well.” More cheers sounded.
Everyone seemed pleased, and Lucas took it as a good sign. “Now, I know everyone is excited to welcome Promise Creek’s newest residents.” A few men let out whistles. “They are good-hearted ladies, looking to make their mark here, and I know you’ll treat them as they deserve.” The men sobered up, just as he’d hoped.
“Now, we thought it would be fun to play a little game to get to know each other better. Unfortunately for the married couples, this is just for the unwed guests tonight. We’ll call it…quick courting.” Someone in the crowd tittered. “We’ll make two lines. One line of women, the other of men. We’ll ring a bell every three minutes. During that time, talk to the person across from you, get to know your partner. Ask them what they like to eat, what their favorite activities are, anything polite you would like to know about them. After the three minutes are up, the bell will ring, and the men will move to the next lady on their right. We will continue to do this until each gentleman has had a chance to converse with each lady. How does that sound?”
Cheers erupted, and some of the other unmarried ladies in town giggled nervously, but they seemed eager.
“All right then! Everyone line up on the empty side of the room. There’s no need to worry about where you’re standing. Remember, everyone will have a chance to speak with each lady.
He moved with the crowd to the back of the room, hoping to set an example of proper behavior, and he was pleasantly surprised with how calm the crowd was. Perhaps Abby and Willow were right. With a little time to get to know the women, things would settle down.
He counted twenty-two unmarried ladies, and there were at least seven men for each woman. Inviting the rest of the town had been a stroke of genius.
He stood at the end of the line, making sure the men saw he wasn’t trying to get ahead of them. When the first bell rang, the men around him talked good-naturedly with one another, patiently waiting their turn.
The conversations between the men and the women started hesitantly, but he noted the shyness quickly dissipated. By the sixth partner change, conversations—and laughter—began immediately.
“Who are you interested in?” the man next to him asked. He must not have recognized Lucas immediately. “Oops,” he corrected himself. “Guess you’re not interested like that.” The man laughed. He seemed kind though. Sort of like a puppy.
Lucas grinned at the man. “All the women seem great.”
“Oh, they are. There may not be many of them, but the ones we have sure are quality.”
“What about you? Are you interested in any of the women? Some of the new arrivals, perhaps?”
“Well,” the man stammered, “I’ve been courting someone seriously.”
Lucas’ eyebrows went up. “Really?” He looked over at the women to see if any of them were darting glances in the man’s direction. He couldn’t make out who the lucky lady might be. Although he didn’t know the man well, he could tell he was kind and, from the looks of him, very well off.
“Yeah. I’m not the only one after her, but I think she favors me.”
/> Lucas smiled at the thought. Things really weren’t any different here. The women out east who were wealthy and beautiful were highly sought after. They had tens, if not hundreds, of suitors vying for their attention. It was the same here, except the only qualification a woman need have was to be unmarried. Looks and fortune, Lucas imagined, were optional. Although, if a woman was beautiful and wealthy, he imagined her potential suitors would amount to the whole town. “Which one?” He gestured to the line.
“The brunette on the far side. Prettiest green eyes you’ve ever seen.”
All amusement faded. “You’re courting Miss Winthrop?”
The man didn’t appear to notice Lucas’ mood. “Every chance she allows, I take her for a drive or a picnic or some such. Wish I was the only one though. She doesn’t seem ready to commit. But I have a plan,” he said with a conspirator’s wink. “I’m hoping it’ll win me a kiss.”
“Is that so? What will you do?”
“Oh. I can’t tell you that. Then word would get out, and someone else might do it.”
He seemed so pleased with his idea, and all Lucas wanted to do was knock the smile off his face.
They’d been slowly moving forward, and now he was forced into conversation. It was easy enough to ask the lady a question and allow her to talk the rest of the time as he listened to the man interested in Abigail converse with each lady. He was polite, attentive, and a gentleman.
However, as the bell rang once more and he moved in front of Abigail, he lit up. “Abby, it’s great to see you again.”
Abigail chuckled. “You as well, Connor. I hope your finger healed.”
The man held up his hand so she could see for herself. “Very well, thanks to your prompt attention.”
She rewarded him with a smile.
It was then Lucas realized he hadn’t started speaking with Lily, who was his current partner. When he brought his attention back to her, he tried to block out the inane chatter next to him. He coughed uncomfortably. “Forgive me, Miss Reed. I was distracted.”
Her lake-blue eyes glanced over at Abigail. “Apparently.”
Lucas wasn’t one to blush, but he felt the temperature rise in his face. He hoped it didn’t show.
Finally, she clucked. “This seems to be going very well,” she said, mercifully.
“Yes.” He looked down the line. Several of the women had run out of men to speak with and were escorted to the refreshment tables. “It’s gone even better than I’d hoped. With any luck, next time you come into town, you’ll receive a better welcome.”
Lily rolled her eyes. “I’m just hoping the men leave us alone. I would hate to have to fend them off every time we need supplies.”
He chuckled. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I think you’ll receive attention wherever you go.” He hadn’t meant to compliment her, just speak the truth. She was a beautiful woman, one with striking looks, and red hair that looked like fire. Any man would be itching to touch it.
As if thinking the same thing, she reached up and fingered a curl. “I would’ve thought this would keep them away.”
He laughed and leaned forward conspiratorially. “We red-heads are an interesting lot. There aren’t many who can ignore us.”
That surprised a laugh from her, and her eyes were smiling with merriment when the bell rang.
