The Debutante's Holiday: Western Historical Romance (The Debutantes of Durango Book 6)

by Peggy McKenzie

  She could tell her reply left Matthew uncertain of her reaction. Good. Let him wonder. She linked their arms together again relishing the feel of his strong, lean body next to hers and guided him up the half dozen steps to a wide covered front porch. The swing at the end of the porch would be the perfect place for Matthew to come courting in full view of her guardians. Then perhaps they could go for a walk.

  The thought of strolling around town on Matthew's arm made her almost sigh. Perhaps he might take advantage of the situation and lead her into some tree-lined garden where they could disappear under the drooping branches of a weeping willow and pick up where they left off just moments ago—

  “There you are, darling. I thought perhaps you had forgotten how to get to the house. We were just coming to find you.” Aunt Jeannie stood just inside the door. She could see Aunt Lila near the window trying not to look like she was standing at the window.

  Subtle glances from her aunts told her they knew exactly where she was and what she was doing. She didn’t see any signs of censure on their faces. Just curiosity.

  “No, not at all. Matthew said he had never been to Durango before and although it’s been years since I was here as a young girl, I wanted to show Matthew as many landmarks as I could remember.”

  “And were you able to remember some of them?” her Aunt Lila asked as she moved closer to the door with Aunt Jeannie.

  “More than a few, in fact. Matthew and I were just...discussing them on the front stoop, if you were wondering.” She let go of Matthew’s arm and hugged her aunt close. Using the gesture, she whispered in her aunt’s ear. “Thank you, Aunt Jeannie, for not giving my secret away. Have you explained to Aunt Lila the situation?”

  After returning her hug briefly, her aunt stepped back and nodded slightly. When her aunts exchanged glances, and Aunt Lila gave Abbie a knowing look, she was assured that explanations had, indeed, been given.

  “Mr. Bell, please let me introduce you to Rose’s other aunt, and our host for this holiday, Mrs. Lila Beckett. Lila, this is the charming young man I was telling you about from the train. I fear without his entertaining banter, Rose and I would have died from boredom.”

  “Glad to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Beckett.” Matthew responded freely.

  She liked his easy way with her aunts. Some of her suitors behaved like awkward schoolboys when introduced to family members. It was as if they said the wrong thing, they would be out of the running for Daniel Livingston’s prize. She smiled. No worry there, since Matthew Bell had no idea he was standing next to one of the richest heiresses on the East Coast. And she liked that most of all.

  “My darling niece, Lila and I couldn't be more delighted that you want to see all the wonderful sights while here in Durango.” Then her aunt turned to Matthew. “Perhaps you will be available to join us for dinner some evening, Mr. Bell. We would love to thank you for your kindness and entertaining conversation during our long train ride here.”

  Matthew nodded and smiled indulgently at her aunts. “The pleasure was all mine, I assure you, ladies, and I would be honored to come for dinner. Thank you for the gracious invitation.”

  Aunt Lila smiled. “Good. We’ll send word around to, um, where are you staying, Mr. Bell?”

  “I’m staying at the— ”

  Abbie interjected. “He’s staying at John’s hotel. Isn’t that a happy coincidence? He’ll be staying at the same hotel as the Harvest Ball.”

  Aunt Lila’s eyes rounded in surprise. “Well, that is fortunate, Mr. Bell. John Kingston is my daughter’s husband. Please let the desk clerk know you are a special guest of John’s. You will receive the best of care. How long will you be staying in town, Mr. Bell?”

  Expectant glances from the three women all turned to Abbie’s guest. He looked uncomfortable and Abbie could only assume he wasn’t used to being put on the spot by three persistent women. Poor man.

  “Um...I honestly can’t say how long I’ll be in town, ma’am. It will all depend on how my...business dealings go, I suppose. And other interests.” He didn’t look in her direction, but Abbie knew instinctively, he was referring to her. So, he was interested. She preened just a bit at the news. Oh, this holiday was the best idea ever. She really must thank Gwen with a special gift when she returned home.

