Annabelle opened her mouth to renounce his words, but stopped. Her guilt of not telling him her proper name had been nagging at her all day, and now to hear the spurious name roll off his tongue and blast her ears, her remorse became more obvious.
“Miss Collinsworth? Are you feeling well? You appear a little flushed.” Mr. Lewis placed his hand gently over hers on the table. “Do you need to return to your chamber?”
“No. No, it’s nothing of import. I am just...I have been unfair and dishonest with you, Mr. Lewis.” She lowered her head in shame and couldn't bear to look him in the eye. “I am not such a cruel person under normal circumstances.”
“Please, Miss Collinsworth. I am not a man to pass judgment.”
“I have not been honest and I regret acting this way toward you.”
“Yes?” he prodded her.
“My name is not Annabelle Collinsworth.”
“No?” Mr. Lewis’s voice and face displayed shock and Annabelle's guilt rose.
“My name is Annabelle Collins. I, being new to town, and alone...” Her voice went up an octave. “I was unsure of meeting a stranger and I was being protective, especially in light of those two awful men who had been detaining me.”
She watched Mr. Lewis. He listened silently and she saw his dark brown eyes as he seemed to be coming up with a response. Had he believed her second tale? She could not very tell him the entire truth of the problems she’d left behind in Chicago, but at least this was a little closer to it.
“Very well, Miss Collins.” He smiled. “As we are being honest, then I too, need to speak to you of a partial truth I shared with you.”
“Oh?” Annabelle was taken aback by his admission, but listened as he explained his true reason for asking her to dinner. After all, he had been polite and respectful of her explanation. Now she would return the kindness.
***
What have you gotten yourself into, Annabelle? She shut the door to her chamber and sighed. Telling Mr. Lewis the truth should have been uncomplicated, but after her confession, he had his own admission. Annabelle was not expecting it, nor had she ever thought she would be in such a predicament.
Now what was she going to do? She unbuttoned her cape and set it on the chaise. She slumped down on the seat next to her discarded cloak and felt defeated. She had a multitude of concerns cluttering her mind and she didn't know where to begin in regards to solving any of them.
After both had declared their falsehood, the evening had continued with merriment and delightful conversation. Annabelle could not remember an evening so pleasant. Mr. Lewis was a wonderful dining companion and it didn't hurt that for those few hours he allowed Annabelle to forget the scandal that had been tormenting her thoughts and memories.
But at the end of the evening, Annabelle still had to figure out what her future would hold. Should she accept Mr. Lewis's theoretical proposal for marriage and know she would be cared for and safe, or should she reject his proposition and pray for danger to be kept at bay through luck and her own meager resources?
Her mind drifted back to two months ago in Chicago when her life had crumbled. She had been working for prominent businessman Johnathan Glavin as his personal assistant. She organized his meetings, kept his social calendar full, and made sure all his commerce needs were met. Although it wasn’t common for women to work in such a manner, the arrangement had been beneficial for both. She could learn the ways of enterprises, which would assist her with her dream of becoming a business entrepreneur, and Mr. Glavin was able to focus on more important and pending business transactions.
She recollected all the galas she had attended as an associate of Mr. Glavin's—never on his arm or as a companion. He had many of women his age to choose from, and would never think to fraternize in such a way with his employees. At least Annabelle had always believed that of him. Much to her surprise, word began to spread among social circles that she and Mr. Glavin had been inappropriate behind closed doors. Annabelle had been devastated.
She had never been alone with Mr. Glavin, nor had he approached her inappropriately. To say the least, her vocation as his assistant and her social standing within her circle of acquaintances were both over. It wasn't until three days before she left Chicago on the stagecoach that she discovered who had started the dreadful rumor. Annabelle felt a pang of sadness—her oldest friend, Larisa Newton, had been the one to ruin Annabelle’s reputation. The only thing Annabelle could figure was that Larisa had been jealous of Annabelle’s successful employment, but whatever Larisa’s reasons, the betrayal still hurt.
