“It would help me a great deal,” Bishop Arnold interjected. “If you were watching over Catherine, then I would feel free to mingle among the men and solicit their support. Perhaps with their support, the loss of yours won’t be so detrimental.”
Caeden knew Arnold was trying to make him feel guilty, but it wouldn’t work. If he agreed to this, it would be solely for the purpose of hearing what Catherine had to tell him.
“I will agree to accompany Catherine on one condition.” Caeden narrowed his eyes and fixed Arnold with a hard stare. “You will from this time forward leave me alone. You will not seek me out for any reason, and you will accept that I’ve no intention or obligation to marry your daughter.”
Arnold nodded. “Of course. Of course. That is perfectly acceptable.” He flashed Catherine a look that gave Caeden pause. Were they plotting something together?
“The affair begins at six. I will have a carriage, so meet us here in the lobby at a quarter till. Oh, and I will send the bellboy with the clothes you’ll need.”
“Never mind that.” Caeden wasn’t about to wear Arnold’s clothes. “I’ll purchase what I need.” He turned and headed out the doors he’d just come in. Hopefully this ordeal would be the end of his encounters with the Arnolds. But he doubted it.
The following evening the carriage awaited him just as Arnold had promised. Arnold was dressed in his black evening wear and looked refined. Catherine’s attire was hidden beneath a beautiful ivory and lavender cloak, but her blond hair had been arranged to perfection high atop her head. Caeden himself had managed to purchase a black suit—not evening wear, but it would do for the occasion.
They arrived in a crowd of other carriages and people. Caeden glanced at the mansion, noting candles in every window. The three-story house looked quite welcoming, but Caeden reminded himself of what he would have to endure throughout the evening. The large and opulent home of someone he’d never heard of might as well be a prison for the way it made him feel. He wondered why he’d ever agreed to such an affair.
“You look quite wonderful,” Catherine whispered as they entered the ballroom. Her father walked sedately ahead of them, nodding and smiling to anyone who would look his way.
“It’s amazing what money can buy.” Caeden’s tone was sarcastic, but he saw no reason to hide his feelings. “I hope you’ll finally be able to tell me what it was you wanted me to know.”
“I do too,” she replied. “But it will have to wait until Father is through introducing us around.”
Caeden grimaced. “I hope he’ll be quick about it.”
Catherine lowered her face and her voice. “Am I that much of a burden?”
He immediately felt bad for his attitude. While he despised Bishop Arnold, there was no reason to feel the same hatred for his daughter. In fact, in days gone by he’d actually enjoyed her company. Guilt stirred his conscience. Catherine was no doubt just as much a pawn in this game as he.
“I’m sorry. Let’s start over.” He’d said very little to her prior to this, not even bothering to compliment her on the beautiful gown of pale lavender silk. “You look lovely this evening, Miss Arnold. That shade is very becoming.”
She smiled a look of gratitude. “Thank you so very much. It’s kind of you to say so.”
Caeden gave her a rare smile. “I hope you’ll forgive my hostile demeanor. As you know, I had no intention of being here, but at least with you I know I won’t be bored.”
But before Catherine could reply, her father had turned to introduce them to the host of the party. After that it was one introduction after another until the musicians began to play and Caeden was able to whisk Catherine away for a waltz.
“Father will be miffed that we didn’t stay,” she said as Caeden turned her quite capably in the swirl of other dancers.
“I thought the whole idea of this evening was for me to keep you occupied so that he could see to business.”
“Of course that was part of his thoughts.”
Caeden frowned. “Surely nothing else involves me.”
“Hopefully not.”
“You are being rather mysterious. I thought you were going to explain something to me. Something about you not being of the same mind as your father.”
Catherine winced, and Caeden realized he had tightened his hold on her gloved hand. “I apologize. I find this setting to be quite distasteful, but that’s no call for me to forget my manners—or strength.”
“I want you to know that I realize the great sacrifice you have made this evening. However, I do believe it’s important. First and foremost, I have no more desire for us to marry than you do.” She smiled. “Not that you aren’t a fine catch.”
Caeden felt a wave of relief in her confession. “And the same is true of you.”
“Be that as it may,” she continued, “I am going to tell you something that you must not repeat. Father would be livid if he knew I was sharing this with you.”
Just then the music stopped. Caeden looked around as the musicians began a new tune, this one a reel. Couples began to take their places on the floor. “Why don’t we have some punch? Maybe we can slip into one of the alcoves and speak uninterrupted.”
She nodded. Caeden led her through the crowd of people. At the refreshment table he took up a cup of punch and handed it to her. He then directed her to a more private spot across the room. Once they were there, Caeden got immediately to the point.
“So what is it your father wouldn’t want me to know?”
Catherine looked almost as if she might change her mind. She took a sip of the punch and wriggled her nose. “It’s much too sweet.”
Caeden took the cup from her and set it aside. “Go on.”
She nodded. “Father is in grave financial crisis. He stands to lose everything.”
