Bride by Arrangement

by Karen Kirst

  Her and Pippa’s conversation fresh in her mind, she challenged him. “Why do you ask? Would you rather I be home tending your garden or preparing your supper?”

  Noah stared at her, brows coming together in confusion. “You know I don’t expect you to do those things. I’ve never asked you to, have I?”

  “Tell me something. If I were your wife, would you mind my occasionally meeting friends?”

  His expression went flat. “That’s an irrelevant question.”

  “Just answer it, Noah.”

  Breathing deeply so that his chest visibly expanded, he probed the scars beneath his ear with his hand. “If you were my wife,” he said gruffly, “I wouldn’t mind you spending time with your friends, as long as it didn’t interfere with Jane and Abigail’s needs, and the household chores. Just as I wouldn’t shirk my duties, I wouldn’t want my wife to do so, either.”

  “I see.” Of course he’d give a satisfying answer.

  “What’s this about, Constance?” He spread his hands wide.

  “I was curious, that’s all.” Waiting until a trio of cowboys passed by, she said, “Why did you seek me out? Is there something you need?”

  Considering her for several heartbeats, he then scanned the wagons and pedestrians instead of meeting her gaze. “Will’s hosting a party to welcome the county seat representative tonight. I was wondering if you’d like to come.”

  Shocked, Grace wasn’t sure she’d heard right. “You want me to go with you? To a party? Tonight?”

  Fiddling with his shirt collar and smoothing his hair, he shrugged. “I thought you might like to see Will and Tomasina’s new house. I spoke to Hannah. If it’s okay with you, she’s agreed to care for Jane and Abigail.”

  She was tempted to ask him why, after repeatedly pushing her away, he’d request her company. But questions might lead to him rescinding his offer, and she desperately wanted one evening out with him. One night to pretend they could be together, that Noah cared about her enough to ignore his fears.

  Smoothing her hands along her skirts, she said softly, “I’d like that.”

  “Good.” He nodded, his face yet unsmiling. “Oh, I almost forgot...” Pulling an envelope from his pocket, he handed it to her. “You received a letter from someone in Chicago. The postmaster asked me to give it to you.”

  The letter wasn’t addressed to her, of course. The name Constance Miller was scrawled in familiar script. She and her cousin had agreed contacting each other would be risky. Something must’ve happened.

  Fingers trembling, she stuffed the letter into the reticule swinging from her wrist.

  “From your family?” he prodded.

  “Yes. My cousin.”

  “The one Jane always talks about?”

  Grace’s mouth was as dry as cotton. He’d clearly caught their blunder at the dinner table yesterday. So far, he hadn’t questioned her. A blessing, because she wasn’t convinced she’d be able to maintain her secrecy in the face of his interrogation. Any confession would have to wait until she’d heard Constance’s message.

  “That’s the one.”

  “Want me to read it to you?”

  “N-no,” she rushed to reject his offer. “Jane will do it.” At his doubtful expression, she tacked on, “She enjoys reading to me.”

  A breeze ruffled her hem. Above them, gray clouds stretched across the sky, threatening rain. “Noah, I should get the girls home. We do have a few chores to tend to before tonight.”

  “I’ll get the wagon and take you home.”

  Home. Too bad it wasn’t really. Not hers, anyway.

  “Thank you, Noah. Soon I’ll have to learn how to manage a wagon myself.”

  “Maybe I’ll have time to teach you. If not, Bailey would be thrilled to have the honor.”

  Pivoting on his heel, he stalked toward the livery where he’d left the wagon earlier. She was too distracted by the unexpected letter to give much thought to the hint of jealousy in his voice. Going back inside the bakery, she told the girls to prepare to leave, dreading her one recourse. No one in this town could be allowed to see the contents of Constance’s missive. Outside, she found a deserted bench and, drawing Jane and Abigail down beside her, unsealed the envelope. Handing the paper to Jane, she explained what she needed.

