Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) (6 page)

I
t was well
after dark that we made camp, choosing to remain hidden near a riverbed, which would provide water for the horses. A fire had been made, and a kettle hung over the flames, while a pan sizzled with beef and beans. I had washed off the best I could, feeling especially filthy after riding for hours. My back ached, while my bottom throbbed from having been beaten to a pulp by the saddle.

I watched the flames and waited to eat, my belly protesting noisily. “Where are we going?”

“A friend’s hacienda.”

“Where’s that?”

“Outside of Albuquerque. We won’t get there until tomorrow afternoon.”

“Is he an outlaw?”

Holding a tin plate, Chuck ladled out a portion of the impromptu stew. “Here you go, and, no, he isn’t an outlaw. He’s a rancher.”

“Oh. Thank you.”

“He’s a friend of mine. I’ve known him since the Lincoln Country War days. He was on the wrong side, unfortunately, but then again, there really was no right side.”

“I’ve heard about that. They just killed Billy the Kid not that long ago.”

“Last summer.”

“Did you know him?”

He gave me a look. “No, honey. I don’t know any outlaws. I’ve been working for Mr. Kelly for a few years now. I was wild in my youth. I don’t have the energy for that sort of thing anymore. Livin’ hard gave me an ulcer. Runnin’ from the law’s stressful.”

“I know.” Then I realized I had done just that today. “Oh, gracious be. I’m a fugitive from justice. My mother would just die. She’d keel over at the thought.”

“You look like a hardened criminal.” A glimmer of humor flashed in his eyes.

“I feel like one. I don’t think I’ve ever been this filthy. I didn’t even bring a brush. I’ll look like a street urchin by morning.”

He sat next to me holding his plate, while his attention roamed over my face. I had taken the hat off, leaving myself exposed. There were loose clumps of hair down my back, while the rest managed to stay secured. “You look just fine to me.”

“You'd say that to any woman.”

“Nope.” He took a bite of food. “Hum … good.”

“It is. You’re a decent cook.”

“It’s typical camp fare. I’ve been on enough cattle drives to know how to make chuck wagon staples. Tomorrow mornin’ I’ll treat you to some nice and hard sourdough biscuits.”

“That’s kind of you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“It’s getting colder by the second.”

“Nights in the desert will do that.”

“Those bedrolls look terribly thin.” A watertight canvas held a rolled up blanket and pillow. “I can’t imagine this will be comfortable.”

“It’s not.”

“Won’t we be bitten by snakes?”

“They’re in their hiding places now. I wouldn’t worry about that.”

“What about coyotes?”

“What about ‘em?”

“Won’t they attack?”

“It’s not likely.”

I sighed, finishing the food on the plate. “That was good.”

“I’ve some jerky, if you’re still hungry.”

“No, thank you.” Again his attention lingered on me, his expression neutral, but I could tell he was mulling something over. “Are you going to stare at me like that all night?”

“I could easily.”

“Is this where I have to worry about my virtue?”

“No.”

“Lola Kelly said you kissed her. She said her husband hired you to find out if she was loyal or some such silly thing. You should be ashamed of yourself. How could you do that to a woman?”

“First of all, I was doing my job, and secondly, kissing Lola Kelly was hardly a hardship. She’s a beautiful woman, but I can now say I’ve met an even lovelier one.”

“If you think I’m going to lie with you, you’re wasting your breath. If you think to force yourself on me, I shant like it, and I’ll scream in your ear the entire time, while clawing your eyes out.”

“That doesn't sound like much fun.” He grinned.

“It won’t be.”

“I know I’ve made some mistakes in the past. I never should’ve agreed to seduce Lola, but it was better it was me. If it had been any one of the other guys, she might’ve had a worse situation. I’d never force a woman to sleep with me. I’ve never had to. I kissed her briefly, and that was that.”

“She doesn’t like you.”

“She’s learned to tolerate me. It’s one of the reasons I’ve gone and gotten my own land. I made a bad first impression, and it seems those can’t be rectified. I don’t blame her for hating me.”

