“Marry?” Rick choked on a cough as he jumped to his feet, still not believing his ears. “You want me to marry a woman I’ve never met?”
Archie motioned his hands to calm Rick to sit down again. “Please, let me explain.”
Rick didn’t feel like sitting. Not yet. “Continue.”
“The marriage will be in name only, and I will perform the ceremony. After you’ve trained your partner, you can get an annulment and part ways if that is what you wish.”
As the news sank in, relief spread through Rick’s stiff body. Although he didn’t fully agree with marrying the woman only to file for an annulment later on, he understood how her reputation would be ruined if they didn’t marry.
Rick considered himself a great agent. A few months were all he needed to train his partner, and then he’d be rid of her. There was no way he wanted to be shackled with a wife. His parents’ marriage had taught him one thing. Men were much happier without a woman to nag them constantly.
Rick planned on being a bachelor all of his life, which meant, he’d hurry through this training until he was free, once again.
“Have you already picked a bride for me, Mr. Gordon?”
Archie narrowed his green eyes on Rick and tapped his fingers on his oak desk. “Your file says your skill is knowing when people are lying?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
He glanced down at the papers scattered across his desk. “I think you will work nicely with Miss Ruth Livingston.” He picked up a paper. “Her father worked as a sheriff in Utah before his death. As the man’s only child, he taught her how to read people’s actions in order to know what they were going to do next.” Archie’s gaze met Rick’s again. “She is perfect for you to train. Miss Livingston’s skill is studying people and knowing what they are thinking.”
Rick held in a laugh. Nobody could do that. The woman must have fibbed in order to get Archie’s attention. But Rick couldn’t judge her now. He’d wait until after they were together.
“And,” Archie continued, “she has distant family who live in Cloverdale, California, so I think after your assignment in San Francisco has been completed, if she wishes to go home to her family, she’ll be close enough to do that.”
“Yes, I agree. I think that’s best.”
“Splendid.” Archie’s grin widened. “Then in a couple of hours, you’ll meet your bride and start your new adventure. I’m sure that’ll make you happy.”
Archie was correct about one thing – Rick was excited about his new adventure. Meeting his bride and being happy was a different story altogether.
TWO
Cecily stared at herself in the full-length mirror in her hotel room. She’d met with Mr. Archibald Gordon and his office assistant, Marianne. Cecily was eager to become a Pinkerton Agent… until learning that becoming an agent came with a price.
Marriage?
On the train ride to Denver, she’d stepped into her new identity, and practiced being Ruth Livingston. She quite liked it. No longer did she have to whisper the last name of Sheldon because she was ashamed. Instead, she held her head high and met the other’s gaze as she introduced herself as Miss Ruth Livingston. If she could tackle this obstacle, she could tackle being married.
Mr. Pinkerton was correct to want his women agents married in order to protect their reputations, but Cecily didn’t know if she could go through with a wedding in name only.
Since she was a little girl, she’d dreamed of her wedding day. She would be madly in love with her husband, and she’d certainly get to meet him before the wedding. According to Mr. Gordon, Cecily wouldn’t even meet her soon-to-be-husband until the ceremony.
She’d pulled back the sides of her hair with jewel-encrusted combs, and curled her long, brown hair before pinning the small bonnet to her head. The gown that used to belong to Ruth Livingston fit Cecily very well. The white and silver vertically striped jacket over the white, high-collared blouse emphasized her womanly curves because of the buttons down her bosom. The dark blue skirt with fancy bustle puffed out at the back of her flounced skirt and made the small train glide elegantly as she walked.
Never had she owned such a garment, and she felt like a princess wearing it. No longer did she feel like the daughter of an outlaw. Instead, she was Ruth Livingston… Although she wasn’t too fond of the name Ruth. So perhaps she could tell everyone her name was Ruth Cecily Livingston, and encourage them to refer to her as Cecily.
She frowned. This would be what she wore to her wedding, instead of a fancy gown made especially for the ceremony.
With a heavy sigh, she picked up her wrist-purse from the bed and left the room. Miss Ruth Livingston had thought ahead before making the trip to Denver. The woman had rented a room at a fancy hotel instead of staying at the Pinkerton building, which Mr. Gordon’s secretary, Marianne, had offered.
The Pinkerton Agency office in Denver was only a few buildings away. Cecily didn’t mind walking in the cool morning spring air, and she certainly didn’t mind holding her head up as she strolled along the street. It was so nice not to be recognized, and she was grateful she didn’t have to hide any longer.
When she left her home, she hadn’t taken much… mainly because there wasn’t much to take that belonged to her. Guilt hadn’t even crossed her mind when she walked out of the cabin for the last time. She left a note for her father telling him good-bye. He’d only realize she was missing when it was time to eat or if he needed his clothes washed.
As she strolled toward the office building, she passed men on the street who smiled and tipped their hats at her. She grinned, loving the attention. In all of her twenty-five years, not once had she felt pretty. Until today.
Cecily entered the Pinkerton Agency Office, and noticed several other ladies waiting in the lobby. They appeared as nervous as she was. And thankfully, none of them were dressed for a real wedding.
