“Pull up, Miss Beecher!” Edward shouted. “Do you want to break your foolish neck?”
Cass had been riding horses since she was five. She was the best rider in the Beecher family. Only Edward didn’t know that. She should thank him for forgetting her crinoline. It made her ride easier. She looked back. No one was behind her. She had lost Edward.
Ahead of her, she could see the blue waters of the lake through the gaps in the trees.
As she broke out of the woods into the clearing, she recognized the large cabin by the lake to her left and headed for it. Edward broke out of the woods in front of her escape. He had taken a different path. He grabbed her off the horse and pulled her against his chest. Cass fought for her freedom.
“What did you think you were doing?”
His grip was too firm. His hands bruised her arms. She ceased struggling. “I was never in danger. I’m a good rider.”
“Even the best rider can make a mistake.” Edward pulled her to the ground and shook her, knocking her bonnet back. “You could have been thrown or a branch could have knocked you off.” He examined her for any injuries.
Edward appeared genuinely concerned. Where had this slice of kindness come from?
His hand brushed back her hair where it had escaped her braid. He cupped her cheek. “You scratched your face.”
Her hand touched her cheek. She hadn’t felt the twig smack her. “I’m fine.”
His mouth covered hers. His kiss was so surprising, Cass stood still, unable to react. Why were men always kissing her? And why couldn’t she think of ways to stop them?
When he released her, she found her courage. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and spat on the ground to rid the taste of him. “I did not give you permission to kiss me, you cad!”
“You could pretend you liked it,” he said. “Seduce me into thinking you were in love with me to save Zach.”
Cass hadn’t considered anything so deceptive and repulsive.
“No, you’re not the type to pretend. The Beecher women are lousy liars.”
“Some people would consider that a virtue.”
“Not to a man who is considering making an honorable proposal of marriage.”
“What?” He couldn’t be serious.
“Lucia mistook my interest in your family and hinted about a liaison. Seymour wanted me to defile you. Another revenge against Zach, but I consider myself a gentleman. I am serious about my proposal. Jefferson will need a mother. You talked fondly of my son. Do you like him?”
A marriage of convenience? “I love Jefferson, but I don’t love you.” She stepped away, worried he might try to change her mind. “Don’t you know anyone who might make a good stepmother?”
“I wasn’t looking until now, but you’ve given me hope. I’m not as dead as I thought, and there are plenty of women looking for a husband. One of them might fall in love with me.”
“Thievery and deception are hardly admirable traits in a husband.”
“Regina recognized good in me when others did not. I need you to see what she did.”
“Why? I have no intention of marrying you.”
He grimaced. “I understood your rejection clearly. What I’m asking is for faith. I always admired your sisters for their lack of hysterics during a crisis. I expect the same of you during the sale.”
She bit back any tears and glared. “I won’t cry.”
He lowered his voice. “I need you to do exactly what I say.”
“Is it dishonest?”
“No. It will save the man you love.”
Was he still hopeful? “You do understand, that’s not you.”
He laughed. “Do you always decide so quickly?”
“Your kiss doomed you. Harry kissed me, too, and I had the same reaction.”
“Has Zach kissed you?”
She didn’t answer.
“Keep smiling like you are now. We don’t want anyone to think you’re attending this event against your will.” He retrieved the horses.
Chapter Thirty
Edward helped her mount Black Knight but kept the reins in his control as he rode beside her.
Cass tried to sway Edward. “Seymour is not an honest man.”
“I’m counting on it.”
What did he mean? “If you don’t trust him, why make a bargain with him?”
“The bargain was tilted in my favor until Zach arrived. Seymour tried to kill him.”
“With the barn fire, but you kept him from going inside.” Cass studied him. “Why did you do that?”
“I don’t murder innocent men, but others don’t share my scruples. Do you want Seymour gone and out of Zach’s life?”
“Yes. He’s a dangerous man.”
“Then we’re on the same side.”
She looked at the gun on his hip. “Are you planning to shoot Seymour?”
