“Once you get my husband started on politics, I am afraid he will never stop talking, Fiona.” Jo smiled at the young girl who had flushed red by this point.
“I feel a bit silly now. I really believed Lincoln was anti-slavery.”
“He may yet change his mind. I don’t know what to believe when politicians start talking. They all seem to say different things depending on what audience is listening. I know one thing though, most are against women getting the vote,” Jo said.
“Jo is very much on the side of women voting,” Almanzo said, sending a teasing glance at the woman who had raised him.
“Why wouldn't she be? Don’t tell me you are one of these men who believe a woman hasn’t got a capable mind to form an opinion?” Tilly asked sarcastically.
“Oh, now you’ve done it Almanzo. Tilly’s lost her high opinion of you,” Carrie teased him. He looked up and caught Tilly’s eye, a lovely pink color spreading across her face.
“I believe in votes for women. I just don’t think it will happen anytime soon,” Almanzo replied quickly.
He was saved from further conversation by Rick’s return. He was carrying a sheaf of papers.
“This is what Mr. Lincoln said. I can’t quote the whole speech but the main points were: “I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races.”
“Oh, how did I get it so wrong?” Fiona almost wailed.
“Fiona it is confusing for a lot of people, not just you. He did end his speech with what has been taken as his dislike of slavery. He said and I quote “like all men, blacks had the right to improve their condition in society and to enjoy the fruits of their labor. In this way, they were equal to white men, and for this reason, slavery was inherently unjust.”
“So what he means is he is against slavery but at the same time he doesn't believe in equality between blacks and whites,” Tilly clarified.
“Yes, Tilly. That appears to be it in a nutshell.”
Chapter 33
Almanzo escorted Tilly and Fiona back to Mrs. Newland’s where they continued to stay. The ladies had insisted on paying Mrs. Newland for board and lodging despite Mrs. Newland’s protesting she didn’t want their money. She loved having company in the house. Fiona made some excuse to go inside leaving Almanzo and Tilly standing on the porch. Mrs. Newland had grown some hanging ferns to give her a bit of privacy when she wanted to spend some time thinking, away from the hustle and bustle of the store.
Tilly and Almanzo stood in silence for a couple of minutes. Almanzo was desperate to say something but his words all dried up. Tilly seemed to be waiting too but when he remained silent, she said,
“Thank you so much Mr. Price for rescuing us, I am so sorry Fiona teased you so dreadfully in front of your lovely family.”
He opened his mouth to tell her not to call him that name turning slightly just as she pressed a kiss to his cheek. Her lips were so close, he almost tasted the sweet smell of her minty breath.
They froze as their gazes locked, his pulse thundering as he waited for her to pull back. Only she didn’t. Her gaze slipped to his mouth as her tongue grazed her upper lip.
“Tilly, I…” he whispered knowing he should move away but the roaring in his ears demanding he get closer. Her eyelids flickered closed as he brushed her lips.
She jolted at the feel of his touch, he stilled, breathing heavily as he waited for her to make the next move. She groaned softly. All his restraint fled as moving slightly behind the privacy offered by the greenery, he gathered her into his arms raining down kisses on her forehead, eyelids, nose before finally taking her mouth once more.
“God help me Tilly but I want you more than I’ve ever wanted any woman.”
Blood pounding in his veins, he explored the base of her throat, her soft moan exciting him further. “Marry me.”
Her eyelids opened revealing eyes blackened with desire. She looked at him but her unfocused gaze didn’t reveal she had heard him. His mouth took hers as he deepened the kiss.
Her senses twirled, her breathing ragged as she clung to him. His hands roamed her back, urging her closer as his lips moved to the curve of her neck. A fire lit in her belly, her skin tingling at his touch, her mouth wanting his once more. She reached up for him.
A noise from the store somewhere behind her had the effect of an ice cold bucket of water. She sprang away from him, her heavy breathing matching his.