  Constance,

  Please be careful. The snake found me not long after you left, demanding answers. He was so very angry. I managed to put him off, but he’s hired men to discover your whereabouts.

  Stumbling over some of the words, Jane shot Grace a fearful look. Grace hated that she’d had to place this burden on her daughters. She gave Jane’s hand a reassuring squeeze and indicated for her to continue.

  I saw one of them in my neighborhood today seeking information and offering a reward. I’m afraid for you, cousin...

  Her heart thudded against her ribs in a frightened cadence. Constance went on to say she’d agreed to a match in a Western town and would make contact again once she was settled. She didn’t mention specifics.

  “What will Uncle Frank do if he finds us?” Abigail whispered, her eyes huge.

  “He’s not going to, sweetheart.”

  But what if he did?

  The letter was dated two weeks ago. Frank could have already ferreted out her location. Constance’s neighbors didn’t owe Grace their loyalty. They needed money. The sight of her and a pair of twin girls wouldn’t have gone unnoticed. What if he was already on his way to Cowboy Creek?

  Nausea welling up, Grace set her bonnet in place but had trouble tying the ribbons beneath her chin. She couldn’t tell Noah now. She had to marry, and marry soon. Frank couldn’t have her if she were already taken. Colton may be a few years younger, but he was a rancher accustomed to fending off varmints—animal or human. He’d fight to protect what was his.

  Her brother-in-law was a horrible, selfish man. But he wasn’t a murderer.

  You can’t be sure though, can you? You never dreamed he’d force his attentions on you, and yet look what happened.

  By the time Noah arrived with the wagon, she’d managed to soothe the girls’ fears. Her own weren’t so easily contained, however, and all she could think was that she had better enjoy this one evening with Noah. Because it was all she’d ever have. After tonight, she had to cut him from her heart and accept the reality of a future with Colton Bailey.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Noah couldn’t take his eyes off Constance.

  The big city in her was on display, and he couldn’t find it in him to complain. Her dress was a floaty creation of soft coral fabric, a hue that made her bare upper shoulders and slender arms gleam like alabaster. Candlelight from the chandelier and wall sconces created mahogany streaks in her lustrous brown hair. She’d arranged her heavy mane into an elegant twist and tucked tiny white blossoms into the mass. She was summer kissed with mystery, sophistication mixed with an earnestness that had him fighting to subdue his wayward heart.

  Asking her to accompany him had been a rash decision, one spurred by immature jealousy. He didn’t regret it. What he regretted was the way his heart leaped in his chest every time he looked at her. This was out of control. He never should’ve agreed to let her stay. Even temporarily.

  A commotion at the living room entrance—a space that could easily house two of his cabins—finally drew his attention away from her. Tomasina guided Gideon and Pippa over to Mr. McAllister. As Gideon introduced Pippa, he said something that made her pinch his arm. He threw back his head and laughed.

  Good for him, Noah thought. Gideon had decided she was worth pursuing, after all.

  He hoped it ended well for them. Noah wouldn’t wish the grief he was experiencing on anyone else. And just like that, he was back to watching Constance again.

  Surrounded by ladies, she nodded and comme
nted in all the right places, but he detected a rigidity in her, unease that had dogged her since that afternoon. On the ride out to the ranch, she’d been jumpy, constantly searching their surroundings. For what, he hadn’t a clue.

  She looked up from the untouched glass of lemonade in her hands, misery marking her features before being masked, hidden from everyone but him.

  Pushing off the mantel, he set his own drink on the coffee table as he rounded one of several couches arranged in the narrow, high-ceilinged space.

  The ladies’ conversation trailed away at his approach. He touched a spot above her elbow. “May I speak to you for a minute?”

  Startled, she affected a strained smile. “Certainly. Excuse me.”

  Keeping a light hand against her lower back, he ushered her through the dining room and busy kitchen, earning them surprised glances from the hired workers preparing refreshments. The heat and intriguing scents of spices gave way to moisture-heavy air on the rear veranda and the distinct hint of roses.

