Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) (10 page)

I
did so enjoy
a good gallop, feeling the wind in my hair, although it had come undone. The hat would not remain on, being too loose, so I held it before me, bunched up with the reins of the horse. We thundered through a sloping terrain of grasses and one-seed junipers, interspersed with cactus and straggly-looking trees. The open mesa environment filled my senses with endless space and freedom, the perception that I wasn’t bound or hindered in any way, but I knew this to be a fallacy. Somewhere in this rugged place a man did follow. I just prayed he had gone in another direction.

“We’ll stop for a spell by those trees,” said Chuck. “Horses need a rest.”

“All right.”

The hooves of my animal had kicked up gravel and dust, which I hoped would not be seen by anyone. Chuck trotted on ahead, dismounting by an assortment of bushy-looking Desert Willows. There wasn’t water here, which might prove unpleasant for the animals, but this journey wouldn’t last too much longer. I joined him a moment later, approaching with my horse.

“How much further?”

He stared into the distance, squinting. “Another half hour, tops.”

“Are we being followed?”

“Not that I can tell.”

I walked back and forth, stretching my legs. My back ached from having to sit so straight. My thighs were in knots, not used to the exercise. “The horses need water.”

“I’ll take care of that. I got some in a saddlebag.”

I was thirsty too, but I could wait. It was more important that the animals drink, as they worked so hard to bring us to our destination. I sat on a rock, gazing at my dusty boots. “I sure don’t want to run forever. This is ridiculous.”

“Yes, ma’am. I say we get to Boot Creek, clear your name, and you marry me.”

“You are persistent about that.”

“I thought you were a spoiled little thing, and you are, but you ride just as good as any man. You’d make an excellent rancher’s wife.”

“Gosh, I’m not sure I’d be really cut out for it.” I pulled his leg a little, because I found his frown amusing. “I normally spend my time embroidering pillows and calling on lady friends all morning and having tea.” Picking up a stone, I tossed it at a distance. “Nowhere in finishing school did it mention wearing men’s clothing and riding like the devil.” Oh, but how exciting! What an adventure this trip had been, and how I would miss it, if it were to disappear.

He stalked back and forth with his hands on his hips, while he stared at the horizon. “All lies. That pretty mouth of yours blathers on, but we all know you’re having a hog-killin’ time. Don’t even try to deny it.”

“Hardly,” I lied. “I’ve never been so dirty.” A layer of dust coated the trousers and frock coat. “I need a bath. I need my maid—desperately. My hair’s one, great big tangle.”

Having given up squinting into the distance, he came to squat next to me. An inquisitive gleam lit his brown eyes. “No woman has ever looked more beautiful to me.”

Goodness, but my heart flipped over at that statement, spoken with such sincerity, I was rendered speechless.

“I’d do anything for you. I’m already stickin’ my neck out long and far in this dangerous goose chase. This could end badly for me, but here I am helping you like some love-struck fool.”

“I hired you, remember?”

“I don’t want your money. Go donate it somewhere. What I want is you.”

For a man of his reputation and history, he had just showed all his cards, humbling himself before me without ego or bravado. “Is this a real proposal?”

He took my hand, gently sliding Percy’s engagement ring free. Then he removed the silver and turquoise ring from the other finger, sliding it on. “Much better.” He held out Percy’s ring. “Give that back to him. You won’t be needing it.”

I touched his face, feeling the roughness of several days’ worth of stubble. “I might just have to take a chance on a sweet-talking cowboy. It’s a risk, but I’ve already demonstrated my penchant for such things. I hate being told what to do, although I’ve always been a good girl—until now. I just couldn’t marry Joseph. Something in me broke when my parents forced him on me. I never knew I had such a rebellious nature, but I do. Marrying you would be the ultimate act of rebellion. I don’t think my parents would ever speak to me again. I’ll miss them, but they’ve let me down. I begged my mother not to continue to throw me at Joseph. She’s friendly with his mother. They run in the same circles. Her lack of empathy for me is troubling. My father wants the business connections. I’m just a pawn for them. Some toy they can push around at will.”

