“We’ll have to see if the fog burns off.” Linnie smiled at the face her brother made. “Look. If we aren’t able to go there, then maybe we can go to the Central Ampitheater. There is a Wild West show in town.”
Freddie jumped up and down in excitement. At ten, he was still boy enough to not repress his excitement. Linnie laughed, her mood lightened as he launched himself into her arms hugging her with all his might.
“Maybe we can get a picture with one of the Indian chiefs or cowboys!”
Freddie loved the stories of cowboys and Indians he read in his growing collection of dime novels. Despite all the sadness in the past few years, Freddie had stayed a positive, happy boy. Linnie and her mother worried that he didn’t have enough male influence in his life. Before his death, her cousin had been very close to Freddie, taking him sailing and being there to help usher him into manhood. But now, thanks to one man’s greed, she thought, tragedy had struck her family again, and her brother had lost another man in his life. One more reason to bring Vonn to justice.
Her brother was still talking.
“I’m sorry, Freddie.” Linnie realized she hadn’t heard a word.
Tilting his head and heaving a big sigh, he repeated what he had said. “Sis! I said even if the weather clears, I’d rather go to the Wild West show instead of the park.”
Looking into the sparkling green eyes surrounded by freckles, she knew she’d do whatever she could to make this little boy happy.
“Cowboys and Indians it is! Now let me get dressed, and let’s see if Mama wants to go with us.”
Freddie let out a whoop and rushed over, wrapping her in a tight hug once more before dashing out of the room, yelling for their mother.
Laughing, Linnie closed her door and dressed.
• • •
Linnie and Freddie were finishing cleaning the breakfast dishes before they left for the show, when they heard someone knocking at the front door. Moments later, Martha came back into the kitchen.
“Linnie, you have a visitor.”
“Looking at your expression, I’m guessing it’s not someone from the paper or maybe Pru.”
“No.” Martha smiled.
Sighing, Linnie removed her apron and hung it on the hook by the pantry, smoothed down her skirt, and headed to the parlor. She had a pretty good idea who her visitor was. Why wouldn’t the confounded man take the hint and stay away? She didn’t need his help on this case, and the more time she spent with him, the more worried she was becoming about her feelings. I don’t want to be hurt again, she thought. He’s only here for a short time, I’m not in his social circles, and there is no future no matter how attractive the thought might be. Wait! She stopped, the last thought coursing through her like an electric shock. Pinching the bridge of her nose between her thumb and forefinger, she lightly rubbed, trying to slow the thoughts flying through her mind like a murmuration of starlings, flitting and flowing without direction. When had she even remotely begun thinking of Lord MacCairn in those terms? Yes, it was nice to have a man show the care and concern for her well-being, but she’d meant it last night when she’d told all of them that this was her investigation. Her fight.
She stood up, squared her shoulders, determined to end this, and walked into the parlor. Opening the door, ready to speak her mind, she stopped, her mouth closing with a snap, realizing her visitor was not Alec. It was Kara. Linnie admired the simple yet striking day dress she was wearing. The silk moiré bodice looked like a blouse and jacket with a long peplum; a satin vestee with a high lace collar emphasized her long neck. The sleeves stopped just below her elbows and were trimmed with velvet ribbon and beautiful enamel buttons. The skirt was a rich cream-colored satin with an embroidered overlay and more velvet trim. Linnie, the society reporter, wanted to take a photograph of the outfit and the striking woman wearing it. The simplicity, no bustles or outsized mutton sleeves, spoke of comfort and utility. Simple cowgirl? She scoffed mentally. No, this woman was a trendsetter.
“I adore your dress, Lady Stoneham.” She entered the parlor and indicated a chair for her guest and sat on the settee across from her.
“Please, I told you last night, I’m just Kara. I know it’s not normal to just show up at someone’s house, and I hope you’ll forgive the intrusion, but I know last night ended badly, and I felt I must come to apologize.”
“Lady … Kara. It’s not necessary.” Linnie was unsettled that Kara had felt it necessary to travel here to her home. “I was upset, yes, but as I said last night, it’s not your responsibility to get involved.”