  Aunt Jeannie cleared her throat and Abbie realized she was staring at Matthew. That wasn’t so bad, but she was grinning from ear to ear too. How much more transparent could she be? What on earth was wrong with her? She knew how to play hard to get with suitors. She’s made it her life’s mission...well, up until now that is.

  Aunt Lila interrupted the growing awkward silence. “Well then, we will just have to extend our invitation to you for dinner soon. I can invite my daughter and her husband, John. And then there’s my sister Latisha’s daughter, Roxanne and her husband, Alex. He owns a beautiful horse ranch just outside of town. That might be a lovely carriage ride for the two of you to take one morning, Abi— ”

  Her Aunt Lila’s mouth froze in mid-sentence when she realized she had almost called her Abigail instead of Rose. Aunt Jeannie picked up the conversation. “Well, we can discuss all of that later. Right now, I think our niece could use a relaxing bath and some hot tea. Thank you, Mr. Bell, for bringing our Rose home safe and sound. Please, stop by anytime.”

  Matthew took the hint without hesitation. “It was my pleasure, Mrs. Randall. Mrs. Beckett.” Then, he turned to her and reached for her hand and bowed over it, kissing her glove. “I look forward to seeing more of you, Rose.” The look he gave her made her knees tremble with a longing she had never felt before. And when his gaze dropped to her lips, she knew he was remembering their earlier kiss. Oh, how she hoped it was just the first of many more to come.

  He let her hand go. “I’ll see myself out. Until next time, ladies.” He gave them a slight bow and left, closing the door softly behind him.

  Abbie pulled her hand up to her lips where he had kissed it and sighed. "Until next time.”

  Matthew knew he was playing with fire. He had a job to do and he was spending valuable time flirting with his beautiful traveling companion instead of trying to locate his missing heiress. The thought of Mr. Livingston’s daughter actually being in danger while he was cavorting with Miss Collins made him sick at his stomach. He needed to find the telegraph office and send Mr. Livingston a telegram to inquire if his daughter actually got on that train.

  “Excuse me, sir.” He stopped a passing man on the boardwalk. “Can you tell me where the telegraph office is?”

  “Sure, it's two blocks that way. On the right side of the street.” the man replied.

  “Thanks.” He nodded to the man and headed in that direction. His long strides made quick work of the two blocks, and he soon found himself standing in front of the telegraph office.

  Inside, the clerk behind the counter, a little man with wire-rimmed glasses, greeted him. “Hello, how can I help you?”

  “I need to send a telegram to Philadelphia.” he reached into his pocket for money to pay the man.

  “Can’t do it.” The man’s response was unexpected.

  “Can’t do it? Why?”

  “Because the lines are down.”

  “Down where?” Matthew was beginning to feel like this job was cursed.

  “If I knew that, we’d be fixin' ‘em.”

  “Any idea how long it’ll take to find the break and get it fixed?” Matthew’s frustration was mounting.

  “I’d say from past experience about a week, give or take a day or two. But ain’t no guarantee.” the telegraph clerk said.

  It wouldn’t do any good to get mad at the clerk. It wasn’t his fault the lines were down. Matthew took a deep breath. “I understand. I suppose I'll check back in a few days then.”

  “Suit yerself. Ain’t no charge fer askin’.” The man grinned and Matthew realized the man was trying to be funny, but there was nothing funny about losing out on the five thousand dollars that could save his company, not to me
ntion the ire of the Irish business partner he would have to explain all this to.

  “Yeah, okay. I’ll check back.” The situation was out of his control. He just hoped Miss Livingston was safe somewhere. Otherwise, there was gonna be hell to pay.

  Matthew stepped outside into the late afternoon sunshine. He didn’t really want to go back to his room and sit. Maybe a good stiff drink would help his mood. The desk clerk had said the hotel bar was known for their cocktails. Maybe now would be a good time to test their reputation.

  He walked down the block to his hotel and crossed the crowded lobby to the restaurant. He chose a table at the back of the room away from the lobby’s foot traffic and noise. The waitress came over to take his order. “What can I get for you, sir?”

