Hugh looked at the older woman and wondered if perhaps she wasn’t as old as she appeared, but that life had just been that hard for her. “Are you happy here?”
“I’m happy enough, I suppose. It’s not the worst place I’ve ever worked, and with all the goings-on here lately, it’s been interesting. I’m a little sorry to see all the women get married, because then it will be back to dealing with Madame and her girls. I just hope the brides don’t forget me now that they’ve started their new lives.”
She looked tired and worn, and if Charlie did find a significant amount of gold, Hugh would take his earnings, and bring her to work for him. But that was a promise he couldn’t rightly make, so he remained silent on that matter.
“We won’t forget you. I’ll make sure we come visit from time to time, and you’re always welcome in our house.”
Milly smiled at him. “You just keep that sweet girl from marrying a horrible man.”
“I will.”
Minnie breathed in the fresh air, grateful to be back out in the open. Hugh had brought her to La Maison, where he explained that Milly was going to help her. She didn’t like his plan, but she’d heard the pain in his voice as he’d lied to his friends. Yes, she wanted her freedom, and she appreciated his commitment to her. But even over the course of the day, she could see what it had cost him.
She closed her eyes as she leaned back against her chair outside the back door.
“Minnie!” Birdie’s voice startled her. “I was so worried about you. What happened? Why did you run away?”
Minnie looked at her friend and took a deep breath. They had all agreed to say that Minnie had been here all along, but she hated lying to Birdie. Now she knew how Hugh had felt, and it made her feel even worse to know just how much everyone was sacrificing for her safety.
“I heard the men talking when I was hiding at your place. They spoke of doing horrible things to me, including using whips. I was terrified. The sheriff and the mayor wanted me to go back to my father because they were afraid that if they anger him, he’ll use his influence to keep the railroad from Noelle. I couldn’t bear the thought of hurting so many people, but I also cannot marry Lord Milliken.”
Birdie came over and put her arms around Minnie. “Why didn’t you say something? There are so many of us who would’ve helped you. Besides, those men are in jail. They can’t hurt you.”
Minnie gave her friend a squeeze, and it felt good to have her support. “They can’t, but apparently Lord Milliken enjoys the same thing. I know my mother said the humiliation of the marriage bed is a woman’s duty, but I cannot do it. Especially now that I’ve seen the happiness in so many of the other marriages in Noelle.”
She looked down for a moment, hating to bring up such a personal topic. “I can’t imagine that what you and Jack have is humiliating in any way. Forgive me for saying something so improper, but I just wanted you to know that you’ve given me hope I can find happiness.”
Birdie laughed. “You poor thing. There’s nothing improper about candid conversation between two close friends. No, there is nothing humiliating about my marriage bed. In fact, it’s delightful, and I hope you will find the same.”
Her friend’s words made Minnie smile, and she turned her gaze back upward. “I think it will be that way with Hugh, delightful, that is. He is patient and gentle with me, and sometimes when I am with him, I feel things that seem…”
She shook her head, but Birdie smiled and squeezed her hand. “You care for him, don’t you?”
“I do. But I don’t know how we will ever be together. Hugh has a plan, but I’m afraid it won’t work. What if it fails?”
Though Birdie smiled again, Minnie couldn’t help the fear still swirling inside her.
“Don’t lose hope,” Birdie said. “Hugh has already sacrificed much for you. It’s how I know he loves you too. I don’t know how things will work out, but I know they will. I am living proof of that.”
Hugh had said something similar to her earlier, and Minnie could only hope that they were both right. So far, none of her plans had worked out the way she had hoped.
The back door opened, and Hugh stepped out. “Arabella is looking for you. I know she’s overbearing, and she will be even more so when your father arrives. But let her. These few moments are all she’s going to have, because you have everything that matters most to me.”
He turned his gaze to Birdie. “Thank you for coming by, and thank you for giving Minnie the encouragement she needs. You’re a good friend, and your friendship will not be forgotten.”
“It’s my pleasure,” she said. “And now I must be getting back to Jack and Gus. But if there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to call on us.”
They both nodded their assent, and when Birdie was out of view, Hugh held his hand out to Minnie. “Now let’s go inside.”
As she stood, he pulled her closer to him, almost into an embrace. “But first,” he said softly, his breath tickling her cheek. “Let me reassure you that you have nothing to fear about our wedding night. I promise it won’t be humiliating, and you will indeed find it delightful.”
Minnie thought she might die of mortification that he had overheard their conversation. She tried to speak, but only vague sounds came out of her mouth.
Hugh pressed a finger to her lips. “You aren’t allowed to be embarrassed. What will happen between us is perfectly wonderful and natural between a man and his wife when they are in love.”
He hesitated as he pulled his hand away. Then he looked around. After a moment, he leaned into her again. “I do love you, Minnie. I hope my actions have shown that even if I haven’t demonstrated as much in words. I have tried to keep my feelings at bay, but I cannot. However, as my plan unfolds, you may think me more indifferent than I am. Please know that, however things may look, my heart belongs to you, and only you.”