Mr. Gordon’s secretary, Marianne, moved from one woman to the other, whispering something in their ear and giving them a reassuring hug. When the woman reached Cecily, she smiled and squeezed Cecily’s hands.
“You are breathtaking, Miss Livingston,” Marianne said. Her bright eyes twinkled like emeralds.
“Thank you.”
It surprised Cecily how young Marianne looked. The woman was about the same height as Cecily, and her brownish-red hair made her porcelain skin even lovelier. Marianne’s smile even comforted Cecily.
“There’s no need to worry. Mr. Gordon has teamed you up with one of Pinkerton’s finest agents. He’s a kind man and will treat you well.”
Cecily didn’t know how to reply, only because she wondered if Marianne told this to all the other women. It didn’t ease Cecily’s anxiety, but it didn’t matter. She was determined to make this her new life.
Suddenly, the group of women moved. Another door had been opened and they were ushered into a spacious area. Several handsome men stood against the wall. Most of them wore dour expressions. Cecily suspected they were not thrilled about having to marry, just as the women weren’t.
It surprised Cecily to see the room was decorated nicely with flowers and ribbons. A long table stood on one side with a white tablecloth and a line of cakes on top. She also noticed a tray of meats and cheeses. Marianne must have fixed this up to make the women agents feel more comfortable about their wedding.
Mr. Gordon stood at the head of the room. Once everyone was quiet, he started reading names, pairing the couples together.
Shifting from one fancy boot to the other, Cecily wrung her hands against her middle, waiting for her name to be called.
“Miss Cecily Livingston, and Mr. Broderick Tanner.”
The beat of her heart quickened. She was thankful that she had instructed Mr. Gordon to use her name instead of Ruth’s. As she took her first steps toward her new husband, something in the back of her memory caused her to pause. She’d heard his name before… somewhere.
On shaky legs, she moved to the front of the room alongside th
e other couples. Her partner walked toward her, his gaze skimming over her attire. She also looked him over from the top of his sandy brown hair, down his handsome face, broad shoulders and wide chest, admiring the way he looked in his dark gray suit jacket and trousers, black waistcoat over a white shirt, and his necktie.
When he stopped beside her, she realized how tall he was, and she had to tilt her head back to look into his face.
He offered a polite smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Livingston.” He bowed slightly.
She curtsied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tanner.”
That name! Where had she heard it before? But it was more than just his name. He looked so familiar.
As they stood side-by-side, she peeked at him out of the corner of her eye, assessing his face, slower this time. He didn’t meet her gaze, for which she was relieved. But until she figured out how she knew him, it would drive her mad.
Mr. Tanner’s attention finally landed on Cecily, and he caught her gawking at him. This time, he looked at her differently… as if he recognized her, too.
“Forgive me, Miss Livingston, but have we met before?” he asked.
Her memory finally opened and her heart made a panicked leap in her chest. They had met! He was the lawman who came to her house in January, looking for her father. He was the lawman she’d lied to.
Inwardly, she groaned. Had she told him her real name four months ago? Although she couldn’t remember their conversation word-for-word, she was sure she hadn’t told him her name, just the names of her mother’s parents.
Cecily had been filthy that morning. Soot had covered her from her head to her feet. Her hair had been ratted and in disarray, and she probably looked like she didn’t own a brush. She’d worn an ill-fitting dress that she had sewn together from dresses which didn’t fit her any longer.
So what part of her had he recognized now?
She forced herself to breathe slower, trying not to appear too rattled by his question. “No, Mr. Tanner. I think I would remember meeting someone so blindly attractive.”
Her mind stuttered to a halt. What did I just say?
She’d heard her father and brothers flirt so many times, the words just slipped out of her mouth. If there was a hole big enough to fit her, she’d climb in it right now.
Mr. Tanner’s eyes widened. His mouth started to pull into a grin, but seconds later, it turned back into a scowl.
“Um… Thank you, Miss Livingston.”
Heat rushed to her face and she turned toward Mr. Gordon. That was an awkward moment. Cecily surmised that Mr. Tanner probably thought she was a brazen woman. She was far from it. Then again, she wasn’t a Sheldon any longer. Perhaps living as Ruth Livingston would allow Cecily to act as she’d always wanted but hadn’t dared.
The possibilities were endless… and exciting. She couldn’t wait to experience this whole new life.
* * * *
Rick shifted nervously. Archie was taking too long pairing the couples and marrying them. Rick just wanted the ceremony finished so that he could begin training Miss Livingston.
Her comment about his appearance had shocked him. He’d met a few forward women before, but after his first glimpse of the lovely Miss Livingston, he thought she’d be shy and quiet. Now he wondered if he was going to have to keep his eyes on her for fear she’d mess something up in her training.
It bothered him to think he’d met her before. She was a stunningly beautiful woman. He would definitely have remembered meeting a woman like her. But it was her eyes… blue as a serene ocean on a cloudless day.
He mentally shook his head. Where had that come from? Sure, he admired lovely women, but he’d never turned into a poet before, and he wasn’t about to start acting that way now.
