"Just promise me you'll be careful," Miranda entreated.
"We shall both be wary and alert," Amanda concluded.
When Lucas came over the following morning, he found the girls packing frantically. They quickly related the events of the night before. Lucas was furious; he wanted to beat Weber senseless. The twins had a difficult time pacifying him, telling him to be satisfied that his contempt and hatred had been justified. They had to be content with the knowledge Weber would eventually get his due.
They went over their new scheme to get Miranda away before Weber realized she was gone. "We need you to find some way to lure thatguard from his post for an hour," Amanda said. "I can take Randy and her luggage to the station outside town. When you catch the train to Baltimore tomorrow, everyone will see you leave alone. After disguising myself as Miranda, I can purchase a ticket to Charleston, board the train, then sneak off and come home."
"That sounds very clever," he complimented them. "Now, all we have to do is pull it off. Let's see ..." He lapsed into deep thought, then grinned as an idea came to mind. "I can disguise myself as a widow, sneak upon the guard, club and rob him, and escape. Old Weber won't think we had anything to do with the daring robbery of a spy we didn't know existed. While the devil is out cold, you two can sneak out with my help. Considering the train schedule, we have to be ready to act at two. Think we can make it?"
Amanda continued to pack Miranda's possessions while her sister took a carriage to the bank just before noon. It was Weber's custom to eat lunch at noon in the Telford Inn, near the bank. After withdrawing money for her trip, Miranda lingered near the doorway until she saw Weber round the corner to head her way. She gritted her teeth, inhaled and exhaled slowly, then stepped outside into the bright sunlight.
Weber saw her immediately and hurried to intercept her. "And whom do we have here? Are you alone?" he inquired, glancing around to see for himself. "Join me for lunch, Randy; we need to talk about last night. What did Mandy say after I left?"
Miranda jerked her arm free of his light grasp. She glared at him. "Touch me again, Mister Richardson, and I'll cut off your hand. I loathe you. How my sister has stomached you this long, I'll never know. I've tried to avoid you; I've tried to endure you. Then, I even tried to make a truce with you. You sicken me with your lewd mind and repulsive groping. As far as I'm concerned, last night was only a nightmare, and I'm fully awake now. You stay away from me."
Weber actually looked stunned by her harsh tone and cutting words. "What game is this?" he asked skeptically. "I know when a woman entices me, and you did last night. If you're worried about upsetting Mandy, I'll handle her gently. I can make her happy to spurn me. If I frightened you with my overwhelming desire, I'm sorry. I lost my head when I realized you felt the same way about me. It won't happen again, love. Just let me prove it's you I want to marry."
"You're insane, Weber. You're the last man alive I would love or marry. I have never found you desirable, and I despise you. If I hadn't been worried about my sister's health and happiness last night, I would have clawed out your eyes. But you needn't fret over my tattling to Mandy; she'll eventually see you for what you are. I must have been a fool to think we could become friends."
"You didn't act like a friend last night. Not the way you were responding to me," he sullenly protested.
"Think again, Weber. I tried to get away from you, remember? You trapped me against the wall, then chased me around, then pinned me to the sofa. I was not yielding; I was battling you. What is a helpless woman's strength compared to a violent man's? I would have reacted immediately if I hadn't been so shocked by your words' and conduct. Remove your egotistic blinders and take another look at what truly happened between us."
"If you have no romantic feelings for me, then why does Mandy think you do? Why do I believe you do?" he debated wickedly.
"Perhaps she's hoping someone will come along to take you away from her. She's been confused lately, perhaps realizing her true feelings for you. There are plenty of rumors about you and women. Also, she's on a medication which clouds her reason. She doesn't honestly think I would pursue you, and I wouldn't. Bother me again, and I'll tell all."
"It won't matter. After I finish telling my side, she'll trust me, not you. She isn't as bright as you, Randy. She's vain and foolish. Of course you won't repeat that because you're too sensitive to hurt her feelings. You're a prize, Randy, one I intend to have," he boldly stated.
"You're a fool, Weber! There's no way you can have me," she declared angrily.
