Minnie smiled at Birdie. “That’s kind of you to say, but if I hadn’t run away from home, I wouldn’t have put anyone here in danger. I’d only been thinking of myself, not how my leaving would impact everyone else. But if you don’t mind helping me a while longer, I promise I will make it up to you.”
“There is no need,” Birdie said. “You were just doing what you thought was right. No one should be forced into a marriage they don’t want, especially if it’s with someone like the man they want you to marry. I’ll help you in any way I can.”
As Margaret thanked Birdie, Hugh looked at Jack. Did he feel the same way? Jack nodded slowly, as if he’d anticipated Hugh’s question. “I wouldn’t feel right about sending Minnie with them.”
“I can trust you to keep her hidden?” Hugh asked. “I’d like to speak with Draven, and see what he has learned. But if the men come back, I need to know that Minnie will be safe.”
Birdie stepped forward, looking fiercer than a sweet woman like her should. “She’ll be safe. These aren’t the worst I’ve ever had to deal with, and I know how to keep a person hidden. Minnie is safe with us.”
The emphasis on Minnie made it clear exactly what Birdie thought of his desire to keep his distance. But this wasn’t the time or the place to discuss it with either woman. He gave a nod, then the tip of his hat, and went in search of the sheriff.
It seemed impossible that he could find a way to be with Minnie, but hopefully, he could at least keep her safe.
Chapter 8
The Seventh Day of Christmas
December 31, 1876
Draven had called a meeting with Hugh, Charlie, and Chase to sort out what to do about Minnie. They still hadn’t heard from her father, and the men who’d come to town in search of her were getting impatient. They’d hidden Minnie in a variety of locations, but the men were getting bolder in their searches, even though Draven had made it known they were no longer welcome in Noelle and would be arrested on sight. The trouble was, Draven was one man, and he had other problems to deal with. Every time he went to take care of another situation, they’d come out of hiding long enough to cause trouble before disappearing again.
How much longer could they continue hiding Minnie without putting the town in danger?
Charlie shook his head slowly as he addressed the others. “I don’t like them any more than the rest of you, but last night, when they trashed the saloon, the one called Ed said that Mr. Coveney wasn’t going to be happy. I take that to mean they came from him. How are we supposed to protect her when they’ll stop at nothing to get her?”
Hugh glared at him. “I didn’t take you for a coward.”
“It’s not cowardice when you’re trying to think things through so you’re doing the right thing for Noelle. Draven can’t find them to arrest them.”
To someone who didn’t know Charlie, they might think his words were full of confidence. But Hugh saw the doubt in his eyes. Deep down, Charlie was a good man, and though he wanted to protect the town at all costs, Hugh could see that he wasn’t certain he was doing the right thing.
Hugh turned to Chase. “Surely you don’t want her to go with them. I know you had to call Doctor Deane to attend to one of the girls who’d been roughed up by those men. Would you really entrust a young lady to their care?”
Chase shook his head. “It was Angelique. They hurt her pretty bad. I can’t imagine Minnie’s father would approve.”
If they’d hurt a girl who was more child than woman, what would they do to Minnie? Though Chase didn’t think Coveney would approve, he was the one who’d sent the men.
“Angelique is different than a man’s daughter,” Charlie said. “I don’t want to send Minnie back any more than you do. But we have to find a way to get Coveney to leave us alone. Otherwise, he’d be within his rights to charge us with kidnapping.”
It seemed almost futile to argue. Charlie had a point. Technically, Margaret was under her father’s care, and as such, he had the right to demand they return her. But as he pictured Angelique, he felt sick at the idea that it could be Minnie.
Hugh turned his gaze to Draven. “Maybe they are acting on Coveney’s orders. But we haven’t heard from him to confirm it. How long can you keep them locked up?”
Draven appeared to be considering his words. “As long as it takes. But we have to find them first.”
“They’re not going to stop until they get her,” Hugh said.
Chase patted Draven on the back. “I have no doubt he’ll locate them. If the railroad men find out, they’ll see that our town is a much safer place than some of the others they might be considering, where lawlessness happens all the time.”
“We’re going to need a bigger jail,” Draven muttered.
With all the goings-on in Noelle lately, the jail had gotten more use in the past week than it had in months. Which was why they’d kept the sheriff so busy. Once Hugh had the chance to check on Minnie, he could help with the search.
A rustling sounded outside the door. Hugh stepped over to the window and peered out. Percival Penworthy was standing outside. He’d never liked the snake of a man. There was something about him that made his skin crawl. Penworthy hadn’t noticed him, because he seemed intent on listening at the door.
Hugh motioned to the others, indicating they were being spied on. Charlie stepped to where he could see outside, but remain hidden. He swore under his breath.
“That’s a good point about our town,” Charlie said loudly. “We don’t tolerate the same kind of troublemakers other towns do. You’re right, Reverend. You as well, Hugh. Let’s find these men and put them away.”
