by Candi Fox
Both Lila and her daughter Susan were impressive seamstresses. Ilsa already ordered several bolts of cloth to help replace her wardrobe, and the sweet woman invited her to dinner often.
Tonight, the whole town would be gathered at the Jack Rose Saloon for a late Spring dance. She agreed to get ready at Ilsa’s with her two daughters. Sophie, who was thirteen, and Klara, who was twelve. Both fair of hair and eye, they loved to chatter. They wanted to know everything about London and New York.
She was looking forward to going to the dance with the Frank family. After grabbing her reticule, she headed out the door and to the house side of the Mercantile.
Klara opened the door, her blonde hair plaited into two braids. She still had her school clothes on. The girl threw her arms around Emma.
“Dinner will be ready soon. You must see the dresses. Mama and the other ladies outdid themselves.”
“I’m excited to see them. Do you think we have time for a peek now?”
“Mrs. Derringer, her daughter, and Elspeth are still finishing your dress. You’re going to love it.”
The girl, giddy with delight, led Emma to the kitchen where Ilsa and her mother Olga were putting the finishing touches on dinner. Both women stopped, wiped their hands on their aprons, and embraced her in a hug.
“Liebchen, I cannot wait to see your face when you get your first glimpse of your dress.”
“You’ve piqued my curiosity more than a lady should admit,” she said, laughing.
“Good things are worth waiting for, ya?” Olga added.
She and Emma grew close these last few days. Emma rarely saw her own grandmother who resided half the year in Trinidad and the other in England. Perhaps her parents would give her permission to visit. She made a mental note to ask as soon as her parents were settled in.
“Yes, I believe so.”
“Emma, how old are you?”
“Sophie! Never ask a woman her age, it’s rude.”
“I’m sorry, Oma. I won’t ask again. Sorry, Miss Emma.”
Emma smiled at the younger girl who wanted so much to be grown and have a family of her own. Something she thought about herself for the last several years. Yet she never met anyone that made her spark, not like the sheriff.
“I’m an old maid according to some. I’m twenty-two.”
Sophie’s eyes widened causing her to stifle a giggle. You’d have thought she said she was thirty.
“Why aren’t you married with your own family?”
Olga tskd at her granddaughter who had the grace to blush and look apologetic.
“That’s a good question. I did have a beau once, a serious one. We were engaged to be married, but things didn’t work out.”
Understatement of the century! As soon as Caden laid eyes on my mamit, our relationship ended. No one in her family hid the fact her grandmother, her mother’s mother, came from Trinidad.
Apparently Caden somehow assumed she was of the British population. Fair of skin, pale of hair. Her mamit, Shanna Blackwell, had neither. Emma loved her grandmother’s dark skin and sepia hued eyes, but they were the opposite of her ex-fiancé’s expectations.
She went from hurt by the look on his face to anger he dared think less of her mamit. The woman who saved her from cholera fever as a child while traveling with her father. Had it not been for her unique skills she would have died.
The emotions crossing her face must have staved off further inquiries from the almost grown Sophie. She felt sorry for the girl, she looked so disenchanted.
Emma walked to the girl’s side and hugged her. “Not everyone finds their true love the first time. Perhaps someday, I will find mine. One who accepts me just for me.”
While she knew the answer only left more questions, she wasn’t prepared to give more answers. Not tonight, tonight she wanted to relax and enjoy. With the sheriff still away on business she had no one to hide from, no one to be wary of. Finally, she could fully enjoy her new hometown.
Emma could tell by the look in Sophie’s eyes the younger girl couldn’t fathom why anyone wouldn’t want her. While the family didn’t hide her heritage, they didn’t widely advertise it either. Not because of shame, because of hate.
Something she witnessed much too often. It sickened her in more ways than she cared to think of. Just the thought made her stomach turn.
“Have you seen your dress, Sophie? I can’t wait to see the color you chose, since you’ve been so secretive.”
“Not secretive,” the young girl pouted. “I want it to be a surprise.”
“I believe you.”
Emma’s comment was rewarded with a sparkling smile.
“Girls dinner is ready, go fetch your father and brother.”
Nikolas must be back early.
“Nik came back early; he’ll be escorting us to the dance.”
Before she had time to respond the subject in question came in through the back door and plucked a warm biscuit from the tray, popping half in his mouth before kissing his grandmother on the forehead.
She swatted him away, muttering at him in German, for snagging that biscuit. He chuckled before bending low and embracing his mother in a strong hug.
“Nik put me down, son. Show some manners in front of our guest?”
He looked around before catching her gaze and winking over his mother’s head.
“I don’t see any guest. Everyone here is family.”
A surge of warmth rushed through her at the thought. Nikolas had shown her nothing but kindness and compassion since they nearly collided in the store.
The days he wasn’t running out of town errands for his father, he dropped by the house to have a cup of coffee. Every day he had some small token for her. Fresh picked daisies, a beautiful blue pebble he found in the creek, and other thoughtful trinkets.