“I understand. I do.” Kara stood and walked over to the settee, sitting next to Linnie and taking her hands. Smiling, she looked her square in the eyes. “I know you think we are intruding, but you have to look at it from Alec’s point of view. He was attacked. It’s not something he’s going to let go unanswered. One thing I have learned in the past months with these stubborn Scotsmen is once they decide to pursue a course of action, not even a bullet can stop them.”
Linnie remembered the story Kara had told of the man who attacked her and how her husband had been shot trying to protect her. “I also recognize that it’s probably in your nature to want to do this on your own.” Smiling, she tilted her chin up. “You and I are very alike in that respect. I grew up doing things most women would never have dreamed of doing or wanting to do. For me, it’s how I am true to myself. The only way I was willing to marry Hawke was if he could respect that part of my nature and not try to change me.” Her eyes twinkled with merriment. “It took some wrangling and many arguments, but as hidebound as these Scotsmen seem on the surface, underneath they are both very progressive in regard to women’s rights.”
“That’s wonderful, but again, that has nothing to do with me or what I am trying to do.” Linnie wondered where this odd conversation was going.
“In fact, it does.” Kara smiled. “Alec will go after this Vonn person with or without you. It’s a matter of honor to him.” Linnie felt a tightening on her hands as Kara continued, “You already have information about the whole affair. You can work with Alec, and done right, you’ll be able to use his ability to go places you, as a woman, cannot to continue your investigation.”
Linnie remembered Pru had said the same thing. She considered the ramifications of Kara’s statement. It was true that she had been unable to find important answers because she couldn’t or wouldn’t go to certain areas of the city. But doubt still lingered.
“That’s a valid point, but I don’t know how long this could take, and I doubt you want to stay in San Francisco indefinitely.”
The door burst open, interrupting them as Freddie came dashing in. “Linnie! Are we going to go? I don’t want to miss any of …” He skidded to a stop, seeing his sister had company. “I’m sorry. I …” His face was turning red as he sputtered. Linnie knew their mother worked hard to instill proper manners in her son, and she saw Freddie struggle.
“It’s all right, Freddie. This is Lady Stoneham. Kara, may I present my brother, Fredrick.”
Kara laughed as she held out her hand to the young man who rushed up, and shook it enthusiastically. Kara extracted her hand, smiling at the young man. “It’s a pleasure. Am I keeping you and your sister from an appointment?”
Freddie shifted from foot to foot. “Well, you see, we were going to go to the Wild West show, and it starts soon, and I didn’t want to miss the opening when all the cowboys and Indians and bad guys and animals come out!” Gulping air excitedly, he smiled shyly.
“Well, Fredrick, I certainly wouldn’t want you to miss any part of that!” Kara couldn’t keep the laughter from her voice. “Who is your favorite—the cowboys, Indians, or the sharpshooters?”
“Oh, I like them all! I really like when they bring the cows in and show how the cowboys rope and wrangle them. His eyes shone with excitement.
“Freddie, you might not believe this, but Kara grew up on a ranch.” Linnie chuckled as her brother looked at her, mouth open in dis
belief. “Nah. You’re just joshin’ with me, sis.”
“She’s right.” Kara stood, shaking out her skirts. “Growing up, I went out and wrangled cattle with the men. I can rope and brand and …” She leaned down and whispered, “I even wear men’s pants, ride astride, and carry a six-shooter.”
Linnie thought Freddie was going to die of shock at Kara’s revelations. His eyes were big as saucers as he sputtered in disbelief.
“If you would allow,” Kara continued, “I would love to come with you to the show. Being a rancher’s daughter, I might be able to get you an introduction to some of the cowboys.” She winked at Linnie. “Being the wife of British nobility doesn’t hurt either!”
Freddie ran to his sister. She could feel him vibrating with excitement. “Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh! Linnie, can she come? Can she? Please, please, please!”
“I would love to have her accompany us.” Linnie looked over at Kara. “You’re sure you don’t have any other appointments?”
“No. Not at all. I do need to send a message to the hotel to let Hawke know where I’ll be. Or we could stop by the hotel on our way.”