It was odd, but I felt more at ease with him now, my instincts telling me that he was a good man. None of us were perfect beings, and heaven knew I had made some mistakes. “I don’t know what to do.”

“About what?”

“About my father, about Joseph. I’m … scared. I ran away on a whim, but it seems like things have gotten dangerous. Now there are lawmen after me, and more might follow. I’m not a criminal. I hate what’s happened, but, if I had stayed, I’d live the life of some poor, mindless creature.”

“It’s a mess, all right. I’ve heard about families like yours. They won’t tolerate disobedience.”

“What should I do?”

“You can keep running, until they no longer chase you.”

“Marriage didn’t help Mrs. Kelly. Her father found her and tried to drag her with him.”

“Her stepfather kidnapped her.”

“Has he caused trouble again?”

“Her mother’s coming for a visit without the stepfather. I believe Mr. Kelly threatened him in some manner. He won’t let that man on the property.”

“I can see why.”

He took my plate. “I don't have the answers for you, Evie. You’ve hired me to get you outta town, and that’s what I’ve done. I’m gonna go wash up and have some whiskey. You want some?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“What if some animal attacks me?”

“They won’t.”

“Hurry back.”

He stepped into the bushes, chuckling, “Yes, darlin’.”

Mr. Brittle had taken to calling me Evie, which no one had ever done before, but, coming from him, it sounded lovely. I adored the way he said honey and darling and all those other overly familiar terms he was want to use when addressing me. I should chastise him, but I wasn’t able.

When he returned, he tossed another log on the fire, while settling in next to me. The sound of crickets resounded, as the horses made the occasional whinnying noise, while tied to a tree. Shivering, I gazed at the stars overhead, their brightness illuminating the night sky. Mr. Brittle observed me, sitting with his arms over his knees.

“It’s so cold.”

“We could combine the bedrolls and double up on the blankets and canvas.”

That sent a shiver down my spine. “Then we’d be sleeping together.”

“Seems like it, but we’d be reasonably warm.”

“I’ve been thinking about that. I’m not fond of the cold. I have two down comforters in the wintertime at home. I loathe being cold.”

“Then bring your things over here.”

“You won’t be inappropriate, will you?”

He grinned. “Hardly ever.”

“I knew you’d say something like that.” I got up, reaching for the bedroll, dragging it with me. “Here.”

“A smart decision.”

“Just don’t touch me.”

“Of course not.” He lifted the bedding before him. “Get in.”

Taking the pillow, I placed it next to his, scooting nearer. I was fully clothed with a jacket on and boots, but the cold had seeped through each layer of material, even with the fire. Shivering, I wiggled closer. He lifted the bedding, adjusting the blankets for full coverage.

Then he turned to look at me, grinning. “You comfortable?”

“Not really. I think there’s a rock under here.”

“I’m sorry it’s not hotel quality.”

“I suppose it’s better than being arrested for something I didn’t do.”

“You wouldn't be the first person in that predicament.”

“Why aren’t you married?” The only light came from the fire, and I thought I saw his eyebrow lift. I had caught him off guard. Why had I asked that question?

“Um … I haven’t tried hard enough.”

“I’ve been told there’s a shortage of women in these parts. That’s why Mrs. Hershey brings in the mail order brides.”

“That’s true, but that’s not why I haven’t married.”

“Are you picky about your women?”

He chuckled, “Picky? Not really. I’ve just been waiting for the right one to come along. I’d rather not be saddled with someone I didn’t get along with.”

We were mere inches apart, facing one another. “Oh.”

“Then there’s wanting to build a nice house and get my business started. Ladies like those sort of things. It makes them feel secure.”

“True.”

“Coming out here was foolhardy. A woman like you belongs in a nice mansion.”

