The Darkest Blue

by Hildie McQueen

  “How are you, Miss Clark?” He ensured to keep a polite smile in place while studying her pitiful display of rags. “You do beautiful work.”

  An embroidered handkerchief materialized inches from his nose. “Please call me Heather and accept this as a gift.” She beamed at him when he reached for the rough material.

  “I cannot possibly accept this as a gift,” he told her, producing several bills. “Take this with my appreciation.”

  Her eyes widened at the amount, which she readily accepted. “You are a most gallant gentleman.” Color crept across her cheeks and he noticed the intriguing golden-brown shade of her eyes. She was not as unattractive, as he’d first perceived.

  He tipped his hat, ensuring to maintain eye contact. “It is my pleasure to see you today, Helen.”

  “Heather,” she corrected him not seeming to mind his forgetting her name.

  The woman’s loneliness emanated from her lingering gaze upon him. He couldn’t remember if she was married or perhaps a widow. Unfortunately, at the moment, his main priority to achieve his plans stood with marrying Grace Dawson. He smiled at Heather Clark. “I hope to see you again soon.” With a brief nod, he strolled away just as Grace walked off the dance floor unaccompanied by Cole. Ford resisted stopping her; it was best not to appear too anxious.

  Instead, he made his way to Ashley next to a cider stand. The younger cowboy’s flat blue eyes met his.

  “I see you’ve decided to ignore my warning to steer clear of Grace.” Ford ensured to keep his tone even while signaling for a glass of cider. “You are well aware I don’t make idle threats. She is mine.”

  A muscle jumped at Cole’s jawline, the only sign his words had any impact. “She is a woman, not property, Ford.”

  “Not yet.”

  “Leave her be.” Cole’s eyes narrowed and locked on Ford’s. “I won’t let you harm her.”

  The heat in Cole’s hard eyes and flat tone did make Ford waver, but only for a moment. A woman was not worth the wrong type of attention. But in this instance, he would hold his ground. “Or what? What can you possibly do to stop me, Cole?”

  The darkened, blue eyes didn’t waver from his and Ford almost looked away, but he managed to keep eye contact. “I will stop you,” Ashley replied and turned away.

  The annoying music followed him as he walked to where Grace and her mother presided over a stall of brightly dressed dolls. The women looked to be doing brisk business, but it did not stop Grace’s mother from walking away from a customer and make a beeline toward Ford. “Captain Ford, how wonderful to see you. We wondered where you were.” Clearly a lie.

  “Mrs. Dawson.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips “I see your colorful display is drawing a flock of admirers.”

  The irritating woman blushed and moved toward the stand. “I’m positive Grace will be pleased you are here.”

  Grace stood on the other side of the stand speaking to a couple while wrapping a doll with care. She must have sensed his regard because she looked toward him. By her stoic expression it seemed she wasn’t as pleased as her mother thought. “I would like a few moments with her if you don’t mind,” Ford told the smiling lady.

  He clenched his jaw and practiced control to keep from snatching Grace by the neck when she made him wait for several minutes before turning to him. “How are you, Erwin?” The slight hoarseness in her voice added to the allure of the stunning Grace Dawson. She tilted her head to the side and studied him. “I didn’t think you were coming to the fair.”

  “I’ve only just arrived. I am disappointed you did not save the first dance for me,” he told her, intending for her to understand he’d seen her dancing with Cole.

  “There are plenty of dances left, Erwin.” The tone in her voice, more annoyed than abashed, made him want to backhand her across the face. He clenched his hands into fists.

  “Ah, I see your father is over there. Should we make our way over?”

  Grace accepted his arm and he purposely led her across the way to Sheriff Dawson. He noted several curious glances, but ignored them. No doubt Grace’s change of escort created fodder for gossips.

  Her next statement surprised him. “Can you take me home? I have no desire to remain here any longer. I have a headache.”

  “Of course,” Erwin replied guiding her to where his carriage waited him. “Maybe some fresh air from a drive will help you relax.”

