Mail Order Bride: Scandalous Territories (Clean and Wholesome Historical Romance) (Women’s Fiction New Adult Wedding Frontier)

by Angela K. West

  In a matter of seconds, it came to her. Remembering Miss Hanson’s words about not being left at the stage office in Fort Dodge and the devastation that could come with it, Annabelle's anxiety eased. Missing this last portion of her journey was a sign. Someone was watching out for her and protecting her from unknown mayhem. She wondered if Miss Hanson had told the stage driver that Annabelle was not continuing the journey and had proceeded to leave without her. Was that Miss Hanson’s way of protecting Annabelle? Annabelle would never know, as the stage was long gone now.

  Saying a prayer, Annabelle opened her eyes and realized being in Waterloo may be just what she needed. If anyone back east thought to ask the stage office attendant about where she had purchased a ticket, they would be told Fort Dodge, not Waterloo. She would change her plans to living here versus there. She walked back to the eating house, hoping the hostess could be of some help, either with finding employment, finding a hotel with a room to let, or even just finding a locale for a hot bath.

  Annabelle slipped through the netting at the door of the restaurant and waved to the hostess. She nodded at Annabelle and served the three ranchers waiting for their food. Annabelle smiled and stood to the side to allow other patrons to enter through the door. She held her satchel closer, and then realized it was all she had. All her worldly possessions were in here. Her clothes and other personal belongings were on the stagecoach. She fought off the urge to sob. She had only a few more dollars in her purse bag, and no clothes.

  “Are you all right, miss?” The hostess' words interrupted her sorrow.

  “I-I am fine.”

  “Is there anything I can help you with?”

  “Yes.” Annabelle regained her composure. “Do you know of any establishment that is hiring? I’m in need of work.”

  “I wish I could help you. I don’t know of anyone looking to hire a woman. Most places hiring are seeking men,” the hostess replied.

  “Oh. Do you know of a hotel I can go to? I am from back east and just got off the stage.”

  “Head down Main Street to June's. It's the big white house at the end of the street. June Anders, the proprietor, will put you up in a room. She's a delightful elderly woman and will look out for you, and she might even know of someone who needs to hire out.”

  “Thank you.” Annabelle smiled at the hostess. She left the building and walked down the boardwalk in the direction the hostess had implied. She was in front of the saloon halfway down the street when the swinging doors on the tavern popped open and two large men walked out and stopped in front of her.

  “Evening, little lady,” the more repulsive of the two said.

  Even from two feet away, Annabelle could smell the drink on the man's offensive breath.

  She looked between the two men and realized she would need an army to get past them. The one who had spoken had so much grime on his face it would take a pound of lye soap to clean him, and the musty smell coming from his clothes was horrid, making Annabelle worry she might gag. The other man was shorter than the first but just as dirty. He rolled a piece of wood between his lips.

  “Excuse me, gentlemen.” She made an attempt to pass the men, but the shorter one's arm darted out, blocking her path.

  “Not so fast. We're looking for some fun, ain't we Jeb?” He nodded to the taller one.

  “Yep, sure are.” Jeb stepped closer and inhaled. “You’re smellin' mighty pretty.”

  “I am sorry, gentlemen. Please allow me to pass.” She pulled herself out of their reach. “I have somewhere to be.”

  “Yep, that's the truth.” The one named Jeb replied. “Cause you’ll be comin' with us.” He lunged forward and grabbed her hand. She yelped more from the sudden movement than the actual grip he held on her.

  “Please, sir. I don't want trouble.” She tried to pull her arm back.

  “Ain't gonna be trouble, missy.” The men chortled. “Only gonna be fun.”

  ***

  “Archer, I’m not sure this will work,” Reed said. “We’ve gone over the list of potential candidates for the last few hours and I wouldn’t want to be married to any of these women for a year.” Reed ran his hand through his dark brown hair.

  “I know, Reed. But we don't have any other options at this point. Not unless a miracle was to happen.”

