Bride by Arrangement

by Karen Kirst

  Her knuckles whitened as she gripped the mug. “You know children can be unpredictable,” she murmured, her gaze skittering away. “They have vast imaginations.”

  The unease inside him grew into certainty that something was off. His pulse raced and his temples throbbed. He recalled thinking in those first days that the name Constance didn’t quite suit her. At least twice that he could remember, she hadn’t immediately responded when he’d called for her.

  He left his milk untouched. “Your name isn’t Constance, is it?”

  Her head whipped up, horror dawning in her eyes. “Wh-what?”

  “You heard me,” he bit out. “What is your real name? Is it Grace?”

  Her mug hit the counter with a thunk, sloshing milk over the rim. Trembling hands pressed against her chest. He knew without her having to say a word that he’d been duped. Deceived. And so had his friends.

  “You came here under false pretenses, didn’t you?” Noah began to back away. He felt sick to his stomach. “What’s your actual name?”

  “Grace. Grace Longstreet.” She extended a hand. “Please, Noah, I can explain—”

  “Longstreet. You said that name once. You messed up and, instead of saying the Miller estate, you said Longstreet. You lied and said that was what the family had named the mansion.” She’d shared so little about her past. He should’ve seen through her charade. A massive headache began to form behind his eyes. His skin felt hot. “You lied about a lot of things.”

  He felt as if he’d soared to the clouds on the prospect of building a life with her, only to be dropped unmercifully to deep, jagged caverns below.

  “I’m so sorry,” she gasped. Coming around to his side, she reached for him. “I know you’re angry and hurt, but if you’ll just hear me out—”

  Unable to look at her, he spun and headed for the door. “I don’t want to hear any more of your lies.”

  His chest a gaping hole of emptiness, he stormed out of the house, saddled a horse and let the darkness swallow him whole.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Grace raced outside, her voice trapped in her throat, frozen like the rest of her as Noah disappeared into the night. She collapsed onto her knees, unmindful of the dirt or the ants crawling about in the dark. Her heart ached with loss and self-recrimination.

  She’d made a terrible, unforgiveable mistake. The girls weren’t to blame. Asking them to protect her lie had been born of desperation, fear of the lengths Frank might go to foil her scheme.

  Noah’s disgust seared her soul. What must he think of her? Whatever feelings he might’ve had for her were gone now, erased by her willful decision to deceive him.

  Somewhere near the water, a frog’s bellow joined the grasshoppers’ buzzing. A cow lowed a ways off. Closer to the cabin, a twig snapped. Grace grabbed hold of the post and yanked herself up. Without the moon or stars, the prairie held innumerable mysteries.

  Feeling more alone than when her father died and her mother spent a majority of her time working, more alone than the day she’d discovered her pregnancy and Ambrose hadn’t met the news with joy, she turned and reentered the house that wasn’t hers. Lowering the slat into place, she leaned against the smooth wood and stared at the room through gathering tears.

  She’d never forget her temporary home on this vast Kansas prairie. Nor would she ever forget the lonesome rancher sheriff who owned it.

  First thing tomorrow morning, she would pay the stationmaster a visit and figure out where to go next.

  * * *

  Someone intruded on his privacy long before he was ready. Laying aside the razor and wiping the last bits of shaving soap from his skin, Noah tugged on his shirt and hurriedly worked the buttons.

  The person on the other side of the door knocked a second time.

  “Hold your horses, why don’t you?” he muttered.

  His sock-covered feet sank into the plush carpet, a far cry from the splinter-infested barn floor. He wrenched the door open.

  “How come I’m the last one to learn of your presence in my hotel?” Not waiting for an invitation, Will pushed past him, stopping before the grand marble fireplace. Dressed in his typical outfit of a well-cut suit and crisp shirt, he rested his weight on the cane handle. “I brought Tomasina in for breakfast and before I could have my first sip of coffee, Simon and Mrs. Foster were bearing down on me with the news.” His gaze raked him. “What happened? You get tired of sleeping with the livestock?”