“You don’t know anything about me. I might appear to be spoiled and pampered, but I like freedom and adventure. I could see myself married to a rancher. I’d like to learn to ride better and shoot. I don’t mind the isolation. I’ve always longed for open spaces. There’s nothing more claustrophobic than a forest. That’s all there is around where I live. It feels like everything’s closing in. I adore being able to see for miles and miles.”

He remained thoughtful, his eyes fixed on me. “I got that sense about you. You were game when I suggested you wear men’s clothes. Most women would’ve faced the consequences and left it to fate before doing such a daring thing. You didn’t bat an eye when I suggested it. Your maid was more scandalized than you.”

“It’s an adventure. It’s something I can tell my children one of these days. I’ll say, your mother once rode from Boot Creek to Albuquerque in men’s pants. They’d get a good laugh out of that.”

“You sit a horse well, like a natural.”

“From the sores on my behind, I’d say there was nothing natural about that.” I giggled, shivering.

“You’re still cold.”

“A little.”

He lifted his arm over my head. “You can come closer. I won’t try any funny stuff, I swear.”

Letting my defenses down completely, I rolled into him, snuggling into his arms, while sighing. He was indeed warm, as heat spread through layers of clothing. We didn’t speak much after that, cuddling and listening to the crickets, while all around us the world slept, but what would morning bring? I closed my eyes and tried not to worry, hating that I sensed misfortune drawing nearer by the hour.
I hope I’m wrong about that.

“
W
ake up
, sleepyhead.”

Warm and comfortable, I resisted the urge to open my eyes, wanting to rest a little longer.

“Evie, it’s time to go.”

“No.”

He chuckled, “I’ve got everything packed but the bedrolls. I think we better be on our way.”

There was something in his tone that had me sitting up, brushing aside a lock of hair from my face. “Let me wash up, and I’ll be ready.” Being completely dressed in boots and a jacket, all I needed was a trip to the privy and a thorough face washing. I stood, brushing dust away from the pant legs of the trousers. “I’ll be a moment.” Once I returned from the creek, the horses waited. “Is something wrong?”

Chuck glanced into the distance. “I don’t know, but my gut tells me we better go.”

Grasping the reins, I hauled myself up onto Marla, flinging a leg over. “Then let’s get to it.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I wouldn’t ask about breakfast, realizing something must be amiss, because he would have made a fire. As it was, Chuck had taken the stones away and covered what remained of the smoldering rubble with sand and debris. It looked like he wanted to hide the fact that we had camped here. Ignoring my growling belly, I cantered beside him, happy to feel the wind in my face and the strength of the steed beneath me. Glancing over my shoulder, I did not see anything out of the ordinary, worried that, perhaps, we had been seen.

“Thank you for keeping me warm last night.”

He grinned. “You’re welcome.”

“Where are we going?”

“The Hernandez family lives on the outskirts of Albuquerque. It’s a couple of hours away. I’m sorry about breakfast.”

“That’s all right.”

“I’ve some jerky, but it’s better to keep going right now. I’ll feel more secure about this when we get to the ranch.”

The horses kicked up less dust here, their hooves pounding into what looked like gravel and sand. “I’m not sure I want to live the life of a fugitive.”

“It’s not fun.”

“I’m sickened that false charges have been leveled against me. If it weren’t for you, I’d be in custody now.”

“It could still happen.”

“My father wouldn’t stoop so low. This has to be Joseph.”

“If you make it hard enough on ‘em, maybe they’ll give up.”

“I hope so, but the chase has only just begun.”

My ex-fiancé did so enjoy a hunt. He went to great lengths to find precious artworks and rare bottles of wine. It was reported that the ceiling in the dining room of his mansion came from the Château de Vitré in France. None of it boded well for the future or my ability to live the life I craved. I wasn’t the woman he thought I was, because my soul yearned for freedom and space. I never wanted to be confined to a large house with an army of servants, only to leave once a week for church. I needed a challenge; I wanted a life of love and adventure, adoring the wildness of the west.

“You’re smiling.”

I glanced at Chuck. “I like this.”

“I can tell.”

“This is exactly how I imagined it.”

“Running from the law?”

