She blushed and jerked her hand away. “I think your brothers would appreciate the help. Their backs are probably tired, too.”
“I didn’t ask about my brothers. I asked if you wanted me to stay.”
She looked at the floor. “Yes,” she whispered.
Ashe moved closer to her. He took his finger and moved her head upward to look into her eyes. “I won’t stay for my brothers, but I’ll stay for you.”
Before she could move away, Ashe bent forward and brushed his lips across hers.
Quinn knew she should pull back, but she was mesmerized by the softness of his lips and the sensation going from her toes to the top of her head.
The kiss deepened and Ashe put his arms around her, pulling her close to his body.
“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” he muttered.
“Me, too.”
He kissed her again, this time rubbing his tongue across her lips. “You taste so good.”
Cal cleared his throat at the doorway.
Quinn and Ashe jumped apart. She blushed and he chuckled.
Cal grinned and said, “The guys are back. Ready to carry more furniture?”
“I’m ready.” Ashe turned and winked at Quinn, then followed his brother out the door.
Quinn stood there for several seconds. She was still stunned at how Ashe’s kiss made her feel. She didn’t want to feel this way. Ashe was tied to another woman. A woman who was not only beautiful, but was a neighbor and a slut, according to the whole town. Was what Lola Norwood felt for Ashe, love? From what Quinn had seen of the woman, she only loved herself.
“Are you going to stand there in a trance all day?” Deborah’s voice broke into her thoughts.
“No.” Quinn jerked around.
“Good. You can dream about kissing Ashe later. For now, let’s get downstairs. It’s no telling where those men will put the furniture.”
At the moment, Quinn didn’t care where the chairs and tables ended up. She only wanted to re-live the kiss and the feel of Ashe’s arms around her, but she couldn’t let Deborah know this. “I’m right behind you.” She turned and left the bedroom.
* * * *
It was late when the sisters finished setting up their rooms. Deborah had taken time away to fix supper and when Marlene came in from the store at five-thirty, they ate then all pitched in to help put things in order.
Now it was almost eleven and Quinn was sure her sisters were asleep. Quinn couldn’t sleep. She kept replaying the kiss. Was she falling in love with Ashe Montgomery? Did he have any feelings for her? If not, why did he want to kiss her? She wished she wasn’t so inexperienced in matters of the heart.
Quinn got out of the big four-poster bed and walked to the front window and looked out. It was a hot night and she’d raised the window to let a little of the almost non-existent breeze sweep across the room. She was still reeling from the kiss. She wished she could forget it. But it was impossible. She could still feel his strong arms and…
Her gaze wandered to the street and her heart sank. She saw Ashe pause and look up at her window. She jumped back, hoping he didn’t see her. He must not have because he continued down the street.
She moved to the side window. In a few minutes she saw him go to Lola Norwood’s house. She continued to watch as the front door opened and he went inside. Still she stood there. In a few minutes the front rooms went dark and a small light appeared in what she guessed was a bedroom. Still she stood. In a few minutes, the light went out and the house was dark.
Finally Quinn stumbled back to bed with tears running down her cheeks. She pulled the sheet over her head and her body began to rock with sobs.
* * * *
Winnie Goodspell sat in her bedroom at Mrs. Potter’s boarding house and felt some relief. At least Hank Stockton wouldn’t be coming back there to see his nieces now. She’d not have to see him again.
She was still confused as to why he’d not let anyone know he recognized her when he came for supper the other night. The last time she’d seen him, he’d vowed to get even with her. Now he had the perfect chance. Why hadn’t he taken it? Or was he only punishing her by making her worry about when and where he’d unmask her charade?
And where was Princess? Did Hank know her whereabouts? Was he only teasing when he referred to the name?
No. Hank wouldn’t do that. He knew where Princess was. Now how was she going to get the information out of him?
The only thing she was sure of was she needed to get to Princess. Though there was no way she could get the money back, she could make Princes think she was going to sue her or something. The girl owed her and not even family could treat her the way Princess had.