“Marry me because you love me, not because it’ll upset your folks.”

“I was trying to figure that out. It’s the strangest feeling. I’ve never been so thrilled to see anybody in my life, and, whenever you’re near, it’s almost overwhelming. I can picture us together quite easily. I can see myself living here and being happy. I do think—”

He shot to his feet, reaching for his gun. “Who’s there?” he shouted.

Stunned, I stared at him, wondering what he had seen.

“Come out! I know you’re there!”

“Gracious be, Chuck. What’s the matter? I didn’t see anyone.”

Tension laced every muscle in his body, the veins in his forearms bulging. He had rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, having left the jacket with the horse.

“Coward! I can smell you from here!” Withdrawing his six-shooter, he held it before him. “I can see you, you no-good bastard.”

Wading out from a patch of yucca, Joseph emerged, holding a gun. “That was ingenious, but I had expected it. We already knew she traveled as a man.”

My spirits plummeted. “Oh, no.”

“Congratulations,” Chuck said dryly. “What do you want?”

“Just what belongs to me.”

“I don’t belong to you!” Getting to my feet, I glared at him. “I told you I want nothing to do with you. Go away.” I searched behind him, fearing he had brought more men. Was he alone?

“I’ve been sent to retrieve you, and so I shall. I’ll pay for her, sir. You’ll be rewarded handsomely. All you have to do is lower your weapon. I’ll take Evelyn, and we’ll be on our way.”

“Over my dead body.” Chuck’s eyes scanned the desert. “Where’s your posse of lawmen?”

“None of your concern.”

“Leave me alone, Joseph. I don’t want to be your wife. I’m marrying someone else. I’m not going back now or ever. This is my new life.”

“You’re in no frame of mind to decide that. You’ve obviously taken leave of your senses. Just look at you. Your mother would be appalled, if she saw you like that.”

“I wouldn’t have to dress like this, if I didn’t have you hounding me like some deranged lover. There are scores of women who would fall all over themselves to be your wife. I don’t understand why you must pursue me, Joseph. If anyone has taken leave of his senses, it’s you.”

“We can discuss this at home. Your parents are worried sick about you.” He had softened his expression, choosing a different tact. “They’re beside themselves with concern. Your mother implored me to find you. If you would just tell this man to put his weapon down, then no one will get hurt.”

He had not come with men, and, if he had, they must be following the wagon. “No. I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“Why don’t you skedaddle on outta here, mister,” said Chuck, staring at him down his sights. “You got twenty seconds to turn around and leave.”

A bang rang out, as Chuck suddenly fell to the ground, although it had not been Joseph who had fired. Horrified, I screamed, throwing myself at him. “Chuck!” He had been shot near his shoulder, blood staining his shirt. “Oh, goodness!” I glared at Joseph. “You pig! You monstrous pig! I hate you!” Tears flooded my eyes. The man who had shot Chuck stepped from the brush, his hat shading his eyes.

“Well, thank you, John. That was mighty fine work,” said Joseph.

“I’m all right, darlin’,” whispered Chuck. “It’s just a scratch.”

In the fall, his weapon had flown from his hand, landing several feet away. I eyed it, but so did the man named John, who kicked it even further. Joseph approached, smiling chillingly, his eyes roaming over me. He holstered his weapon. “There now, my dear. It’s time you and I leave.” He held out a hand. “Come along.”

“Go to hell!” I shouted, deeply concerned over Chuck’s well-being. “I’m not going anywhere with you now or ever.”

“You’re out of options, Evelyn. Enough of this immature behavior. It’s time to accept your fate.” Stepping closer, he reached out, grabbing my arm.