“No, riding into the unknown. Who’s to say what’s around the next bend? The scenery changes by the minute. When the grasses bore me, all I have to do is wait ten minutes and we’re on sand. When I’m tired of looking at cholla cactuses, then we’re surrounded by sagebrush. When I yearn for trees, I get cottonwoods. It’s always changing. I wonder what’s on the horizon. I can see a mountain there, and I want to explore it.”

“Yeah, that’s a familiar range. But they’re actually hills, not mountains. It’s near where the Hernandez hacienda is, but don’t let it fool you. It’s further than you think.”

“I can’t wait to get there.”

I could feel his attention, his expression neutral, but it seemed to please him that I adored this part of the territory. There was ice and snow in Philadelphia at the moment, but it was nearly seventy degrees here, with little humidity. The pleasantness of winter in this arid environment was something I could easily grow accustomed to.

It would be another two hours before Mr. Brittle slowed his horse. “Let’s have some lunch, but I don’t want to stay long. No fire either.”

“All right.”

“Are you sore?”

“I could stretch my legs.”

“Over there.” He pointed to a grouping of trees. “Might find some water.”

After dismounting, I led Marla to a thin stream, where the horse drank freely. Tying her to a tree, we let the animals graze, while we sat beneath the shade of a Nut pine. I ate jerky and an apple. The simple fare was quite a departure from the food served at the hotel.

“I might never get you in a dress again. You look awfully comfortable in those pants.”

“I’m tempted to burn the corset before we reach the hacienda.” I giggled at that thought. “I’ve not missed it in the least.”

He continued to stare. “You’re a bit of a revelation.”

“How so?”

“Never thought I’d see a blue blood gallivanting about in men’s duds, but it suits you.”

I leaned against the tree, with my knees up before me, chewing happily on the sweet-tasting apple. “I thought I’d be married to Percy and happily ensconced in his room above the grocers. I think we might’ve built a house eventually, though. I can’t imagine wanting to live that closely with other family members.” I glanced at him, admiring his profile. “Does your family know where you are?”

“Yeah.”

“Have they ever come to visit?”

“I’ve two brothers and a sister, and no. They’ve never journeyed this far west. They all got families and farms.”

“Do you miss them?”

“We weren’t all that close. They’re more god-fearing, while I’m on the road to damnation.” He grinned.

“You don’t seem terribly upset about that prospect. It’s pretty hot down there, you know.”

“I reckon I’ll make friends with a few demons and a coupla fallen angels.”

“That’s the same thing.”

He shrugged, tossing the apple core into a bush. “I suppose.”

“Have you ever thought of offering for a woman?” I watched him inhale, while slowly turning his head in my direction.

“I’m fully aware of all my charms, especially where the ladies are concerned, but the pickin’s are pretty slim in Boot Creek. Like I said, I’ve been patiently waiting for just the right one to come along. Some things shouldn’t be rushed.”

“That’s sensible of you. What sort of woman would interest you?”

“I don’t have a particular type. I’ve enjoyed blondes, brunettes, redheads, and I even—”

“Not that!” I giggled. “I don’t want a list of your conquests. Save that for the boys in the taproom. I just want to know what you find appealing and what you don’t?”

“Before I was so rudely interrupted,” he cast a lazy glance my way, “I was gonna speak my peace about that.”

“Sorry. Go on.”

He cleared his throat. “I don’t really know.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake.”

“I think my biggest struggle is finding a lady who wants me.” He tapped his chest. “I know this might come as a shock to you, but I’ve not been in a serious relationship for some time. I was always running around when I was younger, and now I’m just gettin’ old. I’m not exactly what somebody’s pa wants to see on his doorstep to take his little girl to the Friday night social.”

“I didn’t think you were
that
old.”

“I look older. Been out in the sun too long.”

“You look just fine to me. I … I mean … never mind.”

An eyebrow lifted. “Go on.”

“No, I’ll leave it at that.”

“Tease.”

