She sobbed as if in relief and clung to his arms. “I was so frightened. I shopped in a millinery store and then that lady gave me directions to a wholesale place. I thought a man was following me and when I came out, he was across the street and pretending to look in a window. But he followed me.”
Tony looked in the direction from which she’d appeared. “Are you certain?” He escorted her toward the door from which he’d exited.
She still clung to him. “Yes, but I lost him. Then I turned this way and that to make certain he couldn’t find me, but by that time I was all turned around. Please, can you help me find Charlie or show me how to get to the house?”
“Of course.” He stood her against the building. “Um, stand right here. I know you’re tired, but this will only take a moment.” He went inside the building.
Charlie dashed out. “Amelia? What’s happened?” He leaned near. “You’re going to get us both killed.”
She mustered up more tears. “A man followed me and when I tried to lose him, I got lost. I’m so tired and I don’t know how to get to your house. If I hadn’t seen Tony come out that door I don’t know what I’d have done.”
Tony appeared and took her arm. “I’ll get us a hack and get you home.”
She looked at Charlie.
Concern laced his voice. “I’ll be home later. Tony will see you get home safely.”
She didn’t know if the concern was for her welfare or theirs.
Tony helped her to the corner and she saw the next street was a busy thoroughfare.
“Oh, I’d almost made it, hadn’t I? I’m so sorry to have practically attacked you.”
“Don’t give it another thought. We’ll have you home in a few minutes.”
He whistled and a cab stopped. Tony gave the address and helped her inside then tapped on the roof for the driver to set the horse moving.
Amelia leaned back against the padded seat. “Please, tell the driver to stop a few minutes at the pie man’s booth. I’m so tired and upset I don’t think I can cook tonight.”
He sent her a kindly gaze and patted her hand. “Of course. You’ll have a chance to see what your cooking has replaced. Not that they’re bad, but your meals taste much better.”
When they reached home, Tony carried the sack of pies and helped her into the house. She dropped her hatbox on the entry floor and walked into the parlor. He set the pies on the table and followed her.
“Don’t you want to go to your room and lie down for a rest until Charlie gets here?”
“I don’t think I can manage climbing the stairs yet. Let me rest here for a while.” She crossed her arms on her knees rested her head on them. “I was so frightened, Tony.” She raised her head and met his gaze. “I didn’t tell you, but the same man came to the door yesterday just before noon and asked me to open it so he could take a survey.”
Frowning, Tony leaned near. “Are you certain the man today was the same one?”
“Positive. Yesterday I looked through the window and watched him. He didn’t go to any of the other houses on the block. After I wouldn’t open the door, he walked down the street. He was wearing the same clothes today. What can he possibly want from me, Tony? You and Charlie are the only people I know in Salem.”
“Don’t worry, Amelia. I’ll take care of this.” He stood and unfolded a blanket from the back of the couch. “Stretch out and I’ll cover you.”
He paced back and forth. “I’d go back to work, but I don’t want you to worry about the man who followed you showing up here.”
She couldn’t prevent a tremor from her voice. “Please, Tony, you should go back to work. I don’t want you or Charlie getting in trouble with your boss. I promise I’ll stay inside and keep the doors locked.”
Good heavens, she’d played her part so well she really was scared. More than for herself, she was afraid she’d caused trouble for Charlie. He’d warned her she could get both of them killed. So much for her bright idea.
If only she knew more about Charlie’s job and his employer. After days here, she still had no idea what he did to earn his salary. All she knew was that she had to mind her own business until she left—which she intended to do soon.
When Charlie returned three hours later, he rushed in. “Amelia, are you all right?”
“I’m fine now. Charlie, I hope you’ll understand. I’d like to rest tomorrow and then leave the following day. I don’t believe I can enjoy Salem any longer.”
He sat across from her. “I’ve loved having you here, but I understand. If you’ll tell me where your next stop will be, I’ll book your ticket and find out the time of departure.”