He tried to take her hand but she grabbed it back.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t…. I couldn’t…” he stammered.
“Mr. Price. I’m an engaged woman. I shouldn’t have behaved so…so wantonly. It’s me who should apologize.” She bent her head, wishing the ground would open or she could disappear. He put a finger under her chin and forced her to look at him.
“Tilly Masterson, I don’t regret kissing you. Not for a second. I want you for my wife. I warn you, I usually get what I want.”
His words, while arrogant, filled her with hope. She smiled shyly then her mind flew to Richard.
“What of my…. Richard Weston.”
“Do you want to marry Mr. Weston?”
She gazed into his eyes before she shook her head.
“I need to hear you say it,” he prompted.
“No. Father wanted me to marry him. I don’t even like him,” she replied.
He pulled her into his arms, this time kissing the top of her head in a protective fashion. “Nobody is going to force you to do anything you don’t want to do. I promise.”
She wished she could believe him. She wanted to. Desperately. But from what she had seen of her father and then Richard, stopping those men from achieving what they wanted wouldn’t be easy.
“So will you marry me?” he whispered. “I very much want to continue what we started.”
She giggled at the flirtatious look in his eyes.
“You best ask me when I am a single lady. I don’t think one is allowed two fiancés.”
He burst out laughing as he swung her into the air before setting her back on her feet. “Life with you sure won’t be boring, will it Miss Tilly?”
Chapter 34
Richard showed no signs of returning back to San Francisco. He seemed to be watching her closely. Every time Tilly took a walk, they would meet on the street. He never mentioned their courtship or plans for the future. She felt like a mouse being taunted by a large cat.
“Fiona, can you come to the hotel with me today. I want to speak to Richard and need a chaperone.”
“A chaperone? I didn’t think you wanted to marry him anymore. I thought you liked Almanzo?” Fiona’s confused expression would have made Tilly smile if she wasn’t so concerned about Richard’s motives.
“I am not going to seduce him. I want you there to make sure he doesn’t try to put me in a delicate situation. I have to know what is going on. He is making me nervous, watching me all day with that silly smile playing on his lips.”
“He makes me feel sick. I wish he had died in the raid.”
Tilly opened her mouth to rebuke Fiona but she couldn’t. Her friend had only put Tilly’s own thoughts into words.
“I know it’s evil of me Tilly, but how did such a horrible man escape when so many died. It doesn’t make sense.”
Tilly sat on the bed. “No, it doesn’t. Lots of things don’t make sense. Like how Richard knows that man Harvey. Richard told Pa he didn’t know anyone in Portland yet he and Harvey behave like they are old friends.’
“Exactly. And how come your pa was killed and Richard was left unhurt? I think you should bring the sheriff with you Tilly.”
“I can’t. What do I say to a lawman? This man is my former fiancé and I think he murdered my father?” Tilly said mimicking her mother's voice once again. “They would laugh at me. We need to have some proof.”
“Like what?”
“Did the children say anything to you?”
Fiona
shook her head sadly. “Those poor little mites. They have nobody now. Almanzo said someone was trying to send them off to an orphanage. They don’t stand a chance. I should know.” Fiona hiccupped as tears flowed unchecked down her cheeks.
Tilly took Fiona’s hands in hers. “Don’t cry Fiona, we still have time to change things. They haven’t left yet. Maybe they could stay in Portland?”
“How? There aren’t enough well off families who can afford more children. In fairness to the sheriff, he said he didn’t want the boys being adopted as unpaid workers. He is a kind man under all that gruffness.”
Tilly wasn’t really listening. She hadn’t said anything to Fiona about what she had discussed with Almanzo. She hadn’t wanted to raise Fiona’s hopes until she knew more about her financial position. She had no idea how much her father’s estate was worth but surely it would be enough to help the children and Fiona.