  Reed stood and walked to the window overlooking Main Street. He always stood here when he needed to think and sort out a problem. And if ever there was trouble, this would be it. His grandfather, Henry, had passed away a few weeks ago and when his trust had been read, Reed discovered the only way he could inherit the family wealth and land was if Reed were married by his thirtieth birthday, which happened to be Sunday. Three days away, and Reed had no matrimonial prospects.

  His eyes roamed from the livery at one end of town across the boardwalk to the all the other businesses. He saw townspeople rambling from place to place—some loading provisions into their wagons, and ranchers getting feed. But it was the Olsen brothers’ encounter with an unfamiliar woman in front of the saloon that held his attention.

  From a normal standpoint, a person observing the trio on the boardwalk might conclude that they were talking about typical daily events, but Reed knew the Olsen boys were up to no good. Never in all his years in Waterloo had Reed known Jeb and Jonas Olsen to have just a conversation, especially with a woman. The only women they ever associated with were women of ill-repute—and even then, the boys didn't have much need for words.

  “Archer, take a look at this.” He stepped aside to let his friend see the boardwalk. “I think we should go down and save the lady.”

  “But...that's the Olsen boys.” Archer's voice quivered.

  “It'll be fine.” Reed chuckled. “I'll handle them, and on the way down, I'll explain why we need to do this and why you need to follow the Olsens out of town for me.”

  Once down on the boardwalk, Reed approached the Olsens.

  “Afternoon Jeb, Jonas.” Reed nodded toward the men. “Pleasant day for a walk, wouldn't you agree?”

  The brothers leered at him, but Reed ignored the contempt and looked to the blond beauty standing, a little shaken, next to him. He could see her body shiver every so often and knew the Olsen boys were the reason for her dread.

  “And who might you be? New to town?” Reed took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. He could feel her tremble and he hoped his interceding just now would help calm her nerves. He surely didn't need her to faint. He had never been good with feeble women, and he didn't care for a scene in the middle of the day on Main Street. He was a private man and preferred avoiding scandal.

  “Oh, thank you…?” The woman's melodious voice demonstrated she definitely wasn’t from around these parts. Back east, he guessed.

  “Mr. Lewis. Reed Lewis, at your service, ma'am.” He brushed his lips across her delicate skin one more time.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lewis.” The woman smiled.

  Reed saw her lower lip quivering and knew he had to get rid of the Olsen boys. He smiled back at her, released her hand, and then turned his attention to Jeb and Jonas.

  “Boys, can I be of assistance to you?”

  “Lewis, this is none of your concern,” Jeb replied, then spit tobacco on the boardwalk, barely missing Reed's Brogan shoes.

  Reed ignored the crudeness and brushed off the beginning of Jeb's idle threat.

  “Jeb.” Reed's voice was deep and stern. “You’d be best obliged to leave now. We wouldn't want someone to think you are being ungentlemanly, now would you?”

  “Ain't nothing bothered about what we're doing,” Jonas chimed in, then he glanced at the woman. “We was just getting' acquainted with this pretty thing.”

  “But the traveling court justice might see it differently,” Reed warned, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw the woman flinch. He and Archer were just in time to stop the shenanigans from the Olsen boys. Maybe he could use this to his advantage.

  Archer spoke up from next to Reed. “Remembe
r the last time the justice came to town and we had an incident with disorderly conduct?”

  Jeb glared at both men, spit again, and nudged his brother's arm. “Let's head out. Don't need this trouble.”

  Jeb spun and his spurs clanked on the boardwalk. He walked toward the hitching post a few feet away, with Jonas a step behind him. They mounted their stallions and before they pulled the horses away, Jonas spoke. “You best be watchin' yourself, Lewis. We won't be far away.” He looked at the woman, winked at her, then whipped the reins to get his horse moving. Jeb, his hand on the butt of his holstered Colt, glowered at Reed before following his brother.

  Reed watched the men head toward the outskirts of town. Watching them gave his heart a chance to quit moving so fast. Then he turned his gaze on the woman, giving her his most sincere smile.