"I wouldn't be too confident, love. By next week, you'll be coming to me and begging me to forgive your nasty rejection. In fact, I'm willing to bet you'll become Mrs. Weber Richardson by May 30."
Miranda stared at him. He looked utterly serious. "Just how do you plan to blackmail me into such a position? What about Mandy?" she probed as if intrigued.
"When a huge debt is made and owed, Randy, someone has to repay it. I've simply decided I want you to clear the ledger, not her. As for Miss Amanda, she'll be taken care of; you needn't worry."
"What kind of debt could I possibly owe you?" she inquired.
"You'll see" was all he would say. He grinned satanically.
Weber didn't realize that Miranda knew exactly to what he was referring with his threats. She had thought he might fall for their ploy, but not this quickly. "What would people say if you suddenly dropped Mandy to marry me? What about the gossip, the scandal?"
Weber laughed in amusement. "Since you vowed you'd never marry me, why speculate?" he teased her.
"You just said I wouldn't have any choice. Why not?" she pressed.
"For one reason, you love your sister and you wouldn't want to see her troubled in any way. I have the feeling you would do anything to make her happy," he hinted between chuckles.
"Why should I be responsible for her happiness? I have my own life to consider. Since you're her sweetheart, how will she be happy if you marry another woman, especially her own sister?"
"Oh, she might rant and rave fora while because of bruised pride, but she'll come around to our way of thinking. We both know Amanda isn't in love with me; I doubt she could love anyone besides herself. I'm just the best suitor she's ever had. Since she has to marry, it might as well be to the superior choice. I was marrying her for the same reasons. But I'd rather have you. And I will," he vowed nonchalantly. "You're a beautiful, sensual creature, Randy. And you don't have any other suitors."
"Only because I don't want any at present. And you're wrong about Mandy; she has plenty of love to give, to the right man. You don't bring out her best qualities. Marriage isn't a business deal, Weber."
"Sometimes, it's the most important deal a man can make. Think it over, Randy. Don't be too hasty to spurn me."
When Weber turned to leave, Miranda called his name. He halted and turned. "Weber, why do you really want to marry me, knowing how I feel about you?"
He came to stop within inches of her. For her ears alone, he murmured, "In spite of what you think, Randy, I love you. And despite how it will anger you, I will force you to marry me. In time you'll forgive me for doing so. I won't frighten you or hurt you again. Once we're wed, I'm looking forward to finishing what we started last night. I will be the man to unleash those passions I sensed in you last night. I want you as I've never wanted any other woman. I can make you happy, Randy; I can make you feel emotions and sensations you never dreamed existed. No matter how much you try to deny it, you want me. Go home and consider my words. I want an answer Sunday afternoon. When I come over, I'll explain everything to you and Amanda. Both of. you will agree to my demands, or, shall we say, my wishes."
He left her standing there staring after him. Alarm raced through her as she decided he was insane, cunningly insane. He was convinced she secretly wanted him. He even believed he felt the same wayl That was the most terrifying realization of all. If she had any doubts about leaving town, they were gone now.
Miranda hurried home, anxious to g
et away from that lust-crazed madman. But the more she saw and learned about him, the more fear she had for her sister's safety.
At home, Miranda told her sister about the shocking meeting with Weber. Amanda's fury rose by the minute. "That despicable vermin! Just wait until I--
Miranda grabbed her by the arms and shook her. "Listen to me, Mandyl" she shrieked in panic. "Don't you say or do anything to antagonize him until Reis gets back. If you push Weber into a corner, he'll strike out at you. Your safety lies in feigned ignorance, and don't you forget it! You can let him know he didn't fool you after he's arrested. When he realizes I'm gone, he'll be furious. But if you let him discover you know the truth and he realizes he has lost everything, there's no telling what he'll do. Promise me you'll be silent," she pleaded.
"He thinks he is so damn clever! How dare he use me like this! I can't stand the thought of him getting away with this a day longer! Maybe he isn't as dangerous as we think. Maybe he will turn tail and flee if he thinks we're on to him. I'm not afraid of him!"