  He wished it was as simple as that. Closing the door, he sank into the leather desk chair and tugged on his boots one at a time. “Maybe.”

  “Did you and Constance have an argument?” Threading his fingers through his hair, Will frowned. “If I left home every time Tom and I tussled over some minor detail, I might as well move back in here.”

  “Her name’s not Constance.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  Wandering over to one of the room’s pair of windows, he took in the steady drizzle turning Eden Street into a muddy river. At least the weather was cooperating with his mood. “We’ve been hoodwinked. Duped. Taken for a ride.” He’d lain in the too-soft bed last night calling himself all sorts of a fool. “I found out last night that Constance Miller is, in fact, Grace Longstreet. The real Constance is still in Chicago, I suppose. The woman who arrived here is her cousin.”

  His friend’s soft tread grew closer. “I don’t understand. Why? How?”

  Noah let the thick curtain fall into place. Confusion was reflected in Will’s countenance, along with pity that made him want to cast up his accounts.

  “I didn’t stick around for her explanation.” Not that he would’ve believed anything she might have said.

  Will scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’m sorry, old friend. I never should have sent for a bride for you. Leah and Tomasina tried to warn me, but I refused to listen. I didn’t think one impulsive act could wreak such unexpected consequences.”

  “Forget it. I plan to. She’s leaving Cowboy Creek. Pretty soon, we’ll look back on this and laugh.”

  “You care for her.” Will studied him. “Of course you do. You wouldn’t have kissed her in the middle of town if you didn’t.”

  “I’ll get over it.” Snagging his vest from the bed, he shrugged it on. “With everything that’s happening around here, I’ll have plenty to keep me busy.”

  “Constance—” He halted at Noah’s quick look. “I mean, Grace—strikes me as a genuine lady. You know how I get hunches about things. I can’t help thinking she has to have had an awfully good reason to pull the wool over the eyes of an entire town.”

  “I don’t care what her reasons are, Will. I’m through talking about her.” On the dresser sat his badge. He pinned it on, thankful for the first time since Will had presented it to him in the days following Quincy Davis’s death. Without this duty, he’d have no chance of avoiding Constance.

  He ground his back teeth together. Grace, remember? Her name is Grace.

  The fact he really liked the name and thought it fit her didn’t mean a thing.

  “What did you do with the deeds?” he asked, strapping on his gun belt.

  His friend looked reluctant to leave the original subject, but he caught sight of Noah’s expression and gave a small nod. “Daniel, Gideon and I went to the land office to show the clerk. We agreed that, with all the recent troubles, the safest place to store them was the bank. They’re in a lockbox in the vault for the time being.”

  “Good. What about Prudence’s brooch and dress remnants?”

  “I put those in the hotel safe.” His brows drew together. “I never could bring myself to like that woman.”

  “I’m going to go the Herald’s offices first thing and have a chat with D.B. You coming?”

  “Tomasina’s probably halfway through her eggs and pancake
s by now.” Grimacing, he opened the door and stepped into the hallway. “I should at least try to join her before she gives up on me. You have to eat, too. Have breakfast with us and then we’ll go interview the good editor.”

  He didn’t want to agree, but he couldn’t skip meals. The last thing he wanted was for Will to feel even guiltier for his role in bringing Grace Longstreet here.

  “Fine.”

  Putting a hand on Will’s arm at the landing, he said, “What’s your opinion on D.B.? You think he’s innocent or Prudence’s partner in crime?”

  “D.B. innocent? Not likely. Those two acted as if they were long-lost companions from the beginning. They knew each other before Cowboy Creek, I’d stake my livelihood on it. What we have to figure out is how.”

  “And what kind of grudge they hold against the town.”

  He clapped Noah on the shoulder. “We’ll get to the bottom of this, buddy. I promise. Pretty soon your biggest headache will be rowdy cowboys.”

  He didn’t tell Will he dreaded calmer days. More time to wallow in his humiliation was not something he looked forward to.

