A Reinvented Lady (Sons Of A Gun Book 2)

by Brenda Sinclair

  “Then who sent these?”

  “If I had to guess, I’d say my brother arranged it. He knew where I was going. That I’d accepted a job in Milestone as a teacher.” Iris smiled. “There must be some good in him, after all.”

  Iris pried open another box and then another and another until all six had revealed their contents. Her entire wardrobe, clothes required for all four seasons, was contained in the boxes. Personal items like the jewelry her mother had given her and her favorite books were in one of the boxes. “I must write Eric a letter and thank him. I hope he’s in Butte still. Or that the lawmen will give me an address where I can correspond with him.”

  Mrs. Carter patted her arm. “I’m certain your young man could find that information for you.”

  Iris gasped. “Oh, my word! What time is it?” She looked at the clock on the mantel.

  “It’s ten minutes to six,” Mrs. Carter offered.

  “Daniel is taking me to supper at the hotel. He’ll be here in ten minutes!”

  Mrs. Carter waved her hand. “Don’t mind this mess. We’ll tidy up later. You still have plenty of time to change your dress.”

  Iris dug her warm charcoal winter coat and favorite set of navy-blue mittens out of the larger of the six boxes. She’d also found her warm winter boots at the bottom. The coat was creased with several wrinkles, but it couldn’t be helped. Normally, she wouldn’t be caught wearing it in public in this condition, but tonight, a need for warmth won out over vanity. She clasped the beloved items to her chest. “I’ll require these. We’ll going for a buggy ride also.”

  “Wonderful. Go get ready, and I’ll have a nice chat with Daniel until you make an appearance.” Mrs. Carter waved her tenant toward her bedroom.

  Iris smiled. “Thank you so much. I won’t be long: change my dress, splash some water on my face, pinch my cheeks and fix my hair.”

  “No need to rush.” Mrs. Carter settled onto the sofa, admiring a few of Iris’s dresses she’d tossed there. “I have a question for Daniel anyway.”

  * * *

  Daniel pulled the rig to a halt outside Mrs. Carter’s house. If he kept renting this buggy, Hermes would be convinced he was Daniel’s horse. As it was, the gelding stuck his head over his stall half door and offered a whinny in greeting every time Daniel entered the livery.

  He leapt down off the bench and secured the reins to the hitching post by the front gate. “Of all the nights to be late,” he muttered to himself.

  After leaving Iris at the schoolhouse, Daniel returned to the jailhouse expecting he’d be finished work for the day. Instead he’d been waylaid by Sawyer Manning asking him more questions than he could count about his intentions to join the Pinkertons. Daniel had mailed a formal application several weeks ago, during the time they’d been involved in solving the bank robbery case. Of course, Daniel probably made a fool of himself today, failing to contain his excitement when Sawyer admitted to putting in a good word for him. We should hear from the Pinkerton Agency any day now. Sawyer’s words echoed in his mind. How Daniel would survive the waiting was beyond him.

  He bounded up the steps and knocked on Mrs. Carter’s front door, catching himself whistling.

  Mrs. Carter opened the door and waved him inside. “Come in. Iris will just be a minute.”

  Daniel stepped into the house and waited in the front entry. “How was your day, ma’am?”

  “Fair to middling. Burned my arm on the oven today,” she complained, pointing to the wound. “Not to worry. It will heal. But I have a question for you.”

  “All right. What’s on your mind?”

  Mrs. Carter peeked over her shoulder and then whispered, “Have you any idea what day is Iris’s birthday? I’d love to bake her a cake and make a bit of a fuss. Maybe bring some sweets to the school to share with the children.”

  Daniel shook his head. “I haven’t any idea. I don’t recall her mentioning it.”

  “Could you make inquiries? Maybe telegraph one of the lawmen in Butte who could inquire of her brother? If he’s still in Butte and hasn’t been sent off to a state prison somewhere yet.”

  “I heard both her father and brother were transported to the Montana Territorial Prison at Deer Lodge. But I can certainly find out for sure.” Daniel shifted to his other foot.

