Rachel (Bride Brigade Book 5)

by Caroline Clemmons

  “That’s nice of you to say, Boss. I just brung a stack of receipts over and put them in the box on Miss Rachel’s desk. Folks are already bringing in things for us to take to Fort Worth. Told ’em we ain’t going out ’til Mick and Ken are healed up but they don’t care.”

  “Fine with me. We have the storage space.” Zane took her left hand in his and showed Buck her engagement ring. “I have one that fits around it for the wedding.”

  Bucks face split with a wide smile. “Congratulations, Boss. Mary Margaret told me she’d seen Miss Rachel’s ring. We’re right happy for both of you.”

  Rachel smiled at the large man. “Thank you.” She knew she blushed but she’d never been so happy. If only Mrs. Hubbard’s accusation didn’t hang over her and threaten to ruin her new life.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Rachel stacked the new receipts in the wooden box. “I’d better go to Lydia’s and help with preparations. I’ll see you in the morning.” She stashed the ledger in a drawer.

  “Wait until I talk with Buck then I’ll walk you home.”

  “No, please don’t trouble yourself. I know you’re eager to go with him to check the new freight.” She picked up her purse and waved goodbye.

  The sun shone brightly as she walked through town. Her spirits lifted and she moved with a jaunty step. She was midway when Mrs. Hubbard stepped out of the mercantile.

  The woman balled her fist and shook it at Rachel. “You have your nerve parading through town as if butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth. Scandalous, that’s what it is, you thief.”

  “You know very well I have not stolen anything. I wasn’t in your house long enough to find anything to steal.”

  “Of course you’d deny the crime. Think you’re clever, don’t you? I’ll bet you’re in cahoots with that darkie and that greaser down there to sell my necklace.”

  Anger ignited a fire in her belly. Hands on her hips, she slowly advanced on Mrs. Hubbard. “Don’t you dare talk like that about women you haven’t bothered to get to know. My friends have names, Ruby Cooper and Guadalupe Alvarez. Bad enough that you’ve spread falsehoods about me, but don’t you slander the good names of my friends.”

  Her face red, Mrs. Hubbard backed up a step for every one Rachel took toward her. “You have no right to speak that way to me. Consorting with riff raff down at the freight office.”

  “For your information, their husbands and Ken Hill almost died bringing you your stupid birdcage. They risk their lives every trip so show them the respect they deserve. And, don’t disrespect their wives either. Any one of them is worth ten of you.”

  The other woman narrowed her already beady eyes. “You little snip. I’ll bet all you girls at the Harrison place are no more than adventuresses. Why else would you come to this town? That Lydia Harrison thinks she’s better than the rest of us, lording it over us in that fancy house and having parties so she can flaunt her wealth.”

  “Why, you old harridan. How dare you speak that way about Lydia Harrison, who is one of the finest people I’ve ever met. You have no idea how many people she helps. And the young women she brought are lovely individuals who only want a home and a family.” Rachel shook her finger at her opponent. “Don’t you say a word against any of them, do you hear?”

  Backing up, Mrs. Hubbard stepped off the boardwalk and fell on her ample behind with a splat. “Help! She pushed me.” She looked around at the crowd that had gathered. “You saw her, she pushed me down. Get the sheriff.”

  Adam stepped up to Mrs. Hubbard but didn’t offer to help her stand. “I saw what happened and Miss Ross didn’t touch you. Get up and quit making accusations you can’t back up. I’m in charge of the investigation and the lead I have doesn’t involve Miss Ross or her friends. Do you understand?”

  Spluttering like a fish out of water, Mrs. Hubbard got to her feet with the aid of Mrs. Jackson.

  Adam made a shooing gesture with one hand. “Now, everyone get on with your day. Show’s over.”

  Rachel was still so angry she fought for composure. “Thank you, Sheriff.”

  “Let me escort you home. I have a notion to talk to your hostess.”

  “I’d appreciate your escort, which should prevent any more trouble.” She placed her hand on his arm.