  Stopping at the railing, she turned to him, her hands folded primly at her waist. “This is the second time you’ve done this today. Tongues are bound to wag.”

  “Let them.”

  “You don’t mind if people speculate about us?”

  “I’m used to it.” The tightness of his jaw, neck and chest reminded him he’d skipped his usual application of honey and lavender.

  Frowning, she let her gaze wander to the manicured flower beds along the grand house’s foundation and the wooded grounds extending toward the church building, its steeple visible above the trees. The sun hung low on the horizon, pink and orange streaks mixing with blue sky. Fireflies blinked on and off in the shadows.

  “I didn’t have a chance to tell you how beautiful you are tonight. Not that you aren’t beautiful every day, but that dress—” he made a circling motion “—and your hair...” The tips of his ears burned. He wasn’t used to handing out compliments.

  Inhaling sharply, she scrutinized his black suit and crisp white shirt. “And I didn’t say how handsome you are all cleaned up and looking like a proper gentleman.”

  He stifled a disbelieving snort. The admiration warming her eyes couldn’t be argued with.

  “Constance...” Noah edged closer, lifted a hand as if to cup her face, only to drop it again. The ache to hold her in his arms was excruciating. “The real reason I asked you out here is because I know there’s something bothering you, and I’d like to know what it is.”

  Her lips parted. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Gently taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he murmured, “You’re lying, city girl.”

  “Noah—”

  “Yesterday at lunch, you didn’t want the girls to talk about your cousin. Your reaction when I gave you the letter and the fact you refused to read it in front of me tells me you’re keeping secrets. What is it? Maybe I can help.”

  The color leached from her face, and she swayed. Alarm worked its way from the base of his spine. Supporting her arm, he led her to a wrought-iron bench. He sat beside her, close enough that her skirts spilled over his leg. “Tell me, Constance. You can trust me.” Threading their fingers together, he held tight to her hand, attempting to infuse her cold skin with his own warmth.

  “Y-you’re right. I have been keeping a secret.”

  She stared straight ahead. Noah studied her profile, waiting for her to continue.

  “My cousin has a problem.” Her voice was higher than normal, threaded with fear. “There’s a man who’s obsessed with her. He’s ruthless. He will stop at nothing to possess her, and I don’t know what to do.” Her fingers flexed in his. “What I mean is, I don’t know how to advise her.”

  Disgust filled him. No man had the right to impose his will and desires on a woman. “Has she made her feelings clear?”

  “Many times. He refused to listen. He went so far as to corner her alone and force himself on her several times...” A shudder racked her body. “Thankfully, she managed to fight him off.”

  “That’s unacceptable, Constance. If this man has accosted her, he’s bound to continue. He has no conscience. Has she gone to the authorities?”

  Her laugh was harsh. Humorless. “That won’t help.”

  Disengaging her hand, she rose and walked to the banister, gripping the newly painted wooden ledge with both hands. Her knuckles shone white. Noah followed and, standing facing her, rested a hip against it and folded his arms.

  “Why not?”

  “He’s a powerful individual with influential friends. Even if someone believed her account, they wouldn’t act.”

  Noah shook his head, frustrated he couldn’t ease her worries. With hundreds of miles between the cousins, Constance must indeed feel helpless. No wonder she’d been on edge. They stood in silence for many minutes before he got an idea.

  “Gideon Kendricks’s aunt and uncle live in Chicago. I wonder if they’d be willing to reach out to her.”

  She stiffened. “How do you know that?”

  “He mentioned it once. Why?”

  “No reason.” Touching her fingertips to her nape, she said, “Look, Noah, I shouldn’t have involved you in my problems. I appreciate you listening, but there’s nothing you can do.”

  He caught her arm as she turned to go. “Together we can think of something. Will and Daniel have connections. Gideon, too. We can—”

  “No. Please.” Her fingers dug into his biceps. “I don’t want anyone else to know.”

