by Carré White
“Not when you have servants who share information like this. I don’t think I’ll ever trust Mrs. Dexter again.”
“She can remain here when we go. I’ve my own household staff.”
“Everyone will be out of a job then.”
“Severance pay and a recommendation should do it.”
I continued to stare at the letter, amazed by it.
He took it from me. “Never mind that. It’s over.”
“Are you not sad he’s gone?”
“I am. I’ll grieve for some time, but I’ve you to distract me.” He kissed my cheek. “I’ve his blessing to take care of you, and I shall.”
I gazed into his eyes, feeling a rush of warmth. “I can’t believe I’m married to you.”
“You are.”
“Will you really love this baby as your own?”
“I most certainly will.”
“Truly?”
“He shall remind me of my father every day. Something in that old man will live on.”
“You’re his son. You live on. And, what if I have a girl?”
“She’ll be as beautiful as her mother.” I longed to kiss him properly, but I did not want the servants to see. He seemed to sense my emotions, saying, “Let’s go up.”
“All right. There’s some time before supper.”
“Hours,” he chuckled. “More than enough time.” He took my hand, leading me to the stairs.
In the bedroom, I turned to look at him, feelings I had struggled to suppress bubbling to the surface. He drew me near, his lips on mine. I was his wife now; therefore, I felt no hesitancy whatsoever kissing him with equal fervor. He grasped my face, savaging my mouth, nearly bruising my lips. We stumbled towards the bed, landing in a heap, his lips never breaking the contact.
“I want to take you to Europe.”
“You do?” I sounded breathless. “When?”
“After the baby’s born. I bought a villa for you after all. You should see it. It’s called Villa Trinity.”
I giggled, “Oh, my.”
“I’ve finished your sonata as well.”
“I’m sure you have.”
“Although, I think it’s far too melancholy now. I wrote it in the midst of a great depression.”
“Nate.”
“I’ll write another soon enough. It’ll be the antidote to the first. I have an inkling I’ll be quite changed by you.”
“Changed?”
“I’ve not been the same since our first meeting.” He lay on his side with his head in the palm of his hand, his eyes on me. “You’ve changed me forever. You made me feel so many different, sometimes harrowing emotions. Do you know why I didn’t come for Christmas?”
“Why?”
“I couldn’t bear to be here and see you with him. I truly wanted to kidnap you and take you away. I was so close to it. Driven straight to the edge.”
“I thought about you a great deal too.”
“I miss my father; I always will. I never expected to fall in love with his wife, but … I did.”
I touched his face. “I love you. I can say it now without the guilt.”
“I adore you, Trinity. I feel such contentment in your presence. It’s like nothing I’ve ever known.”
“We’re free to be together now.”
“Yes.”
“But we shouldn’t have married so sudden. That was … scandalous.”
“I disagree. I don’t plan to spend another night alone. I’m going to make love to you soon and every night … forever.”
“Oh, Nate.” I held him in my arms, my heart so full it threatened to burst wide open.
The lonely orphan had finally found her place, the promise of a full, happy life filling the void created so long ago. I was at last—indeed—happy.
The End
Preview of Madeline
I wasn’t usually this obstinate and disobedient, but I needed to know if Jared Stott had escaped and robbed us, although I doubted he had.
“Gordon,” pa barked. “Take my wife and daughter home.” He glared at me. “This is foolish, Madeline, but if you’re so determined to expose yourself to the seedy element of Denver, then far be it from me to stop you. I’ve a million things to do tonight, and arguing with you is not one of them.”
The social had been ruined, the house guests robbed, and my necklace ripped from my person in a despicable manner, but I felt a strange twinge of elation, my booted feet keeping up with the steps of the men, as we made our way towards Blake Street. Everyone had to walk home, although a few people managed to find their horses, the animals grazing in the yards of houses.
