Faith (Goldwater Creek Mail-Order Brides 1) (6 page)

F
aith watched
the passing scenery as the buggy ambled forward. She was glad they weren’t going fast and she realized it was probably for her benefit. Maybe for Jax’s, too? She idly wondered about
his
accident.

Had he been injured as a child like she had?

It was a shame that she couldn’t enjoy the summer evening. It was dusk and the sun setting behind the mountains colored the clouds with bright pinks and oranges. Birds chirped their nighttime songs. The air had a light breeze that smelled of sweet flowers.

But she couldn’t enjoy it, not only because she was nervous about being in the buggy but now she was also nervous about the party. What would people expect of her? What did
Jax
expect of her?

She realized she didn’t even know what his business need for a wife was. Should she asked him, or would he expect her to not be concerned with business dealings? She remembered he had requested a dowdy, homebody wife of mediocre intelligence. And she had answered that she was. A woman like that probably wouldn’t care about her husband’s business. Best not to say a word.

But how long could she pretend that she was something she wasn’t? Things were changing and it wasn’t for the better. The unwanted flutterings and attraction she felt when Jax was in the room only served to confuse her. And now with her hand sandwiched in between his, she could barely even think. But she
had
to think, she had to put a plan in place for the party because this might be the perfect opportunity to find out more about the location of his gold mine.

If she could find out who his close friends were at this party, she might have another way to try to discover where the mine was.

She hadn’t found any map in any of the other books in the library. She was sure now that the one Jax had taken from her probably had the map, but by now he had likely hidden it somewhere else or destroyed the book.

So, the only way she would be able to discover its whereabouts was either by someone telling her or by following Jax on one of his nightly excursions. And it wouldn’t be prudent for a woman to be out at night alone in this wild territory.

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. She had spent precious little time in his presence since her arrival, but tonight he had been a kind, attentive husband. Was it all an act? Maybe he was warming up before the party where he would have to make it look like they were a ‘real’ husband and wife?

That must be it, Faith decided. She didn’t want to think of him as a kind husband, the ‘Prince Charming’ she’d thought Charles had been. She’d fallen for that before, and look where it had gotten her.

The buggy pulled up in front of a large wooden house. Unlike Wild Heart Ranch, which was on one level, this house had three floors. Lanterns were set on the stones on either side of the front door. The windows glowed with welcoming yellow light and laughter bubbled out from inside.

Robertson eased Buttercup to a stop. Jax jumped out of the buggy and came to her side to help her down.

“We’ll be a few hours,” Jax said. Did his hands linger on her waist a little longer than necessary, or was Faith imagining it? But then he’d tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and started toward the house, talking over his shoulder to Robertson. “Go ahead and get some supper if you want.”

Robertson nodded and clicked his tongue, a signal that Buttercup knew well. They pulled away just as a plump woman came running out the front door.

“Jackson Blackburn! Why, is this your bride?” She stuck her hand out toward Faith. “Welcome. It’s so lovely to meet you. I’m Emily Eastham.”

Faith shook the woman’s hand. “Faith Blackburn. Nice to meet you as well.”

Emily’s eyes shifted toward the retreating buggy. “You came in the buggy? Why, I never thought … well, never mind.” She squeezed Jax’s face between her palms and kissed him on the cheek, then turned to Faith. “I’ve known your husband since he was a little boy. He’s a good man, no matter what they say about him.”

“Now, Emmy,” Jax started, but Emily just laughed, linked her arms through theirs and started toward the house. “Come in, come in. I think the whole town is here.”

She swept them toward the house and within seconds, Faith was inside, listening to the clinking of glasses and the din of conversation. The main room was large, and nicely decorated. She could tell the Easthams had money. Probably one of the people Jax was trying to impress for his business venture.

The room was crowded. Faith could see couples, single men and even if a few single women mingling, talking and laughing. Their outfits ranged from expensive to lovingly worn.

The furniture had been cleared from the middle of the room and a row of hard pine chairs sat against one wall. Tables lined the length of the wall and she could see they were filled with trays and dishes overflowing with food. On the far wall, the doors were thrown open revealing the sky, lighter in blue where the sun was setting behind the mountains and darker up above where two bright stars had already made their appearance.

The smell of meat and beans spiced the air. In the corner, two men with fiddles started warming up. Would there be music? Faith was surprised. There were many places to listen to music in Boston, but she hadn’t expected anything so civilized out here. Maybe Colorado wasn’t so bad after all.

