“Claire, you’re beautiful.”
How could three simple words, said so soft and deep have the power to make her knees weak?
She smiled shyly up at him. Given the icy atmosphere at home and their avoidance of each other, she wasn’t sure what to say. “Thank you. I think I managed to get the dress fixed up quite well. And I had another pearl bracelet from Rose to wear.”
She was suddenly feeling just as nervous as she had the day they’d first met. He smiled and reached out to help her out of her coat. As soon as he did, one of the hotel staff rushed over to take if from him, assuring them it would be hung in the cloakroom with the others. Nathaniel put his arm out for her to take, then turned to lead them toward the ballroom.
“I’m desperately wishing I wasn’t the one having to be on duty tonight so I could spend the whole time with you in my arms on the dance floor. But I’m sure the other men will be kind enough to at least allow me a few dances while they stand watch.”
Her heart fluttered as she realized he was speaking to her in the familiar, comfortable and teasing manner they’d grown used to. Knowing he’d managed to forgive her for what she’d done lifted a weight from her shoulders, and she could now enjoy the night she’d always dreamed of.
Nothing was going to spoil this night with her husband.
Chapter 18
He smiled down into the eyes that were glowing with excitement, twirling her around one more time. Her laughter made his heart swell, watching the pure happiness on her face. She’d never been to something as grand as this ball, and it was evident in her smile just how much fun she was having.
He’d hated being forced to endure events and parties like this when he was younger. But being here with Claire was something entirely different. If she’d always been with him, he thought he might have actually enjoyed the dances he’d made to attend.
The music played loudly while he spun her in his arms, other guests laughing and trying not to bump into each other as they moved around the dance floor.
The men were all taking turns keeping an eye on things while the others danced with their wives. For a dance none of them had really thought they’d ever want to go to as a guest, the men all seemed to be enjoying themselves wholeheartedly.
“I have to admit, I wasn’t looking forward to this dance until I saw you walk through that door tonight.” He looked down into Claire’s upturned face, still glowing with excitement.
Matthew came over to them just as the song was ending. “There’s a bit of a problem down at the saloon. We’re all going to head over and see what’s going on, so you’ll be here on your own. It doesn’t look like anything is going to happen here anyway, and we shouldn’t be too long.”
Sighing, he led Claire to the side of the dance floor where his parents stood. “I guess we won’t be dancing for a bit. I need to keep an eye on things, so I should do a walk around to let people know I’m here in case they get any ideas.”
“Well, it’s about time you let your wife have a dance with someone else.” His father put his arm out for Claire to take, and she laughed as he pulled her back out to the dance floor. His mother smiled up at him, reaching up to pat his cheek like he was still a young boy.
“I’m glad you aren’t too mad at Claire. That girl is the best thing that could have ever happened to you, and I think you know it.”
Rolling his eyes slightly, he nodded. “Yes, Mother, I do know it. Now if you’ll excuse me, duty calls.”
He didn’t feel like standing there getting advice about his marriage from his mother. He decided to walk around the perimeter of the room, just to see who all was here and make sure everything was safe.
Making his way around the drinks and food table, he smiled and nodded to familiar faces from town, stopping to say hello to anyone he knew. As he got to the far side of the room, he came to a face that made his stomach lurch every time he saw him.
Thankfully, Roger hadn’t noticed him yet. Since the man had arrived in town, he’d kept himself hidden away in the hotel for most of the time so Nathaniel hadn’t seen him since the day he’d gotten off the train. Now he was holding onto a young woman’s arm, pulling her close to him as he seemed to be yelling into her face.
“Is there a problem here, Miss?” He directed the question to the woman who he was sure had tear-stains running down her cheeks. There was an older woman sitting in a chair beside them, and she looked pained as she watched the other two arguing.
When Roger turned to look at him, he thought he might have noticed a flicker of recognition. However, Nathaniel didn’t think the man had ever really seen him while the case against him was going to trial. But he knew he looked like his brother had before he died, so it was possible he’d seen a resemblance.
“Everything is fine. Just having a discussion with my daughter. Nothing you need to be concerned with constable.”
The girl was glaring at her father.
“Well, I’d like to hear it from the girl, if you don’t mind.”
He knew he was pushing the man, but something didn’t sit right in how he was acting toward his daughter. Looking at the dress the woman wore, he realized it was the one his wife had made her. It was beautiful, and he had a brief twinge of pride knowing she was capable of making something as stunning as that.
Roger pinned his gaze back on her, and Nathaniel thought she cringed slightly as the man held her arm in his grip.
“I’m fine. Just listening to my wonderful father tell me how much he loves me and believes me to be the most devoted daughter he could have ever had.”
The girl wasn’t backing down from her father’s glare, spitting the words out that were obviously untrue about their discussion. Nathaniel almost smiled at the way she was talking to him.
He didn’t want to leave her alone, but he couldn’t stay there without reason. But he decided he’d keep a close eye on her.
Remembering what Claire had said when she’d dropped the money on his desk yesterday, he had no doubt Roger had hurt his daughter at some point. And he wasn’t about to let it happen again.
