Bride by Arrangement

by Karen Kirst

  “I’ll do my best.” Examining his pocket watch, he said gruffly, “I’m afraid we can’t stay. I’m supposed to have Constance at Leah’s in ten minutes.”

  “I’m happy to have met you,” Hannah told her. “I look forward to spending time with you in the future.”

  Grace smiled in agreement, motioning to the shop’s interior. “Congratulations on your new venture.”

  Expressing her thanks, she walked them to the door. Out on the boardwalk, they were greeted by a man who looked to be in his early forties. His penetrating stare made her uncomfortable.

  “Sheriff Burgess, will you introduce me to this extraordinary creature?”

  * * *

  Noah was relieved to leave busy Eden street—and the hordes of men ogling Constance—behind. Passing Aunt Mae’s boardinghouse, they walked along Third Street, where he pointed out the building with the red-shingled roof—the new schoolhouse, where the twins would attend school. Constance seemed delighted. They turned left onto Lincoln Boulevard. The only traffic here was the occasional pedestrian and stray cat, which Wolf thankfully deemed too uninteresting to chase in the dry heat.

  “I’m sorry about that.” He broke the silence. “Mr. McCoy can be intense.”

  A grimace graced her pretty mouth. “You did warn me how it would be.”

  For the visit with Leah, Constance had once again assumed the persona of the Chicago aristocrat. Her dark tresses had been pulled into a tight knot at the back of her head, pin curls dangling to skim her exposed neck. The ostentatious hoopskirt beneath her summery peach dress flared into a wide bell shape that flounced with each stride. If a stiff wind were to tunnel along Lincoln, it could very well sweep her away. Sunlight flickered off the jewels on her earlobes and the rings on her fingers. Her appearance emphasized the gulf between them.

  Constance Miller was a member of an affluent Northern family. Noah had money but not the social connections she’d enjoyed. And he was a born and bred Southerner. The fact that he’d fought for the North didn’t automatically render him without stain.

  Soaking in her profile, the pert nose and lush mouth, he wished she hadn’t answered the bride advertisement. He hadn’t seriously considered giving marriage a chance until she invaded his world. He hadn’t pictured himself as a father until Jane and Abigail came along and he found himself braiding hair and telling bedtime stories.

  This trio of females was shaking the very foundation of his belief that he was better off alone, and it had him waiting for the destruction to become evident.

  “There are nice houses here.” Constance swept her arm to encompass the tended lawns and two-story clapboard homes. Some were simple. Others more ornate.

  “You should probably consider choosing a businessman over a rancher.” He worked to maintain a carefree attitude. “You’d live in a manner in which you’ve been accustomed.”

  Annoyance crossed her lovely features so quickly, he wondered if he’d truly seen it. Combing through that list of suitable bachelors with his friends looking on had been a tortuous exercise. Imagining her with any one of them had given him a Kansas-size headache.

  Daniel and Leah’s house came into view. It was a large, three-story home painted gray with white trim. Trees had been planted in the yard and neat, colorful flower beds lined the front porch.

  Turning up the lane, he said, “Daniel built this house before Leah arrived on the train, but he designed it with a family in mind. How does it compare to your home in Chicago?”

  Jane and Abigail stopped to study a caterpillar inching along a tree branch.

  “I’d say four of these houses would fit inside the Longstreet mansion.”

  “Longstreet?”

  “Um.” Her fingertips fluttered to her lips. “I, uh... Longstreet is the name my husband’s family gave the estate. You know, I personally think it’s silly to name a house, but that’s just my opinion.” Her voice was strained. “What do you think?”

  Noah hadn’t been a lawman for long, but he wasn’t oblivious. She was nervous about something. But what?

  “I don’t have an opinion either way.”

  “Because of my humble childhood, I used to dream about living in a huge, fancy house. Working for the Murphys, I saw firsthand the privileges they were afforded, the daily luxuries they took for granted. I longed to live like they did.” She blew out a soft breath. “And then I met Ambrose. His suit and subsequent proposal seemed like a fantasy. I was dazzled by the opulent parties, the clothes, the jewels. His family was connected to many influential figures. Political leaders. Military officials.”