Freddie bounced from foot to foot, waiting as Linnie gathered her hat, gloves, and purse, and then he gripped her hand, dragging her out the door
Chapter 11
Alec looked up from the papers he was reviewing as the door to the suite opened. His brows pulled down in disbelief as Miss Ellsworth came through the door with Kara. More startling was the young boy practically bouncing by her side.
“This is a surprise,” he said, standing as they came farther into the room. “And who is this young man?”
“This is Fredrick, my brother.” Linnie turned to her brother. “Freddie, this is Lord MacCairn. He is from Scotland, as is Lady Stoneham’s husband.”
Alec stifled a chuckle as the boy turned to him. “You’re really big! Do you have one of those big swords? Do you wear a kilt and play bagpipes?”
“Freddie!” Linnie flushed at her impulsive sibling. “Really! Where are your manners?”
Kara was hiding her laughter behind her hand while Alec looked from sister to brother, amusement bubbling in his chest.
Ach, laddie, yer a wee ball of fire.” Alec thickened his accent and drew himself up to appear even larger. “But to answer your questions: I’m not as big as Lady Kara’s husband, so watch out. Those big swords are called claymores, and there are many in my family. I have a kilt, but I didn’t bring it with me. And no, I don’t play the pipes, but my family has a piper.” Alec stepped toward Freddie, extending his hand to the boy, who took it tentatively then shook it vigorously. “Now, tell me lad, why have you and the lovely ladies come to visit me today?”
“Oh, we’re here to let you and Hawke know that we are attending the Wild West show,” Kara said. “Young Freddie is an avid fan of cowboys and Indians.”
Alec looked at Freddie. “Well, you have certainly picked the right person to be with. Lady Kara can ride and shoot better than any of the other cowboys I met at her ranch.”
Freddie’s jaw dropped as he swiveled his head back and forth, looking from Alec to Kara in disbelief. “Linnie said she grew up on a ranch, and Lady Stoneham said she could ride and shoot, but I thought they were ’zagerating.”
“Trust me, lad.” Alec smiled at Kara. “There was no exaggeration.”
“I’ll say not.” Hawke entered the room, walked over to his wife, and kissed her on the cheek. Nodding to Alec and Linnie, he turned to Freddie who was busy looking back and forth at the two giants in the room.
“Freddie,” Alec nodded toward Hawke, “I told you he was bigger than me. And he has a claymore too.”
“Aye, laddie.” Hawke leaned over, his brogue thick. “And she’s sharp as a barber’s razor.”
Freddie backed up closer to his sister.
“So you ladies and the young gentlemen are off on adventures?” Alec looked at Hawke. “I’m sure young master Fredrick can provide safe escort for the ladies, but, Hawke, what do you say? How does an afternoon of watching cowboys and Indians sound to you?”
“I’d be honored to escort the ladies and help the braw lad.” Hawke laughed as he walked over and took his and Alec’s coats and hats from the rack. “Shall we?”
• • •
Linnie couldn’t remember ever seeing Freddie so happy. The Wild West show had been a big hit, primarily because of the two men ahead of her flanking her brother. Alec and Hawke asked Freddie questions about the show, bought him popcorn and warm roasted peanuts, and generally made him the center of the day. Kara had explained to the boy what was happening when the cowboys came out and showed off their roping tricks and even promised to show him how to throw a rope. After the show, Kara, true to her word, took them backstage and introduced Freddie to some of the cowboys who showed him some tricks. She told him several of the performers had worked her father’s ranch before they joined the show. He was over the moon. It was a perfect day. Walking behind the men, she watched Alec without him seeing her. Guard down, she sighed.
“They are something, aren’t they?” Kara’s words cut through her reverie. “Oh don’t worry,” Kara said, laying her hand on Linnie’s arm. “I understand completely. Believe me. I tried as hard as a girl can to not be attracted to Hawke when I met him—but once he decided that I was the one for him, there was nothing I could do to resist. And honestly,” she leaned over, smiling, “after that first kiss, I didn’t want to. You can trust Alec with your heart. He won’t hurt you.”