  “I’ve heard your hotel serves the best cocktails in town. I’m a whiskey man myself. What do ya have that I might like?”

  “Well, you came to the right place. Bernard there makes a mean Old Fashioned. The best in town. Wanna try one?”

  “That sounds great. I believe I will. And is there anything on the menu this time of day?” He was in between lunch and supper and he didn’t want to drink whiskey on an empty stomach.

  “We got leftover pot roast from lunch. I can have Cook make ya a roast beef sandwich. Maybe even find some potatoes too.” she offered.

  “That sounds perfect. I’ll take it.”

  “Good choice. I’ll be right back with your order.” The waitress left and headed straight for the kitchen.

  While he waited for his drink and food, he took out his notebook and pencil and began scratching notes. His next step should be to visit the sheriff’s office. He could get two things out of there. One, the lawman would know if someone had been injured or killed in the area. And, two, he might know why the telegraph lines were down and when they might be repaired. He wasn’t doubting the clerk at the telegraph office, but he was just hoping the law would have more information...and have it sooner.

  The waitress brought his drink. “Here ya go, sir. Your food will be here shortly.” He thanked the woman and she hurried off to wait on other customers in the restaurant.

  Everything about this case hinged on finding out what the hell happened to Miss Livingston. If she had decided not to come to Durango and his client hadn’t had time to notify him of the change, then he would probably go ahead and pay him the money he had promised. He knew Daniel Livingston was a shrewd businessman, sometimes even ruthless, but nothing Matthew had heard about the man indicated he wasn’t a man of his word. Matthew’s business depended upon that fact to be the absolute truth.

  Lost in his worries, his food arrived and he wolfed it down without really tasting it. He ordered another Old Fashioned and after an hour or so of making notes, he began to relax. After another hour, he had a solid plan in place which made him feel a little more in control of the situation.

  Thoughts of Rose crept into his musings followed by the memory of her lips under his. A jolt of desire hit him and he was desperate to see her again. This wasn't like him. So lost to his emotions. Maybe he just needed a hot bath and a good night’s sleep to gain perspective on Miss Rose Collins. After all, he hardly knew anything about the woman.

  He could admit to himself that he had never met anyone like her before, but she conjured up images of a house on a corner somewhere on a tree-lines street in Philadelphia. It had a certain appeal…more so that it had been since Julia’s betrayal.

  He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He had work to do. His misplaced desires for Miss Collins would just have to wait...for now.

  He paid the waitress and stood to go when he saw a man with a badge walk into the room. Now was his chance to ask his questions. He rushed crossed the room and intercepted the man on the way to the gaming room. “Hello, Sheriff. My name’s Matthew Bellamy. I’m a private investigator from Philadelphia and I’m looking for someone. Would you have a moment to speak with me?”

  Twenty minutes later, Matthew’s talk with the sheriff put some of his fears to rest. No one had been abducted, injured, or killed in the last two weeks, the sheriff assured him. That was encouraging. So, now all he had to do was send that telegram to Mr. Livingston and find out if his daughter did, in fact, get on the train to Durango.

  Chapter 6

  Abbie spent the last week getting reacquainted with her aunts and cousins. Today, they were sitting on the covered back porch drinking iced tea. The feeling of fall in the mountains kept her thoughts straying to the Harvest Ball. It would be here in no time, and she was hoping Matthew would ask her to accompany him. That is, if his business kept him in town that long.

  Her Aunt Lila’s laughter pulled her away from her thoughts. She heard the chatter of the four women and realized how much she had missed her cousins. When she was younger, she had spent time with Roxi and Mari in Boston. It was always pleasant to leave Philadelphia. At least for a little while.

  She had forgotten how much she loved the strong-willed quick-witted women in her family. No wonder her mother allowed her such freedoms. How could she not when she and her siblings were as independent in spirit and deed as women these days could be. And somehow, they had all managed to maintain their reputations. Well, all of them except their youngest sister. Lavinia. No one knew exactly what had become of her. Her mother had once told her that she hadn’t seen her youngest sister in years...not since she’d left town just before Abbie’s fifth birthday.