  “That’s great news. Iris received several boxes of her belongings today, and she believes her brother must have had them shipped to her. Possibly arranged it months ago, before he was imprisoned,” Mrs. Carter whispered again. “She’s going to ask if you know where she should write to thank him for his kindness.”

  Daniel touched her arm. “Thank you for warning me and explaining the reason. Otherwise, I would have been shocked to learn she wished to correspond with him.”

  “If you can learn her birth date from him as well, I would much appreciate it.” Mrs. Carter turned. “Oh, Iris, there you are. And don’t you look pretty tonight.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. You look lovely.” Daniel took her coat from her and helped her into it, covering the navy velvet dress she wore.

  “Thank you. What have you been talking about?”

  Mrs. Carter waved her arm. “I was telling him about this clumsy old woman who burned herself on the oven today.”

  “You burned yourself?” Iris exclaimed.

  “I suggested she see Doc about it, but she’s convinced the arm will heal up in time.” Daniel winked at Mrs. Carter.

  “If it isn’t better in a few days, I promised I’ll drop by Doc’s clinic and have him take a peek.” Mrs. Carter stood, watching Iris don her boots and mittens. “Do you need some quilts, Daniel?”

  “Thank you for thinking of us, but Billy always supplies several quilts with the buggy.”

  “That’s good then.” Mrs. Carter smiled at the two of them. “Enjoy your supper and stay warm during your buggy ride.”

  “Thank you.” Iris kissed Mrs. Carter’s cheek. “We’ll clean up the parlor and set things to right when I return.”

  “Not to worry. Tomorrow is soon enough. Just enjoy your evening.”

  “I intend to make it a memorable ride. Being the first snow and all.” Daniel held the door open for Iris and followed her outside. Memorable night indeed, but any time spent with Iris could only be described as special.

  Chapter 27

  Daniel climbed onto the buggy’s seat and took up the reins. “That was an excellent meal. Farley Johnson’s cook outdid himself tonight.”

  Iris leaned back and sighed. “I could not eat another bite,” she declared with a heavy sigh. “The apple pie is second only to Mrs. Carter’s.”

  “Snuggle under this and we’ll be off.” Daniel handed Iris a huge patchwork quilt with a floral pattern.

  His mother had known all the design names, and his sister could recite all of them now also. Quilts mostly looked all the same to him: patches of mismatched fabric sewn together. But there wasn’t anything warmer on a cold evening’s buggy ride. The snow had ceased falling during suppertime in the hotel, and there wasn’t even a hint of breeze to dampen their spirits.

  Iris tipped her head back and gazed at the twinkling canopy overhead. “This is a perfect night for a buggy ride under the stars.” She finished wrapping herself in the quilt with only her arms uncovered.

  Daniel smiled and nodded, agreeing with her. He flicked the reins and Hermes moved along Main Street. “I thought we’d head for the park and then maybe continue along the river.”

  Iris wrapped her hands around his arm and leaned against his shoulder. “I haven’t gone near that water since the horrible night we found the Branson brothers in trouble. Thank goodness the unfortunate incident turned out so well.”

  “They’re good as new. Encountered them playing kick the can outside their house the other day when I was doing afternoon rounds.” Daniel smiled. His breath quickened when she touched his arm. Who needed quilts for warmth? “I received a lively greeting when the two of them spotted me riding by. They must keep their parents on th
eir toes.”

  Iris chuckled. “Of course they do. They’re boys.”

  Daniel glanced at the beautiful woman seated beside him. He wouldn’t mind being father to a pair just like them someday. Miniature versions of himself. With pretty blonde-haired girls who looked exactly like Iris occupying his heart, as well.

  Soon, they reached the park and Daniel headed to the area he had in mind. The circular roadway seemed a favorite with the townsfolk. The huge flowerbed, overflowing with a profusion of colorful plants in summer, encompassed the entire middle section, while more than a dozen wooden benches were strategically grouped around the exterior tree line. Tonight, the remaining flowers wore a thin white cloak of recently fallen snow. Sadly, Daniel figured these last hardy plants would soon perish, erasing the last evidence of summer.

