Miss Collins appeared amused by his lame reply to her question which was confirmed when she grinned. Her smile was as beautiful as she was and...and he needed to stop noticing. He was working, or at least he should be.
“That’s very good to know, Mr. Bell, especially since you’ve spent the last few hours reading the book there in your lap. Do you mind if I take a look at it?” she asked.
“Of course not.” He handed the book to her and their fingers touched. She gave him another look that set his blood on fire. What was it about this woman that seemed to slip past his defenses with ease?
With his line of work, he couldn’t be too careful. He had to always be on his guard. There were unscrupulous characters lurking around every corner just waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of someone. And he didn't want it to be him...or someone he cared about.
“This is quite an unusual book for a gentleman, Mr. Bell. Do you read books on this subject often?” Was she making fun of him?
“I love flowers, Miss Collins. What can I say?”
“What would make a gentleman take such interest in flowers? That’s not the kind of thing most men would usually pay attention to. At least not any I’ve been acquainted with.”
Matthew studied the woman and considered the question she was asking. She seemed sincere in her interest and there was no sign of ridicule on her face or in her words.
“Well, it’s not something I usually talk about, but I can share with you the fact that my interests in flowers comes from my grandmother.”
“Your grandmother? That’s very interesting, Mr. Bell. Please, tell us more.”
“Well, I guess it all started when my grandmother took me in and cared for me. My mother had died, and my father left to fight in the Civil War. I think I was about four at the time.”
Matthew paused for a moment lost in his thoughts. He continued, “My fondest childhood memories are of Granny Gladys pruning and weeding and planting in her flower beds and vegetable garden at the back of her house. I guess I like the way flowers bring back that happy time for me.” He shrugged and reached for the book, but she wasn’t ready to give it back.
He watched her flip through a few pages full of painted illustrations of flowers and flowering trees. She came to a spot he had bookmarked, and she took a moment to study it.
“These notes you’ve made in the margins...are you planning to grow flowers for a living, Mr. Bell?” she asked as she continued to study the page and his notes a bit more.
“I might. Someday. Or maybe I’ll just have a home that has a lovely garden that exists solely for my family’s enjoyment.” He smiled at Miss Collins as she handed him back the book and then tucked it back into the pocket of his coat.
“That sounds lovely. And do you have a family, Mr. Bell? Is there a wife waiting for you someone? Children perhaps?” she asked.
He could tell by Mrs. Randall’s shocked expression she had not been expecting her charge to ask such a personal question and a look of admonishment passed from the elder woman to the younger...who promptly ignored it.
“No. I'm not married. No wife. Or children.” Interesting. Was she curious about his marital status for a reason? He decided now that the young woman had opened the familiarity door, he might as well walk through it. “Since we are going to be traveling together for a few more days, why don’t you call me by my first name, Matthew.” He grinned when Miss Collins extended her gloved hand to him and he leaned in and kissed the back of her hand. Humor once again danced in her eyes.
“Matthew, it is. He stole a quick look at her companion who was pretending to read a newspaper. But he could tell from the amused expression on the woman’s face, she was paying more than a little attention to their conversation.
“And what shall I call you, Miss Collins?”
“You may call me Rose.”
“Rose. What a lovely name. And I'm honored that you allow me such familiarity.” He saw Rose blush.
“Being an admirer of flowers, I can see why you would like Rose’s name, Mr. Bell.” her companion pointed out.
“Yes, it’s a lovely name for a lovely lady.” he replied. He just wished it was the right name.
Obviously, he’d made a huge mistake identifying these women as his client’s daughter and sister. But he still had time to find Miss Livingston and Mrs. Wentworth before they reached Durango. He would watch every person boarding and leaving this train until they arrived at their final destination. It was only a matter of time before he would correct his error, and once he did, he could relax.
Chapter Four
Abigail peered out the train’s window. She could see the mountains in the distance covered in pine trees, green and thick along the base. The days spent on the train as they made their way to Durango had given her the opportunity to get to know Matthew Bell better. And she liked what she saw.
The train let out a long shrill blast of its whistle and rolled into the Durango station. She smiled at the passing buildings. This was going to be a holiday to remember.
After the train jerked to a full stop, the passengers gathered their belongings. However, Abbie was in no hurry to get off the train—at least not until her new friend said something about whether he planned to continue their friendship after today.
As the train emptied, Abbie no longer had a reason to linger, so she stood, and gathered her book, hatbox, and reticule. Her aunt stepped into the aisle, but Abbie hung back. When she turned to catch Matthew’s eye, he politely nodded and extended his arm. “Ladies first.” His warm smile gave her hope.
“Thank you, kind sir.” she replied with a flirtatious lilt in her voice. She stepped out into the aisle and followed her aunt’s robust form to the train’s door. Abbie knew he was following close behind, but he still hadn’t said anything about continuing their acquaintance. Surely, after all this way on the train, he planned to speak with her about making plans to see each other while they were both in Durango.
She reached the train's steps leading down to the wood platform. Her aunt waited at the bottom. Here they were, now what, she wondered.
