THE Prairie DREAMS Trilogy

by Susan Page Davis

  “Come on.” Wilkes steered Peregrin toward the street. “Get his baggage, Ted.”

  “Listen, this isn’t what you think,” Peregrin said.

  “And what do we think?” Teddy asked as he bent to pick up Peregrin’s fine-grained leather valises.

  He had no answer, and Wilkes pulled him along roughly until they came to a gap between a saloon and a wheelwright’s shop. The giant shoved Peregrin into the alley and pulled him up behind the saloon.

  “All right, give up everything you’ve got, right now. Then we’ll talk about the balance.”

  “But I…I haven’t anything,” Peregrin said.

  “Oh, and how were you going to buy a ticket, then?”

  “Besides,” Teddy said drily from behind him, “we saw you pay off the liveryman. You’ve got somethin’ in your pocket, man.”

  “I should have gone down with you.” David tapped the floor hard with his cane. He shouldn’t let Millie run this fox to earth for him.

  “If all goes well, you’ll see him tonight. Then maybe we’ll get to the bottom of it.” Millie shook her head ruefully as she gathered the dishes from David’s dinner and stacked them on the tray. “I’m sorry I didn’t find out more for you.”

  “Well, it’s clear he had no intention of making himself known to me.”

  Millie clamped her teeth together and puzzled over Walmore’s behavior. “You don’t suppose he could be telling the truth, do you, and he barely remembers your family?”

  “I don’t see how. I mean, if his sister is married to Randolph, every member of the Stone family in England was probably at the wedding.”

  “Maybe he’s just slow-witted.”

  David shook his head. “I don’t know. But I can’t see how he can have helped knowing who I am.” He laughed and gave a little shrug. “There. Perhaps I think too much of myself. I suppose it’s possible no one in England remembers me.”

  “Oh, I doubt that,” Millie said.

  Yes, David reflected. The Earl of Stoneford was known throughout British society. Not that Richard had carried himself with pomp or self-importance. He’d been a regular fellow, whom everyone liked. But he was conspicuous in his position. If Walmore hadn’t lived under a rock near the Scottish border, he had to know who the Stones were. Especially if he was related to Randolph’s wife.

  “Well, I’m through being helpless. I’m going to meet this fellow, one way or another.”

  “Fine,” Millie said. “We’ll go down at six and watch for him.”

  “No. I want you to ask Simmons for his room number. I intend to pay a call on Mr. Walmore. At once.”

  Wilkes held Peregrin pinned against the saloon wall, and Teddy moved in. He drew back his fist.

  “Wait! Don’t hit me. Please.”

  “Why not?” Teddy asked. “I been wantin’ to pound you all day.”

  “There is something I could do.”

  Wilkes let go of him with one hand and waved Teddy back. “Spill it.”

  “There’s a fellow at the hotel. I don’t know him really, but I believe we have some mutual acquaintances. I don’t know if he has any money or not, but perhaps I could ask him to help me.”

  Wilkes scowled. “We’re not talking about borrowing a buck here.”

  “I know,” Peregrin said hastily. “This fellow—well, he seems pretty well set up. He may not be able to give me anything, but it might be worth a try.”

  Wilkes looked at his pal. “What do you think, Teddy?”

  Teddy scratched his head. “How well do you know this gent?”

  “Uh, well…” Peregrin gulped. “He’s connected to my family.”

  “What do you mean, connected?” Wilkes asked. “Like he’s hitched to their mule team?”

  “No.” The more Peregrin thought about it, the better this idea seemed. He forgot all his previous objections. Surely if David knew it was a matter of life or death, he would come through. “He’s actually…well, my sister’s married to his cousin, but he doesn’t really know me.”

  The two thugs frowned at each other.

  “You’re both staying in the same hotel, and he’s married to your sister, and he doesn’t know you?” Teddy asked.

  “That’s not what I said. His cousin is married to my sister.”

  “Oh.” Teddy looked doubtfully to Wilkes.