  Once he settled Grace in the carriage he instructed his driver to go away from town to a specific location he’d scouted and found the day before.

  *****

  Grace had little desire to spend time with Erwin Ford, especially after the whirlwind of emotions she’d gone through thanks to Ashley. As a matter of fact, she was still angry with Ashley. She hadn’t had time to think as her mother put her right to work as soon as she arrived at the doll stand.

  She studied her silent companion. Unlike when with Ashley, this man’s company did not affect her. Her heartbeat remained steady, her breathing normal. And unlike with Ashley, where she felt at ease and safe, a tingle of apprehension tickled within her chest.

  When Ford turned to her, his usually pale eyes appeared almost silver. “It surprised me to see you with Cole. You gave me the impression of not knowing him well. Imagine my surprise at witnessing you dancing with him.”

  Although she didn’t owe him an explanation, Grace did not wish to antagonize him either. “It was recently that we became acquainted. His mother was actually the one that insisted he escort me to the fair.”

  He seemed to relax a bit and they rode for a few minutes. She looked out the carriage window to see they drove away from town. “Where are we heading, Erwin?’

  “Nowhere in particular. My driver told me he comes out here to fish. Happened to mention it was a picturesque route.”

  Once again, the tingle in her chest rose and she reminded herself they were not alone, but accompanied by his driver. She did not know the man, but surely he was reputable if Erwin Ford trusted him.

  The motion of the carriage brought his leg to touch against hers. It was inevitable and he did not make to move away. Instead, the man shifted closer and took her left hand in his. She looked up to him and his lips curved into a sensual smile. “I’ve thought about you, Grace.” His eyes shifted to their joined hands. “The softness of your skin is just as I expected.”

  It would be rude to pull her hand, yet it struck her as overly familiar that they remain holding hands. Ashley came to mind, the feel of his lips pressed over hers and the way his large hands encircled her waist. Why did simply holding Erwin’s hand make her so apprehensive?

  The coach came to a stop. Grace peered out to see nothing of interest other than a heavy wood line. Erwin straightened and tapped on the carriage’s roof three times, two knocks returned. He settled beside her once more and stretched his long legs. A picture of ease. The driver climbed down from the bench and walked away toward the trees. “Where is he going?” Grace asked her companion.

  His response was a lazy shrug. “He means to give us a little privacy is all. Although well built, this carriage does not give couples the privacy needed when spending time together and getting to know each other.” He reached over and took her face with both hands. At the same time, his heavy-hooded eyes lingered on her mouth. “I would say his instincts are perfect.”

  When Erwin’s intentions became clear, Grace pushed at his chest. It was a fruitless effort. Air left her lungs when his mouth took hers in a harsh and demanding kiss meant more to punish than enthrall. Panic inched in and she attempted to twist her head away.

  When shoving with all her strength didn’t bring results, Grace pulled back, but he was too strong. Using his body weight, he held her helpless with her arms locked to her sides.

  Did he plan to violate her? Grace refused to believe so. After all, he was a newcomer and she the sheriff’s daughter. Surely he didn’t expect to get away with it?

  Finally, he broke the kiss, his harsh breathing
against her ears. “You will be mine Grace and mine only. Do you understand?”

  “No!” She once again shoved against the immovable barrier of his body.

  Erwin began to kiss her neck and she struggled against him. “Don’t do this. Unhand me at once!” Her panic-filled words did little to deter him. In fact, he laughed.

  “You don’t mean that, beautiful Grace. This is the result of your little game to provoke me. It is why you agreed to accompany Cole. You knew I’d find out and react. Be jealous.” He removed one of his arms from around her but continued to use his body and other arm to keep her trapped. His hand covered her breast and he squeezed it.

  “Help!” Grace screamed. How far had that confounded driver gone? She bucked under him, kicking her legs wildly. “Get off of me at once. I will not be yours, now or ever.”

  The soft chuckle turned her blood to ice water. “Once we are intimate, you will have no choice but to marry me.”