Piano music from a saloon spilled out onto the street, the drinking establishment riotous at this time of night, as was the brothel. Vice of every sort blinded men and robbed them of their hard-earned money, yet they were committed to wasting themselves in this manner. As a group, we drew quite a bit of attention, pa leading the pack, holding a pistol in his hand. Reaching the boardwalk, we strode towards the jail, passing the grocers and the Ladies’ Emporium. Closed signs hung in the windows, the curtains having been drawn.
“Keep a lookout, Travis. I don’t know if we’re bein’ watched or not or if the bandits left town. Tell Parker and John to saddle up. We’ll scour every inch of the city to find them.”
“Yes, sir.”
Several men darted down the alleyway to the livery, doing as pa asked, while we stepped into the building, finding Clyde behind the desk. He wore a pair of spectacles, reading a book.
“H-hello, sir. I wasn’t expecting you tonight.”
“We’ve had … an incident. The Emery household was robbed, including members of my family. How are the prisoners?”
“Asleep, sir. It’s been as quiet as a church.”
Pa reached for the door to the cellblock. “That remains to be seen.” Lighting a lantern, he turned on his heel. “Samuel and Madeline may come, but I want Winston and Cameron with me.”
“Yes, Pa.” I felt a ping of excitement.
“I don’t like this one bit.”
“Everything seems to be in order here,” said Winston. “It’s quiet, just like Clyde said.”
“Well, if you’re having a jail break, it’s best to do it quietly, isn’t it?” asked Cameron. “I’ll go first. You follow.” Withdrawing a gun, he stepped into the darkened hallway, wandering past sleeping prisoners.
Pa’s lantern illuminated the space, and I saw men on wooden benches against the wall, their eyes closed. Having reached Jared’s cell, he slept with a thin blanket, his head resting in the crook of his arm.
“Get up, Mr. Stott,” said pa.
“Huh?” Jared’s eyes flew open. “What?” Disoriented, he squinted at the light, his hair messy. “I have visitors,” he drawled. “How nice.”
Pa tried the door, finding it locked. “He’s been here.” He glanced at me. “You say you saw his twin tonight?”
“I did.”
Jared got to his feet, approaching. “Hello, darlin’. This is three times in one day. I’m flattered.” His sleepy eyes drifted over me. “Don’t you look lovely all dressed up. I didn’t know you had red hair. That’s what you were hiding beneath that yellow bonnet.”
Pa ignored him, saying, “Either you’ve had too much brandy, or you need to start explaining yourself, Madeline.”
“I saw a man tonight who looked just like him.”
“Darling, they all wore bandanas.” Samuel frowned at Jared. “Don't come any closer, you wastrel.”
“You’ve arrested an innocent man. My only crime is looking like my brother. He might be older than me by ten minutes, but that doesn’t make me a criminal. I’m hardly a wastrel. You took my money when you arrested me. I expect to get it back. Every last cent.” There was an edge to his tone.
“The man at the party had the same eyes. I know I’m right. When I called him Jared, he looked frazzled. He knew the name. I told him his brother’s in jail. They are two different men.”
“Well, this one didn’t rob the party, that’s for certain,” said pa, his hands on his hips.
“No, I didn’t.” Jared stared at my father. “You’ve got the wrong man. My brother’s the robber. I’m sorry you were victimized tonight. I apologize on behalf of my dastardly sibling.”
“They are two different men.” I grasped at pa’s shirtsleeve. “Did you send a telegraph to the authorities back east?”
“I have, but I’ve heard nothing yet.”
“Sir, I … ” Jared grinned impishly. “I’m mighty pleased to see Madeline again … so soon. I want to ask if you’ll allow me to marry her, sir.”
Pa’s mouth fell open. “What?”
“Never mind then. Do I have permission to court her?” A twinkle flashed in his eye.
“I’m not having this discussion!” he barked. “I’ve robbers to apprehend. Excuse me.” Pa stomped down the hallway towards the door, slamming it behind him.
Jared approached the bars, grinning. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Miss Ashton.”
A fist flew through the air, having originated from Samuel. The closed hand snuck between the bars, landing on Jared’s face, sending him to the floor with a loud thump.