  The giant shrugged. “Has he got the ready?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe. His family’s swimming in it. But he hasn’t seen me since I’ve been here.”

  “Do tell.” Wilkes relaxed his grasp on Peregrin’s shirt. “So you’re going to renew your acquaintance with this sort-of kin of yours and see how much you can get from him. You got that?”

  “Yes.”

  “First, give us every red cent you have on you or in your things,” Teddy said. “No holding back.”

  “Yeah.” Wilkes grinned. “And Teddy, you can hit him once if you want, for holding out on us this morning. But just once.”

  “Is that really necess—” Peregrin gasped as Teddy’s fist rammed his stomach. He doubled over, fighting dizziness and nausea.

  After a few seconds, his spinning world began to slow down. Wilkes took hold of his coat collar and pulled him erect.

  “All right, now. Give it up. All of it.”

  Peregrin fumbled for his wallet. Before he could open it, Teddy plucked it from his hands. He riffled through it and handed it back to Peregrin empty.

  “Now the rest,” he growled.

  “The rest?”

  Wilkes hit him hard, a little higher than Teddy’s blow, and Peregrin saw colorful flashes of light. He couldn’t haul in a breath. He sank to the ground and felt himself sinking into darkness. When he could register that he was still alive, Wilkes was rifling his pockets. Maybe if he feigned continued unconsciousness, they’d take his cash and leave him alone.

  “Well, that’s another two hunnert,” Wilkes muttered.

  “Here’s another wad.” Teddy pulled more money from Peregrin’s trouser pocket.

  “Come on, Walmore, on your feet.” The giant lifted him bodily, and Peregrin couldn’t see any sense in flopping back down in the dirt.

  He opened his eyes slowly and hung on Wilkes’s meaty arm. “Wha—”

  “You’re going back to the hotel,” Teddy said.

  Wilkes nodded, grinning. “That’s right. You find this friend of yours and put the squeeze on him. We’ll be waiting outside—and watching both doors. You hear me?” He shook Peregrin as though trying to make his instructions settle quicker.

  “Yes!” The shaking stopped. Peregrin stood still for a long moment as he caught his breath and rubbed his abdomen.

  “What’s the matter?” Teddy asked sweetly. “You look like you got a bellyache.”

  Peregrin grimaced and set out for the hotel without looking at them. He could hear their footsteps behind him as he staggered from the alley. Once he got out on the street, passersby stared at him, but he kept his head down and trudged for the Frontier Hotel.

  David rapped smartly on the door of 201. He waited, but no sound came from within. He looked at Millie, who stood beside him.

  “Try again, just in case,” she said.

  He lifted his cane and used the handle to knock—a loud, authoritative sound.

  After a few seconds, he turned away. “All right, he’s not in.”

  “I guess we’ll have to wait until supper and see if he shows up,” Millie said. “Come, let’s get you back upstairs.”

  David huffed out a breath. “I’ll be glad when we put this place behind us.”

  “And that will be at first light,” Millie said cheerfully. “Come. Just one more night here and we’re off.”

  Peregrin entered the hotel at half past four. He ought to go right up to 302 and accost Stone, but he didn’t like the idea. Better to keep his supper engagement and approach the matter like a gentleman. Perhaps he could get some money out of David without telling him everything.

  A mirror graced the wall in t
he entry, above a horsehair-covered settee. Peregrin caught a glimpse of his battered face in it as he passed through the lobby. What would Stone think of his appearance? Had that gentleman ever been attacked in the street? Mrs. Evans had shown sympathy, but Stone might just peg him for a fool.

  He stopped at the desk and got his key back. Mr. Simmons welcomed him back and assured him his room was as he’d left it. Resigned, Peregrin dragged himself up the stairs. He ached all over, and his stomach and breastbone were tender and sore. His cheek still smarted some, too, and his head throbbed unbearably. He might as well have thrown himself in front of a battering ram as to face those two thugs.

  His hand shook as he unlocked the door. He would lie down and try to rest for an hour. What else could he do?