“Herbert!” Emily yelled through the crowd, gesturing to a tall man with a salt-and-pepper beard, waving him over. She leaned in towards Jax. “Herbert has been eager to meet your new wife. He seems more … agreeable about—” She cast a glance around the room and then lowered her voice. “You know.”

Faith gave Jax a curious glance. Was the woman talking about something to do with the gold mine? Jax looked as if he might say something, but then Herbert was there taking her hand in his and the moment was lost.

“So, this is your lovely bride? Why have you been hiding her?” Herbert drew Faith to him and kissed her cheek. “I’m Herbert Eastham, the owner of Eastham Bank.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Faith said as he released her hands and clapped Jax on the shoulders. “Well, boy, I have to say I had my doubts about you changing your ways. But Emily has been a big supporter of yours. Looks like she was right. You got a right proper missus now. Of course, I should have known to listen to Emily. She usually
is
right. And you know what they say.” He gave Jax a conspiratorial wink. “If the wife is happy, the trail is easy.”

Jax laughed and took Faith’s hand, tucking it in the crook of his elbow. “Well, I plan to listen to mine.”

The statement earned an approving smile from Herbert before his attention was pulled away. Faith felt a prickle of excitement that had nothing to do with being so close to Jax. Well, almost nothing. Herbert Eastham owned the bank and it was obvious Jax was looking for Herbert’s approval for his mysterious venture. That’s why he’d needed a wife.

Apparently, Faith had passed the test. Jax seemed pleased and Faith was just about to ask him what that was all about when a regal-looking woman with gray hair grabbed Jax by the arms.

“Why, Jackson Blackburn, shame on you for not inviting me to the wedding!” The woman enveloped Jax in a smothering hug. Then she turned to Faith and stuck her hand out. “I’m Bessie Mae Devlin. Practically kin to our boy Jax, here”

Faith shook her hand. “I’m Faith. Nice to make your acquaintance.”

Bessie Mae took Faith's hand and then pulled her into an embrace. “There’s no need to be so formal. We’re practically related now. Jax and my grandson Ryder have been best friends since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. Oh, I could tell you stories about those two boys … and the ladies in their wilder days. Well, I can see Jax has finally chosen himself a good one.”

“So this is where you ran off to, Gram.” A handsome man appeared at Bessie Mae’s side. He looked to be about the same age as Jax, and almost as handsome with a relaxed, carefree way about him.

Bessie Mae rolled her eyes. “Speak of the devil.”

Ryder Devlin cast an appraising glance at Faith, then raised his left brow at Jax. He took Faith’s hand in his, his gray eyes sparkling with a devilish gleam as he bent down and brushed his lips across the top of her knuckles. “I thought he was never going to introduce us. I’m Ryder Devlin, Jax’s best friend.”

Faith smiled up at Ryder. Jax’s best friend would surely be privy to information about the gold mine and, by the way he was flirting, she might be able to use her feminine wiles to pry some of that information out of him. If she could even remember
how
to use them.

Faith’s spirits rose a notch. She knew she was getting closer. If she paid attention, someone might let useful information slip right here at the party. They already had, considering Herbert Eastham’s reference. It was obvious the banker was in on Jax’s business reasons for needing a wife and Faith was sure those were connected to the gold mine.

But why would Jax need money from the bank? Jax was already rich. Maybe a gold mine took more wealth than Jax had available.

Faith wasn’t normally one to flirt with men, but if it advanced her cause, she could do it. And it would be easy with Ryder. His sandy hair, tanned skin and boyish charm was a stark contrast to Jax’s darker good looks but no less devastating.

She could only imagine the string of broken hearts the two of them must have left in those ‘wilder days’ Bessie Mae had alluded to. She left her hand in his and fluttered her lashes.

“Well, I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Devlin. Any friend of Jax’s is a friend of mine. Maybe you can fill me in on some of those stories your grandmother was talking about.”

Jax scowled at them, wrapping his arm around Faith’s shoulders and pulling her gently away from Ryder. “Never mind that. Don’t you have business elsewhere, Ryder?”

Ryder grinned and crossed his arms over his chest. “Business? Maybe. All of the town officers
are
here. Did you introduce Faith to Eastham?”

“I did.”

“Then most of the work is done. I hear Sanders is getting ready to approve the licenses and permits, so we just need one more person on our side.”

Faith’s forehead creased. What did he mean by that?

Bessie Mae’s glance flicked from Ryder to Jax. She reached in and pulled Faith out from Jax’s grasp.