He tried to listen to Archie as he went through the wedding ceremony, but Rick’s mind drifted. Working so closely with such a pretty woman would be distracting. Inwardly, he groaned. No. He must not think that way about her. He would train her and send her on her way back to her family in Cloverdale. End of subject.
But… would it be that easy?
A Pinkerton had to be brave, strong, tender, and true. Rick’s training would make sure she was all of these things. He’d ensure that by the time they were finished, Miss Livingston had integrity and vigilance. Rick was determined to make her the best female agent Pinkerton had ever had.
Suddenly, the room went quiet. Next to him, Miss Livingston bumped his arm gently and threw him an injured glare. Rick snapped out of his thoughts momentarily. Why was she looking at him that way? Had he stepped on her toes or something?
“Yes?”
Miss Livingston rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to Archie. What was that all about?
Rick dismissed her and returned to the plans forming in his head. If everything went well, Miss Livingston might be able to help him find the Sheldon Gang – a group of outlaws he’d been searching for since last October. They’d killed his brother during a train robbery, and if it was the last thing Rick did, he’d make sure every single one of them were hanged for their crimes.
In January, he’d gotten a tip on where they lived. Unfortunately, the address he’d been given was incorrect. But he wouldn’t give up until he had all of them behind bars. Thankfully, Mr. Pinkerton understood Rick’s plight, and allowed him to keep searching for the gang who had just disappeared into thin air.
Archie had suggested that women agents might be able to do things the other agents couldn’t do. Miss Livingston would be able to earn the trust of the people she talked with much more easily. After all, who would suspect a woman of being a Pinkerton Agent? Perhaps Rick would enlist her in helping him find the Sheldon Gang.
“You may now kiss your bride, or shake hands, or whatever it is you decide to do.”
Rick snapped out of his thoughts and focused on Archie. The redheaded man rocked back on his heels, wearing a satisfied grin that stretched his mustache wider as his gaze moved to all the couples in the room.
Hitching a breath, Rick blinked and looked at Miss Livingston. Were they married? Nah, couldn’t be. He would remember saying I do. Although… he had said yes when Miss Livingston had gotten his attention.
He groaned silently. He’d missed his own wedding. But it didn’t matter since he’d send her on her way in a few months.
She fidgeted next to him, wringing her hands against her middle. Her gaze jumped between his mouth and his eyes. He groaned again. Was he expected to kiss the bride now?
THREE
Cecily held her breath. In normal weddings, this was the part where the husband kissed his new bride. But this wasn’t a normal wedding… and she really didn’t want to kiss the man who obviously wasn’t paying attention during the marriage ceremony. Good grief, she had to remind him to say I do, but he’d said yes instead. How humiliating!
Confusion was etched on his face as his gaze bounced between some of the other couples to see what they were doing. She couldn’t let him be the one to decide. This was her wedding, too!
Mr. Tanner looked back at her and his upper body leaned forward with great reluctance. He was going to kiss her? She couldn’t have that.
She quickly stretched her right hand out between them, which stopped him from coming any further. His shoulders relaxed and he grasped her hand, shaking it once to seal their marriage deal. Slowly, she expelled a sigh.
Toward the back of the room, a loud crack followed by a thud, shook the floor. Cecily jumped, and swung her attention toward the commotion. Two of the male agents were… having a food fight? No, this couldn’t possibly be happening. Not during a wedding.
Mr. Tanner grumbled loudly, grasped her arm, and hurried them toward the doors. Pieces of cake flew through the air. Both Cecily and Mr. Tanner ducked several times until they reached the door.
“Enough,” Archie shouted mere seconds before a piece of frosting smacked him in the face. The man’s face turned redder than his hair. “I said that’s enough!”
The room grew quiet. Cecily couldn’t believe what had just happened. But what she wanted to know was why it had happened. Regardless, this was not professional at all.
“Everyone out,” Archie demanded.
As the crowd headed toward the doors, Marianne handed out napkins to the men. The secretary looked over the cake-splattered ladies and shook her head.
“I have traveling dresses that were specifically made for you. Please, follow me.”
Cecily looked at Mr. Tanner and shrugged. “I won’t be long.”
“I’ll be down here waiting for you.”
She gave him a smile before hurrying upstairs with Marianne and the other women. Not more than thirty minutes later, she hurried downstairs with her traveling case and a lovely dress packed inside.
Before anyone could leave, Marianne instructed the agents to sign their marriage contracts. When it was Cecily’s turn, she reminded herself to sign Ruth Livingston. As she wrote another woman’s name, a thought struck her. Because she wasn’t signing her real name, did that mean their marriage wasn’t legal?
Oh, dear. But it was too late now. She’d worry about that later. There was too much on her mind at the moment to think of the disastrous things that could happen.
Mr. Tanner had been chatting with another male agent, and when Broderick saw her, he muttered something to the other man before coming toward her. He motioned his hand to the front door.
“Well, Miss Livingston? Are you ready to start your training?”
She shrugged. “I’m more than ready. However, I’m not Miss Livingston. If you remember correctly, we were pronounced husband and wife not too long ago.”
An Agent For Cecily (The Pinkerton Matchmaker Book 8) Page 2