Winnie wondered if she’d taken up with that crazy Templeton again. It’d serve her right if she had. He’d abuse any woman he was involved with. And Winnie knew he’d been involved with a lot of them. She remembered when he’d mistreated one of the whores so badly she ended up with a limp for the rest of her life, but Princess still blamed the girl for everything. There was no way to convince Princess Temp would mistreat a whore.
As she pulled the sheet across her ample chest, Winnie decided she was going to have to make the first move. No matter how risky, she’d get dressed and go for a walk in town tomorrow. She’d visit the Stockton’s dress shop and let them know she missed them at the boarding house. She knew she’d gotten on their nerves at times, but still they’d treated her with respect. Winnie had had very little respect in her life and she hated to see it end. But she guessed it must. Tomorrow would be her reckoning because tomorrow she was going to go to the saloon and have a chat with Hank Stockton. She’d learned through life it was sometimes better to make the first move and not wait for her adversary to descend on her.
With everything sorted out in her mind, Winnie slipped down in the bed and tried to go to sleep. She now wished she hadn’t had a second helping of the pork roast Mrs. Potter had served tonight.
Chapter 19
The sisters worked it out so at least one of them would be in the store with Marlene all the time. That way, they knew she wouldn’t have to leave her work to wait on customers. The next morning Deborah asked Quinn to go because she’d invited Cal to come by for his midday meal.
Quinn and Marlene walked the four blocks in silence. Marlene declared she was exhausted. Quinn was thinking about seeing the sheriff go to Lola Norwood’s house in the middle of the night, wondering why he would want to visit a woman he said he had no interest in. Then she felt her cheeks get warm. She knew exactly why. Well, let him visit her. It gives me incentive to quit dreaming about his kiss. Now I can get on with my own life and forget him.
Things were quiet in the store until Naomi came in for a fitting. She chatted away for almost an hour. When she left, the shop was quiet again.
It was getting close to noon when Winnie Goodspell came through the door, swishing her blue taffeta skirt. “Hello, Quinn.”
“Winnie, it’s good to see you.”
“How did things go in your new home last night?”
“They went fine, but I missed Mrs. Potter’s cooking.”
“It was delicious. She made a roast.” Winnie grinned. “I miss you girls.”
“We miss you too, Winnie.”
She touched the chemise on the counter. “This is pretty. I bet you don’t have it in my size.”
“No, but we can order your size if you like.”
Winnie shook her head. “No. I’m too old for such pretty things.”
Quinn smiled. “Oh, no, Winnie. A lady never gets too old for pretty things.”
Winnie eyed her. “I bet your own chemise is plain cotton. Maybe has a bow at the top, but no lace. Am I right or not?”
“Does it matter what my chemise looks like?”
“Not really, but it tells what a woman has on her mind. If she’s decided she’s going to be an old maid, she’ll always wear the plain cotton type. If she has dreams of being a wife she’ll add a few ribbons and a lit
tle lace. If she’s going to entice a man any way she can, she’ll wear something like this.”
“I’ll have to remember that.” Quinn thought of the cotton chemise under her dress. But what Winnie didn’t know was Quinn planned to buy some of the fancy things they sold whenever she had the money.
“Do you think Marlene would make me a dress, Quinn?” Winnie sounded unsure.
“Of course, but you’re a wonderful seamstress. I remember the lovely dress you had on the day we were on the stage. You said you made it. Why would you want Marlene to sew you one?”
“Every once in a while a woman likes to pamper herself with something special.”
Quinn came around the counter. “In that case, let me show you to the workroom. Marlene’s finishing a dress for the banker’s wife and I’m sure she’d like you to be her next customer.”
When they come in Marlene put the dress she was working on aside and greeted Winnie.
“Winnie wants you make her a dress.”
“Wonderful. What type would you like, Winnie?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe something to flatter a fat lady like me.”