“All this talk about business is boring. Let me take Faith and introduce her to some of the ladies around town. I’m sure they will be delighted to meet her.” She wheezed out the last word, then let out a rough, raspy cough.

Ryder’s face drew into a mask of concern at the sound. “Gram, are you okay?”

Bessie Mae waved her hand. “Yes. Just allergies my dear. Nothing to worry about.”

“Make sure you stay inside, then. I’m sure Faith will love meeting the other women, especially after the way Jax has been keeping her all to himself at Wild Heart Ranch. She must be starved for stimulating conversation.” Ryder nodded to Faith, then took Jax by the elbow. “We have something important to discuss, anyway.”

Bessie Mae took Faith by the elbow, propelling her in the opposite direction. Faith cast one backward glance at Jax and Ryder, a feeling of trepidation niggling at the back of her mind. By the way they were talking, it sounded like they were worried about some sort of town council approving something.

Could it be the claim for the mine?

Dread squeezed Faith’s heart. If Jax was about to put in an official claim on the gold mine, that would mean everything about it could become public—including its location. Then Lefty’s plan, which she assumed was to steal the gold or jump Jax’s claim, would fall apart. And then Lefty wouldn’t need
her
anymore.

If that happened, would he let her off with Charles’s debt paid, or would he make her sisters suffer because she'd failed to get him the information on time?

B
essie Mae led
Faith to a knot of women who stood in the corner. Old friends, Faith guessed from their body language and easy laughter. She felt a pang of loneliness knowing she wouldn’t have enough time in Goldwater Creek to establish friendships. But then she reminded herself that she didn’t want to stay in this desolate place. She much preferred the hustle and bustle of Boston.

The circle opened and four pairs of curious eyes assessed Faith.

“Everyone, this is Faith Blackburn, Jackson’s wife.” Bessie Mae indicated the women in the circle in turn. “This is Sally Preston, Rosie Jarvis, Darcy McGuire and Lena Ford.”

Sally, a petite blonde, turned to Faith, grabbing her into a hug which was difficult considering the woman was very pregnant. “Welcome, Faith. I’m so glad Jax has found someone. He’s been so troubled.”

Troubled?

Bessie Mae must have noticed Faith’s curious look. “That’s all in the past now.” She waved her arms as if to shoo away the past which made Faith even more curious about what the heck Sally had meant. “Sally is pregnant with her fifth and it looks to be any day now.”

Sally’s face cracked into a smile that lit up her sapphire eyes, her hands rubbing her round belly. “Doc Schumann says two more
weeks
.”

“Babies will come on their time,” Bessie Mae said. “Maybe next year Faith will be the one waiting for hers to come.”

Faith’s cheeks heated. Just the thought of a baby with Jax made her feel nervous and excited. A pang of sadness grabbed her at the promise of a future that was not meant to be. She laughed it off. “Well, let’s not get carried away.”

Darcy, a mysterious looking woman with wire-rimmed glasses and red hair set in a tight bun made a choking noise. Faith noticed her dress was fashionable, but worn, the neckline a little too low for her large breasts. Her dark eyes pierced Faith with a look that made her feel uncomfortable.

“Don’t scoff, Darcy. Even schoolmarms get married and have babies.” Bessie Mae turned to Faith. “Darcy is the town schoolteacher, but like the others before her, I’m sure she will someday find a good man and we’ll lose her to marriage.”

Faith smiled at Darcy, but the smile was not returned. Faith got the impression that the woman was a dour sourpuss. Either that or she had taken a dislike to Faith even though they’d only just met.

As if to break the strange tension that had settled on the group, Rosie extended her hand to Faith. “Welcome to town. We can always use another good woman.”

Faith noticed Rosie was dressed in the least impressive outfit. The plain navy blue day dress made Faith feel extravagant, almost embarrassed, in her silky ivory gown. Despite the outfit, Rosie was attractive. Her long brown hair was partially tied up in the back with long tendrils cascading down over her shoulders. Her green eyes were the color of emeralds. Her olive-toned skin was clear except for a spot under her eye that looked to have some sort of makeup on it.

As Faith accepted Rosie’s hand, the woman’s sleeve rode up and Faith saw a bruise, the pattern of which she recognized immediately. Thumbprints. She’d had those same bruises on her own wrist, courtesy of Charles.

Faith gasped, her eyes riveted on the bruise.

Rosie pulled her arm away, clutching at the sleeve to pull it down to cover the bruise.