  If he lingered in his room, would Wilkes and Teddy storm the establishment and come after him, as they had before? He hoped not. If they did, he would tell them David was out and he hoped to see him at supper. That ought to work, or it would with any reasonable man.

  Of course, Wilkes and Teddy were not always reasonable.

  Peregrin wished he had a bottle of whiskey, but there was no way he could get past the bloodhounds to buy one, and Mr. Simmons had already informed him that he didn’t serve liquor. Besides, if he spent part of his last five dollars on drink, he would be truly destitute.

  Always before, he’d had his friends to fall back on until his next allowance came through, or else he could go join a friendly card game with the hope of winning a few pounds. In a tight pinch, there was Merrileigh and her husband, slightly better off than middle class. His sister could be counted on for short-term small loans, so long as he didn’t ask too often.

  But now he was left to his own devices, and it felt horrid.

  CHAPTER 32

  Millie and David entered the dining room at quarter to six. A strong odor of cooking grease wafted out from the kitchen. Millie surveyed the patrons.

  “He’s not here. Let us find a table with an extra seat and watch for him.”

  They claimed one that would allow them to observe the door and ordered tea.

  “We expect Mr. Walmore to join us,” Millie told Sarah. When the waitress had left them, she appraised David. He was a bit pale, but that was understandable. He looked fit, and his tailored clothing and impeccable grooming set him off as what he was—a fine English gentleman. She had no doubt that within a few weeks he would regain his strength and agility.

  “What are you smirking at?” David asked.

  “Was I smirking? I suppose, if you want the truth, I was thinking how different you look from the first time I saw you.”

  He frowned for a moment. “Oh yes, in the lobby of the hotel in Scottsburg. I believe I’d just come in from my mining claim and was sadly in need of a bath.”

  She laughed, glad they could mention it without either of them prickling. “You were a handsome man then. It was obvious to all that you didn’t avoid hard work.”

  “As opposed to my appearance now?”

  She shrugged. “Those who know you realize you are a complex man, Mr. Stone. But yes, those who’ve never made your acquaintance might, on first glance, assume you are a man of leisure.”

  “And those who met you for the first time tonight would find you a fascinating woman—one whose acquaintance they longed to cultivate.”

  She felt her cheeks flush. “Thank you, sir.” He’d never spoken to her in such a manner, not even in Scottsburg. His words confused her. She would like to think he’d changed his opinion of her, but still he intended to leave her in Philadelphia and sail out of her life. That much they both understood. The rest was still murky, and a change of subject might be in order.

  “How is your leg?”

  “Better. In fact, I felt hardly a twinge as we came down the stairs.”

  Sarah brought their tea and set out the pot and three cups. “Do you want to order now?”

  Millie looked to David, quirking her eyebrows.

  “We might as well,” he said.

  “All right, it’s roast beef or fried fish tonight.”

  They told Sarah their wishes from the limited menu. A few minutes later, Millie glimpsed Walmore, peering in at the doorway.

  “He’s here,” she whispered to David.

  When Walmore’s gaze landed on her, she smiled and beckoned discreetly. His face was still hideously discolored, and he moved slowly. As he approached their table, David rose.

  “Mr. Walmore, may I present Mr. Stone?” Millie said.

  “Good evening, sir.” Walmore extended his hand tentatively, and David shook it.

  “Have a seat.” David resumed his place, and Walmore sat down opposite him, with Millie between them. “That’s quite a badge you’re wearing on your face, sir. May I ask how you got it?”

  Walmore put his fingertips up to his swollen cheek. “I hate to admit it, but I ran afoul of some rather obnoxious thugs.”

  Millie arched her eyebrows. “That’s not quite what you told me this morning, sir.”

  “Well, no.” He gave her a deprecating smile. “One doesn’t like to admit to a lady that he’s been bested at fisticuffs and robbed.”

  “Robbed?” Millie said.

  “Really, sir! Have you spoken to the constabulary?” David asked.

  “No. No, I haven’t.”

  “Why ever not?” Millie asked.