  Daniel pulled on the reins and halted the buggy in the deserted roadway. Perfect for what he’d planned. Iris slipped the quilt off her shoulders before he helped her out of the rig. “Let’s take a short walk over to the fountain.”

  Iris laughed. “That’s my favorite spot in the park, but the fountain won’t be working again until next summer.”

  “It’s still near a pretty view of the river.”

  “That’s true.”

  They walked silently arm in arm until reaching the bench closest to the fountain where he’d found Iris sitting more times than he could count. He’d dubbed the location ‘Iris’s spot’ in his head.

  “It’s so beautiful here. And calm and peaceful. I feel closer to my mother when I’m here for some reason. I recall our happy memories together, shared mother and daughter times. Reading a bedtime story to me. Laughing while working in our garden. Baking gooey buns at Easter and buttery shortbread cookies at Christmas.”

  Daniel kissed her cheek. “I’m so glad you have happy childhood memories.”

  “Not everything was bad. Mother and I shared special times, beyond parent and child. We were the best of friends.”

  Daniel looked deep into her eyes. “I love you so much, I know my feelings for you will be never-ending. I cannot see me living the rest of my life without you at my side.” He took her hands in his and smiled at her. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Iris gasped and her hand covered her mouth. She stood, speechless, shaking her head.

  “If you need more time to think about your future, I completely understand.” Daniel stood. “I should warn you that if I’m accepted as a Pinkerton agent, Sawyer informed me I would move to Chicago. I’d miss my family and friends, but I need to pursue this dream.”

  “You’ve completely… I never expected this…” Iris admitted.

  “Think about what your dreams are,” Daniel suggested. “Do you want to teach children for more years? If we marry, there’s little chance of you finding a teaching position in Chicago. Only single young ladies are hired as teachers. But I imagine we’d start a family anyway. At least, that would be my hope.”

  Iris removed her mitten and touched his cheek with her hand. “I love you more than I could put into words. You’re everything I could ask for in a friend, in a husband. But marriage is a big step. When I finally escaped from father, I swore I’d never again put myself under another man’s control.” Her eyes filled with tears. “But then I met you. You’re kind and caring and gentle. I can see myself marrying you. At least, I think I can. May I consider your proposal for a few days?”

  Daniel wrapped her in his arms. “Of course. I haven’t heard from the Pinkerton Agency yet. Moving away may be a needless worry. If I’m not accepted, I’ll just remain in Milestone and work with Carl and Sawyer.”

  “I might like Chicago. I never want to lay eyes on another dishonest man as long as I live, and if you’re working to rid the world of criminals, then I couldn’t ask for more.” Iris spoke softly but her expression hadn’t matched her words.

  Daniel couldn’t deny he felt disappointed she hadn’t given an immediate answer. He’d expected a prompt yes, but for some reason, Iris had hesitated and asked to consider his proposal instead. Her reluctance seemed evident, but he couldn’t pinpoint her objection. Perhaps he’d simply surprised her and she required time to ponder the decision. Marriage was a big step in anyone’s life.

  At least, she hadn’t uttered an unequivocal no!

  They returned to the buggy and rode the snow-covered path along the river, enjoying the scenery and sharing in pleasant conversation. When they returned to Mrs. Carter’s home, Daniel paused on the front doorstep and looked into Iris’s eyes.

  “I’ll give you all the time you need to provide an answer.” He kissed her lips, deepening the kiss when she willingly responded. Soon, they were both breathing a little heavily and Iris took a step back.

  “I’ll talk to you in a couple days. And I’ll have an answer for you then. I promise,” she whispered, smiling.

  “Thank you.” Daniel would suffer constant agony, waiting to hear from the Pinkerton Agency for as long as it took, but he doubted he could linger much longer than a couple of days while Iris contemplated her decision. A specific career might span a few years until he decided to move on to experience something else. He intended for marriage with Iris to last a lifetime.

  * * *

  The next afternoon, Iris dropped by the bake shop after school.

  “Well now, isn’t this a lovely surprise!” Mrs. Carter exclaimed.

  “Daniel raves about your cinnamon buns and I’d hoped to catch him here, indulging his sweet tooth.”