For a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her like he almost had on their sleigh ride, but then he turned away. “This is not the right time,” he said. “We must go inside before we are missed. From this moment on, you must return to the role of Margaret Coveney, as much as I know it will pain you. It is the only way to make my plan work.”
Someday, Minnie would know what it was like to be kissed. To be held and loved by Hugh. She’d been embarrassed at her conversation with Birdie, but reassured by her friend’s compassion. And Hugh’s response to overhearing her words only made Minnie feel more confident. She wanted to know what her wedding night would be like with him. Hopefully they would find a way to make it happen soon.
Chapter 10
The Ninth Day of Christmas
January 2, 1877
Minnie’s father blustered in just in time to keep her from going absolutely mad at the way Arabella hovered. She had spent the past day listening to the woman talk nonstop about how Hugh was finally coming to his senses and accepting his rightful place at home.
“Margaret!” Her father embraced her warmly, and she stiffened. He’d never embraced her like that before. Had she been wrong in thinking his concern was merely about his business interest?
“It’s good to see you, Father. I’m so sorry for the worry I have caused.”
“But you’re safe, and that’s all that matters,” he said. “And look who has come with me. Lord Milliken. He has been just as eager for news of you.”
Margaret’s slimy fiancé stepped forward, and Minnie found him even more disgusting than ever. His thin frame and sallow skin were a stark contrast to the strength of Hugh standing next to him.
“How wonderful to see you again,” she said, forcing a smile. Then she gestured to Arabella. “May I present to you both my companion, the Duchess of Hallstead?”
She stood, and practically preened like a peacock. “Please. You must all call me Arabella. We’re in America now, and among friends. Isn’t that right, Lord Hugh?”
Minnie could tell that Hugh was fighting irritation at being referred to by his title. But he smiled. “Indee
d. Which is why I must insist that you all simply call me Hugh.”
Lord Milliken made a face. “I cannot get used to this American custom of referring to people by their names. Your Grace, it is a delight to make your acquaintance. I often saw you and your husband in passing in London, and I always thought you were one of the loveliest of all English roses. I had envied your husband for having such a beautiful wife.”
“I am a widow,” Arabella said, fanning herself in such a simpering way that Minnie could hardly believe her father and Lord Milliken were eating it up. “My dear husband passed away recently, and I’m here to fetch Hugh home, as he is in line to be the next Duke of Hallstead.”
The brazen words made Hugh’s jaw twitch, and Minnie longed to give him comfort. Once again, Arabella was pushing aside three people he cared about and assuming he would take their place. He’d explained to Minnie that the only way that would happen was if all three of them died. What an awful thing to wish upon one’s sons and brother-in-law.
However, Margaret’s father looked intrigued. “A duke, you say? What is it that you are, Milliken? I always forget the English titles and such. I’m sure my wife could explain it to me, but she isn’t here. Are we supposed to bow?”
Hugh shook his head. “Please don’t. I believe Lord Milliken is an earl, which is of lower rank than a duke, but as I have said, let us not stand on ceremony. Instead, we shall all be equals, conversing as friends.”
It was quite enjoyable, watching Lord Milliken be put in his place, especially since her father gave him a funny look.
“That sounds mighty fine to me,” Margaret’s father said. “I have been dreading taking my daughter to England, because I can never get the addresses and treatments of peers correct. But my wife has always said only a lord would do for our daughter, and that is just what we found.”
He looked over at Milliken, and the man puffed his chest, making himself look rather silly. It wouldn’t just be the wedding night that would be humiliating with a man like Lord Milliken. It would be spending every single day of her life with him.
“She should have set her sights higher,” Arabella said. “But I can understand not knowing the various ranks. For me, I always knew that only a Duke would do. And look at me now.”
Once again, she preened, full of so much self-importance, it was hard for Minnie to understand how Hugh could have ever been in love with her.
“I didn’t know about the duke,” Margaret’s father said. Then he turned and looked at her. “Would you prefer a duke, my dear?”
Was he making a joke? Right in front of Lord Milliken, with whom he’d already signed contracts?
Minnie opened her mouth to answer, but then Hugh caught her eye and shook his head. Apparently, she wasn’t allowed to be honest. “I think this is not the time to discuss my marriage plans, especially since agreements have already been made.”
“Yes,” Lord Milliken said. “Agreements have been made, which is why I don’t understand why you ran away like this.”
Margaret’s father looked at her expectantly. She should have known she wouldn’t get off so easily.
“I’m sorry. I was afraid. I’d heard Lord Milliken had mistreated one of our maids, and it made me fearful.”
Milliken made a noise, like he thought she was being ridiculous. And even Margaret’s father looked at her like she was making a big deal out of nothing.
“And then, the horrible men who came here looking for me, they said Lord Milliken would use his whip upon me. I was terrified. I must have every assurance that such a thing will not happen.”
At least that got her father’s attention. “What’s this about a whip?” He looked at Milliken, who shrugged.
“I’ve never heard such a thing in my life. I’m sure those men were lying. Probably outlaws trying to get the reward for themselves, and willing to say anything to make Miss Margaret come with them.”
She knew they hadn’t been lying. Nor had Minnie lied. And the look in Milliken’s eyes told her that he was the one not telling the truth.