“Come on Fiona, dress up like a real lady. Both of us are going to see Richard Weston and find out once and for all what is going on.” When Fiona didn’t jump up, Tilly pulled her to her feet. “Remember you are his equal now. You are no longer anyone’s servant. Now go put on my green dress, it suits your hair and coloring so much better.”
With a smile on her face, Fiona did as she was bid.
The two young women caused quite a stir on the boardwalk as they walked toward the hotel. “Smile, pretend you are going to visit your favorite aunt,” Tilly hissed at Fiona.
“I don’t have an aunt,” Fiona hissed back.
“Good morning ladies, what a lovely vision you make. Are you quite recovered from your ordeal?”
Tilly resisted the urge to slap the stranger’s face as he sneered at them. She could see the contempt in his eyes. Once more her mimicking abilities saved her.
“Why thank you, Sir, we are truly recovered. We are just about to meet with a friend in the hotel. Enjoy your day,” she shrilled in a tone her mother has used for her most important guests. Her charm worked too as the man looked uncomfortable. Tilly wasn’t about to wait for him to recover. “Come along Fiona, it is getting rather warm and the air is less than cordial.”
Fiona giggled at the expression on the man’s face as he processed Tilly’s insult. He didn’t have time to say anything as they left him standing in their wake.
Chapter 35
Tilly asked to speak to Richard Weston but declined the invitation to go to his room pretending she hadn’t heard it. Instead, she told the hotel worker, they would wait at a table. “Please arrange for some coffee as we are quite thirsty.”
The hotel worker looked bemused at being ordered around by a young girl. Despite the rumors around town about her being kidnapped and ravaged by savages, she looked and acted like a real lady. It was more than his job was worth to insult someone wealthy.
“Tilly, everyone is staring at us.”
“They are admiring the view. We are quite presentable scrubbed up like this,” Tilly replied trying her best not to let Fiona know she was also terrified. “Put a smile on your face and enjoy it. Richard will be furious with us.”
“That’s good enough for me.” Fiona smiled and her true beauty shone out. Tilly berated herself for not doing more to help her friend when she had worked all hours for Tilly’s parents.
She heard Richard before she saw him. His anger reached them in waves.
“Miss Masterson, what are you doing in a hotel lobby? Your parents would be horrified.”
“Given they are dead, I don’t think their opinion matters much. It was preferable to being shown to your room. Now we need to speak. Please sit down, I would prefer to talk in private,” Tilly pressed her knees into the table in a hope to stop them shaking. She didn’t look at his face knowing by his breathing, he was struggling to keep his temper under control. She waited for the fear to move down her back but nothing happened. He didn’t have that effect on her anymore. Despite not being afraid, she decided a little bit of charm wouldn’t hurt.
“Dear Richard, please do sit down. Everyone is staring at us. I need your help.”
His grin reminded her again of a cat stalking a mouse. She shivered with revulsion.
“Excuse my manners Miss Masterson. The events of recent days have had an effect. Of course, I will do everything in my assistance to help you. We were to be married after all. That should count for something.”
“Were?” Tilly knew she shouldn’t ask but she had to know. Was he really setting her free? Could she plan a future with someone else? Was it really that easy?
Richard glanced at her to Fiona and back again. “Perhaps it would be best to speak in private?”
“Fiona is staying with me. I need a chaperone. There has been enough talk already.” Tilly appealed to the needs of society rather than admit she didn’t want to be alone with him.
Richard's eyes narrowed but after several seconds he sighed. “I guess you should try to protect what little reputation you currently hold.”
Tilly heard Fiona’s breath hiss but she pretended she hadn’t. She didn’t let Richard see any reaction to his insult but stayed quiet leaving him to continue talking.
“You know I hold you in very high regard my dear and looked forward to making you my wife but that is now impossible.”
“Why?” Tilly couldn’t resist baiting him despite Fiona’s kick under the table.
“Miss Masterson, surely you are not that innocent. A man of my position cannot marry a woman with such a blemished character. It simply wouldn’t do. The best solution would be for you to move East and perhaps join a convent. Devote yourself to a life of service. Take her with you, the nuns are always in need of more scrubbers.”