I grinned. “I never thought I was, but I’m having to rethink everything.”

“It didn’t help that Lola Kelly told all the ladies in town I was a cad. She wasn’t too thrilled with my behavior last year, and I can’t blame her. I was only following orders. I kissed her because I was paid to.”

“That was rather deplorable.”

“Yeah, but I do like to kiss the ladies.”

The memory of our kiss had left an indelible impression on me. “I’m aware of that.”

“I can’t help it, if I see an opportunity and take it.”

“Which certainly makes you caddish.”

“Well, if I had a pretty wife at home, then I wouldn’t have to run around trying to kiss all the ladies.”

I shook my head. “Your confessional attitude is doing you little favors, sir. It’s only affirming that you’re someone a woman should stay far away from.”

“I know.”

I couldn’t help giggling, “You’re charming, though. I’ll give you that much.”

“Thank you. I think you’re beautiful.”

“Stop that.”

“You’re brave and spirited. You seem to enjoy saddle sores and sleepin’ outdoors. If I could teach you how to shoot, I’d have to marry you.”

“I’ve been thinking of what sort of husband you’d make. Would I have to wait up half the night for you to come home or do I send my maid to the brothel to retrieve you?”

“If we were married, you’d be next to me in bed, honey. If you’re as enthusiastic about performing your wifely duties as I think you might be, I’d never need to stray.”

“You sure know what to say to a lady.” I had spoken with a healthy dose of sarcasm.

“I’m just gettin’ warmed up.”

I felt the weight of his attention, as the conversation grew serious. “I do need a husband for protection. You look like you might be good with a six-shooter.”

“I’ve done some killin’. Just last year I shot a few men in a cattle dispute.”

I hadn’t known that. “Oh.”

“I can hold my own. I don’t plan on going out just yet. I’ve got a few things left to do here on earth first.”

“And that is?”

“I’m in the process of setting up my business. I’m building a nice house with outbuildings, and I want some youngsters to call me daddy. I’d be pretty angry with God, if he took me now. I feel like I’m gettin’ closer to achieving those goals by the day.”

“Do you go to church?”

“I go every so often, when I’m not working on Sunday.”

“I see.”

“I’d be there every Sunday, if I had a pretty lady to go with me.”

I glanced at my fingernails, never having seen them this dirty before. “I’m sorry women avoid you now.”

“I didn’t say they avoid me, but they don’t think so highly of me. I still kiss ‘em plenty. None would consider me suitable for a husband, is all. I might have to spend some time in Santa Fe after the house is built. I’m not well-known there.”

“Or you could ask Mrs. Hershey to arrange an ad for you in one of the east coast papers.” I nearly laughed, because a funny idea struck me. “It could go something like this: Aging, reformed cad seeks wholesome young lady to share his bed and rear his children on sprawling cattle ranch.” I giggled at the thought.

He got to his feet, brushing dirt from his trousers. “I think it’s time to skedaddle.”

“I’d rather write your ad. You could say: Lonely, reformed cattle rustler seeks a bride, who’s willing to ride, shoot, and make babies—”

He reached down, hauling me to my feet. “You annoying little trollop.” A steely arm went around my back and I found myself pressed to his hardened length. “My life shouldn’t be fodder for your silly jokes.” He wasn’t truly angry, because his expression revealed humor, but something else lurked there.

At this proximity, I had begun to buzz with pleasure, feeling the end of my nose tingle. “I apologize for trying to help you find a wife. I only wanted to be of service.”

My mouth had his full attention. “I should kiss you. That’d shut you up.”

“Only for a few minutes.”

Something caught his attention. “Tarnation!”

“What is it?”

“Saddle up! We gotta go. You’ve distracted me enough, and now we got trouble.”

The thrill of teasing him and the pleasantness of our conversation died instantly, replaced by a feeling of fear. We rushed to our steeds, mounting and galloping as soon as we were able, because, in the distance, far behind us on the horizon, plumes of dust appeared, kicked up by the hooves of several horses.