“How have your headaches been, Claire?”
She was standing and talking with the women she’d traveled out west with, catching up on everything that had happened since they’d last had a chance to talk.
“They’re getting better, Sinead. I can’t thank you enough for helping me. That powder seems to help, and I’ve learned to lie down and try to rest when they start to come on.”
“Did you finally tell, Nathaniel?”
Laughing softly, she shrugged. “I didn’t need to. He figured it out on his own.”
“Well, I’m glad. And if you ever need anything else, just let me know.”
Sinead was stunning, wearing a purple colored gown that highlighted the deep brown of her skin. Her hair was done up neatly on her head, and when she smiled it lit up her entire face.
“Actually, there is something.” She was scared to bring it up, worrying that by saying it out loud, there might truly be something wrong with her. It had been troubling her for a few days, but she hadn’t wanted to say anything. “I haven’t been feeling very good some days lately, and I even find myself slightly dizzy from time to time. I’m sure it’s just from trying to get the dresses finished and the stress of being newly married. But I thought maybe you could give me an examination?”
Molly was taking a sip of some punch, and she peeked over the top of her cup at Claire before giving Sinead a knowing look. The women nodded and grinned at each other. Molly and Sinead had become good friends while studying at Miss Hazel’s, so Claire figured maybe there was some kind of private joke they weren’t letting her in on.
“Claire, when do you feel sick? Is it all day?”
She thought about it before answering. “No, I don’t think so. More in the early morning or later in the day, after dinner.”
“Well, I’d be happy to do an examination, Claire. But I think you’re going to be more in need of Molly’s services than mi
ne.”
Claire pulled her eyebrows together in confusion. Molly wasn’t a doctor. She was a midwife.
Her mouth opened, and she brought her hand up to her lips, unable to speak. “Do you think?” Her heart was beating so hard she was sure it would be heard over the music.
The women were all grinning and nodding their heads. “I’ll have to take a look and confirm it, but I’m almost certain your problem will fix itself in about nine months.”
Chapter 19
She sat outside on a bench, pulling her jacket tighter against the chill. After Sinead’s announcement, Claire had been in shock. When Nathaniel had come over to say he had to take a man with too many eggnogs under his belt to the station to sleep it off, she didn’t even remember if she’d spoken to him.
He’d told her to behave herself and to just stay with the other women and his parents. She’d still been too stunned to even take offence with his statement. Shortly after, she’d let the others know she needed some fresh air and would just be outside for a few moments.
What kind of mother would she be? She’d never had anyone to model herself after, so she wasn’t even sure what a mother was supposed to do. She placed her hand on her stomach, praying that the baby would be healthy, and somehow she’d learn to be a good mother to the child.
Suddenly, a rustling sound interrupted her thoughts. She had come around to the far side of the hedges, wanting to have some privacy as she wrestled with her thoughts. It was such a cold night, she hadn’t expected anyone else to leave the warmth of the ballroom.
“Let go of my arm. I’m not helping you do this.”
“Yes, you are. Do you realize what you’ve done? That woman you brought into our rooms is married to a Mountie.”
“So, if you aren’t doing anything wrong, what does it matter?”
She recognized Annie’s voice and leaned closer to listen.
“You ungrateful brat. I’ve done all of this for you and your sister, and this is the thanks I get? Well it’s time you learned the family business and help me try to clean up some of this mess you’ve made.”
“What mess? Claire was only there to make us a dress for this stupid ball. Why are you so worried?”
Claire’s stomach churned with guilt. She was the reason Annie was being punished.
Roger laughed, and the sound sent a chill up her spine.
“Because that money I paid her with was counterfeit. I have no doubt those Mounties will have figured something out by now. And tonight when I met one of them, I have a suspicion I’ve seen that face before. So now, because you decided to sit down and make friends with a Mountie’s wife, I’m going to have to try fixing everything.”
“You’re crazy. She’s the one who came to us to make the dresses, offering to help. I had no idea having a Mountie’s wife around would be a problem. It’s not like you’ve let me know you’re a criminal.”
“Well after tonight, when you help me with this, you will be too.”
Claire’s heart stopped as she heard a scuffle. Standing, she knew she was going to have to help Annie. But the next words stopped her from moving.
“I didn’t want to do this, Annie, but you’ve forced my hand. Now carry that suitcase for me, while I get the other. And don’t even try screaming for help. Just because you’re my kid doesn’t mean I won’t use this gun to shut you up. Can you imagine what would happen to your mother if you weren’t around to protect her?”
The sneer in his voice echoed around the courtyard where she hid behind the hedge. Her legs were frozen to the spot, fear holding her in its grip as she listened to Roger Hastings forcibly make his own daughter go with him.
She had to find Nathaniel, or one of the other Mounties to help her. But they were all away dealing with other issues. Sylvia stood just inside the doorway as she moved past, keeping her eyes on the two figures disappearing down a path into the darkness.