“Let’s say you’re portly. I don’t like the word fat.”
“Why, Marlene. How sweet of you.”
“Now let’s check out patterns and look over the material. If I don’t have what you like we’ll go to the mercantile and check out their supply.”
Leaving Winnie in Marlene’s hands, Quinn returned to the front office. The door opened and Lola Norwood came in.
When she saw Quinn behind the counter she threw back her head and took a deep breath. “You’re here again.”
“I work here. What do you need?”
“I want a dress, but I don’t think you’d enjoy making one for me.”
“I don’t make the dresses.”
“Good. Now where do I find the seamstress? I heard a rumor there’s going to be a big celebration in town in a few weeks and I want to be the most beautifully dressed woman there.” She turned up her nose at Quinn. “I want Ashe to be proud of me when we’re dancing together.”
“If my sister makes your dress, I guarantee you’ll have a lovely one.” Quinn forced a smile.
“Good!” She whirled around. “Now where’s your sister? I want to deal with her, not you.”
“My sister is with a customer. You’ll have to take a seat on the sofa and wait your turn. I’ll let Marlene know you’re here.”
Quinn went toward the curtain as Marlene came out. “We overheard some of the conversation and Winnie is in the dressing room. She told me to see to Mrs. Norwood and she’d wait. I think she wanted to sit in the dressing room and rest.”
“Mrs. Norwood is all yours.” Quinn went back behind the counter.
An hour later, Lola sashayed out of the store without speaking to Quinn.
Who cares if she never speaks to me again. Quinn headed for the curtain. I prefer not talking with her either.
“Were you able to satisfy miss high and mighty?”
Marlene laughed. “I’m not sure. She wants a red satin gown with custom made petticoats and a chemise within a month and she wants us to order shoes to match.”
“She didn’t say anything to me when she left the store.”
“I’m sorry, Quinn. She made it clear she only wants to deal with me.”
Quinn shrugged. “Good. I’d rather not bother with her myself.”
Winnie came out of the dressing room. “You’re smart, Quinn.”
“Oh, Winnie. I got so involved with Mrs. Norwood I forgot to get back to you.” Marlene ran to the older women’s side.
“It doesn’t matter.” Winnie chuckled. “The chair in there is comfortable and I enjoyed eavesdropping on your conversation. I learned a lot about Mrs. Norwood.”
“Personally, I don’t care to learn any more about her.”
“I can’t blame you, Quinn.” Marlene turned to Winnie. “Would you like to continue looking for your dress material now?”
“I think I’ll go with the yellow stripe you suggested. It’s light and airy and will be cool this summer. Besides, I’m getting hungry.”
“You know, I’m hungry, too.” Marlene smiled at her.
“Why don’t I treat you girls to dinner at the café or we can go back to Mrs. Potter’s and eat. I’m sure she has something ready.”
“We can’t leave the shop, but thank you. Maybe we can do it later.” Marlene took her arm and led her to the door. “I think you made the right decision about the yellow stripe. At least we got all your measurements before Mrs. Norwood came in. All we have to do is pick out a pattern.”
Winnie paused at the door. “I want you to pick out the pattern for me. I trust you to choose something to flatter my…uhmp…” she cleared her throat and added, “shall we say, ample figure?”
Marlene nodded. “I think I have the right thing in mind.”
“Very good.” Winnie turned to Quinn. “Don’t worry about Mrs. Norwood. If I’m any judge of character she isn’t worth your concern.”
“Thank you, Winnie.”
“I’ll see you girls later.” Winnie went out the door and Quinn watched her through the window. She was surprised to see the older woman look up and down the street before heading toward the boarding house. She frowned. Was Winnie hiding from someone? If not, why did she hide in the dressing room when Lola was in here? Something wasn’t right, but Quinn had no idea what.
“Why don’t you go to the café and get us something to eat, Quinn?” Marlene broke into her thoughts. “I need to finish Naomi’s dress and I’m hungry.”