“Samuel!” I gasped. “What on earth!” Jared held his nose, blood escaping between the fingers. “Why’d you do that?”
“I’ll not have some lowlife looking at my girl.” He glared, his nostrils flaring. “She’s not yours to do anything with!”
“I can’t believe you’d be so violent.” My stomach dropped, falling to the floor. “How could you? He’s done nothing to you.” Jared had yet to get up, sitting with his booted feet before him, holding his nose, while watching us. “He’s not even a robber. They got the wrong man.”
Winston left us, although he came back with a bucket and a cloth. “Excuse, me folks. Stand back.” He unlocked the cell, stepping inside.
I followed at once, kneeling before Jared, who stared at me. “Give me that.” I took the cloth from Winston, dunking it in the bucket.
“We’ll have no more violence tonight, Mr. Hardy.” Winston glared at Samuel. “The prisoner’s status has yet to be determined. As far as we know, his only crime is looking like someone else. I’ve seen enough over the years to know the difference between the drunks and the criminals, none of which Mr. Stott may be.”
I wrung out the cloth. “Here, let me see.”
A pained smile emerged. “It’s not like I’ve never had it broken before.”
“You’ve blood all over your shirt now.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” griped Samuel. “Why are you bothering with this idiot? You don’t need to tend to him, Madeline. This is ridiculous. I’ll not have my fiancée cavorting with a infamous blackguard.”
“We shall have a discussion about this later, Samuel. Why don’t you wait for me in the office?” I sounded stern, yet my voice trembled slightly, Jared’s nearness producing a belly full of nervous knots.
“I’ll do no such thing. You’re coming with me right this moment, Madeline. Step away from him!”
“You heard the lady,” said Winston, rallying to my defense. “She’s seeing to an injury. Mr. Stott did not deserve to have his nose broken. I do believe you owe this man an apology.”
“The hell I will!” Anger blazed in Samuel’s eyes, his hands clenching at his sides. “This hardly makes any sense. I don’t think I like it one bit.”
“Then wait for me in the office.” I dabbed at Jared’s nose, which continued to bleed. “I’ll be there directly, as soon as I’m done here.”
“You’re no nursemaid. This man needs nothing from you.”
Jared, who had been quiet, lifted his chin, defiance written all over his face. “You’re a spoiled little boy. You wouldn’t know how to handle a passionate redhead, son. She’d get the better of you each and every time, either that, or you’d beat the fire right out of her, and that would be a shame.”
Samuel lunged again, although Winston stopped him. “That’s enough! Out with you!”
The commotion woke the entire cellblock, the other prisoners watching with interest, peering through dull metal bars. Winston escorted Samuel down the hallway, despite his protests. I realized he had left the door unlocked, an avenue of escape ripe for the taking. All Jared had to do was spring to his feet and leave by the back door. I wondered why he continued to sit on the cold stone floor.
“You’re not seriously going to marry that buffoon, are you?”
I dabbed at his nose. “It’s none of your concern.”
His hand closed around my wrist. “Three times in one day. I’m a lucky man.”
“Your nose is broken. You’ll have black eyes tomorrow. You need ice.”
“Your concern for my well-being is … heartening.”
I sat back on my heels. “Why aren’t you escaping? The door’s wide open.”
“I’ve nothin’ to hide. I’ve never robbed anyone in my life. I’m not in the habit of running. I came here for a fresh start. I … ” he grimaced, touching his nose, “Lord, that hurts.”
“Mr. Hardy’s waiting in the office.” Winston had returned, carrying another lantern. Jared hadn’t moved an inch, sitting on the floor, with splatters of blood on the stone before him. “How’s the patient?”
“He really could use some ice, Winston. I know you don’t care about the prisoners, but I do. Can I get him some from the ice house?”
He sighed, leaning against the frame of the door. “I suppose. You seem awfully fond of Mr. Stott, Madeline.”
“She kissed him today,” said the man across the way. “I’d sure like it if a sassy little lass would come kiss me.”
“Oh, shut up!” Winston snapped. “I’ll get him some ice. You sit tight.”
