The Wagered Bride: The Ladies Club of Laramie Book 3

by West, Everly

  “I had hoped you’d come in search of this…” Mason murmured huskily, leaning down and tenderly kissing his wife.

  “It is,” Sammie whispered as she watched Lydia trying to select the perfect lemon drop to present to her. Gazing up into Mason’s violet eyes turning dark with desire, she said, “I love you.”

  “Not as much as I love you,” he promised.

  “Would you like to wager on that?” Sammie countered, seduction kissing her offer.

  Mason gathered Sammie in his arms and spoke softly against her lips. “Sweetheart, when it comes to you, even when I lose, I win.”

  “Daddy, I’m tired of being in the house.”

  Mason released Sammie then swung her daughter around in a circle before hugging her tightly. “Wanna go climb a tree?”

  “Yes!” Lydia and Sammie squealed in unison.

  “You two go put on your britches. There’s a tree about a hundred yards straight out the kitchen door I’ve been itching to climb.”

  * * *

  Next up The Reluctant Bride…

  Laramie, Wyoming Territory

  March 1888

  Evangeline Delacroix knocked softly on her father's library door praying he wouldn't answer.

  "Who is it?"

  She closed her eyes in disappointment. Dread stole her breath. The moment her mother had informed her of her father's wish to speak privately with her, she knew whatever he was going to say couldn't be good. The man may be her father, but he had little tolerance for females. He said they were put upon this earth to do as a man said and as long as he was in charge of this household, she and her mother would do exactly as they were told.

  Eva took a deep breath. "It's me, Father. Mother said you wished to speak with me."

  "Yes, yes. Well, don't just stand outside the door. Come in."

  "Yes, Father." She twisted the doorknob of the massive library door and stepped quietly inside. She saw him hunched over his desk.

  "Don't slouch." He snapped.

  "Yes, Father." Eva stiffened her spine against the ribs of her corset. She stifled a grimace when they pinched her skin.

  She sat in the leather wingback chair in front of the desk where he sat. Careful to keep her posture rigid and straight for fear of more criticism. It wouldn’t set a good tone for the talk she knew was coming.

  Her father’s fingers tented under his chin in thought. She crossed her ankles demurely beneath her expensive brocade silk dress and waited for her father to speak.

  He leaned forward to flip through several papers lying on his desk. The longer he remained silent, the more anxious she grew. Nervous anticipation had her squirming in her chair, the leather creaking under her slight weight.

  "Eva, please be still. You really must work on your social skills. However do you suppose to attract a husband with these boorish behaviors."

  "I'm sorry, Father." It was all she ever seemed to say to the man across the desk.

  Henri Delacroix peered over his wire-rimmed glasses at her. She didn't wonder what he was thinking because he never missed an opportunity to tell her just how weak-minded he thought she was. His only child.

  He had made it clear more than once how much he hoped for a son, but he could use a daughter as leverage to get the son-in-law he wanted. One with the right connections to further his ambitions.

  "Evangeline, sit up straight. You seem to lack the most basic of social skills most women are born with. I've watched your mother time and time again instructing you over your social blunders and you never seem to learn from it."

  "I'm sorry, Father." She offered once more. What else could she say? She didn't try to embarrass her parents, but their unreasonable expectations sucked the very life out of her most days.

  "Yes, yes, you've said that before." She watched her father stand and pace behind his desk for a moment before he stopped to look at her again.

  "Evangeline, I've come to the decision it is time for you to marry. Since you have failed to take the initiative yourself and choose your own husband, it falls to me, as your father, to see to the matter for you."

  Stunned, Eva sat motionless soaking in his words. When she didn't respond to his shocking declaration, he kept going.

  "There is to be a ball at the Quincy ranch later tonight and we've all been invited to attend. Governor Moonlite will be there with his family. In particular, his son, August, will be attending. I expect you to put your best foot forward in gaining the young man's attention."

  Eva didn't miss the pointed comment or its meaning.

  "Father, I will do my best to make his acquaintance, but I will have to step over a dozen other ladies vying for his attention as well. It's all anyone is talking about and I, for one, could care less about even attending the party."

  "Yes, I spoke with your mother first and she said much the same thing, but you will be attending the party and you will do as I ask and make Mr. August Moonlite's acquaintance. This is very important to me, Evangeline. I trust you will not let me down."