“Miss Beecher, you have an active imagination.”
“None of the horrible events in the last few months have been a result of my imagination.”
He shook his head and snorted. “What has been so tragic in your young life?”
“Zach and I were at Ford’s Theater when Lincoln was shot.”
He studied her. “Then you understand that even with precise plans, something could go wrong. Booth thought he would escape to the South and be hailed a hero, but he broke his leg when he jumped from the balcony and was trapped because of his injury. If I give you an order, you must promise to obey me. I would like to keep everyone alive.”
Cass nodded. She wasn’t sure she could trust Edward, but his plan was better than none.
They arrived at the paddock where the buyers were gathered around to view the horses for the auction. A large tent was placed to one side with a table and chairs arranged beneath the canvas. Edward helped her down. She made sure to keep her face turned from his. “Don’t worry. I won’t kiss you again.”
“Zach is a jealous man. He tussled with Harry for kissing me, and your nose has been broken enough times.”
He touched the crooked ridge. “Thanks to Tyler.”
Bryce arrived with the buggy and stopped at the tent. “Everything all right, Major?” He handed him the hat he’d lost in the chase.
“Miss Beecher won’t give us any trouble.” He helped Bryce with the chest, and they placed it on the table. He placed her travel bag beneath on the ground. “Take these horses to the barn and save Black Knight for Miss Beecher. He isn’t too much for her to handle.”
“What about Peaches?” Bryce asked.
“I’m sure her future husband will want to present her with a gift.”
“Aren’t you selling them?” she whispered after Bryce left.
“Please don’t act like a woman and talk too much,” Edward said.
“I’m the least talkative of all my sisters,” Cass defended.
Edward pointed. “There’s Zach.”
Cass turned. Zach jumped from the seat before Ethan stopped the wagon. He ran to her and took her in his arms. He kissed her long and deep, and she returned his passion. He held her, refusing to release her. “Are you all right?”
“You’re a lucky man,” Edward said.
“If you touched her…” Zach threatened.
“Miss Beecher is a lady, and although it’s been years since I’ve enjoyed the company of the gentler sex, I fancy myself a gentleman.”
“I ought to kill you for kidnapping her.”
“No killing,” Cass said, placing her hand on Zach’s chest. “We’re no longer enemies.”
Zach frowned, puzzled by her words. “Are you sure?”
“Trust me.”
“Heed her words,” Edward said. “And we’ll avoid any complications.”
Ethan and Harry joined them. She hugged them. “I’m fine.”
Harry gave Cass her basket. “Mrs. Graves thought you might be hungry.”
Ethan pointed at Edward. “I’ll deal with you later concerning my cousin.”
“I’m sure y
ou will, but for now, you’ll do exactly as you’re told. Two of my men have rifles, and I don’t need to tell you they’re sharpshooters.”
The men looked around.
“You won’t spot them.” Edward turned to Cass. “Convince them they should do what I say for their best interest.”
“Everything will work out if we do as he says. No heroics. Promise me,” she begged.
“Heed her advice, gentlemen.” Edward brushed back his coat to reveal his Colt revolver. Zach offered Cass a chair and sat beside her.
Edward removed papers from his jacket. He gave one copy to Ethan. “This is a list of the horses for sale. You and your friend can help Bryce show them to the buyers.”
“I think I should stay here.”
“Miss Beecher is perfectly safe with Zach present,” Edward said.
Zach nodded to Ethan and Harry. “Go ahead. Do as he says.”
“Don’t worry, Zach,” Ethan said. “We’ll help you rebuild Ravenswood.”
Seymour arrived with Lucia in a buggy. Lucia had transformed from nun to flamboyant mistress in a figure-hugging gown of salmon. A matching bonnet covered her short hair. The bodice barely contained her breasts, pushed upward by a stiff corset. Rice powder covered her face to give her a pale complexion, and her red-dyed lips contrasted like a bloody wound on a corpse. She twirled her lace-covered parasol. Lucia sat next to Zach and batted her darkened lashes. “It’s good to see you’ve recovered.”