"Just who's going to protect you with all of us gone? My God, Mandy, he is that dangerous; he's crazy! Even if you file charges against him, you have no proof. He's a powerful and wealthy man. He would be released the same day. And aren't you forgetting something else? What about Reis? If you issue a challenge, Reis will be the one to fight it for you. Weber would think nothing of having him murdered. Pride and revenge are costly, sister."
Amanda grew silent. She paced the floor then relented. "You're right. I'll behave myself. It just makes me so angry. I should have listened to you long ago and dropped Weber. I'm sorry I got you into this mess, Randy. We'd best get the carriage loaded before Luke comes," she suggested, forcing a strained smile.
"Are you sure you don't want me to stay?" Randy asked gravely.
"No. This plan is best for everyone. Just make sure you write every day. I'm going to miss you terribly. Three months is such a long time." She suddenly hugged her sister.
"When I return, Weber will be in prison, and you and Reis will be sharing a happy marriage. Just be extra careful," Randy coaxed again.
"I will. I promise you Weber won't suspect a thing."
They loaded the carriage which was waiting in the enclosed yard to the rear of their townhouse. Just before two Lucas arrived grinning and chuckling. He told them his plot had worked beautifully and Weber's spy was snoozing behind bushes across the street, his pockets emptied by a daring old widow in black. All was ready. The three mounted the carriage and drove away.
There was no time to waste in reaching the small depot outside of town. Miranda and Amanda hugged each other and cried. The whistle blew and Miranda boarded the train, pondering how long it would be before she saw her cherished sister again, wondering what would happen to each of them before that day arrived. From her window, she waved until she lost sight of Lucas and her sister. It was done. She would ride to Baltimore, then wait for Lucas to join her. They would take another train through Cincinnati to St. Louis where they would switch to a river steamer for the remainder of their journey.
Miranda settled back in her seat, dreamy thoughts filling her mind. She felt a mixture of nervousness and exhilaration. She was on her way to the Dakota Territory. Amanda was married to a wonderful man who would protect and love her. She couldn't believe this was really happening-that she was going to see her mother's family and experience her lost way of life ...
Lucas drove Amanda to the Alexandria station. With a veiled hat covering her face and concealing the color of her hair and eyes, she purchased a ticket to Charleston under her sister's name. She boarded the waiting train and spoke to the conductor as he claimed part of her ticket. She went to her private compartment, leaving the hat on the bench there to insinuate her presence. When the man was busy with other passengers, she sneaked off the train and joined Lucas. By five, Amanda was home again; this time alone.
That night, Amanda wandered around her room in the shadowy moonlight. Never had she felt so alone or so lonely. Miranda was gone, gone for at least three months and so far away. She didn't want to think about her parents, further away than her sister, who could never return. Lucas would be leaving before noon tomorrow. And Reis was somewhere for another week. At least Mrs. Reed would be returning to work in the morning ...
Weber was propped lazily against a post at the train depot by nine-thirty on Friday morning. He was speaking with one of his henchmen. "Just make sure Thomas Reed has a nasty accident today, one which forces his wife to stay home with him for a good spell. I need a little privacy over at the Lawrence's. Don't kill the poor fellow; just drop a heavy crate on his leg or foot."
The man nodded and left to carry out Weber's orders. Weber observed Lucas Reardon when he arrived with his belongings. He was curious as to why Miranda hadn't come to say good-by. Weber had anticipated escorting Miranda home after Lucas's train departed. Perhaps Lucas had bid them farewell yesterday afternoon while his careless guard had been unconscious. Once Lucas was gone, all of his worries would vanish. By Sunday, the twins and their properties would be in his control.
Lucas noticed Weber watching him and strolled over to where he stood. "Making sure I leave town, Richardson?" he taunted.
"Yep," Weber readily admitted. "Is it true you'll be gone until fall? Can Fate shine so brightly upon a poor Southern Reb?"
"I'll be back in a flicker if you hurt Amanda in any way," he warned icily to mislead Weber. "I love her like a sister, and she deserves better than you. I hope she changes her mind about you before my return. If not, then you'd best take real good care of her."
"No concern for Miranda?" Weber mocked him.