“No!” I fought him, struggling, while he dragged me away from Chuck. I worried John would kill him, as he glared at the wounded man coldly. “Stop!” I had known Joseph might find me, but the reality of the situation was far worse than anything I could have imagined. I had been about to agree to marry Chuck. I wanted to be his wife, not because of childish rebellion, but because of love. I adored that man more than life itself. I would do anything for him. I had to save him. “Don’t!”

“Stop struggling, you little harlot!”

I kicked him above the ankle. “I will never marry you! I hate you, you horrible man! I’d rather put a bullet in my own head than marry you.”

“Now, now, my dear. Don’t make empty threats. The only weapon you’ve ever held is a steak knife. You’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw John standing over Chuck, pointing the weapon at him. “No!”

“You may shoot that renegade whenever you wish,” said Joseph. Leave him for the crows to eat.”

Panic assailed me, knowing the end had come far too quickly for Chuck, and it had been my fault. Reaching for the revolver in Joseph’s holster, he seemed oblivious to my movements, because he remained intent on dragging me away as fast as possible. I wrapped my hand around the grip, my finger on the trigger. Joseph had an arm around my waist, hauling me with him, my boots dragging on the ground. Realizing my movements, he glanced at me briefly, his eyes widening at the sight of the gun in my hand.

“Stop!” I shouted.

I pulled the trigger, which hurt my finger because I had not been able to pull the hammer back first. The bang rang through my ears, the sound reverberating into the desert. He let go of me instantly, his mouth opening into a large oval, his eyes flashing with pain. Not wasting another second, I aimed for John, firing at will, although my finger smarted. Revolvers had a lengthy trigger pull, which small, delicate fingers were not able to accomplish without effort. Having a free hand now, I pulled the trigger back, readying to fire again, but John had fallen to the ground, his vest staining with blood. Glancing at Joseph, I had hit him squarely in the chest. He had begun to cough, blood dribbling from the side of his mouth.

“Good God, woman,” chortled Chuck, who had sat up, grasping his arm. “You sure are dangerous, darlin’. Remind me never to get on your bad side.” He grinned crookedly.

I shook from the aftereffects of adrenaline and emotion, the gun in my hand jerking wildly. Having acted on instinct and training, what I had done shocked me. I had killed two men in the space of twenty seconds. Joseph had closed his eyes, while blood saturated his waistcoat. I knelt beside him, observing his whitish features.

“I’m sorry, but you left me with little choice. May God keep you, Joseph. Have a safe journey to wherever you’re going.” He did not seem to be able to speak, his mouth moving, but no sound came out. Getting to my feet, I hurried to Chuck, who continued to grin, which alarmed me. “Are you all right?”

“I am now.”

“Where are you hurt?” I touched his arm, and he grimaced. “You’re bleeding bad.” Grasping his bandana, I untied it, freeing it from his neck. Then I wrapped it around his arm. “We need to stop the flow of blood.” I glanced at him, finding his eyes on me. “Do you think it’s serious?”

“Oh, it is. I’m liable to die from it.”

The bullet had lodged near his shoulder. “I doubt that.”

“Miss Warner, if you don’t marry me, I’ll die. I know I will. I need a woman like you in my life. You sure made me proud today. Those lessons paid off mighty well. Never seen such a good shot before.”

“That’s not true. Plenty of men can shoot.”

“Not women, though.”

I had finished tying the bandana, leaning back on my heels to look at him. “I was about to tell you something before we were so rudely interrupted.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ll endure the censure of my family for this, and I might never speak to my mother again, but I do think I’ll marry you, Chuck Brittle. You’re the most uncouth man I’ve ever encountered, but I’ll try to tame you the best I can.” I grinned, feeling elated and relieved to be free and in his company. “I’ll still take you wild, though. I don’t care.” I wrapped my arm around his neck, mindful of his injury, whispering in his ear, “I love you. I sure am grateful you’re alive. I can’t tell you how upset I would’ve been, if they had killed you.”

He held me close, grunting. “I love you too, Evie. I’m glad you finally came to your senses and realized how good we can be together.”