“I’m sorry … I …” Faith didn’t know what to say. Her heart broke for Rosie. She knew all too well what the woman endured. She pushed aside a sudden urge to help her, or at least tell her to run as far as she could from the man who had done that to her.

“That’s Cleb’s work.” Bessie Mae inclined her head toward Rosie’s wrist.

“Your husband?” Faith asked.

“No, he owns the saloon. Rosie works there.”

Faith’s eyes widened. A saloon girl. Maybe even the one she had seen Jax with only seconds after their wedding.

“It’s not like that.” Sally’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Not all the saloon girls are fallen women. I used to think they were as well. But Rosie isn’t. She’s a good girl from a bad situation.”

Bessie Mae nodded. “Rosie lost her family in a fire in Philadelphia. Like many saloon girls, she came out West because she thought there would be opportunities. Many in her situation end up working in saloons. In case you haven’t noticed, there are not many ways for a single woman to earn a living out here.”

“But why do they stay if they are treated so badly?”

“There is no place else to go,” Rosie said simply.

Anger and sympathy simmered inside Faith. “And the rest of the town lets this happen? Can’t someone do something?”

“I talked to my husband and he said there’s no way to get rid of Cleb. He’s well connected and has money,” Lena, a petite brunette with large brown eyes said. “Rosie and the others need the money that they make at the saloon, so we couldn’t shut it down even if the men that frequent it would approve.”

“We need another saloon,” Sally added. “But so far, Cleb has had his contacts in the town offices squelch every proposal.”

“Don’t worry, ladies. Cleb will get his,” Bessie Mae said. “But let’s not dwell on that tonight. This is a party.”

Everyone murmured their agreement, but Faith couldn’t help but dwell on it. She knew exactly what Rosie was going through, and the seed of sympathy inside her was sprouting into an urgent need to help.

Jax was rich. Maybe he could help? She should talk to him. If she could help Rosie and the others then maybe the whole reason for her coming out wouldn’t be so abhorrent. At least she could try to make amends by helping these girls even as she hurt Jax by revealing the location of his mine to Lefty.

The mine location!

She’d gotten so wrapped up in Rosie’s plight that she’d almost forgotten how Ryder had mysteriously mentioned the town officers and how it seemed so important that Jax introduce her to Eastham. Somewhere in the room, Jax was probably talking to one of these town officers about the mine right now.

Her gaze drifted out over the room, searching for Jax. Where had he gone? Next to her the women kept talking, but Faith wasn’t paying attention. She was too busy looking for Jax.

“ … we meet Sundays at two, would you like to join us?” Lena’s questioning eyes were turned on Faith.

“I’m sorry? What?” Faith asked.

“The quilting circle,” Lena said. “Do you sew?”

“Oh, yes, I love sewing. I started a quilt back in Boston…” Faith’s voice trailed off. Charles had destroyed that quilt in a drunken rage.

“Then you must join us,” Sally said. “It’s at Bessie Mae's this week. We’re working on one for Jane Longmire. She’s having her sixth.”

“Maybe we should start making chastity quilts,” Rosie joked with a pointed look at Sally’s belly.

Faith joined the others in a round of laughter. It felt good to laugh. It was something she’d done precious little of the past three years. And laughing with women who could become friends felt even better. “I’d be happy to join you.”

“Great, then that’s settled,” Sally said as the fiddlers started to play in earnest and her eyes drifted out over the room. “Now, I should find my husband.”

“Me, too.” Lena turned to survey the crowd.

Faith noticed Darcy was smiling at her. Apparently, it took the woman a bit to warm up. Then she noticed the smile wasn’t directed
at
her … it was something just over her left shoulder. She spun around to see Jax approaching. Had Darcy been smiling
at
Jax?

A flare of jealousy shot through Faith as she watched her handsome husband approach. Her eyes flicked to Darcy. She still had that predatory smile and it
was
aimed right at Jax.

Faith spun back around to look at Jax. Was there something going on with him and Darcy? Is that where he snuck off to at night? Is that why the woman seemed to dislike her? Was he returning her smile?

But as he stepped up behind her, she could see he wasn’t returning Darcy’s smile at all. In fact, it looked as if he only had eyes for
her
.

Jax put his hand on Faith’s shoulder, causing a zing of electricity to warm her. Darcy’s smile faltered when he didn’t even look her way. Instead, his whole focus was on Faith as the fiddlers started playing a very slow waltz.

“I was hoping I might have this dance with my new wife.” Jax extended has hand toward Faith and she placed hers inside it, her heart fluttering as he swept her toward the dance floor.