  Inside the Harrison home, Adam knocked on Lydia’s office door while Rachel went into the parlor. Several girls rushed toward her.

  Lorraine was first. “We’re so sorry about the claim that woman is making.”

  Ophelia hugged Rachel’s shoulders. “We know the rumor is untrue. Is Adam close to finding the real thief?”

  “He said he has a good lead. I don’t know what that means.” Rachel explained about her encounter on the street.

  Prudence giggled. “She fell on her bottom? That serves her right for lying about you.”

  Rachel shook her head. “She doesn’t think it’s a lie, though. Mrs. Hubbard genuinely believes I stole her jewelry.”

  Lorraine shook her head. “What if she hid it so she can sell it?”

  Rachel raised her eyebrows. “To whom? If she sold it here, everyone would know she’d reported it stolen.”

  Prudence gasped. “Maybe it’s insured and she wants to collect the insurance money.”

  Rachel leaned her head against the curve of the sofa’s back. “I don’t know what to think. I hope the lead Adam has is valid and the whole thing is over soon.”

  ***

  Lydia heard Adam talking to Rachel before his familiar rap on her door.

  Adam poked his head her office.

  “Afraid to enter? You may as well come in.” She glanced up from the accounts on her desk.

  “Thought you should know Miss Ross defended you and your Bride Brigade to Jenny Hubbard.”

  “That horrid woman, accusing Rachel of stealing. I’ve a good mind to give her a piece of my mind.”

  “Rachel took care of you.” He stood with his hat in his hands. “Lydia Jane, I don’t want us feuding.”

  She wasn’t backing down this time. “Oh, don’t you? What do you suggest instead?”

  “Can’t we go back to the way things were?”

  She folded her hands on her desk. “You mean me in love with you and pretending otherwise? Not a chance, Adam. I want to remarry while I’m still young enough to have children. I’d hoped they’d be yours.”

  “Try to understand. You’re almost like a stepmother plus you’re my best friend. Marrying you would be indecent. And folks would say I’d married you for your fortune.”

  “That’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it? You think I’m so unattractive that they’ll believe my money is the only reason you would possibly marry me?”

  “Stop twisting my words. You’re intelligent and beautiful. And, you know damn well what I meant. You’re aware of how I feel about you.”

  “Perhaps you could explain further.”

  He slapped his hat against his leg. “As if having a jail full of rats and having to hire extra deputies plus deal with Jenny Hubbard isn’t enough, you choose now to bring up marriage.”

  “We’ve discussed this subject on several occasions before today, Adam Penders. If you weren’t so stiff-necked and stubborn, we’d be wed with children by now.” She stood and leaned on her desk. “You want to come here and have me soothe your fevered brow? That’s fine, but what about what I want, what I need?”

  “Aw hell, I can’t even talk to you lately.” He turned and left, closing the door firmly behind him.

  Lydia cursed his stubborn pride. No other man since Will had died had come close to interesting her. No other man save Adam ever could.

  Will had loved her and she’d loved him in return. He’d been a generation older than her and she suspected he wasn’t as virile as perhaps he could have been. Was that the reason she’d never become pregnant?

  Adam stirred her desire and she longed for his arms around her each night. She recognized the heat and craving in his eyes. Why couldn’t he act on his true emotions?
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  ***

  The next morning Rachel was working when Zane and Adam arrived. A man she’d never met accompanied them. The man was distinguished with dark hair slightly silver at the temples and a silver mustache.

  Zane introduced him as Daniel Josephson then met her gaze. “Come with us to the Hubbard home.”

  She shuddered. “I hope never again to see that house or the people who live there.”

  Adam tilted his head and smiled at her. “Me, too, but we have to. You need to come with us. You’ll be glad you did.”

  Rachel took a deep breath and closed her ledger. “All right, if you insist. At least I have protection.”

  They strolled to the Hubbard home and Adam knocked.

  Mrs. Hubbard opened the door. “I hope this means she turned over the jewelry she stole.”

  Once inside, Adam nodded at Mr. Josephson, who pulled a silk handkerchief from inside his pocket. When he opened it, a necklace and earrings lay on the fabric.