“No thanks to your medicine,” Zach said.
“I sincerely regretted marring such an attractive body. It was a pity I had already attached myself to Seymour.”
“Like a bloodsucking leech,” Cass said.
“I do believe the kitten has claws,” Lucia said. “Did you enjoy spending the night with Vance?”
“I slept soundly, alone in my bed,” Cass said.
She closed her parasol. “Pity. Horses aren’t the only things meant to be ridden hard and long.”
Lucia’s crude remark was meant to shock her. “You and Seymour appeared to keep your encounters brief.”
Lucia’s smile widened. “You watched?”
“It was unavoidable,” Zach said.
“I hope it was educational. At the Sisters of Mercy customers paid to witness the deflowering of a virgin. I lost mine fourteen times.”
“How…” Cass caught herself. Lucia had conned men for a long time. She almost felt sorry for Seymour. But he deserved everything Lucia took from him.
Seymour placed his hand on Lucia’s shoulder. “Are our guests behaving?”
“We’re having a lovely chat,” Lucia said.
Seymour looked at Edward. “Did you make sure all the men are disarmed?”
He moved his jacket aside. “I have a gun, but the rest are unarmed.”
Zach and Cass exchanged glances. What about the sharpshooters?
Seymour frowned. “Even your men?”
Edward never changed expression. “Those were your orders.”
“Good, you can hand over your gun to me.” Seymour held out his hand.
Edward rested his hand on the handle of his revolver. “That wasn’t part of our agreement.”
Lucia pulled a derringer from her handbag. “Do as Seymour says. A derringer at close range can be effective.”
Cass grabbed Zach’s hand. “Lincoln was shot with a derringer.”
“A bit theatrical, but John Wilkes Booth was an actor,” Lucia said. “I also consider myself a student of the arts.”
Edward handed over his revolver. “So you’re not only robbing Zach, you’re leaving without paying me or my men.”
“Sorry. You did an excellent job, but I need as much cash as possible to support this lovely creature.” He stroked Lucia’s cheek.
Zach looked at Edward. “It seems they have no respect for veterans. But we can be patient.” He turned to Seymour. “How far do you think you can run before the law catches you? Remember, they hang thieves.”
Lucia pointed the derringer at them. “They don’t hang women.”
“Tell that to Mary Surrat,” Cass said. Mary was the lone woman who had hanged with the other conspirators of Lincoln’s assassination. “She wasn’t even part of the conspiracy. She had the misfortune of owning the inn where they met.”
Lucia’s hand shook.
“Be careful her finger doesn’t shake against the trigger accidentally.” Edward pointed. “Fred Kettler and the auctioneer are arriving.”
“Put it away,” Seymour ordered Lucia. He waved the gun at Zach. “I hope you understand the role you are to play. Do not give me any reason to shoot you.” Seymour placed Edward’s heavy revolver on the table, his hand resting on top. “I’d hate to put a bullet in the lovely Miss Beecher, but she will be the first to go.”
“She’s done nothing against you,” Zach said. “If you’re going to shoot someone, kill me. Then Ravenswood will be yours.”
“I don’t want a barren horse farm. The Ravens Roost kept Elijah a poor man. The sale of the horses barely paid the expenses from year to year. Your grandfather was stingy for a reason. All I want is the money. You can drown in Ravenswood’s debts.”
Cass grabbed Zach’s arm. “I don’t want to lose you. Don’t do anything foolish.” He nodded, but the muscles beneath his sleeve remained taut.
“Smart decision, Zach,” Edward said. “Let’s finish this sale as quickly as possible so we can resume our lives.”
They greeted Fred who sat at the end of the table. He opened his portable desk and arranged his record book and official seal.
“Do you have the titles?” Seymour asked Zach.
Zach withdrew a large envelope from his coat. “In here.”