  Eva's panic pushed what little courage she possessed forward. "Father, if you will just give me a little more time, I promise to try much harder to find a suitable husband. Just a few more months, and-"

  "Evangeline Josephine Delacroix, your time to find a husband is past. I have made my decision. You are going to marry the governor's son if I have to spend every dime I have to see it done."

  Eva's heart pounded in her chest. "Why must I, Father? Why this man?" She knew pleading with her father would never gain her ground. She just hoped reasoning would.

  "Because I have my eye on the delegate seat to the Territorial Congress and his support could guarantee me that position."

  "You would use me as a pawn? Force me into a loveless marriage with a complete stranger? Father, how could you even consider doing this to me, your only child?"

  "Oh, Eva, don't be so naive. Or so dramatic. You knew this day would come. Besides, I've allowed your mother to coddle you for the past twenty-two years and you've done nothing but take, take, take. Who do you think has been paying for all the fripperies you consume? I do, and now it's time to do your duty to this family and give a little something back, don't you agree?"

  She knew he wasn't waiting on her to agree with him. He never did, but she was desperate, so she dared to try again to persuade him not to do this.

  "Father, I simply cannot agree to this arrangement. Please try to understand my position. The idea that I should marry a total stranger is a horrifying thought."

  There. She had said what was on her mind. She knew her father’s retributions would commence, but if she won this battle it would be worth the cost.

  "Is that right? You can't agree? Eva, my dear misguided daughter. What makes you think you have any say in the matter? You will do as I say, and you will do it with gratitude in your heart." His voice rose in anger.

  "Gratitude? Why on earth should I be grateful you are pawning me off to a total stranger for political gain? You are my father and you should--"

  "Enough! I've heard enough! It is not your place to tell me what I should be doing. Lila! Get in here this instant!"

  The door opened immediately, and her mother entered the room. "Yes, Henri. I suppose this means you have told her the news?" Her mother's superficial smile told Eva her mother wasn't pleased by this news either, but she wouldn't dare cross her husband.

  "Yes, I've told her. And she says she can't agree. Now, get her upstairs and get her ready for tonight's party. And spare no expense. I want her to stand head and shoulders above any young miss there who might have designs on my prize."

  Tears burned Eva's eyes and she didn't bother to hide them. Her father cut a look to her and practically rolled his eyes at her.

  "And Lila, please impress upon our daughter that should she fail in her duties to this family, she will be disowned and disinherited. Do I make myself clear to everyone?" Her father cut a pointed look to her mother.

  Her mother helped her out of her chair, Eva's legs
trembled.

  "Disinherited? Henri, you can't be serious. That's a bit extreme, don't you-" Her mother tried to cajole her father into relenting his harsh declarations.

  Her father stood and slammed his fist on his desk. "I mean it, Lila. She either gets married to someone who can elevate this family, or you can send her packing to your sister in Boston and we can marry her off there."

  "Henri. There's no need to shout. I understand." Her mother pushed Eva’s numb body toward the door. "I will see that your wishes are obeyed."

  "And if you don't, you will be joining your daughter in Boston."

  Her mother closed the massive library door behind them. Without one word, she pulled Eva down the hall and up the massive carved mahogany staircase her father had ordered from their family's ancestral home near the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon, near the southernmost border of France.

  Eva was in a fog of swirling fears and thoughts as her mother ushered her into her bedroom.

  "Eva. Get a hold of your emotions. This is not the time to allow your insecurities to rule your good sense. You can and you will do as your father has declared. It's for the best. Now, let's see which of these dresses will go best with your light-colored hair, the green or the blue?"

  Her mother held the dresses up to her face and studied her for a moment. "Ah, definitely the green one. I wish your eyes were a more exquisite color than just plain brown, but you got those from my side of the family so we will just have to work with what we have. Now, stand up and let's see if the alterations were successful."

  Eva stood as her mother instruction. What did she care if the dress fit?

  "Eva, darling. Stand up straight. It's too bad you have also inherited my family's curvy stature. This dress would have fit better if you were tall and willowy, like your cousins Arielle and Arianne."

  "Yes, Mother." Eva said her words by rote. It did her no good to express her opinions to either of her parents. They never listened.

  "Well, we will work with what the Good Lord gave you. Now, undress and I will call the servants to bring your bath. I'm so excited about this party, aren't you dear?"