  Mrs. Hubbard clapped her hands to her chest. “My grandmother’s jewelry, thank heavens.” She reached for it.

  Mr. Josephson pulled his hand back and dropped the bundle back into his pocket. “Your husband gave this to me in exchange for the gambling debt he owed.”

  A horrified expression passed over the woman’s face and she staggered back a step. “Wait right here.”

  She stomped to the hall and yelled, “Elmo, you get down here right this minute.”

  When Mrs. Hubbard returned, she asked. “How much was the debt?”

  Mr. Josephson told her.

  “I’ll gladly buy the set for that amount. It’s a family heirloom, the only thing I have from my grandmother.”

  Mr. Josephson brushed a finger over his mustache. “You know it’s worth far more than the debt?”

  “I don’t know the exact monetary value, but it’s priceless to me. I’d never sell it. I hope to pass it on to our son when he marries.”

  “If you have the money, I’ll exchange the jewelry for that amount. If it were not that he used it without your permission and it means a great deal to you, I wouldn’t consider the trade.”

  Elmo stumbled into the parlor pulling up his suspenders. “What do you want at this hour?” He saw the group gathered and paled. He turned and rushed for the kitchen.

  His wife blocked him. “No, you don’t, you weasel. Not only did you steal my grandmother’s jewelry that you knew meant the world to me, but you lied to me about what you’d done.”

  “I had to do something, Jenny. Josephson had my notes.”

  Adam asked, “Did he threaten you?”

  Elmo looked at the floor. “He demanded I pay up. He said if I didn’t, he’d let the fact that I welched be known around town. If he did that, I couldn’t play cards no more.”

  Mrs. Hubbard grabbed his ear and twisted. “You’re not playing cards again anyway, Elmo Hubbard. You’ve made a fool out of me for the last time.”

  She sniffed and swiped at a tear. “You think I don’t know you only married me for Papa’s money? And, if I’d let you, you’d gamble away every dime.”

  Elmo patted her shoulder. “Now, Jenny, my dear, you know I love you. I’ll make this up to you.”

  She sent him a glare that let Rachel know he’d promised that before.

  Mr. Josephson addressed Mrs. Hubbard. “Shall we go to the bank?”

  Mrs. Hubbard lifted her chin. “Let me get my hat and purse.”

  Adam shook Mr. Josephson’s hand. “Thank you, Daniel. I appreciate your help.”

  Rachel shook the man’s hand as well. “I especially appreciate your help. I’m the one accused of stealing the jewelry.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t know that sooner, Miss Ross, or I’d have spoken to Adam. I’ve been at my son’s ranch for a few days and just returned last night.”

  Zane put his hand at her waist. “Shall we go to the office?”

  Relief from this latest nightmare made her giddy. “Yes. Now I can enjoy the rest of the day.”

  He guided her outside and down the steps. “And you can tell me about the plans for our wedding.”

  She shook her head. “You have to wait. Lydia and the others have planned it and I don’t know much more than you do. Apparently, we’re just to show up and let everyone else take care of the plans.”

  He turned her down a side street. “Sounds easy enough. Instead of going to the office, why don’t we go to my house and I’ll give you a tour.”

  She mulled over his offer. “I guess since we’re engaged I don’t need a chaperone.”

  “I have a nice surprise. At least I hope you’ll think that.”

  “What is it?”

  “Jaunita Querado has agreed to remain as housekeeper full time. Since she’ll have her own room and sitting room, she’ll enjoy independence from her sister and brother-in-law, whose house is fairly small. They’re good to her, but she feels like a third wheel.”

  “She’s very nice and certainly efficient, but I don’t need a housekeeper. What will she do all day?”

  “Our home will sparkle as much as you’ve made the office. Then when we go home each day, we’ll feel pampered. She’ll have our dinner ready and then clean up afterward.”

  “Sounds nice. I mean, going home together each day. As for having Juanita there, I think that’s an unnecessary extravagance.”