“So am I. I’ll be right back. Can you hear the bell from the workroom?”
“Loud and clear. Don’t worry. I won’t let any customers not be waited on.”
Chapter 20
Beck and Ashe were at a corner table in the Walk-in Café when Quinn stepped inside.
“Would you join us?” Ashe asked.
“Thank you, but I only came to pick up something for Marlene and me.”
“Oh,” Beck quickly stood. “I have an idea. Why don’t you eat with Ashe and I’ll take something over for Marlene?”
“But—”
“Have a seat, Quinn. Can’t you see my brother wants to spend time with Marlene? You and I would be in the way.”
Elsa came up. “Can I help you Miss Stockton.”
“You can give Miss Stockton my lunch, Elsa. Fix two more specials for me to take out.” Beck smiled at the woman.
“Yes, sir.”
Beck pulled out a chair for Quinn then moved toward the kitchen door behind Elsa.
“I think I’ll take my food to the shop.” Quinn looked at Ashe.
“I don’t think Marlene and Beck would appreciate that. Now sit still. The food will be here in a minute.”
“You don’t have to stay, Sheriff. I don’t mind eating alone.”
“I have a lot to do this afternoon and I’m not planning on doing it without eating first.”
She ducked her head. “I didn’t realize you hadn’t eaten.”
Elsa appeared with two brimming plates of beef, potatoes, green beans and corn.
Quinn stared at the plate before her. “There’s no way I can eat all of this.”
“Eat what you want and leave the rest.” Ashe picked up his fork and began eating his identical meal.
* * * *
“Marlene,” Beck called as he stepped into the dress shop.
She came through the curtain. “Hello, Beck.”
“I came to eat dinner with you.”
“But, Quinn went to the café to get us something.”
“I know. I left her there to eat with Ashe. I decided I’d rather eat with you.” He smiled at her and nodded at the tray in his hand. “Where do I set this up?”
“I’ll clean off a place.”
He followed her into the sewing room and waited until she moved to a small table in the corner.
“I put this table here because I sometimes need to take
a break and have a cup of tea. It’s off to itself because I want to be sure not to get anything on the material I’m working with.”
“Smart.” He sat out the food and held a chair for her.
“Thank you.” She sat and looked at the plates. “My goodness, you have enough food for six people.”
“I’m a big man. I eat a lot.” He sat down. “Now dig in and tell me about you.”
“What do you want to know about me that you don’t know already?” She picked up her fork.
“I know you have two sisters and an uncle, but I don’t know if you have any other family.”
“You’ve named all the people who are important to me. The only other relative is a distant cousin in Philadelphia and he isn’t a very nice man. I’d rather never think of him again.” She grinned. “Now tell me about you.”
He told her about his parents in Wyoming and how it was to grow up on a ranch.
“I’m sure you enjoyed your family.”
“Yes, I did. I always wanted to have a family of my own.” He looked at Marlene and his voice grew serious. “I don’t know what you’ve been told, but I was married for a couple of years.”
She looked shocked. “I didn’t know.”
“I lost her three years ago in a boating accident.”
Marlene touched his hand. “I’m sorry, Beck. Do you want to tell me what happened?”
“I’d like to tell you.” He smiled at her. “Nell and I had been married a year and she was visiting her parents on their ranch in New Mexico. A river splits their property and she always loved canoeing on it with her brothers and sisters. One evening she and her sister, Sarah, decided to go out alone and a storm came up. They fought the water as best they could, but they weren’t strong enough. They were caught in some rapids and swept away. The canoe crashed on some rocks. Sarah ended up on the rocks with several broken bones, but was found by some hunters in time to save her life. Nell wasn’t so lucky. She was found two days later downstream. She’d drowned.”
“I’m sure you were devastated.” Marlene’s voice was soft.
“I was. I was also angry because Nell was going to have our baby. For a long time I blamed her because she went on such a dangerous outing, knowing the chance she was taking with herself and the baby.”
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