  “It’s not a happy tale.” Walmore looked at David. “I hoped perhaps I could have a private word with you later, Mr. Stone.”

  David’s eyes narrowed, but he said affably, “Of course.” He looked up as Sarah approached the table. “Oh, here’s the waitress. Why don’t you order your dinner, Mr. Walmore, and we’ll talk of more pleasant things for now.”

  When he had ordered, the newcomer fixed his tea and smiled at Millie. “So, you are both leaving Independence tomorrow—is that correct?”

  “Yes,” she said.

  “I’m thinking I may leave, too,” Walmore said. “I’ve not had the best of fortune here.”

  “Are you going back to England?” David asked.

  “Not just yet, but I shall head back to the East Coast.”

  “Ah.” David waited until the waitress placed his and Millie’s plates before them and took Walmore’s order before changing the subject. Millie just sipped her tea, unfolded her napkin, and smiled.

  “Now, tell me, sir,” David said, “is your family not connected with mine by marriage? It seems to me that my niece said my cousin Randolph married a Walmore.”

  “That’s correct. My sister. Merrileigh, her name is. They have a townhouse in London.”

  “Yes, and Randolph’s father had a small country house as well….”

  “I believe that’s gone out of the family since you left England,” Walmore said. He took a quick gulp of his tea.

  “I see. Well, it’s quite a coincidence us meeting up on the frontier like this.” David smiled at him, but his tone clearly asked for information.

  “I came out here to see a bit of the West,” Walmore said. “Oh, and a friend asked me to look over some land. But since I’m now nearly penniless, I think I’d best head back to civilization and see if I can’t recoup my losses.”

  “Perhaps your bank could send you some money here,” David suggested.

  Walmore frowned. “Unfortunately, I closed my bank account in New York when I left there. I’m afraid I’ll have to rely on the charity of friends until I can get a bank draft from England.” His eyes flickered, and Millie wondered if he really thought he could do that. Maybe he was just saying it so they wouldn’t think he was a complete derelict. But from her experience, she felt it was more likely he was sizing David up as a potential “friend.”

  “I wish you the best,” David said and turned back to his meal.

  They continued eating, and the two men discussed a few mutual acquaintances. Mr. Walmore described some recent happenings in London and occasionally shot a remark or a question Millie’s way, but he seemed intent on winning Dav
id over.

  Sarah had just delivered three slices of apple pie and a fresh pot of tea when Walmore smiled ingratiatingly at David and said, “I suppose your first order of business on British soil will be to claim your late brother’s title.”

  Millie caught her breath. She didn’t mean to stare at David, but she couldn’t help it. Why hadn’t she known about this? It made sense, starting with the day Anne arrived at the farm in Oregon, telling her and Sam that David had inherited something from his brother. Did no one in America know that he was a true aristocrat? He must have kept it a secret. All the way from Oregon to Independence, he’d certainly been reticent about his background. He had mentioned a country home once or twice, and lately he’d let fall a few tidbits that led Millie to believe his family traveled high in London society. But she’d never dreamed he held a title. Or would, it appeared, when he returned to England.

  David was looking at her. She reached for her teacup as a way to camouflage her dismay. How could she have allowed herself to hope he was warming toward her? A lord would never marry someone like her. And he’d done all in his power to make sure she knew nothing of his true situation.

  “Mr. Walmore,” David said evenly, “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t speak of this matter. It’s not settled yet, and I don’t wish people to hear rumors and speculate.”

  “Of course not, sir. Forgive my thoughtlessness. But I wish you the best.”

  David nodded and took a bite of his pie.

  Millie could scarcely keep her cup steady enough to take a sip. Would David be willing to talk to her about this later? Or would he deposit her in Philadelphia without explanation and go off to live in his castle?

  “Won’t you come up to my room, Mr. Walmore?” David said when they all had finished their dessert. “I believe we can talk privately there.”

  “That’s most kind of you,” Walmore murmured.

  David rose, but his stiffness slowed him, and Walmore jumped to pull out Millie’s chair before he could.