I glanced at him. “Can you stand?”

“I sure can. I’m not helpless, you know. A shoulder wound’s nothin’. I’ve had far worse.” He scrambled to his feet, surveying the carnage. “Let’s check their pockets. I don’t have the strength to bury ‘em. I guess I’ll do what Joseph would’ve done to me. It’s a feast for the crows.”

I nodded pragmatically. “Serves them right.” I felt a measure of sympathy for Joseph, but he would have killed Chuck, if I had not intervened. He attempted to murder him in cold blood without any pause or consideration. This was the reality of my new life. Today had been about my self-preservation and that of the man I loved, and I would never regret what I had done. Although … I would go to church on Sunday and ask for forgiveness. I only hoped God would understand.

I
hugged Tory
. “I’m going to miss you. I wish you would stay with me.”

“I’d like to, but I yearn to see my family.”

“At least you stayed for the wedding.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. You looked so beautiful, even though you married a ruffian.”

“Hardly,” I giggled. “He’s a darling.” The light of love danced in my eyes. “I sure am happy, Tory. I never thought marriage would appeal to me like this. I always believed it was a trap and a curse. I’ve watched my parents for too long. They’ve never been happy together, but she continues to do his bidding, because that’s her lot in life. If I had married Joseph, I would’ve ended up in an even worse situation.” We told no one about what had happened to Mr. Cardcastle and his cohort, leaving his disappearance for his family to ponder over.

“I can see you’ll be content here. Once your house is built, you’ll be mistress of your own domain.”

We had stayed with the Kellys at their ranch, which was a gorgeously appointed home. “I do look forward to it, although it won’t be nearly as fashionable as this house.” I had bought most of the furniture second hand, which suited me just fine. I loved the look and feel of something old and worn anyhow. A knock sounded on the door. “Yes?”

Mrs. Boles poked her head in. “Your carriage is here.”

Tory would be driven to Lamy to catch the evening train. “Oh, goodness. This is it.” I hugged her again. “What will I do without you?”

“You’ll hire another maid.”

“But you were always more than my maid. You’re my friend. I shall miss you, dreadfully. I promise to write often, but you must do the same.”

“I will.” She smiled wistfully. “If I didn’t miss my family so much, I think I might’ve enjoyed living with you and Chuck. There are some handsome men out here.”

“Come and visit then. What’s a train ride? It’s as easy as a bike ride. I’ll send you the money whenever you wish.”

“I’ll think about it.”

We moved towards the door, where Mrs. Boles waited. “I’ll write and tell you all about the new house. When I fall pregnant, you’ll be the first to know.”

Lola Kelly appeared in the hallway, dressed in a yellow bodice and bustle. “Are you leaving?”

“Yes, the carriage waits.”

She sashayed down the thickly carpeted hallway. “I’ll be sad to see you go. I’ve had a wonderful time playing cards with you, although you cheat.” She grinned.

“I … hardly cheat.” Tory had the grace to look shamefaced. “Only a little.”

“I’ll see you out. Do you have all your things?”

“Mr. Boles brought them down earlier.”

Taking to the staircase, we descended together with Mrs. Boles bringing up the rear. “I implored her to visit often. I can’t imagine how I’ll get on without her. She was the only one who could manage my hair.” I patted my head, feeling the chignon she had arranged this morning.

A heavy-looking table stood against the wall in the entranceway, while a chandelier hung overhead. We passed an ornate mirror, revealing three ladies, and the maid, who wore a black dress with a white apron. Tory had donned traveling clothes and a bonnet.

“I shall write you and tell you all the news. I feel like I’m traveling with several secrets. The Cardcastles still don’t know what happened to Joseph, and I certainly won’t tell them. He treated me poorly when he came upon me after you left.” He had hit Tory, causing a black eye, yet she refused to reveal where I had gone or with whom I traveled. She had proven herself to be dependable and trustworthy, although Joseph had figured things out on his own. “I won’t enlighten them. He was a horrible man.”