“I don’t know the names of the towns—just south. If I see a nice Oregon town from the train, I’ll stop and investigate. If not, I’ll go on to California.”
***
Amelia rested while Charlie went to purchase her train ticket. Tony came home and sat in the wingback chair near the couch. A loud knock sounded at the door.
Tony stood. “I’ll see who that is, and it had better not be some guy taking a survey.” He strode across the room.
After a brief conversation, Tony returned. “You have a telegram.”
Puzzled, she sat up and accepted the wire then he reclaimed the chair across from her.
“I can’t imagine who would send me a wire.” She tore open the envelope. “My goodness, Tony, listen to this.”
To Amelia Baxter Douglas
Found John’s savings plus including his share of company. Stop. Sending twenty thousand to Salem City Bank in your name. Stop. Rupert Douglas.
Suspicion clouded her mind. “Twenty thousand dollars! Rupert Douglas would never—not in a million years—voluntarily let me have any of his precious money.”
She met Tony’s gaze. “No use pretending innocence, Tony. I know you’re responsible for this.”
He casually tried to read the newspaper. “Why do you think I had anything to do with your father-in-law sending you money? Appears to me the man had an attack of conscience.”
“Not likely. Rupert has no conscience. I don’t know what you said to him or how, but thank you. Mr. Douglas has more money than he can spend and I have none. For twelve years John worked hard and deserved some of the business. I’m sure you know how much this relieves my mind.”
Tony’s face was somber. “Amelia? Don’t let your in-laws know where you’re going when you leave here.”
His warning echoing her brother’s made her wonder if Charlie could be wrong about him. “Thank you, Tony. I guess I won’t write Mr. Douglas a thank you note.”
“No, that man doesn’t deserve one.”
Releasing her worries, she stood with arms outstretched and spun in a circle. “I feel as if I could float around the room.”
Tony’s charming grin accompanied his gesturing at the ceiling. “Be careful of the door frames. You might bump your head.”
“I’m not so tired now.” She folded the blanket and laid it across the back of the couch. “How long do you think Charlie will be gone?”
“Under half an hour and he’s already used ten minutes of that. Want me to set out plates and the meat pies?”
She held her hand out to stop him. “No, you’ve worked all day plus ferried me while I had an adventure. True it wasn’t the sort of excitement I’d hoped, but I’m fine now.”
“And I noticed you have a new hat, or at least a hat box.”
“You must think that’s silly when I create them myself. The shop owner was so kind and shared tips with me and directions to a wholesale distributor of supplies. The hat caught my eye and I thought buying it was a way to thank her.”
“You’ve a soft heart, Amelia. And did you find supplies you needed?”
“I did. They’re being delivered to the train station and held for me. The salesman, who I think was the owner, promised to crate them so they could be shipped safely.”
“No room in your trunk?”
“None. I could probably fit in one
handkerchief but that’s about all.”
His grin turned to laughter. “Men travel light. All I need is one change of clothes and maybe shaving supplies.”
She thought, poor Tony. How sad that his life could be condensed into that small bundle. “I suspect Charlie could make do with the same. Women are expected to wear these voluminous skirts, petticoats, and what have you. Packing is horrid and ridiculous.”
With a light heart, she went into the kitchen and set the table for supper. She hadn’t learned more about Charlie’s job, but she no longer had to pinch her pennies.
How could she help Charlie and Tony? Perhaps the best thing she could do for them was leave.
Chapter Five
Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory, late March 1887
Sean told himself he was acting like a lovesick teen. He brushed his hair and adjusted his shirt collar. The former was wasted effort because his hat and the ride to town through the wind would rearrange his hair.
His stomach clenched and roiled by turns. What if she’d met someone else? What if she hated the building? What if she planned to mourn her husband forever and never remarry?
What if he straightened his spine and acted like a man and went downstairs for the ride to town?