  Her mouth pulled into a self-deprecating twist. “It took about six months for the novelty to wear thin, and I realized none of it fulfilled me.” Falling silent until they’d passed the girls, she stared at the formal porches and flower beds. “By that time, I was already married. It was too late to change course.”

  Noah kept his gaze on the grassy earth beneath their feet. Her admission was a costly one. She hadn’t made the right choice. Had she ever loved her husband? Or had the lure of an easier life blinded her to her real feelings?

  Compassion welled up within him, and he grieved for her mistake. Of course, the marriage had blessed her with Jane and Abigail, something she would never regret. That much he knew.

  “How did you cope?”

  “By helping those less fortunate.” He detected wistfulness in her voice. “One day when I was feeling particularly low, I was strolling in the park when I came upon a pastor and his parishioners doling out food baskets to the homeless. Taking shelter behind a tree, I stood and watched them for the longest time, fascinated by their generosity. My mother and I hadn’t received assistance from anyone. After some time, I made the decision to approach them.”

  She cleared her throat, then went on. “Pastor Wright was very kind. He and his wife, Patricia, patiently answered my questions and invited me to attend their church. I took them up on their invitation. The people welcomed me into their fold like a long-lost sister. I learned it wasn’t enough to simply know the Scriptures. I had to put God’s teachings into practice.”

  “You helped them in their work.”

  Peace he hadn’t witnessed in her before rose to the surface. “At long last, I discovered what truly mattered.” She covered her heart. “What filled the emptiness.”

  Spying the sheen of moisture in her eyes, he murmured, “You miss them, don’t you?”

  “Very much.”

  If they hadn’t been confronted with the wide front door, he would’ve put voice to the question niggling at him. Why did she leave her friends, her means of support, for the wilds of Kansas and a man she’d never laid eyes on? What had been her true reason for leaving Chicago?

  “There’s nothing wrong with having nice things.” He and his friends had gotten rich off the railroad. They may have chosen to utilize their windfalls in different ways, but the money hadn’t changed them.

  “I agree,” she said. “It’s all about perspective and gratitude.”

  Valentine Ewing, a local woman Daniel had employed to assist Leah until the baby’s birth, answered their summons. Speaking in her Scottish brogue, she welcomed them inside, exclaiming over the twins as she led them to the parlor.

  Leah left her post at one of the numerous tall windows to meet them in the center of the room. Her middle seemed more pronounced than the last time he’d seen her. His gaze bounced away from the obvious sign of life, a product of her first marriage. Since her first two pregnancies had ended in tragedy, Daniel had insisted that his wife take every precaution this time around. He hadn’t sired the baby. Still, love and pride shone in his eyes each time he placed his hand on the swell of her belly.

  Noah’s attention shifted to Jane and Abigail as they politely answered Valentine’s questions.

  I could love them, he realize
d with a start. They’re not of my flesh and blood, and yet, if I were to marry their mother and claim them as my own, it would be so easy to let them into my heart.

  Already he felt protective. Worried for their future.

  Flexing his fingers at his sides, he shoved aside the rogue thoughts.

  After the introductions were made and Leah offered refreshments, she informed him that Daniel was waiting for him in the study. Tapping his Stetson against his thigh, he navigated the hallways until he reached the masculine study with its many books. Surveying the spines, he caught himself debating which book to read to Constance once they finished the current one. Then he remembered she probably wouldn’t be around long enough. A pang went through him at the mere thought.

  Seated behind his desk, Daniel pushed his ledgers aside and relaxed against the chair’s cushioned back. “Noah. Have a seat. There’s something I wanted to discuss with you.”

  “Working from home today?” He sank into the plush chair and attempted to get comfortable. The gun belt and holster hindered his efforts.