Most days he had deliveries from the mercantile, leading her to believe he was being kind, rather than interested in her. Still, she enjoyed his company.
“I hear we are plus one this evening?”
“Yes, are you going to save me a dance?”
“Careful, I’m an old-maid, you may have to dance with me more than once so I’m not a wallflower.”
“I have no doubt your dance card will be filled immediately.”
She blushed at the thought. Emma never cared for being the center of attention. Something she learned to do because of her mixed heritage.
“You flatter me.” She gave him a genuine smile and was rewarded with one in kind.
“Sit, sit. It’s time to eat.”
Dinner passed quickly. With good food and better company, soon the women all gathered in the parlor to get ready.
Klara went into the side room first her mother and grandmother helping her put on her new dress. She waltzed back out of the side-room a vision of pink. A blush pink bodice set off by a skirt three shades darker was trimmed with silk flowers in a deep rose color.
“Come, my little princess, let me put your hair up while your sister gets dressed.”
Emma pulled her corn silk blonde hair back, tying it before making several ringlets in her hair and adding a matching bow.
They just finished when Sophie came into the room wearing a stylish white dress with red polka dots and red trim. Her hair pulled back much like Klara’s with ringlets, only Sophie’s hair did not have a bow.
“You look stunning. Your father will have his hands full keeping away all the young beaus who want a dance.”
“Do you really think so?”
“I do.”
“Emma, I’m afraid your gown isn’t yet ready. We are going to sew you into it. Ready to see?”
“Yes.”
She followed Ilsa into the sewing room. The Franks employed Elspeth as a full-time seamstress for the mercantile. She and Emma struck up a fast friendship. The beautiful, raven-haired Irish girl was full of sass and humor.
Emma gasped when she saw the dress still on its form as three women continued to finish the final stitches. The peridot
silk green dress had a deep emerald underskirt and trim. Small pearl beads decorated the bodice along with antique gold lace. The lace accented a few other areas on the dress with stunning effect. Ilsa and Olga took the dress from the form and helped her step into it before beginning to lace her into the corset style bodice.
Finally, they attached a dark emerald bustle before nimble fingers pulled back her hair in the latest style. Hands around her neck surprised her, putting on a choker before slipping her earrings on one at a time.
“I know you lost everything on your trip, you’d honor our family by wearing them.”
How could she refuse such a loving offer?
“I’m the one that’s honored Ilsa, Olga; thank you. Thank all of you for opening your homes and your hearts to me. It’s made all the difference.”
She hugged each one of them, as best she could since they were still finishing the dress, happy tears dangerously close to spilling down her cheeks.
Who’d have thought in less than a weeks’ time, her misfortune would turn into this bountiful blessing.
Chapter 14
Cord
He’d been out on the trail of the train robbers the last three days. Beyond exhausted, Festus waylaid him the moment he rode back into town. Something about the town’s dance and Miss Evanora requiring his presence to escort her.
Damn, that woman would be the end of him yet. After leaving his horse at the stable he went by the jail to let his deputy know he was back before heading to his house.
The walk didn’t take long, his small home wasn’t far from the jail. He had a log cabin built in the woods just outside of town, but never used it. Nora hated being out of the city and preferred he just come to her room above Ruby’s.
She put every luxury she could afford in her small apartment suite. Most of the extra money that would have went to spruce up the cabin was spent on furnishings for Nora’s place.
It took him two hours to get scrubbed clean from the road. The wood stove took a while to heat up the bath water. Still grumbling as he tied the ascot before slipping on his best red vest.
He checked his appearance in the small mirror before he shrugged into his coat and headed toward the dance. Nora said she’d meet him there.
Just like a woman to demand your presence then show up late. He shook his head before setting his hat on it and started towards Jack’s place.
He liked Jack Rose. The older gentleman had a way with people. He could be slicker than a greased pig but had a sense of honor where women and children were concerned.
The man even treated his whores better than most establishments. Ruby’s was the only other place he knew the women weren’t treated like cattle. Both places even hired protection for their establishments.
It made his life easier, they hired bodyguards though loyal to their employers they still regularly cooperated with his office.
His parents were the first to greet him when he walked through the door. His mother spotted him immediately and headed his direction giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“When did you get back, son?”
“Just a little while ago. I didn’t have time to stop by.”
“I know you’re busy, son. Come to Sunday supper.”
“Sure thing, Ma.”
“I’ll see you after church.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“I’ll see you later, I have to catch up with Mildred Petersen.”
He watched his mother cross the room, knowing his father had questions for him.
“Any luck, son?”
“Trail went cold. I’m thinking of hiring a tracker.”
“Anyone in mind?”
“I put out a wire to a few friends. Should have a name in the next few days. Anything happen I should know about?”
“Not really. Did you get a chance to talk to Miss Monteith before you left?”
“No, I’ll head to her house first thing in the morning. She might be able to give me some added information.”