Now, here she was in a new town with the chance to have a fresh start, and all she had was vexations of a convenient marriage “in name only,” and the fear of the Olsen brothers who might come calling on her again.
Truth be known, Annabelle was smitten with Mr. Lewis. His charm and handsome looks would have most of the young ladies back home swooning and vying for his attention. This struck her as odd. Why was he pursuing her instead of an eligible young lady here in Waterloo? Perhaps she would inquire about that tomorrow, as they would be meeting for brunch at the eating establishment she had patronized for her supper yesterday. Maybe she would arrive early and speak to the hostess. If this town was anything in comparison to Chicago, the hostess would know the gossip.
***
The next morning, Reed sat at his desk and waited for Archer to arrive. He had splendid news to share with his friend. He just might be able meet the deadline for his grandfather's demands and then be able to save his business empire, as well as save face among his investors.
He had barely slept the night before with worry about losing out on his grandfather's wealth and property. But last night he had slept even less with the fervor of being able to preserve all that he had built in the last ten years.
Last night his evening had started off quickly. He had anticipated how he would approach the topic of Annabelle being his wife, but she had made it effortless when she told the story about her false name and the fib that went along with it. After she explained her reason for giving a false name and he feigned his stupor, Reed accepted her rational motive and proceeded to tell her of his falsehood, too. It was so uncomplicated and he felt less the cad for blindsiding her with his proposition.
Annabelle acknowledged his invitation to dinner, and when she didn't immediately decline his marriage proposition, his mood of relief came through. He believed he clinched the business dealing of in-name-only marriage when he nonchalantly tossed out the possibility of the Olsen boys coming back to seek her out. The fright in her eyes made his offer seem irrevocable.
While she said she needed to consider the proposal and would answer his request at brunch the following day, Reed knew Annabelle would agree.
“Good morning,” Archer said as he stepped into Reed's office.
“Why yes! Yes, it is a good morning. And it shall be a good day, week, month, and year!” He stood and clapped his hands together in excitement.
“By your reaction to my cordial greeting, am I to understand your dinner with the lovely Miss Collinsworth was a success?” Archer retrieved a cup of coffee from the carafe on Reed's side table. He added a spoonful of sugar and sipped the hot brew.
“Success? Oh, the end result is more than a success.” Reed joined his friend and poured himself a cup of coffee. “Miss Collins—yes, I see you notice the name change—seems to be quite taken with my offering.”
Archer raised an eyebrow in confusion and Reed spent the next half hour explaining how the evening had progressed. By the time Reed had completed his narrative, Archer was smiling and impressed.
“Good work, my friend.”
Reed returned the smile and told Archer to set up a meeting with the pastor for Sunday afternoon. Once the morning service was over and congregation had departed, he and Annabelle would be wed. Then he instructed his friend to have his belongings packed and sent to his grandfather's home, which was where he and his new bride would be residing come Sunday evening
. Archer left the office to make the arrangements and Reed concluded a few outstanding correspondences with renewed optimism. Once they were married in two days, he could resolve a few business contracts that had been hindering his mind and business.
***
Annabelle moved aside the netting to the entrance of the eatery and waited for the hostess to seat her. She had arrived fifteen minutes earlier than the time she and Reed had agreed upon. As they walked to her table, she asked the hostess if she had a few moments to answer her questions. The young lady obliged and poured Annabelle a cup of coffee.
“Do you know a Mr. Reed Lewis?”
“Yes. He's one of the most influential men in the territory. He comes from old money. His grand-daddy had one of the largest ranches in these parts.” The hostess set a server with cream in it in front of Annabelle.
“His grandfather had one of the largest ranches?” Annabelle stirred the cream into her coffee.
“Yes. Old Henry passed away a few months back. Shocked the whole territory. Most people thought the old codger would live forever.” She chuckled.
“Please, sit with me if you have a moment,” Annabelle offered.