“Let Miss Beecher match them to the inventory.” Edward placed the inventory list between them and pointed to the first horse. Zach handed her the envelope, and she found the corresponding title.
Edward signaled Bryce to show the first horse for sale.
Lucia clapped her hands. “Isn’t she a pretty horsey?”
“It’s a gelding,” Zach corrected.
“It’s money,” Seymour said.
The auctioneer took bids, his voice trilling the numbers in rapid succession until he hit a gavel against a block of wood and shouted, “Sold!”
The bid ended at one-hundred-eighty dollars. The buyer paid Zach. Edward handed him the title and took the money. He opened the money chest and stacked it inside. “I better keep the lid closed. The wind is picking up.”
Zach put the inkwell on top of the paper and signed over ownership. Fred recorded the sale, and Seymour handed the title to the new owner.
“See, that wasn’t so painful,” Seymour remarked. “He was a bit reluctant to part with the horses, Mr. Kettler.”
“I’ve supervised Elijah Ravenswood’s sales in the past. You have a fine turnout.”
“I expect Zachary will sell a large number of his stock today,” Seymour said. “I hope you can keep up.”
“Don’t worry about me. Do you have a guard for the money box?”
Seymour patted Edward’s revolver. “I don’t expect any trouble with my friend here.”
Ethan and Harry helped Bryce show off the horses. The auctioneer took his time extoling the traits of each horse before he began the bidding. The hours wore on into the hot afternoon.
The older horses were easy to let go, but when the first mare and foal were led out, Zach turned on Seymour. “Ghost horses?”
“Ghost?” Fred repeated. “Your grandfather rarely sold the broodmares.”
“With the loss of so many horses during the war, Zachary wanted to help other horse breeders by parting with a few of his mares,” Seymour said. “Isn’t that right, Zachary?”
Zach looked at Cass and turned to Fred. “I’m obligated to help my fellow soldiers.”
“Veterans should stick together, even those on opposite sides,” Cass said.
“A man who has fought in a war knows what is worth dying for,” Edward said. “
And he knows what is worth living for.” He patted his coat pocket. The one containing her photo album.
Ned paid Zach. “I was hoping for a special deal, but I didn’t have to bid too high for that beauty.”
“You’re lucky I was willing to part with her.” Zach handed the money to Edward, who stacked the bills inside the strongbox.
It was late in the day. Many of the buyers had already taken possession of their horses and left. Edward checked his watch and nodded toward Bryce. He approached the table, the list in his hand. “That’s the last one.”
Seymour grabbed the paper from him. “I thought there were more.”
“The younger ones won’t fetch anything,” Edward said.
Zach had been tracking the numbers in his record book. He looked at the envelope Cass was holding on her lap. She opened it to reveal more titles inside before folding the envelope and shoving it into his coat pocket. “You have to let them go, Zach. They’re all gone.”
He met her gaze. She couldn’t explain why Edward had kept some of the horses back from the sale. The inventory sheet in front of Seymour accounted for all of those sold. But he had to know some were missing. Or would he? Seymour had shown little interest in the animals except for the money they could net. Lucia was restless and had distracted him through much of the proceedings.
Edward removed his watch. “The train will be leaving soon, or do you plan to spend the night at Ravens Roost?”
Seymour stood. “The trunk is full?”
Edward opened the lid to the cashbox; the bills were stacked neatly inside to the top.
Seymour removed a handful of bills, a rare smile on his face.
Fred finished the paperwork and packed his supplies. He coughed and signaled the auctioneer he was ready to leave. “Our pay.”
Seymour counted the money, paid Fred, and tossed the remaining bills back in the box. He shook hands with Fred and the auctioneer and hurried them on their way.
As soon they rode off, Seymour pointed the revolver at Edward. “Load the chest in my buggy.”
Edward locked the lid and went to the front of the table to lift the box. The handle broke, and it crashed to the ground.
Everyone hurried to the overturned chest. Seymour examined the broken handle. “How am I going to carry this?”
Impending Love and Madness Page 26