“You can ask them,” Minnie said. “They’re in the jail for beating one of the ladies.”
Hugh made a noise, and when Minnie looked at him, he gave her a sharp look.
“Dear, we do not talk about those women,” Arabella said. She looked at Margaret’s father. “You know the sort of woman I’m speaking of. Poor Margaret has been in this rough place for so long that I fear she has forgotten some of the conventions of Society.”
Though Margaret’s father nodded, he wore a strange expression upon his face. Did he realize that there was more to the story, and to Lord Milliken, then he knew?
“I have made good friends here,” Margaret said. “Maybe the people aren’t of the sort of consequence we might think, but they are the sort of people I’m proud to know. They are honest, hard-working, and kind.”
She turned to her father and smiled. “You will not find better people than I have found in Noelle. Though I know I was wrong in running away, I am glad to have come here and made so many good friends.”
Her father looked pleased at her words, and it gave Minnie hope that perhaps Hugh’s plan might work after all.
“A duchess and the heir to a dukedom are fine friends to have,” Lord Milliken said. “They will be welcome in our home always. But I do not think the rest of the people in this town are the sort one should associate with. It would be frowned upon in our society.”
Arabella nodded. “You are quite right. Scandalous pasts, and if word got out about Margaret’s association with such people, I don’t think people would look at her the same. Fortunately, I have been here to guide and chaperone her so that nothing untoward will stain her good reputation.”
No wonder Hugh didn’t want to return to England.
Then Arabella patted the chair next to her. “Come, sit with me, Lord Milliken. I wish to hear of your acquaintances in London. Once you and Margaret are married, I cannot wait to introduce her to Society. No doors are closed to the Duchess of Hallstead. Once Hugh inherits, you will both find a great deal of friendship, worthy friendship, with important people who can clear the way for many things.”
As Lord Milliken sat, he practically drooled with avarice. He and Arabella were two of a kind, and they belonged together. Hugh hadn’t been entirely clear on his plan when he spoke of it to Minnie, but she had to wonder if this was part of it. Did he suspect that Lord Milliken and Arabella would be attracted to one another, and it would somehow make Lord Milliken cry off? Arabella would be stupid to give up her plans for Hugh in favor of a penniless Earl, but Lord Milliken might be easier to get to do her bidding.
“Smart as well as beautiful,” Lord Milliken said. “I am sure you will be a wonderful guide for Margaret. She has much to learn about the ways of the world, and I most grateful that someone like you would take her under your wing.”
Minnie looked at her father. Was this what he wanted for her? His brow was furrowed, like he was trying to puzzle something out. Hopefully he could see the ridiculousness of this arrangement.
“That does sound lovely,” Minnie said. “I had feared not having friends when I moved to England. It will be nice to have Arabella, and I hope, Hugh. Hugh has proved himself to be a true and faithful friend, and it is my deepest wish that we can continue our friendship in England.”
Her father smiled at her indulgently. Then he glanced at Hugh. “Thank you for taking such good care of my daughter.”
Lord Milliken however, did not share the same happiness with the situation. “Just what sort of friend were you? You did not take any liberties, did you? It would be a terrible thing if you compromised my bride.”
Hugh smiled. “I took no liberties. It would be dishonorable to do so, and a young lady such as Margaret deserves to be treated well. I could not bear it if anyone thought I had mistreated her.”
“I am glad to hear it,” her father said. “You hear such tales of roughness in towns like this. Such an uncivilized place.”
With another broad smile, Hugh said, “It is easy to think that, having never been here. We are in talks with the railroad to have a spur brought into Noelle. And I’m sure, if you spent time here, especially once the railroad comes, you would be quite impressed at how this town has grown. I’m very proud to be part of the development of Noelle, and how we are shaping it into the kind of place many people can call home.”
He sounded like an advertisement, but then Minnie remembered that Hugh was hoping her father would speak kindly about Noelle to the railroad people and not harbor a grudge over Margaret’s time here.
Her father nodded. “I like the sound of that. People coming together to create a town of respectability and enterprise. I’ve been part of many such projects. In fact, I came to Denver when it was just a speck on the map, and now look at it. I can see why you would want to be here, not in stuffy old England. It’s too bad you’re going home to be duke. It’s my only regret in allowing Margaret to marry Lord Milliken. Having her so far away.”
It seemed odd to have her father speak of her with such affection. He’d never done so before. But perhaps, the thought of losing her had brought a change to his heart. Maybe she had been too pessimistic in thinking that he wouldn’t let her call off her wedding. Was there hope that she could marry Hugh after all?
Hugh tried not to jump for joy as he watched Arabella and Lord Milliken flirt. He couldn’t believe both of them were being so obvious, especially in front of Margaret’s father. And Coveney was clearly aware of the impropriety. As Arabella played with the locket around her neck, Lord Milliken practically licked his lips as he focused her gaze on her ample bosom. For a moment, Hugh thought that Coveney would jump up and pull the man away.
Arabella had already perfectly set the stage by explaining that Hugh’s eventual title was better than Milliken’s. And now, he was having doubts about the kind of man his daughter would be marrying.
The Lord: The Tenth Day (The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides Book 10) Page 11