  * * *

  “A slice of apple pie always cheers me up.” Tomasina slid three plates onto their corner table. Taking her seat, she doled out the forks, saving Grace’s for last. “You’re not going to cry again, are you? Because salty tears don’t mix with nutmeg and cinnamon.”

  Beside Tom and opposite Grace, Leah’s sharp inhale was barely audible above the clatter of dishes and hearty male-dominated conversation in the Cowboy Café. “Tomasina.”

  “Crying ain’t gonna solve anything.” The vibrant redhead looked every inch the sophisticated lady. Sometimes, though, the drover and rodeo star in her slipped out. “It sure ain’t gonna get Noah to cease being stubborn and forgive her already.”

  Grace poked at the spice-coated apple slivers and flaky crust, eating but not really tasting the dessert.

  Not once had Noah been out to the ranch. The twins were sad and confused, and she hadn’t known how to answer their questions. He’d sent his hired boy, Timothy, each day to do the chores and offer her a ride to town if she needed it. Mired in misery, she’d thanked him for the offer and declined. She wasn’t ready to see Noah. She wasn’t sure she’d ever be, despite how much she missed him. Just being in town had her nerves on edge.

  She’d been perusing the list of suitable towns the stationmaster had given her this morning when Tomasina and Leah had paid her a surprise visit. Ashamed of her behavior, she’d immediately begged their forgiveness. The women had been surprisingly understanding and concerned for her. While she didn’t deserve their friendship, she was thankful for their support. They’d insisted on treating her to lunch. The girls were happily playing at Hannah’s house so the adults could talk.

  “Everyone’s talking about him staying at the hotel.” Tomasina speared another bite. “After the steamy kiss you two shared, they’re saying he refused to offer for you, so you kicked him off his own ranch.”

  Her cheeks flushed and she darted a glance about the café. Most customers were minding their own business. The few diners eating alone seemed more inclined to stare at her because they had no one to talk to.

  “You’re not helping,” Leah intoned. “Grace, dear, not everyone thinks that.”

  “I hate that my actions have caused him so much trouble.” Her voice wobbled with emotion. She willed it away. This wasn’t the time or place. “His life was fine before I came. I’ve ruined everything.”

  Leah put her fork down and rested her hand atop her swollen belly. “His life was sad and lonely before you and the girls came to stay with him. He would never admit it, but it was obvious to those who care about him.”

  “I still think you should tell him about this Frank person.” Tomasina’s eyes burned green fire. “He’ll understand why you kept everyone in the dark. If I see that man, I’ll hogtie him like I did that nasty old Mr. Harding.”

  Grace gifted her with a sad smile. She’d heard the story of Tomasina’s stint as a cleaning girl—among other things—in Will’s hotel and the fate of the guest who’d attempted to accost her. The image of Frank trussed up like an animal was a satisfying one.

  “You didn’t see his reaction. Besides, he probably won’t agree to see me again.” Looking down, she was surprised to see the plate empty. She picked up her reticule. “I’ll go and see to the bill.”

  “Oh no,” Leah protested, dabbing at her mouth. “We’re the ones who insisted you come. I’m paying.”

  “You’ve both showed me such grace and kindness.” Her throat grew thick. She’d thought she’d lost not only Noah, but her new friends, as well. Perhaps they’d welcome her letters from her new home. “It’s my treat.”

  While she settled the bill, they gathered their belongings and met her at the entrance. Grace avoided meeting folks’ gazes as they traversed the boardwalk. The closer they got to the jail, the slower her steps. Her rescue came by the way of Pippa, who emerged from the bank just as they were passing by.

  “Well, if it isn’t Grace Longstreet,” she greeted, a merry twinkle in her eye. “Who knew there was a finer actress than myself in Cowboy Creek?”

  Grace stiffened, unsure of Pippa’s intentions. But the younger woman linked arms with her and eyed her curiously. “Apparently I have more to learn than I thought. How were you able to carry off your ruse for that length of time without slipping out of character?”