  “Think about the long term, Rachel. You said you want children. How are you going to work, raise children, cook, and keep house?”

  “Lots of women do, but I see what you mean. All right, I concede you have a nice surprise for me.”

  “Great, because she really wants the job.”

  “I wouldn’t want to live with one of my sisters. I wouldn’t even want to live with my brother.”

  They reached his door. He guided her inside and called, “Juanita, I’ve brought Rachel for a tour of the house.”

  Juanita came from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Your supper is almost ready and there is plenty for two.” She edged toward Zane. “Did you speak to her?”

  “Yes, and she’s happy you’ll be here.”

  Obvious relief spread across Juanita’s face. “I’m so glad. I could not agree unless you said this is good for you.”

  Rachel smiled at the other women. “Bring all your things and get settled, Juanita. We’ll be fortunate to have you here. Who will take care of your other customers?”

  “Señora Ramirez for a while. We hope to find someone who wishes to do so permanently.”

  “Truthfully, at first I didn’t think we needed you full time. The delicious smells from the kitchen underline the need to come home to a ready meal. Thank you.”

  “Bueno. Excuse me, but I must tend to your meal.”

  Zane took Rachel’s hand. “The parlor is a little sparse, but I don’t know what else is needed.”

  She gently touched the dark green wallpaper. “This is lovely and the rug compliments it perfectly.” She didn’t mention that there was little seating and nothing decorative in the room. “The white fireplace was beautiful. The shape of the room is lovely for entertaining or just the two of us.”

  They drifted into the dining room, which was only an empty room. She grinned at him. “I think we need more chairs.”

  “You may be right. I suggest you see Callahan.”

  Walking swiftly through the kitchen, they stopped for a peek at the pantry and mud room.

  He guided her back through the kitchen. “Juanita’s suite is through here.”

  Her large room had a sitting area. The oak furniture went well with the brass bed. A flower garden quilt covered the mattress. “Is that Juanita’s or yours?”

  He cupped her face. “Ours. Everything I have is ours. Our house. Our furniture. Our business. Our office.”

  Zane held her hand while heading for the stairs.

  She trailed her fingers along the banister’s polished wood. “This is a gorgeous stairway. Did you design the details?”

  “I coll
ected ideas from my travels and combined them into this house.”

  He gestured to the next room. “This and the one beside it are duplicates. Then there’s a smaller one next to our bedroom that I intended to be a nursery.”

  She peeked inside each room. One had a bed and bureau but the other two had nothing in them. Hardwood floors gleamed and showed recent polishing.

  “Now our room. You probably remember it.”

  “Not well.” Mostly she remembered his bare chest and the longing in looks he sent her way.

  They stepped inside the largest bedroom. She hadn’t noticed the luxurious cotton damask spread on her other visits. “Ah, here are the paintings you mentioned. I remember them now.”

  He pulled her into his arms. “I can visualize you in that bed wearing nothing but my ring.”

  His kiss seared into her soul. She clung with her arms around his neck to support her rubbery knees. Heat shot through her and lingered in her feminine places. Each time he kissed her the intensity increased. How could she last until the wedding?

  When she was able to talk herself into breaking his embrace, she looked into his sky-blue eyes. “I think we’d better go have supper. There’s too much temptation in this room.”

  “Temptation is wherever you are, my love. Our wedding can’t be soon enough for me.”

  She smiled up at him. “Nor for me.”

  ***

  On Sunday, the women from Lydia’s sat on her pew except for Ophelia and Rachel. Elias sat beside Ophelia on the bench behind Lydia.

  Rachel followed Lydia, but Zane caught Rachel’s hand and guided her across the aisle so they could to sit together.

  He whispered, “Lets everyone know we’re a couple now.”

  She patted his arm. “Pretty sure they already know that.”

  When Grady stood to give his sermon, he read from his Bible. “Today’s text is from Ephesians 4:29.

  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

  He looked around the congregation as he gave his message on resisting gossip and being kind to one another. Rachel believed he spoke eloquently. Rumors had damaged her reputation twice now.