“If you’re a duke’s son, doesn’t that make you a lord? You might still be able to marry Margaret after all.”
The other men chuckled and gave mock bows, calling him Lord Hugh.
“That’s precisely why I left England,” Hugh said. “My title is a courtesy title. I’ll never be duke, and my children will inherit nothing, which would do nothing to further Coveney’s aspirations.”
Charlie shrugged. “Perhaps we can find you someone else to marry. Or at least someone willing to say she’s married to you when the railroad men are here, like Draven has.”
With as much trouble as this bride was giving him, Hugh wasn’t sure he wanted to try again. Especially because the reminder of why he refused to give his heart away was also in Noelle.
As if he was reading his thoughts, the Reverend looked over at Hugh. “What about the woman who came looking for you? Arabella? Is she willing to stay here? Could she marry you?”
Hugh stared at him. “I’d sooner marry Madame Bonheur. Arabella is up to no good, and we should all be on our guard against her. I’ve sent messages to my contacts, hoping for more information about her plans.”
The men all nodded, but his warning didn’t solve their problem of what to do about another bride. Margaret would go home, and they would have to find another way to save Noelle.
Even though Hugh had found Minnie, rather Margaret, difficult at first, he had to admit she’d grown on him. She had seemed eager to learn about her new life. Her willingness to fit into this new world, even though she was so unsuited to it, made her the perfect addition to the town. He was so angry with her for lying to him, but he had to admit to a soft spot in his heart for her being willing to give up her pampered life for a life such as this. He’d done the same, and he knew how difficult it was.
Maybe Margaret wasn’t perfect, but the more Hugh was faced with the idea of letting her go, he wasn’t sure he wanted to.
Chapter 4
The Third Day of Christmas
December 27th, 1876
Since yesterday’s big reveal, Minnie thought she’d noticed some of the women looking at her with sympathy. As she entered the kitchen for breakfast, the women seated at the table stopped their chatter. Penny, one of the brides she didn’t know very well, turned to her. As she did so, she knocked over a pitcher of milk.
Penny jumped up. “Oh dear. I’m so sorry. I only meant to welcome you, because I imagine you feel terrible after yesterday’s events. And now look at the mess I’ve made.”
The other ladies had begun mopping up the spill, so she stepped forward and embraced Penny. “It’s only milk, easily cleaned. Thank you for thinking of me. I can’t tell you what it means to be accepted after revealing my secret.”
Penny smiled at her. “We all have our secrets, and I imagine that if you’re running away from a forced marriage, the man must be terrible.”
Sympathetic murmurs sounded throughout the room, as if they understood, and Minnie felt some of the shame at her lies fall away.
Cara, another bride, gave her an encouraging look. “A woman must always trust her instincts, especially when it comes to men. You did well to come here. So then, are we to call you Margaret?”
She thought about the question, and how difficult it had been to assume another identity. But she didn’t feel like Margaret anymore. Nor did she want to be Margaret. Margaret would meekly go home and do exactly what her parents said. But for the moment of bravery Minnie had instilled in her, she would be absolutely miserable in her mother’s parlor awaiting what felt like a death sentence. Minnie had been brave enough to follow her dreams, even though they didn’t get her very far. She might have only been playing the role for a week, but it was enough time to make her never want to go back to being the person she once was.
Suddenly, what she wanted to be more than anything- was Minnie.
“No. Though the real Minnie was killed in a carriage accident, Margaret also died that day. She no longer exists. That woman can be no more. I am choosing to live the life that Minnie set out to live, and therefore, I am, and will remain, Minnie.”
Mrs. Walters, the matchmaker, nodded approvingly. “The society exists to give women a new start, and many choose a new name to go with it. I can’t imagine the courage it must have taken to leave your life behind, and we’ll do all we can to support you here in Noelle.”
This approval wasn’t the same as what she’d sought when chasing after her parents, begging for their affection. No, she was a strong woman, standing on her own two feet, surrounded by friends who supported her. To think she’d thought the other women would be unsympathetic. But as she looked at all the faces of the ladies at breakfast, she was glad they knew the truth.
If only Hugh were here to be part of this discussion. She’d like to think that he would understand. All her life, she’d done exactly what she was told, following everyone else’s wishes. But what she wanted? Now that she’d been in Noelle for a while, she found she quite liked the place. She wanted to stay.
With its tiny shops and people who seemed to be friendlier and more accepting than she’d known in Denver, Noelle seemed like the perfect place to live.
The women finished their breakfast and went their separate ways, so she got herself some tea and biscuits to take to the parlor. She needed quiet time while she figured out a way to convince Hugh to let her stay. Just as she was making herself comfortable, Arabella came downstairs.
“Why didn’t the servant bring me my breakfast?”
It was the same discussion they’d had the previous day, and yet Arabella seemed unable to comprehend the situation.
“This isn’t England,” Minnie said, smiling. “You can get your breakfast yourself. But I have fresh biscuits and tea, and I’m happy to share.”
Arabella glared at her. As Minnie looked at the tiny woman, who seemed too small to carry all the rage that resided within her, she felt more pity than anger at her demanding ways.