“Don’t mind if I do,” the hostess said, and sat down across from Annabelle. “I’ve been on my feet all morning.”
“So, Mr. Lewis stands to inherit the land?” Annabelle asked.
“I would reckon so. But I don't rightly know for sure. I hear gossip but only pay attention to one half of it. Most of the time there ain't no truth to it.” The woman shrugged her shoulders.
“What else can you tell me about Mr. Lewis?”
The woman leaned back in her chair and thought. “Oh, he had a failed fiancée and was left alone at the altar the morning of his wedding. It was sad. The man had been so in love with that Jezebel.” The lady clucked her tongue. “All the women between here and Elgin came a courting. Well, they said it was to offer a sympathetic shoulder, but I know better. I've been on God's green Earth long enough to know money grabbing women when I see them.”
“I see,” Annabelle said quietly. “I take it Mr. Lewis has his own successful business?”
“Oh, yes he does.” The hostess stood up. “He owns almost as much as land as his grand-daddy did, and he barters and sells cattle to big houses and slaughter yards back east.”
“Does he have a companion of interest? A female companion vying for his attention now?”
“Not a day passes that women aren't competing for his attention.” The hostess laughed. “I best be getting back to work.”
“Thank you for your time.” Annabelle sipped her coffee and considered all the information the hostess had shared. She knew why he hadn't chosen a woman from here now. He had been being pursued by them for years and he found none of interest. So then, why his hasty pursuit of her? Well, that was a question she would be asking him in a few moments, as he was due to arrive shortly.
She had just had her coffee refilled when Mr. Lewis slipped into the chair across from her.
“Good morning Miss Collins,” he said, and waved for a cup of coffee to be brought to him. “I don't mean to rush this, but I have been eager to hear your response to my offer.”
“Well, Mr. Lewis, I did sleep fretfully last night, weighing the alternatives of agreeing to be your betrothed or to remain unmarried.” She sipped her coffee, purposefully drawing out her reply. She needed to ask a few questions to ease her mind before answering.
“And? If I may be so bold to advance the conversation.” His coffee was set on the table and he added a dash of cream.
“I have a few concerns,” she said.
“Which I will be diligent to address.” He sipped the hot brew.
She nodded her head and began. “I reckon you have your reasoning for asking me to take your hand and be your wife, even if in name only, but I must ask, to ease my curiosity mainly, why you haven't asked another before me?”
“No one sparked my interest in the way you did and, not to sound too odd, this is a business arrangement. Most women would require, want, and need more. I do not want or need more than a beautiful woman on my arm attending important business gatherings, and someone to share my days with. I do not want a carnal relationship. If I do, I will frequent Miss Manford's house of ill-repute.”
“I see.” Annabelle felt a twinge. The pit of her stomach flopped when she realized he was not physically attracted to her. But then again, she barely knew Reed Lewis so it was obvious to her that this arrangement would be best for her, also. No fear of the Olsen brothers, and her future would be secure and invulnerable.
“Any other concerns?” Mr. Lewis waved off the hostess.
“At the moment, no.”
“Then do you have an answer?”
“I do,” she said. “I will see to it that all your business needs are met and that you never have to worry about influencing the correct people.”
“Thank you, Annabelle. You have made me very happy.”
She noticed his switch from calling her “Miss Collins” to using her first name.
“Of course, Reed,” she replied, but the entire time her heart cried out that she should say no. But safeguards and caution were too important in this new place. She needed Mr. Lewis just as much as he apparently needed her. The western territories might be huge, but there wasn’t enough room in them for matters of the heart.
***
Two days later, they stood before Pastor Creighton at midday and pledged their devotion and commitment to each other. Only Reed's friend Archer was in attendance as a guest and once the vows were exchanged and the pastor pronounced them united, they kissed.