The knuckles on Tilly’s clasped hands tightened at the insult but she wasn’t going to play his game. She refused to lose her temper. She saw Fiona was ready to tip her coffee over him. She hoped her friend would hold back.
“I see. Well, I guess there is nothing I can do to change your mind despite the fact that my honor and that of Fiona’s are truly intact. The Indians were nothing but kind to us,” she ignored his reaction but turned to smile at Fiona.
“The fact you can speak like that about the men who murdered your father shows me my decision is the correct one,” Richard said pompously.
“How was my father killed? Did you see it happening?” Tilly asked, her heart beating quickly. Would he admit his involvement?
“Yes, but I was too busy fighting for my own life to save him. I still feel guilty, Charles being such a good friend,” he said causing Tilly to look away. She might not have loved her father as a daughter should but he was still her family. The insincerity dripping from Richard’s voice made her temper flare once more.
“Did he not have a chance?” Tilly prompted.
“No. They walked right up to him and shot him. He didn’t get his gun out. It all happened so fast,” Richard answered.
Tilly held onto the table. He was lying but why? She had seen her father make a desperate bid to escape.
“Are you sure? Father usually had his gun nearby.”
“Miss Masterson, Matilda, I know what I saw.”
“We were lucky to escape with our lives, Miss Tilly,” Fiona whispered causing Richard to stare at her for a couple of seconds before turning his attention back to Tilly. “Where were you? I looked in your wagon...”
How did he have time to look in the wagon when he was so desperately fighting for his life? Tilly glanced at Fiona who looked as if she was about to answer but at Tilly’s look, she closed her mouth once more.
“It was God’s will, I guess,” Tilly said, making a sign of the cross with her hand. “We were so lucky. All those people killed. You must feel very lucky too, Richard, to have survived when the only other survivors were a few young children.” Tilly stroked his arm in a gesture of affection. As she suspected it had the right effect.
“I feel so lucky I chose that morning to go hunting with some of the men. If I had stayed behind, I too would have been dead and buried.
”
“Hunting?” Tilly put her head on one side as if very confused. “But I thought you said you saw my father killed?”
Richards' eyes flared for a second as he probed hers. Had he guessed she knew something? She struggled to maintain a bemused expression.
“I heard the screams and shots and came back to help. As I rode into camp, I saw your father get shot. Now if you don’t mind ladies, it is getting rather late and I have some business to take care of.”
“Thank you so much, Richard, for speaking to us. We know you are a very busy man. Could you just help with one or two last details?” Tilly asked sweetly.
Richard, annoyed though he looked, couldn’t really refuse given she had used all her charm. Thank God mother insisted I take those classes in becoming a real lady.
“Who would I approach in town? I mean I know you and Father had contacts in Portland but I cannot remember their names?”
“Approach for what my dear? I don’t know anyone in Portland, not well enough to discuss financial matters. You must have misunderstood. Now I do have somewhere to be. Please excuse me?”
“I hope you find the happiness you deserve Richard,” Tilly continued sweetly watching him preen. “Before we go our separate ways, could you please let me know where my father’s papers are being stored? They weren’t with his personal effects when they were returned to me.”
“Weren’t they? They must have been lost. So much tragedy,” Richard’s glib response didn’t fool Tilly. She knew he was hiding something.
“I am sure someone holds them. They, as you well know, are valuable and considering my future depends on them, I should like to know where they are,” Tilly stated firmly.
“Your future? But my dear, didn’t your father tell you? He made me his heir. You, as my wife, would have benefited of course but now the engagement has been broken…. Well, you understand.”
Shock reverberated through Tilly. She stared at Richard, his mouth opening and closing as he spoke but she couldn’t hear a word he was saying. Her mind had shut down as soon as he said he had inherited everything. That couldn’t be true. Wasn't she penniless? Was she?
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