Linnie didn’t know what to say. Her heart? When had her heart become involved?
Looking up, she realized the men were waiting just ahead, and Alec was holding Freddie in his arms. The exhausted youngster had his head on Alec’s shoulder and an arm flung round his neck. Hurrying to them she reached to take him from Alec.
“It’s all right,” Alec said, his voice low, cradling the little boy gently.
“But his hands are sticky, and he’ll ruin your suit.”
“It’s just cloth, lass. It’ll clean. Let me help you get him home.”
Nodding, Linnie thanked Kara and Hawke for coming with them. Turning back, she was struck by how naturally Alec held the boy and how right it seemed. Her heart melted seeing him stroke Freddie’s hair lightly as they walked to the trolley car.
“Poor baby.” Linnie smiled at the small boy, still asleep, as Alec walked toward her front door. He hadn’t woken the entire ride home.
The sun had set, and the street lamps were lit when they reached the house. Martha opened the door and took the sleepy boy from Alec’s arms.
Linnie took a deep breath, stepped into the foyer, and turned back. “Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?” The soft smile Alec gave her sent her nerves fluttering.
“Thank you.” Alec followed her into the parlor. “I can still feel the warmth of the lad on my shoulder. I haven’t held a bairn in my arms for a long time.”
“You like children?”
“Aye.” Alec stepped closer, forcing Linnie to tilt her head back to see his face. She couldn’t read his expression, and her traitorous heart pounded. “I want a houseful.” She felt his fingers stroke her cheek as he bent down, holding her fixed with a velvet touch. “Beautiful girls with sunset in their hair, and boys with mischief in their eyes.” His hand reached up and cupped her cheek as he leaned down, still holding her gaze. His lips brushed hers, just a whisper of a touch, before he drew back, asking permission with his eyes.
Linnie’s heart leapt, and she leaned in. He bent his head again, eyes still open. She could feel the heat and desire pulsing through his body as he stepped closer, but still their lips did not meet. Her heart pounded harder, the anticipation fueling her desire. Reaching up, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. “Kiss me.” Their mouths met, locking like magnets unable to resist force. All thoughts flew from her head as he mastered her mouth, asking, then demanding, her lips to open to his questing tongue.
China rattled a warni
ng from the kitchen, and Linnie broke the kiss, stepping back, bumping into the settee. She landed with an unladylike plop, her mind whirling, unable and unwilling to look at Alec. Her face flamed, knowing her mother was aware of what had transpired. If she could crawl into the settee and disappear, she would feel better. What had come over her? She was in her parlor, behaving like she was in a boudoir!
She felt his fingers, firm and warm, caressing her cheek, sliding down to her jaw, drawing her face up.
“Don’t.” His eyes were warm and his smile comforting. “Don’t be ashamed. We are both adults, with desires and an amazing attraction to one another. What is wrong with that?”
Martha walked in with the tea tray, saving Linnie from an answer she did not have.
Chapter 12
Walking to her desk Monday morning, Linnie felt as confused and conflicted about Alec and his involvement in her life as when she had left Friday. Arrgh, she thought, this is getting me nowhere. I need to get on with it. She noticed a parcel—small, neatly wrapped with a bright red ribbon topping it off—as she got closer to her desk. A shiver of unease danced along her spine. She didn’t know why, but she knew deep in her gut she would not like what she found inside. Standing next to her desk, rapidly tapping her fingers on the scratched and faded wood, she wondered what to do.
“Hey, Linnie, what’d you get?” Samuel walked up with the mail cart.
“Did you put it on my desk?” Fear curled through her as Samuel shook his head. “Nope. This is my first trip up here this morning. You might check with the reception desk downstairs.” Smiling, he moved on, delivering mail to the other desks and chatting happily with the staff.
Picking up the box, Linnie could feel the contents inside sliding around. It wasn’t heavy. Dread clawed at her as she stared at the innocent-looking package. Looking around, she saw everyone else working at their desks unaware of her terror. Shaking, she sat down still clutching the package.
The Heart You Need Page 5