Lily had distracted him so much he’d forgotten he was speaking with Abigail—Abby—next. And when he looked at her, she was glancing between him and Lily, a notch between her brows.
The smile fell from his face as he moved two steps over. “Hi,” he said, almost immediately cursing himself for that brilliant opener.
“Hi.”
It suddenly seemed a little hotter in the room, and the urge to tug on his collar was overwhelming, but he held still and tried to relax. Three minutes. He could do this. “Have you been enjoying the quick courtings?”
A small smile quirked her lips, and his eyes were drawn to them. He could almost remember what she tasted like.
“It’s been interesting. It was a great idea.”
He agreed. “Are you planning to return to the house tonight?”
She shook her head, and a thick, glossy brown curl fell from her coiffure. “No, Rhys thought it best to stay one more night. I agree with him. Hopefully when we leave tomorrow, everything will have settled.”
“I think it will.”
“It’ll be nice to get back to real life.” She laughed with a hint of self-depreciation. “It’s been quiet for most of the last year. I’m not used to all this excitement.”
He suddenly wanted to know about everything that had happened since he left her all those years ago. What had her life been like? How long had she waited before courting others? “How did you and Rhys end up in Promise Creek?” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.
“Oh.” Her shoulders fell a little, and she nibbled on that delicious lip like she couldn’t decide whether to tell him or not. “Well, I ran away. I ended up here by myself, with hardly any money.” She shook her head. “The owner of this hotel, the one before Rhys,” she clarified, “even threw me out on the street.”
Ice filled his veins at the image she wove. She’d run away from home. With nothing. No protection. And ended up in a town where she was at the mercy of everyone around her. “What happened after…after you were thrown out?” His mouth was so dry, he almost couldn’t finish the sentence.
“Willow found me right as I was kicked out. She took me under her wing. Gave me a place to live. Soon after, Rhys tracked me down. He was determined to bring me home.” She chuckled at the memory. “But you know what it’s like to try and get me to do something I don’t want to do.”
He smiled, but when her eyes met his, the humor left her face.
“Abby—”
She gasped and looked at him with shock.
“Forgive me. I’ve been hearing everyone call you that.”
“No. It’s all right. It’s what I prefer. I’m different now. I’m not the Abigail that lived in Manhattan.”
He nodded slowly. “I can see that. A lot has changed.” And yet, so much had stayed the same. She was still the most beautiful, most compelling woman he’d ever met. He still respected her, appreciated her humor and her spirit, and more than anything, adored that she protected those she cared about. But he didn’t say any of that. Instead, he took in a deep breath. “I owe you an apology.”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Yes. I do. How I left was wrong.”
She was still shaking her head, but she didn’t tell him to be quiet.
“I knew you didn’t agree with me about why we wouldn’t work, and instead of trying to make you see, I decided it was best to leave. Best for both of us. That was wrong. I shouldn’t have done that. You deserved a choice too.”
She finally looked at him. Really looked at him, like she could see deep inside, from who he’d been to who he was now. Finally she opened her mouth to respond—
And the bell rung.
Their time was up.
She closed her lips and gave him a final nod, just as the next man tapped his shoulder. There was so much more he wanted to say, so much more he wanted to discuss. But he’d done the one thing he should have done long ago. He’d apologized.
It just wasn’t enough.
Chapter 8
Abby was a nervous wreck as they drove into town two days after the soiree at the hotel. They all were. They’d spoken very little, only going over the plan Lucas and Rhys had devised for if another mob broke out.
But that wouldn’t happen, she assured herself. Lucas and Rhys would be there to oversee their first arrival.
She knew everything was going to go smoothly, but it was hard to erase what had happened last time. “All right. So, what are everyone’s plans when we get into town?” she asked, just a bit too cheerfully.
There was a moment’s hesitation before Charlotte decided to play along. “I’m going to see if there are
any buildings available for a bakery. Perhaps ask around to see if such a place would be welcome.”
Abby knew a bakery would be well received by all the residents of Promise Creek. “I think you’ll hear little argument over having another place to get quality food.”
Charlotte grinned. “Exactly what I’m hoping for.”
Emery and Grace were going shopping while Lily wandered and explored. Hannah planned to spend time in the hotel’s library, a place she’d grown attached to during their stay.
“What about you?” Lily asked. “What are your plans?”
Truthfully, she hadn’t any. Her plan was to get the women into town, make sure they were all safe, and then…she had no idea. She’d probably pay someone a visit or poke her nose into the hotel’s business. Rhys would just love that.
The women lapsed into silence again as they neared the edge of town, their nervousness escalating. But as they turned onto the main road, one of the men from the other evening raised his hat as they passed. “Good morning, Miss Winthrop, ladies.”
Charlotte and Grace waved, while the rest of them nodded. “Good morning,” they said almost in unison.
Hannah shoulders relaxed slightly. “Well, that was friendly. Let’s just hope the others behave similarly.”
As they entered the town square, it was as if the mob the week before had never happened. Men called out to them, waving enthusiastically and addressing either the whole group or shouting individual greetings. Although this was much more attention than Abby was used to, the behavior was back to normal, and that relieved her.
She saw Lucas and Rhys waiting for her at the mercantile, and after she parked, only a few more greetings were tossed their way.
Rhys looked relieved, but Lucas was harder to read. Both men stepped forward, their postures looser than when she’d seen them last, as they helped each lady out of the wagon.
Charlotte happily placed her fists on her hips and blew out an exaggerated breath now that she was safely on solid ground. “Well, that went much better than expected.” The rest of the women let out chuckles of relief.
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