Alone again with Jared, and an open door, I stared at the blood around his nose. “Does it hurt now?”
He smiled, grimacing. “It’s all right. If I’d known I’d get you to myself, I would’ve broken it earlier.”
I grinned. “You’re … ” I couldn’t get the words out, not even knowing what I wanted to say.
“I’m what?”
Being this close to him, I inhaled his manly scent, laced with whatever cologne or soap he used, hints of cedar wood and lavender lingering. Those eyes, so light and intriguing, the color of cold steel, had my full attention. He leaned nearer, his expression suddenly intense.
“I’m really happy to see you again, Madeline Ashton.” His lips brushed my cheek, sending a shiver straight through me. “You look fetching in that dress. I’m sorry I ruined it.”
I glanced at the blood splatters. “It doesn’t matter.”
A door slammed behind us, a shadow falling into the room. “Well, this is a strange excuse for a jail. Who leaves the door wide open?”
I glanced over my shoulder, seeing the bandit who had robbed me earlier today. “Tom Stott.”
He grinned. “In the flesh. Hello, little brother. You look like somebody smashed your face in.” His attention lingered on me. “I had no idea the jails around here had such pretty nurses. I’m liable to let myself get caught just to be administered to.”
Jared wasn’t surprised to see his brother, getting to his feet. “At long last. A family reunion. The venue couldn’t be more fitting.”
“It is indeed, but we’re going to have to take a rain check on the celebration. Are you coming with me or would you like to stay here and wait till they hang you?”
“I suppose I should, seein’ they think I’m a notorious train robber. I’m not too keen on dangling from a noose in the town square.”
Alarmed by these developments, I realized I might never see Jared again, my spirits plummeting. “I suppose this is goodbye then.”
Although bruised and battered, with a swollen nose and lip, he looked handsome, grinning. “No, sweetheart. We’ll meet again.” He brushed past me, his hand on my shoulder. “You’ve been a pearl. I’m sorry my brother robbed you and your friends. I’ll return that property t
o you, honey. I swear I will.”
“Time to skedaddle,” said Tom. “It’s now or never.”
Jared’s attention lingered on me, regret etched into the lines between his eyes.
Tom grabbed his arm. “For Pete’s sake. Out you go!” He pulled him from the cell, the men hurrying for the back door.
The prisoner had escaped. I had watched him go, and done nothing to stop it. I would never see Jared Stott again. I wondered when Winston would return, dreading it.
The man in the next cell laughed obnoxiously, “You’ll be all right, girly. He’ll be back. Then you can make sweet, sweet love.” He grinned, revealing a toothless smile. Then he mimicked kissing noises.
I rolled my eyes, as a nervous, embarrassed laugh escaped me, but I knew I was in trouble, in more ways than one.
End of Preview
Brides of the Rockies
Preview of Crystabelle
It would be another two hours before the first of the travelers reached the river, our wagon being further down the line. Before anyone attempted to cross, we left our wagons, marching towards where Mr. McKinney and his men were, in discussion with several other men. The women stood near the banks of the waterway, their children tossing rocks in. Alarmed by the swiftness of the current, a moment of panic raced through me.
“Oh, my stars. This can’t be good.”
Mr. Cooper eyed the water, his expression displeased. “I’m not certain there’s an easier crossing. This seems to be the shallowest part.”
More of a flood than a river, the violence of the current had torn trees from its banks, the wood floating and bouncing downstream, disappearing around the bend.
I heard Laurence say, “I’ve been through worse. It’s not impossible, but we need to secure all belongings, including children. The last thing I want to do is drag a dead body out of this mess. It’s muddy and thick, like milk porridge. I can’t make out the bottom in the least.”
“We guide each wagon across, boss,” said Levi. “It’s one at a time. It’s the only way we can do this.”
“I agree.” Laurence glanced at the worried faces of the travelers. “We got no choice, folks. We gotta cross. We gotta cross now. Secure your things. Mind your children. Who’s first? Any volunteers?”