“I’m sorry about that.” Caeden frowned. He wasn’t really sorry, but what could he say? “What does this have to do with me?”
Catherine looked out toward the dancers and other people milling around the sidelines of the room. “According to my father, your father encouraged him to make some risky investments. He rather insisted, in fact. However, your father took the money and used it for his own gain. He told Father that the investments had failed, when in fact there had never been any to begin with. Father feels cheated and has threatened to make a fuss about it and tie up you and your fortune in litigation.”
“I see.”
“Caeden, as I mentioned, I have no desire to marry you. Neither do I have any desire to marry one of my father’s old cronies.” She lowered her voice. “Which will happen if my father believes I’m not going to marry you.”
“I’m sorry about that, but—”
“Please just hear me out.” She looked quite uncomfortable. “Because of your father’s forceful business dealings, my father is threatened with certain ruin. I know that you aren’t responsible for your father’s actions, but I would encourage you to find a way to help Father so that he won’t seek legal action. That would only prove bad for both of you.”
“So what is it you’re suggesting?”
Catherine met his gaze, her green eyes pleading. “Tell him that you will marry me and give him a bride-price. I know you don’t owe him for what your father did, but you can afford to be generous, and a dowry will solve his problems and keep him from marrying me off to someone else. You can insist that the engagement be long, and then after an appropriate time, you can call it off and tell him to keep the dowry. This will be beneficial to us both.”
Unfortunately, Caeden could see that what she said made sense. If he appeased Arnold and sent him back to Albany to collect the dowry, then he would be free of him for the moment. And, as Catherine said, in time they could completely break the engagement.
“I don’t like being manipulated.”
She let go a heavy breath. “Neither do I, but you know that in this day and age women have no say in their futures. Father will sell me off to the highest bidder and not care one whit tha
t he sends me to a loveless marriage. I know I don’t have any right to ask this of you, Caeden, but I am begging you to reconsider and help me.”
Caeden didn’t like the position he was being put into, but he felt sorry for Catherine. Her sincerity reminded him of Emily. What if Emily were being forced into such a position? Caeden knew there would be no need for consideration. He would help her no matter what.
“I suppose,” he began after some thought, “that it wouldn’t hurt anything if we pretended to go forward with the engagement. You’re right in saying that I can afford to give him money. Furthermore, I will have my uncle look into the situation, and if my father cheated yours, then I will see restitution is made.” He could see the relief on her face.
“However, you need to know without a doubt that I will not marry you. I don’t want a scene months from now with your tears and pleading that I misunderstood and that you cannot lose me.”
She smiled. “I assure you that won’t happen. I am in love with someone else. Father knows nothing about him, and that’s how I intend to keep it until we have the opportunity to elope. Once we’re married he will have no say in the matter.”
“So how will I know when this time comes and the engagement can be broken?”
“I will get word to you. I don’t intend to let this go on for long. Having you tell Father that you want a long engagement will ease the tension for both of us. In the meantime, I will be able to work things out. I will let you know as soon as possible. I honestly don’t think it need take longer than a month—maybe two. I believe by the time you complete your work in Washington, DC, and return to New York, we should be able to conclude this sham.”
Caeden gave a reluctant nod. “Very well. I will do this for you.”
She surprised him by embracing him. She placed a very quick, chaste kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Caeden. I know this isn’t to your liking, but you truly are a knight in shining armor to me. When shall we tell Father?”
“The sooner the better, I suppose.”
“I agree. He’s standing alone right now. Come. Let’s share the news.”
14
Bishop Arnold looked as if he might burst his vest button. He gave an enthusiastic smile to Caeden and Catherine as he joined them for breakfast the next morning.
“I must say, you two have made me the happiest of men. I knew if I could just get you alone with Catherine you would see her merits. Not only that, but at the party I met a gentleman who has offered me a great investment proposition. He’s going to join us.” Arnold picked up his napkin. “I am beyond delighted by all that has happened.” He reached out and patted Catherine’s hand. “This will be the wedding all of New York will talk about for years to come.”
Caeden refrained from speaking sarcasm and instead offered Arnold a plate of biscuits. “I don’t intend to marry her tomorrow. I prefer a lengthy engagement.” Arnold’s expression sobered. “You needn’t look downcast,” Caeden continued. “I intend for you to receive a large dowry upon your return to Albany.”
“That’s good of you,” Arnold said, nodding in approval. He took several biscuits, then passed the plate to Catherine. “And what of the original contract?”
Anger rose, but Caeden managed to stuff it back down. “I had no part in that contract and do not intend to honor it. You will receive a substantial amount of money as a bride-price, but nothing else. I’ll wire my uncle, and he will arrange the entire matter. As you know, I am to meet up with other geologists in Havre by the first, and from there I will be headed to Washington to share the findings of my research.”
“You will return to Albany for the Christmas season now, won’t you? I know Catherine will want to announce her engagement to everyone. In fact, Mrs. Arnold and I will want to host a party for just that purpose.”