Running up to her, she glanced around hoping to see Peter. He was nowhere in sight. “Sylvia, can you find one of the Mounties and tell them to hurry and find us? We’re heading down the path going to the north behind the hotel. Tell them Roger has his daughter and he’s doing something they might want to know about.”
“Claire, you know Nathaniel will be livid if you go off following Roger Hastings again.”
She squeezed her eyes shut briefly. “I know, but I have to. Annie’s in danger, and if I don’t go after her, she’ll be all alone with him. Just hurry and find one of them, then tell them where to look for us.”
Turning quickly, she ran back out and down the path until she could make out the shadows once more, moving along the trees lining the property. Thankfully, the moon gave enough light that she could keep her distance without losing sight of them.
After what seemed like hours, they came to a small outcropping of rocks. Roger pushed Annie toward it, making her stumble. Claire threw her hand up to stifle the cry that threatened to escape her lips as her friend hit her head on the rock. Just then, another shadow ran into her view. Her heart stopped when she recognized the familiar shape of a large animal with antlers.
Rocky was stomping at the ground, obviously agitated as he stood back a few feet from Roger and Annie. He was snorting, and shaking his head, and Claire was scared the animal was going to attack. What if he trampled Annie who was still lying on the ground?
Claire screamed as she watched Roger lift the gun and point it at Rocky. Jumping out of her hiding place, she ran, knocking into his arm just as the gun went off. She’d managed to hit him hard enough that his arm moved, missing Rocky. The reindeer took off running back the way he’d come.
Pain shot through the top of her arm, and she looked down to see the redness spreading over the sleeve of her jacket. She brought her arm up to stop the blood, vaguely noticing the other bracelet Rose had given her had broken off. She turned to face Roger who was glaring at her with a sickening smile on his face.
“Well, if it isn’t the Mountie’s wife. I knew I shouldn’t let you into my rooms. You spent far too much time sitting and talking with my daughter, no doubt putting ideas in her head.”
“Father, the only ideas you have in your head are the ones that I’ve watched slowly make you go crazy.”
Claire raced over, using her good arm to take her friend’s hand and help her to her feet. “Are you all right, Annie?” A trail of blood was trickling down her face where she’d hit the rock. The women leaned on each other for support.
Another man walked out from behind the trees, standing back from them with a gun pointed directly at Roger. “Did you bring the money?”
Roger turned to face him. “I have it, but I’m not handing anything over until I see what you’ve got for me.” He turned to Annie, motioning with his head. “Take this suitcase over and get the paper from him.” He had his gun pointed at the other man, neither one of them trusting the other not to shoot.
Annie gasped. “That’s why you brought me.” Her voice was low and filled with hatred as she looked at her father.
Roger just shrugged. “You never know who you can trust. And I wasn’t prepared to find out this man couldn’t be trusted to honor our deal. He’s not as apt to shoot a woman.”
Annie looked at her with fear in her eyes as she stepped forward. But just as she did, four men in red uniforms stepped out from the trees with their guns drawn.
Claire met Nathaniel’s gaze, and wanted to run to him. Suddenly, an arm was around her neck, dragging her backward. As cold metal pressed up against her jaw, she saw the fury in her husband’s eyes.
“I finally figured out who you are, Mountie. And unless you want your wife to join your brother, you better tell your friends there to put their guns down.”
Chapter 20
He struggled to keep himself calm, but seeing Claire being held by a madman was tearing him apart. All of his training and experience as a Mountie could never have prepared him for seeing someone he loved being threatened like this. Blood spread out in a circle through the
sleeve of her coat and his heart clenched as he realized she’d already been hurt.
He’d been on his way back to the ball after locking the drunk up in the jail for the night when he’d met up with his mother racing toward him. He’d been furious when he heard that Claire had completely ignored his wishes about staying away from Roger again, and had now put herself in even more danger.
Just as they’d gotten back to the hotel, the others had shown up from settling the dispute at the saloon. The men had come up with their plan as they tried to follow any tracks they could find. But it had been difficult with the amount of people who’d been around the hotel for the ball.
When he was sure he’d never find her, that ridiculous reindeer that hung around town had raced past, dropping a pearl bracelet from his antler. They hadn’t wasted any time going in the direction he’d just come running from, soon finding the spot where Roger was holding the women.
“Let her go, Roger. You know you aren’t going to get out of here alive if you try anything.” As he spoke, the other man who’d been meeting with Roger decided to take the chance to run. Easton and Matthew were right behind him, chasing him into the trees.
He needed to buy them some time until they could find the opportunity to get Claire away from Roger.
“Your family just doesn’t give up, do they? First your brother was insistent on making me pay for minor little crimes that didn’t hurt anybody. All I was doing was improving the economy by helping some of the rest of us get rich. But he just couldn’t let it go. Then that slime David Tompkins decides to sell me out just so he could go free.”
Roger started to laugh. “And even now, you think you can catch me and put me away. But you don’t have any proof. You have no way to prove any of that money is mine. And you have nothing else. Even if you do take me in, I’ll be a free man in no time.”
“They might not have any proof, but I’d be more than happy to give them any they need.”
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