  He struggled to pull the skirting of her dress up while keeping her captive. Grace did everything possible to make it harder for him, fighting with every ounce of strength.

  Her lungs were exploding. Her heart hammered against her breastbone until she thought she’d black out. But that was not an option. This was not the time to give up.

  Ford pushed her skirts over her upper body. She fought against the folds of suffocating clothing to stop him. He lifted from her a bit, part of him still on top of her. Taking advantage of the small space of opportunity, Grace kicked and, thankfully, her boot connecting with what she guessed was his shin.

  A yowl sounded followed by Ford lifting off of her. In her struggle to get free of the confines of her skirts, she tumbled to the floor. Her head banged against the door and for a moment, she was stunned.

  In panic, she fought to lower her skirts and Ford’s mottled face came into view. “You tease and then refuse me?”

  Grace grabbed at the seat, pulling up onto it. Her breathing was more like gasps. “I did no such thing.” She reached for the door only to be yanked back. When his arms wrapped around her, she considered giving up. All strength was gone. He needed control.

  A thought occurred to her. She released a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Erwin. If by dancing with Ashley Cole, I hurt you, then I apologize. I beg you. Take me home, please.”

  With excruciating slowness his arms loosened and she scrambled away, as far as she could from him within the small confines of the carriage.

  Ford sat next to her, his head bent in thought. She dared not move or speak for fear he’d attack her again.

  Finally, he lifted his face, his gaze on her. “You will marry me, Grace. When we return to your home I will ask for your hand in marriage.”

  Her gasp made him scowl. “You will be my wife. Once you are, you will never refuse me again. Is that clear?”

  Grace’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open. She looked out in hopes the driver returned, but the view showed no signs of the man. “I will not marry you, Erwin. I have a say in who I marry.”

  Frigid eyes locked to hers. “Of course you have a say in who you marry. And that is why you will marry me.”

  Utterly dismayed at his ability to change from the madman who attacked her to the now calm but cold man, she bit back the urge to cry. How to handle him without provoking? Yet she had to get her point across. “I will not marry you. Erwin, we have nothing in common. Your sense of entitlement is appalling to me.”

  A smiled curved his lips. And flat eyes locked to hers. “If you do not marry me, I will turn Ashley Cole in to the authorities. He will be hung for his crimes. Is that what you want?” He held up a hand. “And before you say you will tell your father and he will stop me, think about it. Your father despises Cole and he is a lawman and therefore will agree with my decision to turn the man over for the crimes he committed while in the cavalry.”

  Rage and fear mixed, causing her stomach to roll. “I thought you said you didn’t know him. How is it that now you claim to know of crimes he committed?”

  He looked past her. “Ah, here comes Charles now. We will return to town.” He assessed her. “I suggest you straighten your hair.”

  “What did Ashley do?” She refused to tear her eyes away from him, perhaps emboldened by knowing the driver approached.

  “He killed a fellow soldier and then deserted. He will be put to death upon his return.”

  In her heart, she couldn’t believe Ashley capable of those horrible charges. He was quiet and withdrawn, yes. But a murderer? “Why do you want to marry me?”

  He didn’t reply. Instead, he chuckled. “I have plans, my dear Grace.” He stroked her cheek and she recoiled as far back as she could into the seat. “And you will assist me in reaching my goals. You see, Alder Gulch needs leadership. It appeals to me and for that reason, I have decided to own it.” He tapped the coach’s roof notifying the driver to take them to town and he settled into the seat, his hand taking hers once again.

  Erwin Ford was utterly mad. A power hungry tyrant who would stop at nothing to gain what he sought.

  She had to find a way to stop him without putting Ashley in jeopardy.

  Chapter Ten

  It was nearing sunset and Bronson Cole searched the surroundings for a good place to set up camp. His back ached from riding.

  If luck was with him, he’d be at the cavalry post in a couple days and once there, he’d find out how Ashley was listed. If things went well, he’d rush back to Alder Gulch and give his brother the good news. If the outcome was that Ashley was, indeed, wanted by the cavalry, then he wasn’t sure what he’d do.