"No need. She hates your guts. Besides, Miranda's in Charleston until September. She left yesterday at four. I should beat her home."
"Why would she leave when Amanda's so ill?" Weber questioned, vexation starting to grow like a vicious disease within him.
"I'm not sure, but she was acting mighty strange, anxious to leave town. You two didn't have a quarrel, did you? She was a mite edgy yesterday when I drove her here. What did you do? Tell her you were moving in so she had to move out? When is the lucky wedding day, Richardson?" When Weber remained silent, Lucas frowned at him. "It sure is gonna be great to miss your face for months. See you around," he stated flippantly then turned to board the train.
Weber waited until the train had left the station, making certain Lucas Reardon didn't change his mind. He breathed a sigh of relief then tensed. He made several inquiries with the ticket agent and station manager, then headed for the Lawrence townhouse to check out this disastrous mystery.
From her bedroom window, Amanda mastered her irritation when she saw Weber arrive out front as expected. Alice Reed had been given orders to admit no one, even friends. First, Weber asked to speak with Amanda, then Miranda. Alice convincingly gave the false story she had been told-Amanda was still recovering from illness and Miranda had left on an extended holiday. When pressed for Miranda's location, Alice told him she only knew her final destination was somewhere in Charleston. As Weber scoffed at her ignorance, she indignantly vowed she was telling the truth.
When Weber demanded to see Amanda, Alice politely and firmly refused. She explained that Amanda could not be disturbed. When Weber persisted and even threatened to go upstairs, Alice told him Amanda had taken a sleeping medicine to calm her distraught nerves because Miranda had left suddenly without revealing her plans. She tried to appease him by confiding. "She's terribly worried about Miss Randy. It just isn't like her to do such a rash thing. She did promise to write Miss Mandy as soon as she's settled."
"Did they quarrel, Mrs. Reed?" he inquired, softening his tone, observing her for the slightest hint of deception.
In spite of the unspoken betrothal between her lovely mistress and this imposing man, Alice demurred with, "I don't tell about the goings on here, Mr. Richardson. All I can say is she packed and left yesterday. You'll have to ask Miss Mandy when she's feeling better."
Weber
scowled at her then suggested, "If you wish to continue working here after our marriage, Mrs. Reed, you'd best hide your dislike of me a little better else I'll hire Mandy another housekeeper. In fact, I might hire someone to take your husband's place at work. I'm sure it will be hard to survive with both of you out of work. If she's distressed over something that happened between her and Randy, I have the right to know. They will be my family and my responsibilities soon. Now, I'll ask again. Did they quarrel before Randy left?"
Alice grew pale as she realized the power this man had over her. If Weber had her husband fired, he would be devastated. Good jobs at his age were difficult to find. She loved the twins. She had been loyal to the Lawrences for years and would never hurt them. Still, she was forced to yield to the demands of her future employer. "I suppose it's all right to tell you what happened this morning."
When she frowned and faltered, Weber pressed eagerly, "What happened this morning? I thought Randy left yesterday. Get on with it, woman. I have to return to work."
"When I came in this morning, Miss Mandy told me her sister had gone to Charleston for a holiday with friends. Miss Mandy said she tried to get her to go to Morning Star, but Miss Randy refused. Miss Mandy said her sister didn't want anyone to know where she was. But when I was cleaning her room, I made a terrible find. She-Miss Randy-left a note saying she had moved to Charleston and wasn't coming back." Alice's eyes lowered in sadness as she repeated her discovery. She had no way of knowing it was all a pre-arranged charade.
"Moved? What are you babbling about, woman?" he shouted. "You're daffy! She wouldn't dare leave here. What did the note say?"
Panicked by his fury, Alice said, "Miss Randy said she wanted to move far away from here to start a new life. Since you and her sister are marrying soon, she said she didn't belong here any more. She wanted to go somewhere and forget the past. She said it was best for all if she left and never came back. Miss Mandy's upset because she thinks her sister might be angry with her about something. She's hurt because she thinks she forced Miss Randy out of her home ... by marrying you," she stated carefully, unsure of his reaction to that statement.
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