“Indeed,” I murmured. “I’m glad you see that now.”

“I’m fortunate I never met him,” said Lola. “I’ve my own troubles with annoying family members. I’m bracing myself for when my mother arrives.”

We exchanged a conspiratorial grin, having similar issues with relatives. This had bonded us quickly, and I could speak freely with her, considering her one of my closest friends. I also spent a great deal of time with Mrs. Hershey and Celia Kinsley, who had married Pastor Kinsley. I had confessed all my sins to the preacher several weeks ago, and he had said, “I never would’ve figured you for a lethal marksman, Miss Warner. I guess one should never judge a woman by the size of her bustle. I’ll know better than to get on your bad side.” I adored his sense of humor, which reminded me of Chuck. He had married us two days ago, and the bliss of that moment continued to linger.

“No sad faces,” said Tory. “It sure has been a pleasure being here, Mrs. Kelly. You’ve a fine house and a beautiful baby. I’ll miss this place.”

Lola hugged her. “Travel safe, and may God be with you.”

“And you.”

Tears were in my eyes. “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

“Stop that,” admonished Tory. “No tears. This is cause for celebration. You’ve finally married, even though I doubted it would ever happen. You might’ve broken a heart or two along the way, but it all ended well. Poor Percy, but I’m certain he’ll recover in time.”

“I’m sure he will.” I had given him the ring back, explaining my change of heart. He had accepted the news as stoically as possible.

A rider approached, and I recognized him instantly. Chuck had been working on his ranch, but he returned every day for lunch and supper, staying with me now that we were married. “It’s my husband.” Those words sounded pleasing to my ears.

Lola Kelly squinted into the distance. “Yes, you had to go and marry that scoundrel. Mrs. Hershey nearly had a conniption when you broke it off with Percy. Luckily enough, you did marry anyhow, saving her from a full-blown heart malady. She’s really in no condition to be carrying on like this, bringing in more women, although I’m grateful I came.”

“So am I.”

“I’ll go.” Tory stepped from the porch towards the waiting carriage. “I’ll write often. I’ll tell you all the news. I’m sure your family and the Cardcastles will interrogate me, but I won’t say anything other than you’re blissfully happy.”

“I am,” I said, watching Chuck dismount, leading the horse to the barn. I waved to him, and he raised a hand, disappearing into the building. “Goodbye, Tory. May you arrive safely.”

She stepped into the carriage, waving. “I will. God bless you, Evelyn.”

“And you.”

Tears filled my eyes at the thought of not seeing her every day. I had been greatly relieved she was happy and hale after my ordeal with Joseph. She had stayed at the hotel and waited for me. We had lived here, while Chuck worked to clear my name with the local sheriff. They had sent telegrams to Philadelphia, discovering I wasn’t wanted by the law. I was free now to go to town without worry of arrest.

Lola and Mrs. Boles returned to the house, while I waited for my husband, seeing him emerge from the barn a moment later. He sauntered over, wearing denim trousers and a pale blue tow shirt. As always, the thrill of anticipation raced through me at the sight of him.

“Mrs. Brittle,” he drawled. “You’re lookin’ awfully good today.”

“How’s the construction coming along?”

“Fine. I told the boys to take lunch.” His boots clomped on the wooden steps, as he neared. “I wanted to spend an hour or so with you.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck, inhaling his manly scent, which was laced with a hint of perspiration. He had been working all morning. “I missed you.”

“I only said goodbye four hours ago, honey.”

“I know … but it was so long.” Out of the corner of my eye I saw Tory’s carriage turn a bend, disappearing into the juniper scrubs and piñon trees. “Are you terribly hungry?”

Something in my tone lifted an eyebrow. “What’s for lunch?”

“You could have Savoury Suet Balls, I believe.” I touched his chest, feeling the heat of him beneath my hand. “Or, you could have something a little less filling, but satisfying nonetheless.” My voice sounded husky.