  “I’m going to the stockyards once we’re finished here.” Lacing his fingers behind his head, Daniel stretched out his long, lean legs. “I spoke with the first candidate Constance agreed to consider. Pete Lyle. He’s chomping at the bit for a chance with her. He’d like to escort her to the opera house this Friday evening. Pippa’s orchestrated another variety show.”

  His heart struggled to pump. “Pete’s a rancher.”

  “From all accounts, a successful one.”

  Noah tugged on his pant legs and shifted once again, feeling trapped by the voluptuous cushions. “I don’t know, Dan. Given her circumstances, I’m wondering if she’d be better off with a city man.”

  One dark brow lifted. “She didn’t have any objections the other day. I was going to discuss this with her as soon as they’re finished visiting.”

  Struggling to his feet, Noah paced alongside the shelves. “It’s her choice.”

  Lowering his arms, Daniel stood and, coming around the desk, rested against the ledge. “If she agrees, would you mind watching the girls?”

  He looked at his friend in consternation. So he was to be expected to send Constance off on a date while he stayed behind and played nursemaid?

  “Leah and I will be happy to do it if you’d rather not.”

  “It’s fine.”

  It wasn’t fine. Nothing had been fine since she’d shown up.

  His friend came and put a hand on his shoulder, his green eyes watchful. Serious. “Noah, if you’ve changed your mind and want to honor Will’s original agreement with her, say something now. Before she’s snatched up.”

  On the wall opposite, he caught his reflection in a glass-fronted cabinet and mentally recoiled. He avoided mirrors and couldn’t recall the last time he’d seen his own face. If only he could grow a beard and hide the ugly scar...but it wasn’t possible due to the damage to his flesh. Besides, a beard wouldn’t camouflage the scars on his neck and chest. He couldn’t hide such things from a wife, anyway.

  Tempted though he may be, he wouldn’t condemn Constance to a life with a monster.

  “It would never work.”

  “Noah—”

  “I’ve killed men.”

  “So have I. Will, too. We were at war. What choice did we have?”

  “You don’t understand.” Fresh disgust rose up to choke him. “I didn’t tell anyone at the time. There was one battle in Virginia, close to my home. I wanted nothing more than to lay down my rifle and flee, because I knew I was firing upon neighbors. Friends. Maybe even family members.”

  Daniel’s lips parted. “I had no idea.”

  “But I’d pledged allegiance to the Union, to the cause of freedom for all. I refused to be a coward.” Closing his eyes, he sorted through deeply buried memories, reliving that agonizing day he’d murdered a friend. “We were advancing through the field, fighting the gray coats hand to hand, when I recognized my childhood buddy. Theo Lambert. For a moment, the joy of seeing each other again eclipsed our present reality. For a split second, we weren’t enemies.”

  “What happened?”

  “He started to move away. I started to let him.” Sickness roiled in his gut. “I remembered you and Will were out there on the field. I couldn’t risk you or him or anyone else in our company—”

  A sound of distress from the doorway had both men twisting around. Constance’s honey-colored eyes pulsed with emotion, the chief one horror. She lifted a shaking hand to her lips.

  “I—I was searching for the exit... The necessary... I apologize for intruding.”

  Her heels clicked along the polished wooden floors. Noah let her go.

  “You should go to her. Explain.”

  “What’s there to explain?” he bit out, putting space between them. “I’m going to stop by the jail for a bit. Tell her I’ll be back in an hour with the wagon.”

  His friend wisely let him retreat. It was one of many things he appreciated about Daniel—he knew when not to push.

  Wolf was waiting for him on the porch. As soon as Noah slipped outside, the big animal stood, stretched and loped over, pressing into his leg. He stroked his pet’s fur, thankful for the one companion he didn’t have to confess his faults to, who didn’t care about his scars—the ones no one could actually see.

  Chapter Twelve

  It was nearly impossible to concentrate on Leah and Tomasina’s conversation.