***
Amelia smoothed the front of her gray traveling suit before she gathered her valise. Thank goodness the rails had been cleared of the accident and she could take the train all the way to Sweetwater Springs. Would the Murdoch family be there to meet her or would Charity or Sean come alone?
Steam hissed as the train screeched to a halt. Passengers stood and gathered their belongings. How different this arrival was than the one in February when there had been a locomotive accident in the snow followed by passenger cars burning. Remembering that time sent shivers through her body.
When Amelia stepped off the rail car, Charity hurried forward to embrace her. “You’re finally here. We were so worried when you asked me not to write you at your brother’s address. You have to explain when we get to the ranch.”
Charity held Amelia’s shoulders as she stepped back to assess her. “Amelia! I’m so happy to see you in something besides black.”
“John liked me in pastels and I decided I do too. Strange as it sounds, I feel as if I’ve come home.” She hugged Edwina Murdoch, Charity’s aunt and wife of Kevin. What confusing family relationships.
Kevin, father of the Murdoch clan, hugged her and planted a kiss on her cheek. “About time you got back here.”
Charity’s husband, Logan, dutifully pecked her cheek. “Good to have you back. Give me the claim check and I’ll fetch your trunk.”
She held her breath when Sean Murdoch grinned and kissed her cheek. “Our adventurer returns. We’ve been curious as all get out about the goings on in Salem.” He held her a bit longer than necessary or proper.
“The story is long so I’ll wait until we’re at your home to relate my tale. You’re correct, though, I’ve had an adventure—far more than I expected.”
Sean carried her valise and walked beside her. “See that shop there two doors this way from the mercantile? We thought you might like that for your store.”
She stopped and peered at the building he’d mentioned. The large front window would be ideal for displaying hats. “The location is perfect.”
“There are four rooms in back, but you’re welcome to stay with us forever if you wish.”
“That’s a kind offer. I would like to spend a few days with your family until I get things sorted. Who owns that building?”
He dangled a key in front of her. “I do. Needs cleaning because it’s been vacant almost a year. There are four rooms in back and a pump in the kitchen sink.”
Excitement shot through her like a sky rocket. “I’m so encouraged, Sean, and I don’t even know how much rent you want. I’m certain I want to open my millinery shop in that building.”
He placed the key in her hand. “Then you’ll need this. I have another but I would never enter your living quarters unless there was an emergency or you invited me.”
Amelia dropped the key into her purse. Her return was shaping up even better than she’d imagined.
***
Sean walked contentedly beside Amelia and helped her into the buggy. He’d looked forward to her return since they received the wire announcing her arrival. Before then, he’d tried unsuccessfully to put the pretty widow from his mind.
Sean and Logan loaded Amelia’s trunk onto the buggy. The vehicle wasn’t large enough for five plus a trunk. He and his brother mounted their horses for the trip to Murdoch Ranch.
Logan dropped back to ride beside Sean. “You looked mighty happy to see Amelia return.”
Exhaling a deep breath, Sean gave up protesting. “Can’t seem to help myself.”
“Man, I understand that. You know how I fought wanting Charity and look what happened. Guess your wedding will be next.”
“She lost her husband only a few months ago. Don’t reckon she’s interested in another yet.”
“She wasn’t wearing black when she stepped off the train. Tells me she’s moving on with her life.”
Sean shrugged but he hoped his brother was right. “Maybe she hates wearing black and prefers other colors. Don’t women like to change around their wardrobe?”
Logan put a hand on his chest. “You’re asking me? Remember I only know three women well enough to judge—Jenny, Edwina, and my wife. Hardly qualifies me as an expert, especially since you live with the same three females.”
“Aw, you’re married to one of them and that puts you way ahead. Frankly, I’m glad Amelia returned but I don’t want to rush in and scare her away.”
His brother raised his eyebrows. “She doesn’t look scared, Little Brother.” Logan urged his horse ahead.