It wasn’t her job to wait on her, and when Margaret had servants, she never treated them with such contempt. Her mother used to tell her that even servants were people and they deserved kindness. But none of that had translated into being allowed friendship, and certainly she could see where she could have been kinder. But at least she treated people better than Arabella did.
Arabella came over, and Minnie poured her some tea. “Here you are,” she said, handing the tea to her. “Would you like a biscuit?”
“That’s not a biscuit,” she said, practically snarling.
“I understand the biscuits in England are different, but you should try these. They’re quite good.”
Arabella made a noise, but she took one. “I do not like any of the things here in America. You people are completely ignorant of civilized ways.”
She was just as much of a snob as Maybelle. Perhaps even worse. She knew she had better breeding than everyone else, whereas Maybelle just thought it. “I suppose you’ll be returning to England as quickly as possible.”
Arabella shook her head. “I will not return without Hugh. The family needs him.”
Minnie didn’t understand the woman’s insistence on such a thing when he had clearly told her there was no way he would be returning home.
“But you must miss your sons,” Minnie said, smiling at the woman. “Tell me about them.”
Once again, Arabella made a noise like such a thing was beneath her. “They are well enough I suppose. I’ve never liked children, but as a duchess, it was my duty to produce children to inherit, which I did. They spend their time in the nursery with the maid.”
That didn’t sound like any way to live, or childhood. Exactly what things would be like if she married Lord Milliken. More and more, that kind of life seemed completely unlike what Margaret wanted for herself. Spending time with Kezia and baby Jem, she could see what the true bond between a mother and a child looked like. Margaret wasn’t willing to settle for anything less. Not anymore. Now more than ever, the prospect of marrying Lord Milliken was intol
erable.
Hugh wasn’t perfect, but at least he treated her with respect. He treated everyone with respect. And they shared ideas on what family and life should look like.
Before Minnie was forced to think of something else to say to be polite to Arabella, Hugh entered the room.
“Good morning Miss Margaret,” he said. “I trust you slept well.”
He hadn’t asked her how she’d slept until now, but there was a difference in how he held himself that told her things had changed between them. This wasn’t a social call, even if he sounded friendly.
“I did, thank you,” she said. “I hope today we can proceed with our wedding plans.”
It was a bold statement, almost too bold for Margaret, but she was tiring of everyone telling her what they wanted for her, and what was best for her. No one asked her what she wanted. But she would stand by her earlier proclamation to the ladies. She had accepted Minnie’s life, and the bravery that went with it.
“I’m sorry. I must not have made that clear. We will not be marrying. I’ve notified your father, and he has men on their way. They should be here soon. Perhaps in the next day or so.”
“He’s sending his men?” Was it wrong to be disappointed that he wasn’t coming himself? Her mother wouldn’t be up to the trip, but surely her father would want to see her. But, she supposed, that was how it always was with him. He was more interested in business, and how his daughter could be used to his advantage. He was probably relieved only that her absence was no longer a distraction.
“Yes. Apparently, he has men nearby.”
How had she been so foolish as to think that she’d get away with this? Her father knew everything, knew everyone, and it seemed no secret could be kept from him. Which meant whatever awful thing Minnie feared from Lord Milliken, her father knew. And approved. Margaret trusted Minnie’s opinion far more than her father’s, and it was sad to think that he was more interested in whatever advantage he’d gain from the match than her happiness.
Part of her wanted to be angry with Hugh for contacting him. But the more she thought about how her father had to have already known about Lord Milliken, and had men on their way, the more she realized that her only hope of escaping the carefully scripted life that had been laid out for her was marrying Hugh.
Could she convince him to change his mind?
She straightened, fully embodying the woman she wished to be. “As I told the ladies this morning, Margaret is no more. I’m choosing to live the life Minnie encouraged me to lead. I do not wish to go back to my father. I would like to continue with our wedding. My future is here.”
“Unfortunately,” he said, looking more serious than he’d looked before. “I stand by my earlier decision. There will be no wedding, not between us.”
“I knew you’d listen to reason,” Arabella said, standing. “Now we can leave this horrible place and finally live the lives we were meant to. I’m certain I saw a rat in our room last night.”
He shook his head. “I also meant what I said about never marrying you. You’d best move on, because as soon as all the weddings take place, the original occupants of this house will return here, and they won’t be kindly disposed to your continued presence. We promised them their stay in the saloon was temporary.”
Minnie couldn’t help feeling relieved. If there was no chance for Arabella, perhaps there was some chance for her.
Then Hugh turned his attention back to Minnie. “I thought, while we wait for your father’s man, I’d give you a better tour of our town.”
Perhaps, on the tour, she could get Hugh to see that they could still be married.
“Well, then,” Minnie said, giving him her most charming smile. “I would be delighted to explore the town with you in the meantime.”
“I’ll just get my wrap,” Arabella said.
Hugh turned to her. “No, you won’t. You aren’t invited. You should be planning your trip home.”
Arabella brought her attention to Minnie and smirked. “A young lady needs a chaperone. I’d hate for her father to think she did without in this ungodly place.”