“Good. She’ll be here tonight, but I think waiting until morning is a better idea.”
“I could use a break from being sheriff for the night.”
“Should be a quiet night most of the town will be in here and the rest will be at Ruby’s.” His dad chuckled. “I’ll see you later son, save a dance for your mother.”
“I’ll get her for a waltz.”
As the first strains of music started the dance floor began to fill. The crowd began to pair off and join in the festivities. He headed to the bar to get something stronger than the lemonade the ladies were handing out.
He smiled and nodded at them, passing the table.
“Bourbon.”
“You got it, Sheriff.”
“Thank ye.”
“Any luck finding those robbers?”
He shook his head. “Trail went cold. I’m not done looking yet. I won’t be until they are caught or dead.”
“You’re a good man, Sheriff, drinks on the house.
“Hello, Jack. Good to see you.”
“No luck with the robbers?”
“Not as such.”
“What’s your plan? Sam, bring a bottle to my table.”
Jack motioned for him toward his private table in the corner. The best view in the house. Both men sat with their backs to the wall. Sam poured them both a drink before heading back to the bar.
“What are your plans?”
“I’m in need of a tracker. Know anyone?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. I wired him two days ago, he should be in town in the next day or two. I’ll send him your way as soon as he gets into town.”
“I appreciate that.”
The room grew quiet drawing both the men’s attention to the doorway. Nikolas Frank had just entered the room his youngest sister on one arm and the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen on the other.
“Who’s that?”
“I have no idea.”
He stood and walked across the room and the music eventually started again. Cord wasn’t the only one taken with the woman’s beauty. Every eye in the room had turned her way.
His eyes never left her face as he navigated the crowd. He stopped a few feet in front of them.
“Nik, good to see you. Is this lovely lady a member of your family?”
“This is Miss Emma Monteith. Emma, this is Sheriff Cord Masterson.”
He saw the look of panic in her eyes before she quickly schooled her face, he wondered if the look of surprise registered on his face. This woman was mighty hard to pin down. Why did his name cause fear? What could she be hiding?
Cord studied her. Eyes the color of fresh picked sage, her skin a few shades darker than milky white, deep brown hair, near black with rich highlights running through it and the most kissable lips he ever saw.
“There you are Cord darling.”
Fuck. He was so intent on the striking Miss Monteith he hadn’t seen Evanora enter the room much less approach him.
“Hello, Nora. You’re earlier than expected.”
He saw Nora’s eyes narrow looking at Emma. “Looks like I’m right on time. Don’t you owe me a dance?
“Of course. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Monteith. I’ll be around tomorrow to ask you questions about your trip.”
Chapter 15
Emma
Her body broke out in fine trembles the moment Nikolas said the word sheriff. She stepped a bit closer to her escort, looking for a way out of the room as casually as she could.
A ravishingly dark-haired woman dressed in deep scarlet sashayed to the sheriff’s side before possessively putting her hand on his arm. The woman turned her gaze on Emma.
It startled her to see she possessed the same cognac colored eyes as her mother. Emma had only seen one other person with the same color, her maternal grandfather. Though the gaze she looked into now was filled with anger, instead of love.
Taking in the rest of the woman’s appearance, she was struck by the
resemblance to her mother. Only this woman had pale skin made to look porcelain by the deep red lip stain she wore.
I need to get out of here. The woman’s name finally sank into her addled brain: Nora. The name the sheriff called her that fateful night.
Thank the gods Nora demanded the sheriff take her dancing. Emma let out a trembling breath. Suddenly a warmth spread through her back as Nickolas placed his large hand there.
“Are you cold?”
She shook her head, unable to form words without breaking down.
“I didn’t think so. How about a breath of fresh air?”
Nodding her head in agreement, she allowed him to guide her through the crowd and outside into the cooler evening air. Then down the boardwalk a bit away from people coming and going from the dance.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Instead she flung her arms around him and let out the tears that were threatening to flood. Without saying a word to her, he wrapped his arms around her, giving her the comfort, she desperately needed.
He even murmured comforting words and started stroking down her back. What seemed like hours later, she lifted her head from his shoulder. He wordlessly handed her his handkerchief.
“You’re too kind to me, Nikolas Frank. Far kinder than I deserve.”
“Nothing you could tell me would make me believe that. I haven’t known you long, but it’s been long enough for me to know your heart.”
She shook her head vehemently. “I committed an unpardonable sin.”
“Did you murder someone in cold blood?” he asked softly.”
“No, of course not. I could never do a thing like that.”
“Then whatever happened, it’s not unpardonable.”
Body trembling, voice shaking, she confessed her sin.
“The night I arrived,” she paused taking a deep breath, “the Sheriff mistook me as Nora. He’d been drinking. I, we…”
“You don’t have to say it. I understand.”
She looked up shocked to see the kindness in his eyes matched the softness of his voice.
“Why are you being so nice to me?”