It was the shortest, yet sweetest, kiss Annabelle had ever experienced and she savored Reed's taste on her lips. When he wasn't looking, as he was busy talking to Archer, she touched her fingertips to her lips and avowed she could still feel his moist breath on her.
“I have one more surprise for you today, my dear Annabelle.” Reed's voice broke into her reverie. He leaned down and brushed his lips across her forehead. “Come with me. I need to show you your new home.”
“New home? I presumed we were going to live at your existing home.”
“New wife, new life, and a new home. I want my future to be all things new.” He smiled and for a glimmer of a second, Annabelle felt as though everything would be easy and her heart would be safe.
On the carriage ride out of town, Annabelle's thoughts turned to how Reed could possibly fall in love with her. Maybe she could be the most attentive wife and he would develop true devotion toward her.
As they rode along the dirt lane, she kept getting jostled about and recalled the stagecoach ride to town just days before. Had it really only been three days since her arrival in Waterloo? She was already married, and now she was heading to her new home. Wonders never ceased to amaze.
“Here it is,” Reed said, drawing her attention to the grand structure before them. A true log home, two stories high, with glass windowpanes placed at intervals.
“It is the most beautiful home I have ever seen.” She smiled and looked at Reed. “And we are to live here?”
“Yes, Mrs. Lewis. We are to start our life together here.”
Her smile broadened to hear him say that. He kept saying loving words to her, but Annabelle delayed her enthusiasm. She didn’t want to get too excited or hopeful about his feelings toward her.
Most people scoffed at the idea of love at first sight and called it a myth, but Annabelle was one of few who believed such a thing was possible. And even if she hadn't been a supporter of the theory before, she surely was now. After seeing Reed that first day and having an intimate dinner with him, even without asking him the questions at their brunch the following day, she had known she would not reject his proposal. Now the danger was in not getting her heart broken in the process.
“Yes, what a wondrous place to start a new life as a newly married couple,” she agreed. She was still careful not to let her emotions overtake her words. “
We shall do well here together. With your business, I mean.” She smiled and allowed Reed to take her hand in his. He raised it to his lips and pressed a soft kiss there.
***
Over the next few months, Reed and Annabelle settled into a routine. He would leave for work promptly after breakfast, and she would spend her days instructing the maids and butler about the household duties. Then they would meet up again in the late evening for supper. While most meals were eaten at home and served by the cook, a few nights a week Annabelle would join Reed and his business partners for a meal in town.
Most wives ignored the dinner conversation about business, but every so often Annabelle would express her views with her husband after they returned home. Whereas most husbands would probably disregard a wife's knowledge, Reed listened intently and even took some of her advice to heart.
Without realizing it, both Annabelle and Reed had grown to appreciate and look to one another in every aspect of their life. Although they slept in separate bedrooms, they were close and friendly and comfortable with each other.
Many times Annabelle would catch Archer watching her and Reed. His response to getting caught secretly spying on them was to grin, nod his head, and walk away with a secretive smile. Annabelle was unsure how to read the man's response, so she shook off his attention.
Some days Reed's attention and reactions to her confused Annabelle. She kept the words in her head about him not wanting a carnal relationship, but then he would surprise Annabelle with flowers from the fields, or a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. Once, he left her a note on the breakfast table apologizing for his absence at the morning meal and signed it, All my love, Reed.
The note baffled Annabelle but she never spoke a word of it. She tucked the piece of stationery in her keepsake box and would read it every so often and imagine having a traditional marriage with an amorous husband who loved her as much as she loved him. Knowing that would never be possible, Annabelle allowed herself to daydream. It was all she had. For now.
They had attended a few cattlemen’s galas and at each of them, Reed took her hand and led her to the dance floor. They waltzed and as he spun her around the room, she fell deeper in love with him. With each step they danced, Annabelle imagined endless days of dancing with the man she loved—her husband.
Mail Order Bride: Scandalous Territories (Clean and Wholesome Historical Romance) (Women’s Fiction New Adult Wedding Frontier) Page 3