Minnie glared back at her. “Technically, I’m already ruined. By Hugh. I have already spent time alone with him in his bedroom.”
Her answer clearly didn’t please him, who groaned. “It was my house, not my bedroom. Nothing untoward happened.”
“But I did see the bed you made for yourself.” She smiled at Arabella, then at Hugh. “I agree that you were the perfect gentleman. I’m just pointing out that it’s a little too late for a chaperone to preserve my reputation. If you don’t mind, I’m ready to leave for my tour- without Arabella.”
The annoyed expression didn’t leave his face, but he nodded. “I agree.”
He held out his arm, and she felt slightly victorious at the gesture. If only Minnie were here to giggle with her about how she’d won the battle against Arabella. The wicked woman would still likely try to get between them, but at least for now, she had him all to herself.
When they stepped out into the cold winter air, she drew in a breath. Though it stung her lungs, it was oddly refreshing after being in that stifling place.
As they walked down the path, he asked, “Will you really be ruined?”
“You know etiquette as well as I, perhaps even better, Lord Hugh. I’ve been staying in a brothel. I can only imagine the fit of vapors my mother is going to have when she finds out.”
She gave a tiny laugh as she looked at him. No, he was not amused, and she wouldn’t be either, at least when her mother started in on her. But for now, it felt good to laugh about a most intolerable situation.
“I do, and I’m sorry. I hope your fortune is enough of an inducement for your fiancé to continue with your marriage.”
“I don’t,” she said, stopping to stare at him. “He is a terrible man. All the servants feared him, and Minnie told me all the maids did their best to avoid him because of the… liberties… he took.”
She closed her eyes. Minnie especially had a reason to fear him, and though she’d never told her the details of what had transpired, it had made her fear him even more. And now, after spending time in a house of ill repute and hearing some of the bawdy things the women said in the saloon, she was certain that he had forced himself upon her maid. No wonder Minnie had feared him so much that she’d chosen to run away to be married rather than go off to England with Margaret and her new husband.
Hugh’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “You fear him?”
She opened her eyes and looked at him. “Why else would I flee from society’s most anticipated match? I overheard Mother telling my aunt Violet that the earl’s pockets are let, and he must marry great wealth to survive.”
Her stomach ached as she remembered the women’s laughter. “Of course, they were rather pleased with themselves over the idea that I was marrying an earl, so they saw it as a good thing, but I found it revolting that they made light of such things. Supposedly, it’s illegal to buy or sell a human being, but isn’t that what men like my father are doing with their daughters?”
She and Minnie had spoken of this often, but when she’d mentioned it to her mother, she’d said it was a ridiculous notion and that clearly Margaret had been reading too many books.
“It’s why I left England,” Hugh said quietly. “You heard of my past with Arabella. The only thing that matters to her is status and money. She’s already married as high as a woman in her circle can attain, and it’s not likely another duke will offer for her. Which leaves me. But I will have no part of her plans.”
He sounded as disappointed with his lot in life as she was with hers. Could he understand the similarity?
“So how can you think that sending me back to my father is the right thing?” she asked, looking at him as earnestly as she could.
But the expression on his face gave her no hope. “Because there is more at stake than our individual happiness.”
Hugh gestured around him. “Noelle is dying, and we desper
ately need the railroad to come here to save it. This is the reason we need wives- to show that Noelle is a respectable town, and convince the railroad that people will come here.”
Then he turned his gaze back on her. “That’s why I’m showing you around, hoping you’ll tell your father what a wonderful place this is, and he won’t be so angry with us for harboring you. With his coal interests, a single word to the railroad would ruin us all.”
So even Hugh was using her.
She’d known, of course, that theirs was to be a marriage of convenience, and even that they were trying to save the town. But this attempt at friendship and conversation was all about Margaret Coveney’s influence.
“He doesn’t listen to me. Why do you think he’s marrying me off to an odious troll?”
Hugh nodded. “But if he knows we didn’t intentionally take his daughter, and that we treated you well, surely he won’t retaliate.”
Retaliate. It was a word she hadn’t considered, but everyone knew that no one crossed Arthur Coveney. Would he view this as an act of aggression?
Hugh wasn’t going to marry her. She could see it clearly now, the set to his jaw, and his determination to do the right thing. How many times had he told her of his love for Noelle?
“He won’t care,” Minnie said quietly. “The only thing he listens to is his profit and his desire for prestige. My mother will be pleased to hear I’ve been treated well, and perhaps she would be willing to lend her voice to your cause, but he often ignores her just as much.”
The expression on Hugh’s face was just as hopeless as she felt. In the end, Margaret would marry Lord Milliken, and Noelle would survive, or not. And there was nothing Hugh or Margaret could do about it.
Hugh searched Margaret’s expression for any sign that she’d been less than honest with him. The trouble was, he didn’t know her well enough to know if she’d been lying or not. Especially considering that she’d started her time here with lies. And yet, even then, Hugh could tell something was wrong with her story. Now… he couldn’t rightly say. There was nothing in her speech or manner to make him think that she wasn’t telling the truth.
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