Careful of the steps, she made her way down to the platform. When she reached the bottom, she sent her aunt a what-do-I-do-now look. Aunt Jeannie raised her eyes and Abbie knew she was studying Matthew who was descending the steps behind her.
When Matthew joined them on the platform, Abbie wasn’t sure if she should take the initiative and say something. Thank goodness, her aunt saved her the trouble.
“Mr. Bell, since we have all become acquaintances on the long train ride from Philadelphia, I feel it is certainly not too forward of me to extend an invitation to our home. I’m certain my sister-in-law’s sister would welcome you into her home. That is if you have a mind to, of course.”
Matthew looked at Abbie and grinned, then back at her aunt. “Thank you, Mrs. Randall. I would love to continue our acquaintance, but as I told you both on the train, I do have urgent business here in Durango. I suppose that will dictate how my time is spent here, and yet I find myself hoping that our paths will cross again.” She watched him cast another amused look in her direction. “And soon.”
Abbie’s breath caught at the sight of this man’s handsome face smiling at her. Oh, she was used to being flirted with by any number of handsome men, but this man was unique for he had no idea who she was, and his flirtatious manner was because of her and not her father’s money. It was a glorious feeling, indeed.
“There you are, we’ve been waiting for you.” They turned to see three women coming toward them. “Aunt Lila. And Regina and Roxanne. Oh, it’s so lovely to see you all again.” Abbie rushed to greet her family with Aunt Jeannie in tow.
She gave each of them a heartfelt hug and turned to include Aunt Jeannie. “You remember my Aunt Jeannie. If it wasn’t for her, Father would have never let me come. She’s the best friend anyone could have.” Abbie realized the words she spoke were absolutely true. She adored her aunt and appreciated her insight into Abbie’s
situation. She just hoped the rest of her family would go along with their plan.
Aunt Lila greeted Aunt Jeannie. “Well, of course, I remember your father’s sister. Jeannie, how are you? I was so sorry to hear that your husband passed away since I last saw you. My condolences.” Her two aunts hugged, and then Aunt Jeannie responded. “Yes, my dear Randall passed two years ago. He was a wonderful soul.”
“Yes. I remember him. Again, my condolences for your loss.”
“Thank you.” A quiver in her voice hinted at her sadness.
Aunt Lila turned. “This is my daughter Regina. I think the last time you saw her she was in bloomers. Now, look at her. All grown up, and a soon-to-be-mother to boot.” Aunt Lila leaned in for a conspiratorial whisper. “I’m a soon-to-be-grandmother. Isn’t it wonderful?” she gushed.
Aunt Jeannie nodded. “I do remember Regina. Very nice to see you again, my dear.”
“And this is Roxanne. One of Latisha’s twins. Isn’t it odd that Lily and I are twins and we each had only one child whereas Latisha is not a twin and she’s the one with twins?” Aunt Lila remarked.
Aunt Jeannie laughed. “Quite odd indeed.”
Abbie suddenly realized they had left Matthew standing alone when her relatives arrived, but even worse than that, Aunt Lila had mentioned Uncle Randall by name. Would Matthew think it odd that her uncle’s name was Randall Randall since her aunt had used his first name for her last?
She whirled around to gauge his reaction to that fact, but he was nowhere to be seen. Relief mixed with disappointment colored her joy at seeing her relatives.
“Are you looking for someone, Abigail?” Roxanne asked, following Abbie’s search around the train depot.
“Have you lost something?” Regina asked.
Another quick look around revealed that Matthew had quietly slipped away. Well, that was different. Most of the suitors she was acquainted with wanted to be seen in Abbie’s company. Rumors were a powerful weapon for a young man who wanted to give the impression he was the chosen one of Daniel Livingston’s daughter.
She glanced around once more hoping to catch a glimpse of the handsome man she found herself attracted to—very attracted to—but it would seem he had business elsewhere. The thought he might be here to see a woman stung a bit, but she shook it off. If he wasn’t interested in her, would he have flirted so shamelessly on the train? She supposed he would if he was that sort of man, but she didn’t get that sense about him.
“Lose something?" she repeated her cousin’s question then shook her head. “No, at least, I don’t think so. But if I find later that I did lose something, then I’m sure I won’t miss it in the least.” She knew her words were a bit cryptic, and she wasn’t sure if she were trying to convince her cousins...or herself.
She saw the puzzled look her cousins exchanged and calmed herself so as not to worry them. If Matthew Bell was interested in getting to know her better, then he would figure out how to find her. And if not, then she would have plenty of time to cultivate other friendships with tall dark handsome gentlemen from Durango.
Her excitement returned. “Shall we go? I’m ready for this holiday to begin.”
Matthew left the train depot and headed up Main Street. He left Rose and her aunt in the midst of their relatives. He wanted to say goodbye but there was just no room in their excited greetings to graciously interject.
He stood at the outside door of the train station watching as the passengers left searching for anyone who could be Miss Livingston and her aunt. There were only one other young woman accompanied by an older female companion. He followed them to the hotel and checked in directly behind them. He glanced at their signatures when he signed his in the hotel register. They were not his targets. Damn. Now what?
He debated whether to sign his real name or the name he introduced himself to Rose. Better keep his story simple.