  Confused, he said, “This man has acted abominably already. You admitted he’s obsessed with her. Someone has to intervene before she gets hurt.”

  Footsteps punctuated by the click of a cane against the floor announced Will’s arrival. “I apologize for intruding. Noah, we have a problem. D.B. showed up uninvited.”

  “That is a problem,” he agreed.

  Constance put distance between them. “Why?”

  “As the newspaper editor, D.B. thinks everyone else’s business is his business.” Will’s brows drew together. “He has a habit of prodding people. Stirring them up.”

  “Not what we want with the county seat representative here sizing up our town,” Noah said.

  “I can help.”

  Both men stared at her. “How?”

  “Since I’m new here, I can distract the editor and use his tactics on him. Pester him with questions while you two occupy Mr. McAllister.”

  Will nodded, a slow grin lifting his lips. “Good idea. I’ll ask Tomasina to take over when you’re through with him.”

  * * *

  She’d been terribly reckless. Foolish. Rash. Most of all, she’d been so very frightened and alone, her cousin’s warning repeating itself in her head. Telling Noah, even in a roundabout way, had helped her regain a smidgen of equilibrium.

  And what if he finds out you were talking about yourself, not your cousin? He won’t thank you for deceiving him.

  The newspaper editor shifted on the cushion, his impatient gaze once again seeking out Mr. McAllister. She wouldn’t be able to hold him much longer. Waylaying him in the hallway a half hour ago, she’d guilted him into fetching her a lemonade and maneuvered him onto this out-of-the-way settee, far from the main activity.

  “You mean you’re not originally from Cowboy Creek?” She seized on this tidbit. “I had no idea. Where is Harper exactly?”

  “Eighty miles east of here,” he said absently, completely focused on the group by the door, which included Daniel, Leah, Will, Tomasina, Gideon and Noah. He plunked his empty glass on the carved walnut side table and made ready to stand.

  “What brought you here?”

  “If you’ll excuse me, Mrs. Miller, I must cut our exchange short. I haven’t yet had a chance to meet our newcomer.”

  He
popped to his feet without awaiting her reply. Rudely leaving her there, he strode straight for his quarry. Pippa’s path intersected his. Appearing to trip, she fell into D.B., the contents of her glass and plate upending on his front.

  “Oh my!” she exclaimed, quickly righting herself. “I am so sorry, Mr. Burrows. Look at what my clumsiness has done!”

  The trail boss and his drovers elbowed each other, snickering behind their hands as the editor scowled down at his soiled suit. Gideon watched her performance with appreciation. Noah looked ill at ease.

  Someone supplied Pippa with a napkin. She dabbed at the blobs of meringue sticking to his suit jacket. Scowling deeply, D.B. swatted at her attempts, which were only making it worse.

  “Stop. That’s not necessary.”

  Will and Tomasina joined them.

  “Come upstairs, D.B.,” Will urged. “I’ve got a change of clothes you can borrow.”

  Tomasina smiled and nodded in agreement. “Yes, come with us. I’m sure that wet shirt can’t be comfortable.”

  When the three had disappeared upstairs, conversation resumed and Noah made his way to her side. She admired his confident stride, the soldier-like efficiency of his movements. He looked especially handsome in his three-piece suit, the midnight-black material a striking contrast to his fair hair and eyes.

  “Would you mind if we cut our evening short?”

  She would’ve minded if they’d been alone, perhaps strolling in the twilight and chatting about inconsequential matters. Instead, they’d spent much of their time apart, he with his friends and she occupying a troublesome editor.

  “Not at all.”

  Her spirits were low as they bid everyone goodbye and started on their way to pick up the girls. She’d hoped—foolishly—to experience one more kiss from Noah before she had to become serious about Colton. A few more priceless moments in his arms to treasure for a little while.

  Once she committed to Colton, she wouldn’t be able to think about Noah. She must be faithful not only in deed but in her thoughts as well, no matter how difficult it proved to be.