  “I hope they didn't rattle you too much.” He slowly reached down and took her hands in his. “You are clearly still shaken. I’m sorry, where are my manners? In all this bedlam, I never had the honor of your name.”

  “Annabelle.” She smiled sheepishly. “Annabelle Collins...worth.”

  “Well, Miss Collinsworth, would you allow me the privilege of escorting you to your residence?” He knew her name was fabricated, but it was really of no concern to him. He didn’t need to know her true identity—only that she would be willing to accept the proposition he would be offering soon.

  “I don’t have, I mean to say, I was heading to Mrs. Anders for a room. Or at least on the hopes for a room to call my own for a short time.”

  “Well, then I shall escort you there. No need for further anxieties along the way.” He took hold of her hand, tucked it under his forearm, and led the way down the boardwalk.

  “Oh, Archer,” he said over his shoulder, “I’ll rejoin you in my office shortly. I must accompany Miss Collinsworth to the Anders' House.”

  “Sure thing, Reed,” Archer replied and scurried away.

  Reed and Annabelle strolled in silence for a few moments before she broke the hushed tension.

  “I need to extend my deepest appreciation to you and your acquaintance, Mr. Lewis.”

  “No need to speak of it, Miss Collinsworth.” Then he gasped. “I do hope I’m addressing you properly. I wish no disrespect if you are united with a husband.”

  “My gracious, Mr. Lewis. No, I am not married. But that was very kind of you to inquire.”

  “My upbringing instilled me with manners and respect toward others. My mother would be proud to hear her that her daily admonitions have held the test of time.” He smiled down at her, and for the first time realized how beautiful she truly was. Her blond hair was the color of a field of wheat, and his fingers itched to reach out and touch it to feel its softness. Her emerald green eyes glimmered as she spoke. Even with the dwindling fear in those eyes, Reed was entranced by their beauty. As they walked she exhibited a confidence he appreciated. As a wife and partner, she would hold her own at business galas and during the dinner parties he would hold in order to solicit investors.

  “Then please give your mother my regards for a proper upbringing of a fine gentleman and rescuer.” Annabelle blushed and lowered her head.

  “It would be my honor to relay your gracious words to her,” Reed replied and patted Annabelle's hand that was tucked securely under his.

  They shared idle conversation until they arrived at the stone walkway leading to the boarding house. Reed waited for a confident moment to bring up his proposition.

  “May I inquire as to your dinner plans?”

  “I need to settle into a room,” Annabelle replied, but Reed could see hopefulness in her eyes. “I only just arrived with the last stage.”

  “Excuse my selfishness. I had not realized you had so recently arrived.” He stopped walking just short of the wooden planked porch leading to the boarding house. “Let me talk with Miss June. She’s a family acquaintance.”

  “Oh, no need for such kindness, Mr. Lewis.” Annabelle removed her arm from his. “I have traveled thus far alone, I am quite positive I can inquire after a room for myself.”

  “There I go again, Miss Collinsworth. I have wounded you. I have hinted to you not being capable of handling your affairs, despite your obvious competence.” Reed lowered his head, as if in shame and guilt.

  “Brush those thoughts aside, Mr. Lewis. No hurt feelings or bruised pride.” She laid her hand on his forearm and smiled. “Let me settle in and you can call upon me at sunset. I will inform Miss June, as you refer to her, that I will have a caller for the dinner hour.”

  “It would be my pleasure.” Reed nodded his head and assisted Annabelle up the stairs to the porch. “Until this evening.” He tipped his finger to his forehead and left her to booking a room.

  On his way back to his office, Reed couldn't help but grin. “Yes, she will do just fine.”

  ***

  Annabelle sat on the edge of the rickety mattress and clutched her satchel close. She had no change of clothes, her travel dress was a monstrosity and she was in desperate need of a bath. She had Mr. Lewis's voice in her head extending a dinner request and knew she had to be careful with her spending, as she had limited money left.

  If only Miss Hanson had thought to have her other satchel and trunk left at the stage office, then she would have her clothing and other essentials. Annabelle snapped to attention. Perhaps her belongings were at the stage office. She leapt off the bed and left the Anders' House.