  All Grace could think about was Noah’s terrible confession and the agony that had twisted his features as he’d made it. Of course she’d been shocked. Embarrassed, too, that she’d stopped to listen instead of proceeding on to the exit. Only now that she’d had time to sort through those minutes did she realize how her reaction must’ve hit Noah...a confirmation of his warped self-image. He’d left believing she agreed with him. That, because of his actions, he was a horrible person. That he wasn’t worthy of any sort of happiness.

  He probably thinks he deserved to have that gun explode in his face.

  Her gaze was drawn once again to the unique brooch pinned to Leah’s bodice. Shaped like a dragonfly, its body was made of deep red garnets and it had two pearls for eyes.

  Seated on a settee beside Tomasina, Leah noticed her distraction. She touched the brooch, her smile nostalgic. “It’s different, isn’t it?”

  “I like it,” Grace said simply.

  Leah glanced over her shoulder at the twins, who were perched on a lush carpet playing with a miniature tea set and dolls. Replacing her tea cup and saucer on the coffee table, she confided, “After the Murdoch brothers busted into the church and stole our jewelry, Daniel presented me with a new wedding ring. He gave me this, as well.”

  Will’s wife admired it. “He has great taste.”

  Tomasina had arrived about ten minutes after Grace. Vibrant in looks and spirit, the beautiful redhead had made her feel welcome from the first moment. Wearing a white dress with printed blue flowers, a matching blue ribbon outlining her small waist and a cameo brooch nestled in the vee of her bodice, she appeared elegant and most ladylike. So Grace was astounded when her hostess explained how Tomasina, or Texas Tom, as she was sometimes known, had come to town with a slew of cowboys and organized a rodeo show with herself as the star performer.

  The fact that she and Will had bonded over an abandoned baby girl—who turned out to be Hannah and James’s baby—astounded her even further. Cowboy Creek was not without drama, to be sure. The crimes perpetrated by the Murdochs were troubling. Not only did they pose a danger to the residents, but to the future of the town. If word about the violence spread, potential brides and families would look elsewhere. Noah, Daniel and Will would be crushed if that happened.

  “Noah told me the other sheriff was shot during a bank robbery and later died.” Grace fli
cked a piece of lint off her skirt. “I hope the Murdochs don’t come back.”

  The thought of Noah being in danger, of possibly being hurt, troubled her greatly.

  Tomasina and Leah exchanged a glance. “We all pray they stay away.”

  “Enough of this serious talk,” Tomasina exclaimed. “How has it been going out on the ranch with Noah? We told our husbands it was a bad idea, delivering a bride to his doorstep without his consent, but would they listen? Oh, no.” Her green eyes sparkled with genuine interest.

  “We’ve had our moments,” Grace hedged. “He’s managed our intrusion into his privacy better than I would’ve done in his shoes.”

  Sunlight slanted through the window and lit on Leah’s blond tresses, rendering them like glowing candlelight. Her pretty cornflower blue eyes looked at Grace with understanding.

  “I’m certain it’s been an adjustment for everyone. Our husbands’ intentions came from a positive place. They simply wanted their friend to find happiness.”

  Tomasina snorted. “You have to admit it was mighty arrogant of them.”

  Leah’s glimmer of a smile held regret. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out between the two of you. I’ll be praying the good Lord leads you to the right man. Someone you can trust and possibly even love.”

  Love...an elusive emotion she hadn’t experienced with a man. She’d convinced herself she loved Ambrose, but once she’d gotten to know his true self, she’d realized it had been a convenient lie. She’d been in love with his lifestyle, a truth that brought her great shame, one she’d repented of. He’d never loved her. He hadn’t even liked her, not after the newness of their marriage had worn off.

  “I’m not hoping for love. My wish is to marry someone I respect and who respects me in turn. Most important, the man I marry has to be good to my girls. That’s all I ask.”

  Unable to stomach their pitying expressions, Grace was relieved when Daniel entered the nicely decorated room. “Sorry to interrupt, ladies. Leah, sweetheart, I have to run to the office.”