  “I’m sorry for deceiving you, Pippa. I understand if you’re angry.”

  Words she’d be repeating until she booked their train ride farther west. They weren’t meaningless words, however. The last thing she wanted was to hurt anyone or ruin friendships.

  Pippa arched a brow. “You’re not one of those notorious female bandits, are you?”

  “Of course not!”

  “So you’re not hiding out from the law?”

  “I haven’t committed any crime.” Was lying to a lawman a crime?

  “You’re hiding from something, though.” The actress’s gaze was assessing.

  “Not something. Someone.” Tomasina inserted herself into the conversation. “Her loathsome brother-in-law is determined to make her his. Tell her, Grace.”

  Pippa listened to Grace’s brief explanation, her expression growing alarmed. “You have to tell Noah.”

  “I tried.” She paused as an older couple emerged from the bank and ogled their group. “He’s not interested in hearing my story.”

  Leah patted Grace’s hand. “I have to go. Valentine has taken the day off to spend with Daniel’s father, which means I’m in charge of supper. I’ll be praying for you, Grace. It’ll all work out, you’ll see.”

  Giving her a quick hug, Grace thanked her. Tomasina had business to tend to, as well, which left Grace and Pippa.

  “I’m not angry with you. Disappointed, maybe, because you didn’t feel comfortable enough to confide in me.” Linking arms, Pippa guided her away from Eden Street. “I understand how someone in your situation would feel like there are scant options, especially considering a powerful, controlling man is involved. I suppose Noah is feeling disappointed, too.”

  “If that’s true, it’s the least of his emotions. He despises me for making a fool of him, Pippa.” Guilt pummeled her. “I don’t wish to talk about him, okay?”

  Frowning, she nodded, the flowers on her flamboyant hat bobbing.

  As they strolled along Second Street, Grace glanced at the shops and houses. “Where are we going?”

  “To the opera house. The long way around.”

  So she wouldn’t have to risk seeing Noah. “Why are we going there?”

  “You are due some cheering up. In order to do that, I’m going to do your hair and stage makeup. You are going to try on any costume that catches your fancy.”

  Grace allowed
her friend to take the lead, even though dressing in outlandish costumes wasn’t going to lift her spirits. Nothing could accomplish that.

  “I have an hour or two before I have to pick the girls up from Hannah’s.”

  Pippa waved her hand in dismissal. “Plenty of time.”

  When they were inside the opulent space, Grace breathed a sigh of relief that they hadn’t encountered Noah or his friends. Behind the stage where the dressing rooms were, she watched in awe as the other woman paraded brilliant costumes before her. Because she was unable to choose, Pippa selected one for her, a heavy, ornate gown fit for a queen.

  An hour later, Grace stared at her reflection, amazed at the transformation.

  “You’re too lovely for words.”

  She fingered the string of pearls threaded in her upswept hair. With the thick makeup, bright red lips and rouged cheeks, she didn’t look like herself. “I’m unrecognizable.”

  “That’s the beauty of being an actress. You can pretend to be anyone you like.”

  Lowering her hand to her lap, she shook her head. “I’m tired of pretending.”

  Sensing her change in mood, Pippa joined her on the cushioned bench and gently clasped her hands in hers. Excitement bubbled out of her. “Want to hear a secret?”

  “What kind of secret?” She was done pretending, and didn’t want anything more to do with subterfuge.

  “I know you don’t wish to discuss Noah, but he’s privy to my scheme. And he approves.” She bit her lower lip. “Well, approve may be too strong a word. He agrees. Mainly because there’s no other way.”

  “No other way for what?” she said, confused. “What scheme, Pippa?”

  The story spilled out how Noah, Will and Daniel suspected D.B. had been Prudence Haywood’s coconspirator in the attempts to cause havoc in Cowboy Creek. The men’s efforts to garner evidence had proved fruitless. While the editor admitted to being Isaac Burrows’s brother, he denied any familial relationship to the widow.

  “Why would D.B. and Prudence do any of that?”