Sean rode deep in thought. Due to their father’s earlier dislike of women when their mother abandoned them, Sean hadn’t known many women until the train wreck brought Charity, Edwina, and Amelia to their home in February. Amelia had been shy at first, but had become more talkative as she became comfortable with the Murdoch men.
He’d told himself he shouldn’t make a move on her because she was still mourning her husband. So, he’d let her be, but he’d longed to touch her golden hair and porcelain skin. And, he’d never seen more kissable lips than hers.
What did he know? Logan was right. A few days after their mother left when Shawn was six, their father had brought a young Jenny to keep house, cook, and help herd him and Logan. Other than Jenny, no other women had set foot over the Murdoch threshold until the train wreck. She’d become like an older sister to him and Logan.
Because of their father’s attitude, he and Logan had stuck to the ranch and avoided women. Jenny was nice, but she hardly knew anything but cooking and cleaning. Nope, he and Logan had missed an important part of their education. When they should have been cavorting with friends and courting young women, they’d been working on the ranch.
Here he was over a quarter of a century old and knowing nothing about the working of the female mind. With an exhale, he urged his horse to catch up with the buggy so he could quit eating dust.
***
A week after her return, Amelia stood beside Sean Murdoch staring at her shop’s plate glass window.
“Looks good.” Sean moved his hand sideways as if following the gold lettering.
Amelia’s Millinery Shoppe
and Ladies’ Fine Items.
She couldn’t stop admiring her shop. Butter yellow paint on the outside and the black and white trim was fresh. The inside was pale gray with shelves and display cases built and painted by the Murdoch men.
“I could never have managed without your help and that of your father and brother.”
Charity poked her arm. “Hey, I helped paint.”
Logan pulled his wife snug to his side. “And got more on you than the walls.”
Amelia sent a fond glance to each of her companions. “Thank you all. I’m s
o lucky to have you for friends. And, I’m already making more acquaintances in town.”
Charity said, “You know you’re more like family than just a friend. Once you said you were coming, I let people know to expect you. You’ll have lots of business.”
Amelia rubbed her hands together. “Well, time to open for the first time. Goodness, I’m nervous.”
Sean took her hand in his. “No need to be. Those are dandy hats you have on display. Look ridiculous enough to please any woman.”
She tried to pretend to be offended, but couldn’t suppress a smile. “I’ll have you know my creations are not ridiculous. Get away with you, Sean Murdoch, unless you wish to purchase something.”
He shook his head. “Not from this store. I’ll see you later and take you to supper to celebrate your first day in business.”
Warmth cloaked her like a blanket on a cold night. “Thank you, I’ll look forward to it.”
When her friends had gone, she took pleasure in walking through her store. The back rooms were now her living quarters but a door closed off that part of the building. Today she wore her rose dimity dress with white yoke and ruffle. At her throat she’d pinned her mother’s cameo.
The bell on the door rang and she turned to see two women enter who she had met at church and at the Murdoch double wedding. Darcy Walker, as elegant as anyone Amelia had ever seen, was accompanied by Trudy Flanigan.
“Hello, Ladies. Welcome to my shop.”
Strawberry blonde Trudy stopped at a blue hat with matching feather. “This is lovely. May I try it on?”
“Please do. There’s a mirror over here.” Amelia was proud of the full-length mirror she’d managed to bring here unbroken and have Logan hang.
Darcy held a silvery gray hat. “This is the color of Gideon’s eyes. I have to have this.”
“I’ll be happy to put that in a box for you.” How exciting, her first sale. She dropped Darcy’s payment into the drawer she used for cash.
Trudy turned first one way and then the other. “I wish I knew if this would blend with my new dress.”
Amelia admired the way the blue set off Trudy’s lovely hair and complexion. “Why don’t you wear or bring your dress with you on your next trip to town? If I have the dress to compare, I can match the color or coordinate another to the hat.”
Montana Sky: Bride's Adventure (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 4) Page 4