He signed his name Matt Bell, paid the clerk, and took the room key. He would get settled and then send a telegram to Mr. Livingston. Perhaps there was a change of plans and Miss Livingston hadn’t traveled after all. That would explain a lot, he concluded. Perhaps there just wasn’t time to find him and tell him. But did that mean he wouldn’t be paid the other half of the ten-thousand dollars? Maybe he should also telegraph Gus in case he’d heard something.
Once inside his hotel room, he dropped his sack on the bed, hung his coat on a wall peg, and shucked his boots off beside the bed.
The hotel staff had seen to it there was fresh water in the pitcher, and he took full advantage of it. Twenty minutes later, he redressed, locked his room, and pocketed the key. Thoughts of Rose drifted along with him as he crossed the large hotel lobby and made his way out to the streets of Durango. He wished he had gotten more information about how to get in touch with her. After all, he did have an official invite to their home courtesy of her aunt. Lack of information was not a good habit for a private investigator to get into and this week had been plagued with it. He was gonna have to get his mind on the right women and off the wrong one.
Thoughts of the wrong one resurfaced. Her laughter and golden eyes pulled at his libido. He wondered if her dark hair felt as soft between his fingertips as it looked. He couldn’t remember ever wanting to kiss a woman as much as he wanted to kiss Rose Collins, but there was no doubt about it. He did.
“Well, we meet again, Mr. Bell.”
He turned at the familiar voice and to his surprise, and delight, there stood the object of his daydreams. His eyes rose to her hair underneath her jaunty little hat resting on the side of her head.
She was with the group of women he had seen greet her at the train station. “Mr. Bell. I thought you had run away.”
He bowed to them in greeting and saw her blush.
She turned to her aunt. “Actually, we thought you had run away.” she corrected herself. He was quite pleased she seemed as interested in him as he was with her.
“No ma’am. I would have said a proper goodbye to you and your aunt, but I didn’t want to interrupt your reunion with family. Besides, I had some urgent business to attend to.”
He thought Miss Collins would introduce him to her companions. Instead, she turned to them and said. “Why don’t you all go along to the house. I’ll follow shortly.”
Matthew could tell by the surprised look on everyone’s faces, this was not something Rose Collins often did, but they gave her no argument. Instead, Mrs. Randall smiled at him and said, “Mr. Bell. I trust you will watch out for my niece while she is in your company?”
“Of course, ma’am. Rest assured I’ll take excellent care of her.” He smiled at Rose’s aunt and nodded to the other women.
“Okay, ladies. Let’s get home. I’m exhausted.” her aunt said as she led the women down the street leaving him and Rose standing on the boardwalk.
He wasn’t sure what he should do next. Send a telegraph to Mr. Livingston to tell him the man he hired to watch his daughter had no idea where she was, or escort Miss Collins to wherever she was headed when their paths crossed. Maybe he should invite her back to the hotel for an afternoon refreshment. His devotion to his company said send the telegram. His attraction to Rose said spend as much time with her as possible.
“Would you like to go back to my hotel?” The words were out of his mouth before he realized it.
The look of shock on Rose’s face was not in the least surprising after what he had just said. “What I meant to say was would you like to go to my hotel for an afternoon refreshment. I heard from the desk clerk they serve the best afternoon tea in town.” He wasn’t usually so socially inept. What was it about this woman that made a fool out of him? There were so many things he reminded himself.
“Under normal circumstances, I think that would be a lovely idea, but it has been a long train ride from Philadelphia, and I would like to freshen up and rest a bit. Perhaps you can walk me to my aunt’s house instead. That way you’ll know how to find us if you should have time during your stay to take my aunt up on
her invitation. My Aunt Lila has a whole library full of gardening books. Perhaps there’s something on the shelves you might find interesting.”
Matthew was pleased with Rose’s idea. Very pleased indeed. “I would love to walk you home...and take a look at those books, of course.”
“Of course.” She gave him a teasing smile and nodded down the street. “Shall we go?”
Matthew extended his arm, crooked at the elbow. To his delight, Rose entwined her arm in his. He tucked her against his side as if they hadn't known each other for just mere days. Though he supposed they did know a bit more about each other than most who met in social encounters, given their proximity during the entire train ride out west.
He cast a glance over at the lovely young miss on his arm. It wasn’t every day he found a beautiful woman so close to his height. She was perhaps four inches shorter than his six foot, two inches. On another woman, her height might have seemed mannish, but on Rose it was very alluring. He wondered what it would be like to dance with her. Perhaps if he were lucky, he would get the chance to find out at this ball she had come all this way to attend.
They walked four blocks north of the hotel then two more blocks east talking easily as they walked. He was enjoying their time together so much, he was a bit disappointed when she stopped on the corner of 3rd Street next to an ornate iron fence bordering a yard in front of a beautiful home on the tree-lined street. He could imagine owning something like this someday.
“We’re here.” Rose announced, looking up at him with those amazing eyes of hers.
Yes, he could imagine owning a house like this and he could imagine sharing it with someone…as likable and lovely as Rose. Without a premeditated thought, he leaned in and kissed her.
The Debutantes of Durango Box Set Books 1-3 Page 33