  Mrs. Carter chuckled. “You missed him by two hours. Daniel and his much-sated sweet tooth have headed to the Double M Ranch. He plans to talk to his brother, Adam, about the missing horses. Apparently, there’s been very few clues so far and no one has located either the horses or the thieves.”

  “Now that they’ve solved the bank robbery business, I know these horses are his priority. Especially when it involves a loss for his family,” Iris replied.

  “Nothing I love more than animals. Especially a fine horse. I hope they find them soon, safe and sound.” Mrs. Carter set a plate of oatmeal cookies on the front counter. “Here you go. Have one of these.”

  Iris groaned after sampling the delectable goodie still warm from the oven. “Why is it that everything you bake is so delicious? If I live with you much longer, Amanda will be sewing me an entire new wardrobe!”

  “Nonsense. You’re as skinny as a stick. Lots of room for my delicacies. And you keep so busy with those children, I doubt there’ll be much damage done.”

  Iris polished off the cookie and brushed the crumbs from her coat. “Well, I have an errand to run, but I’ll be home by five o’clock to help with supper.”

  “Peel some potatoes and clean a few carrots, please. And I can finish up the rest,” Mrs. Carter instructed, sparkling up the glass display countertop with vinegar and an old newspaper.

  “All right. And thank you for the cookie.” Iris hurried outside and strode down Main Street, her buttoned boots drumming a rhythm matching her determination on the sidewalk. She needed to talk to a specific someone at the jailhouse and she hoped he would be there.

  Sawyer Manning had frightened her beyond explanation when she’d first encountered him. Now that she’d gotten to know the retired Pinkerton, she could relax around him and because he worked with Daniel, she almost considered him a friend. She hoped he could help her.

  Iris opened the door and entered. No doubt, if she’d entered a jailhouse years ago it would have been while wearing a set of handcuffs. How far she’d come!

  Carl Robertson glanced up from the papers on his desk.

  “Miss Lake, good afternoon!”

  “Good afternoon, Sheriff.” Iris smiled at the lovely older gentleman.

  “Weather has taken a turn for the worse, hasn’t it?” He pointed to the woodstove in the corner. “Coffee’s on. Can I interest you in some?”

  Iris shook her head. She’d heard Daniel complain about the sheriff’s coffee on more than one occasion. �
��Thank you, but I don’t mind the colder weather. Makes for an invigorating walk.” Truth be told, she couldn’t feel her toes which had started to sting a bit now that they were thawing out. But she’d keep that bit of information to herself.

  “Take a seat. What can I help you with?”

  “Actually, I was hoping to speak with Mr. Manning.” Iris glanced about the room, seeing no one else.

  “He should be back anytime. Took Shorty over to Doc’s to have him checked out. The fellow seems to have recovered from his malaise. But Shorty is heading for the penitentiary at Deer Lodge tomorrow, so we wanted to ensure he’s fit for travel.”

  “Really?”

  “Circuit judge sentenced him to five years for a variety of crimes.” Carl Robertson shook his head. “I’m hoping he’ll straighten out his life once he’s served his time. Now that he’ll be out from under his uncle’s influence. Fred was sentenced to twenty years. At his age, he’ll never see the outside of a cell again.”

  “The older man is his uncle?” she exclaimed. “I didn’t know that.”

  “Daniel didn’t tell you?”

  “Heavens, no!” Iris exclaimed. “Daniel doesn’t divulge information about his work. He’s much too professional.”

  “Glad to hear it,” Sawyer Manning said, startling Iris when he entered. He guided a hand-cuffed man ahead of him, walking toward the back area. “Keeping confidential information to himself proves he’s a great candidate for a Pinkerton.”

  “Couldn’t agree more,” Sheriff Robertson added.

  Soon, Manning returned and poured himself a cup of coffee. “Anything new happen?”

  “No.” Carl stood, wandered over to the doorway, and grabbed his Stetson off the hook. “But this young lady wishes to speak with you, so I’m heading over to the hotel for some early supper.” He slipped his arms into the sleeves of his coat and opened the door.