Caeden frowned. “I don’t believe I can be there much earlier than Christmas itself. Perhaps it would be best to wait until after the New Year.” He cast a quick glance at Catherine, who nodded most enthusiastically.
“Yes, Father. I wouldn’t want to simply announce such an important thing at just any party. I believe we should wait until you and Mother can host a proper engagement affair. Otherwise it will lessen the importance.”
“Nonsense. Nothing could lessen the importance of you marrying one of the wealthiest men in New York. However, I do understand Caeden’s obligations. We can wait until after the New Year if that meets with your approval.”
She smiled and passed the biscuits back to Caeden without taking one. “It does. Furthermore, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from sharing the news with your business associates. I would like this to be a surprise for everyone.”
“It won’t be much of a surprise. Everyone knows you two are intended for each other and have been for several years.”
“I realize that, Father.” She reached out and placed her hand atop his. “But I ask that you do this for me.”
“Of course. It’s hard to deny you anything when I feel this happy.”
Caeden took a bite of biscuit. He was glad to have the matter resolved and happy to know that he would keep Catherine from being forced to marry someone she didn’t love. What left him less than content was the thought of leaving Emily. As he had told her and the Arnolds, he had no interest in marriage. At least he hadn’t when he’d come to Montana. Now, however, he couldn’t put Emily from his mind. Perhaps once he’d concluded his business with the government, he would return to New York City, speak with the gemstone expert, and then make his way back to Montana. He liked the area well enough, and if it meant he might be able to properly court Emily, he liked it all the more.
“Oh, here’s a man I want you to meet,” Arnold declared, getting to his feet. Caeden did the expected thing and rose as well.
“We met last night, and I must say this man has given me much to consider. Caeden Thibault, meet Septimus Singleton.” He looked at Singleton. “This young man is the head of Thibault Industries in New York.”
Caeden was well familiar with the newcomer’s name. “Mr. Singleton.” He shook the man’s hand. “Won’t you join us?”
Singleton seemed more than a little pleased. He quickly pulled out a chair as if fearful Caeden might change his mind. “I am happy to make your acquaintance.”
Once they were all seated again, Caeden motioned for the waitress. She came to the table and took Singleton’s order before the conversation began again.
“I had the good fortune to connect with Mr. Singleton at the dance last night,” Arnold began. “He told me about some investments I might consider.”
Caeden figured the investments had something to do with the mining claims Singleton had been buying. “I see.” He continued to eat his breakfast. “I hope they will work well for you.”
“I think you’ll find it all quite interesting,” Bishop Arnold continued. “Mr. Singleton has just come from the same area in which you’ve been working these last months.”
Caeden saw Singleton’s brows come together just before he lowered his head to cough. The announcement had obviously made him uneasy.
“I have heard Mr. Singleton’s name mentioned in the Utica and Yogo City areas. I believe you’ve been busy buying gold mines.”
Singleton’s head shot up. “Keep it down, Mr. Thibault, I beg you. We don’t need to announce this to the world.” He looked around the room as if to ascertain if they’d been overheard.
“As Mr. Arnold said, I’ve been around those areas since late summer. I’m a geologist working for the government.”
“Singleton is looking for investors,” Arnold announced. He poured a healthy portion of gravy over his biscuits. “He cannot shoulder all of the responsibility himself, and given the abundance he’s already discovered, I am quite intrigued.”
Caeden could see that Singleton looked uncomfortable. “So you believe the claims are that good? In my investigation of the area, I didn’t find any large deposits of”—he lowered his voice—“gold.”
“It
’s there, I assure you,” Singleton quickly countered. He fidgeted with his napkin. “I have . . . had good results. There is quality ore to be had. I’ve already made quite a fortune.”
“Then why would you want investors?” Caeden smiled. “It seems you would want to keep the profits from this yourself.”
“Oh, I do. And I have. However, there will be more than enough to go around once the main vein is revealed, which should be any day now. I’m not a greedy man.” He smiled at Arnold. “Once the main vein is discovered, there will be more gold than one man can manage. Of course, I have already hired several men to assist me in the actual work. I believe good fortune should be shared.”
Caeden would have laughed, but that would have spoiled any chance of revealing the man’s deception. “I believe there have been several gold strikes in that area over the last score of years. What makes you think you will be the one to finally reveal the main vein?”
“Because I have already taken a large amount of gold from the claims I have.” Singleton puffed out his chest. “And I have a nose for these things. I always have.”
The waitress brought his food. “Will there be anything else?”
Caeden looked to the others. “I don’t believe so. Gentlemen? Catherine?”
They all agreed they were fine. The waitress nodded, then hurried to another table where new guests had just taken their seats.
Bishop Arnold jumped right in. “I’m quite excited about the possibilities.”
“Mining is a very uncertain thing.” Caeden offered the warning even knowing Arnold wouldn’t listen. Singleton quickly dug into his breakfast and ate in silence while Arnold continued the conversation.
“There are risks in every investment. I believe in checking these things out thoroughly, however. That is why I have agreed to accompany Mr. Singleton to Utica.”
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