  All the way to the stage office Annabelle kept saying silent prayers that her belongings would be there waiting for her. The hasty walk across town seemed to be taking forever. She walked to the main door, entered the little building and walked to the counter. The man sitting there was writing in a ledger and didn't acknowledge her at first. She stood patiently, but after a few moments she cleared her throat.

  “Yes, ma'am?” The man stopped writing and looked up at her.

  “I was on the stage that passed through town earlier today and I think some of my baggage may have been left here.” She twisted her fingers in nervousness.

  “Ah, let me see. I do recall someone, a lady, I believe, asking me to hold onto a trunk for her. Let me look in the store room.” He stood and disappeared through a hanging curtain behind his desk.

  Oh please, Miss Hanson. Please have left my bags here.

  “Miss?” The man called from behind the drape. “I do believe this is what you are inquiring about.” She heard some shifting of boxes and noise as if the man was moving a heavy piece of furniture. The curtain flung aside and the man appeared with her trunk and her second satchel sitting on top of the leather container.

  “Oh, my.” All of her belongings were intact. “For Heaven's sake. Thank you.”

  “Where do you need it delivered to?” the man asked as he stood upright and brushed off his hands.

  “I’m staying at the Anders' House.”

  “Very well. I will have the stable boy bring it to you right away.”

  “Thank you, thank you so very much.” Annabelle opened her purse to retrieve a silver coin to give the man as a thank you.

  “That’s not necessary.” The man held up his hand to deny the money. “Just doing my job.”

  “I’ll watch for the delivery later. Oh, thank you so much. My life is in there.” She smiled at the man and returned her coin purse to her satchel.

  “You're welcome.” He tapped his finger to the brim of his hat.

  Annabelle retreated from the building and made her way back across town to the boarding house. Now that she knew her clothing was safe and on its way to her, she could order up a hot bath and prepare for her dinner engagement with Mr. Lewis.

  ***

  Annabelle rubbed the small cloth soaked in water and lavender soap over her upper arm and shoulder. The scent of the soap invaded her senses and she sighed as the hot water soothed her aching muscles. It was incredible to her that traveling could cause such soreness and make someone so appreciative of a bath.

  She moaned
and lost herself in the luxury of the water and soap. Such simple pleasures, she grinned to herself. Before she knew it, the water had cooled so much that she actually shivered. Reaching for a clean towel, she stood up and wrapped it around her body. She stepped from the tepid bath water and took her hairbrush off the dresser and began detangling her mane.

  Realizing she had just over an hour before Mr. Lewis would come calling, she quickly dried off and dressed in her navy tea dress. With moments to spare, she had just sat down on the chaise in the corner of her room when a knock at her door interrupted the silence.

  “Yes?” She opened the door slightly to see Mrs. Anders.

  “You have a gentleman caller downstairs asking for you.”

  “I will be there right away. I need to gather my cloak.” She shut the door, slipped her cape over her shoulders, and buttoned the collar. She smiled, feeling giddy, as if a school girl meeting a beau for the first time without a chaperone. “Oh, Annabelle Collins, you are a full-grown woman, so behave as one.”

  With one final glance in the mirror over the dresser, Annabelle smoothed down her skirt and went down to meet Mr. Lewis.

  ***

  “Miss Collinsworth?” Mr. Lewis held out her chair.

  “Thank you, Mr. Lewis.” Annabelle slipped into the chair. “I was unsure as to what to wear, and seeing as my wardrobe is limited, it looks as though I chose wisely.” She looked around the room of the restaurant, which was far poorer than what she was used to while dining in Chicago.

  “I hope it is to your liking?” Mr. Lewis’s voice, a tone higher, as if waiting for approval.

  “Oh, I apologize, Mr. Lewis. I didn’t mean to disparage your selection.” She placed the cloth napkin in her lap.

  “It’s not a problem, Miss Collinsworth. I know someone from back east probably has a higher expectation of being called upon for a dining engagement.”