  Smoke from a cabin got his attention. Bronson urged his mount forward. Hopefully, the people who lived there would allow him to bunk in their barn for the night. It was early enough in the fall that it was possible to travel to and from the cavalry post without too much hardship, but a warm shelter always beat the outdoors.

  He held his horse’s reins in hand and approached the well-maintained cabin. There was no sign of anyone knowing of his approaching, so he tied the horse to a nearby tree and went to the door. After knocking, Bronson took a couple steps back to wait for someone to answer.

  Finally, the door opened and heavily-lashed hazel eyes lifted up to him. The woman then looked past him to his horse.

  Bronson touched his fingers to the brim of his hat. “Good evening, ma’am. I’m sorry to bother you. I’ve been on the road for three days. I’m traveling to Fort Laramie and wondering if I can bother you to allow me to sleep in your barn.”

  Her brows lowered and she turned to look behind her. “I suppose that would be all right.” When she spoke, her plush, pink lips caught his attention. The woman was lovely. Why had her husband allowed her to answer the door? “There’s a bunk in the back right corner. You can use the lantern right inside the door.”

  “I appreciate it. I’ll be gone first thing in the morning. Thank you.” Bronson turned to go.

  “Have you eaten?”

  His stomach rumbled in response. “I have not.”

  She looked to the barn. “I’ll bring you out something.”

  The small barn was well kept. There was only one horse and two cows inside. He noted the animals were healthy, the stalls clean.

  His horse would have to stay in the open space inside the barn, next to where he would sleep. He removed the saddle and blanket and poured fresh oats from his saddlebags into a pail for the animal. Then he went back outside and brought fresh water from a well for the horse. Once the animal was settled, he fetched more water and washed his face and hands.

  The small bunk beckoned but the urge to lie down was not as strong as the promise of a hot meal.

  “Mister?” The woman called from the doorway. “Here’s some food.” She held out a basket, her arm the only thing visible.

  Bronson went to get the basket and noted she wore a serviceable brown dress and a warm shawl over her shoulders. She took a step back when he approached. “I’d like to pay you for your
hospitality.” He held out several dollars to her and took the basket with his other hand.

  Her gaze flickered to the money in his hand. “I will not accept payment from you, mister. It’s the Christian thing to do to help someone in need.”

  He smiled at her. “You are correct in that. Please tell your husband I’m obliged.”

  “Have a good night, mister.”

  “Bronson Cole.” He watched as indecision on whether to divulge her name waged a war with proper breeding.

  “Laura Foster.” She hurried away, disappearing into the cabin and the door closed with a resounding firmness.

  Inside the basket, Bronson found fresh bread, a small pot of hot stew and utensils. He sat on the bunk and devoured the meal, wondering about his attractive hostess. Her slender face was complemented perfectly by almond-shaped, hazel eyes, full lips and a pert nose. He wondered how she’d look if her wavy, reddish hair was loosened. Although not short, she was not overly tall either. She was about half a foot shorter than he was.

  It was best not to ponder too long over a married woman. Probably a sign he’d spent too much time concentrating on ledgers. Bronson finished his meal and returned the rinsed pot and utensils to the basket and placed it outside the barn doorway. No sooner did he lie down than his eyes began to droop.

  *****

  A rooster’s call woke Bronson and he yawned and stretched only to jerk to a sitting position, not sure where he was. A barn. That’s right, the woman had allowed him to stay. The sun was still low, but he’d overslept. He planned to leave at sunrise. Now he’d have to hurry to make up time. Thankfully, the water was not too cold since he’d thought to keep a full bucket inside.

  Bronson began to wash up when a knock at the door got his attention. “Mister Cole?”

  He dried up with a large cloth that hung from a hook and went to the entryway.

  She looked up at him, burnished curls circling her face. Her bright eyes took him in before she suddenly appeared nervous. “I was wondering if you were all right.”