  “So, tell us all about this Mr. Bell that Aunt Jeannie and Mother keep going on about. He’s certainly handsome enough, I’ll say that for him.” Her cousin Regina was obviously hoping for some juicy details.

  Aggie smiled. “I will tell you all about him, but first, when is that precious little bundle of yours due?”

  Regina smiled and placed her hand lovingly on her growing belly. “My little daughter, or son, will be here at the end of January. I have about four more months to finish the nursery and settle everything at the school before this little baby comes into the world.”

  “And I can’t wait,” Aunt Lila declared. “I’ve been knitting little booties and blankets ever since Regina and John married…well, not since they first married, but afterwards, when Regina came back from Roxanne’s.”

  Abbie saw her cousin send a look to her mother. “I think we all know how John and I got married, Mother. Why don’t we let Abbie tell us all about the gentleman she met on the train.”

  “Yes, tell us all about this mysterious stranger you met on the train.” her cousin Roxanne added.

  “Of course, Abigail. Tell us about your young man,” Aunt Lila said apparently unaware her daughter was deliberately redirecting her attention to somewhere less personal.

  “You already know the story. Aunt Jeannie has told you all everything there is to tell. We got on the train in Philadelphia and he sat across from us and we struck up a conversation that lasted for days. That’s all there is.” Abbie knew there was a lot more, but she wasn’t ready to share her feelings with anyone, especially when she hadn’t any indication if Matthew’s feelings for her were more than just a passing fancy.

  He was attracted to her. She would be a dolt if she hadn’t seen that much, but how did he feel? That was a different matter altogether.

  She was pondering the question when her aunt’s housemaid came to the screen door. “Mrs. Beckett, there’s a gentleman at the door to see someone by the name of Rose. I told him there was no one here by that name, but he insists there is. What should I do? I can send for the sheriff if you like.”

  “No.” Aunt Jeannie and Aunt Lila cried out at once. The maid and her two cousins were shocked at their unexpected outbursts.

  Aunt Lila recovered first.

  “Gertie, just have the gentleman wait in the parlor. There's a simple misunderstanding, that’s all. No need to call the sheriff.”

  Gertie looked as if she wasn’t quite convinced, but she curtsied and left to do her aunt’s bidding.

  “What on earth is going on, Mother?” Regina
demanded to know. “Who is this Rose and why is a strange man in your house asking for her?”

  “I can explain.” Abbie offered. She didn’t want her aunts to be blamed for going along with her idea. “I convinced my parents to allow me to come to Durango to attend the Harvest Ball as long as I came with— ”

  “With me as your chaperone, don’t forget.” Aunt Jeannie interjected.

  “Yes, my father would only agree if Aunt Jeannie would serve as my chaperone. Anyway, my friend Gwen and I— ”

  Her Aunt Jeannie stood and said. “Dear, why don’t you go and greet your gentleman friend while Lila and I explain the rest of the details to your cousins.”

  Relieved, Abbie agreed and rushed inside the house towards the parlor. She slowed just before the parlor door to check her image in the hall mirror. Satisfied she was presentable, she floated into the room.

  “Why Matthew, it's so good to see you again. I thought perhaps you had grown tired of my company already.” Her heart stuttered at the sight of him.

  He turned at the sound of her voice and she was pleased by the way his eyes warmed when he saw her. “Nonsense, my work has kept me busy, that’s all.”

  “Well, I’m so happy to hear that. I thought perhaps your time might have been occupied by some young lady you met since arriving here in Durango.” It was a rather bold statement, but she wanted to gauge his response.

  “Of course not.” he replied, and she saw no sign of deceit. Her heart warmed at the thought that he was here to see her. It was a glorious feeling to know he was interested in her, and not her father’s fortune.

  “That’s so good to hear. Please, sit. Tell me what has brought you by today?” She so hoped he wasn’t going to tell her that his business was concluded, and he was leaving Durango. "Can I offer you some refreshments? We're having iced tea on the back— ”