He sucked in a sharp breath, his arms tightening around me. “I think I like the second choice just fine. I can always have the other … after.”

Taking his hand, I pulled him towards the door, hearing voices in the dining room. The table had been set, and the aroma of food lingered, but we would not eat just yet, walking towards the stairs. Knowing that Chuck was my husband, and mine to do with as I pleased, a tantalizing thrill ran through me. Our wedding night had been one of the sweetest, most pleasurable moments of my life, and every encounter after had been more so. I could hardly wait to see him in the evenings, to be alone with him, kissing and touching him.

In the bedroom, I closed the door behind me, facing Chuck. “Are you sure you don't want to eat first?”

He shook his head. “No ma’am. I’m all sorts of hungry, but not for food.” His hands spanned my waist. “I think you’re far too over dressed for what I have in mind, though.”

“You’ll have to help me with that. I’m cinched into this corset tightly.”

A mischievous grin lifted the edges of his lips. “Is that so?”

“I’m not allowed to gallivant around in men’s clothing anymore, although I long to.”

Moving towards the bed, he sat on the edge of the mattress, which had been covered in a pretty quilt. With deft fingers, he began to unbutton the bodice, revealing the corset slowly. “It’s like unraveling a present.”

I ran my fingers through his hair. “I can’t wait to have our own home.”

“Another two weeks, tops.”

His hair felt soft between my fingers. He had been out in the sun a great deal lately, his skin glowing bronze. “You work too hard. I told you to take my money and hire more men.”

“I got it all under control.” The bodice dropped to the floor. “I want to save your money, honey, for those rainy days.”

“I know someone who can invest a portion of it. He’s a friend of my father’s, but he’s also my friend. I’ve been meaning to write to him.”

“Is it wise to involve anyone from your family in our life?” The corset felt looser.

“I can trust him. He’s managed my affairs as long as I can remember. I have accounts accruing interest as we speak. All of that belongs to you now.”

“Then I’d have to contact him.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“My father, even with all his flaws, was a practical man. He didn’t become rich by being careless. He’s quite savvy.”

“I know you want to improve relations with your folks, and I’ll support you on that score, but I’d say we need to be cautious about it.”

“Yes. Mother has yet to find out I married.” The corset fell to the floor, landing on top of the bodice. It felt wonderful being without it. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing myself to him. “There are so many things to work out still. I don’t wish to be estranged from my family, but they must accept this marriage. I’ve chosen to live here now, and I’ll have my own children soon enough. I’m hopeful time will be a friend.”

“They don’t know what a marksmen you are. They outta be careful.”

I removed his shirt, pushing it down his arms, exposing a patch of reddish skin. “It’s looking better.” The bullet had lodged near the bone, and Doctor Baker had to extract it, but it would heal. “I should kiss it to make it better.”

“The best medicine.”

“Indeed.”

Our lips met, as heat flared between us, the feeling wild and exhilarating, just like the first time I had kissed him in the stairwell. There was never any awkwardness when we were together, and in the two days since we had been married, we had been utterly as ease, preferring not to sleep with clothing at all. That was by far the most marvelous thing about being married—that and always kissing him, whenever I wanted.

“Evie?”

“Yes?” I breathed.

“I love you, honey.”

“I love you.”

His hands went around me, drawing me onto his lap. “For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful for the future,” he said. “I won’t have that new house all to myself. I didn’t want to live there alone.”

“Oh, you’ll have me, a cook, a maid, and our children. You’ll never be alone. I hope you build a library. You’ll need some place to hide from all the noise.”

Urgent lips touched my throat. “Hum … that sounds … scary.”

I giggled, “You said you didn’t want to be alone.”

“Thank God we’re having only one kid at a time. I can ease into the chaos.”

“Yes, me too, but what fun we’ll have making those babies.”

He reached up to cup my breasts. “Indeed. At this rate, in nine months, we’ll be welcoming our first.”

“Yes, Chuck. I do believe we will.”