  "Yes, Mother," she answered again. What was she going to do? She couldn't very well run away. Her father's money would track her down and bring her back. Or worse. He would send her to her aunt's house in Boston as he often threatened when she didn't fall into line with his wishes. Right now, that didn't seem half bad.

  The thought of marrying a stranger made her nauseas, but how was she going to thwart her father's plans? The only way she could avoid a marriage of his choosing was to--.

  Eva stopped short. Wait a minute.

  A brilliant thought punched its way into her befuddled mind. Eva couldn't fathom the thought of marrying a total stranger, but she would consider marriage to someone she knew. Someone she considered a trusted friend. A very dear friend, in fact. Someone she had known for most of her life. Levi Copper.

  "Did you hear what I said, Eva? Aren't you excited about tonight's party? Think about all the possibilities it holds for your future, my dear." Her mother's voice droned on and on.

  Eva finally smiled and agreed in truth this time. "Yes, Mother. I must confess I am suddenly quite focused on the possibilities."

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  Dear Reader,

  While the kids nap, I write and the Ladies Club of Laramie has been keeping me busy. Next up is the Reluctant Bride and poor Eva has a father that is meaner than a rattlesnake. Currently I’m working on The Eager bride and who can resist an Irishman.

  As a new author I would really appreciate your support by leaving a review, following me on BookBub, sign up for my newsletter and check out my Facebook page and website.

  Until next time,

  Everly West

  Wyoming rancher’s daughter, Kelly Quincy, lives as comfortable a life as any young woman in the Old West, but she wants more than to be a prairie princess. She wants to be important and to help people. But her meddling mama, one of the members of The Ladies Club of Laramie, discovers that the territorial governor and his single, eligible son is coming to town, she plans a ball and plots ways to marry Kelly off.

  Brandon Masterson is a humble sheep rancher just outside of Laramie, and in a territory where cattle is king, he is a laughingstock. Brandon is responsible for his four younger sisters, though, and is determined to make his unusual ranch a success. If only the beautiful and mischievous Kelly would stop trying to give his family charity.

  When Kelly and Brandon meet, sparks fly, just in time for Valentine’s Day. But can Brandon open his heart to love? And will Kelly’s parents accept her rebellious choice for a suitor?

  The Rebellious Bride — Click Here!

  Scandal at the Valentine Ball…

  Much to her mother’s dismay, Cora O’Brian isn’t interested in rushing to the altar. At twenty she has dreams that don’t include a husband. Even a rich man with prestige. But her mother has other plans and unfortunately, she falls right into her mothers scheme when she tries to flee the Valentine ball.

  August Moonlit’s father, the governor of Wyoming wants him to stop sowing his wild oats and settle down. With mothers shoving their eligible daughters at him, marriage is the least of his desires. Until a young woman falls into his arms with her skirt above her head and her distraught mother insists he marry the girl.

  With his feisty bride at his side, he’s determined to become his own man and not the rich aristocrat his father desires. Can two strangers overcome their anger and build a life together? Could the debutante and the spoiled rich boy be meant for one another?

  The Obstinate Bride — Click Here!

  When Jane Farnsworth confronts the local gunsmith, Michael O’Leary, shooting on her family land, he refuses to apologize and boldly displays his admiration. To make matters worse, his gaze ignites sensations she’s never felt before. Eager to marry, she hopes her future husband will make her feel the same way O’Leary does, since her parents would never approve of the handsome Irishman.

  Michael O’Leary doesn’t mind a bit of harmless flirtation with a beautiful high society woman. When he’s invited to dinner at the Farnsworth estate, he pushes his luck and steals a kiss. Though he intends to move on with his life, his stubborn heart wants something it cannot have: Jane Farnsworth.

  The Eager Bride - Click Here!

  Sweet Western Historicals

  By Everly West

  Angel Creek Christmas Brides

  Anna

  The Ladies Club of Laramie

  The Rebellious Bride

  The Obstinate Bride

  The Wagered Bride

  The Reluctant Bride —3-21-2019

  The Eager Bride — 4-11-2019

  The Bashful Bride — 5-2-2019

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  About the Author

  Everly Ann West grew up in a rodeo family in west Texas. The youngest child in a family of six kids, she developed a love of history at an early age. She started writing seriously while her kids were napping, and now that they're in school, she has time to write all the stories she's wanted to tell for years. She is supported by her own cowboy and the love of her life, who provides the inspiration for her heroes, as well as chocolate when needed.

  The End