At Charlie’s words, Percival jumped back from the door. As Hugh opened it, he made himself look surprised at seeing him.
“Are you looking for the sheriff?” Hugh asked, grinning. “We’re just finishing up.”
Percival sniffed, and wiped at his nose the way he constantly seemed to be doing. “No. I was looking for you. I noticed you were driving on that land of yours. I don’t know why you don’t want to sell, it’s practically worthless, and I’m offering you a good price.”
This again. One of the many reasons Hugh didn’t trust Percival. If it was so worthless, why would Percival offer him a good price? Once the railroad came, his land was in a prime location. Something Percival obviously knew.
“I plan on building a house there come spring,” Hugh said. “I’ll need it for my wife and the family we hope to have.”
Percival snickered. “I thought there was a problem with your bride. Isn’t she a missing heiress? I believe there is a substantial reward for her safe return.”
No one in town knew about the reward being offered for Margaret. So how did Percival? The others quickly picked up on Percival’s words and the fact that they had deliberately hidden some of the information about Minnie.
“You’re mistaken,” Hugh said. “I know nothing of any reward.”
Percival gave a nasty little grin that made Hugh want to punch him. “I heard it from the men her father sent to fetch her. They were discussing how they were going to spend the money.”
One more reason not to hand Margaret over.
“It sounds like they were feeding you a line in hopes that you’d give them information about Margaret’s whereabouts in exchange for money,” Hugh said.
Draven stepped forward. “That’s exactly what it sounds like. I have it on good authority that the father has a well-known policy of not paying out when it comes to his daughter. Too much of a temptation to kidnappers. You’ve been misinformed, and I hope you aren’t spreading that misinformation.”
Percival blew his nose. “If you say so. But if you think I’m going to stand in the way of Arthur Coveney being reunited with his beloved daughter, you should think again.”
They already knew not to trust Percival, but now he’d made it clear where he stood. And yet, it wouldn’t do to make him an enemy.
Hugh smiled at him pleasantly. “We feel the same way. We a
lso hope for a joyous family reunion. Which is why we are doing everything in our power to see that Miss Coveney is safe and does not fall into the hands of anyone without her best interests at heart. Now if you’ll excuse us, I believe we are all going to work toward that end.”
The rest of the men all nodded, and went their separate ways, leaving Percival standing there, looking stunned. Hugh had said nothing to make it seem like they were opposing Coveney in any way. In fact, if his words were repeated to the man, it would sound as though Hugh and the others were in full support of Coveney.
He started toward his assay office, and Charlie jogged to catch up with him.
“Have you had a chance to look at the new ore I sent?”
He nodded. “I have. But let’s go to my office to discuss where there aren’t prying ears to hear.”
As they walked, Charlie said, “I hope you know I have nothing against Minnie. It’s obvious you’re developing feelings for her. She seems like a nice woman, and if she weren’t Arthur Coveney’s daughter, I would fight for her alongside you. But you have to understand that opposing Coveney is suicide. Sometimes you have to carefully examine the merits of going into battle. Otherwise, you lose everything, even the very thing you’re fighting for.”
Hadn’t Hugh given himself the same lecture?
“I know. It’s why I’m doing my very best to keep her at arm’s length. But even you have to admit that simply letting her go is not the right thing to do.”
Charlie let out a long sigh. “I just hope our honor doesn’t ruin us all.”
Hugh unlocked the door to his office and let Charlie inside. “That’s not the only thing you should be afraid of ruining us. The last ore you sent is of poor quality, with barely any gold. I know how hard things are for you, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But by the time you extract the gold, you will have barely paid for the labor to do so.”
At least Charlie didn’t appear surprised by his words. “Is there anything else of value? Based on the samples you’re seeing, should we be trying in a different part of the mine? I can’t give up. What else can we do?”
Hugh didn’t want to tell Charlie that he’d already been testing the ore, searching for other minerals that might be valuable. So far, he hadn’t found anything. But for Charlie’s sake, for Noelle’s sake, he would keep trying.
“I’ll do what I can.”
Charlie shook his hand. “Thank you. And thank you for keeping my business private. I don’t want the men to lose hope.”
“I understand the value of hope,” Hugh said. “So, let’s also do what we can to preserve hope for Minnie. Doesn’t she deserve to have us do the right thing for her as well?”
He regretted the words as soon as they came out, because all they did was make Charlie look even more beaten-down.
“Maybe you’re right. But I have too many other problems to solve to try to solve that one. If you find a solution that won’t put Noelle in danger, I’ll do everything I can to help you.”
It was the best answer he could hope for, and only Hugh knew there still wouldn’t be an easy solution. He’d already been trying, and failing, to come up with a viable idea.
As Charlie left, Hugh felt a deeper kinship with the other man. Charlie would do anything to save Noelle, and Hugh was starting to think he would do anything for Minnie.
Minnie folded the blanket Birdie had lent her. Jack had used his woodworking skills to create a hidden nook for her to sleep in. The space was cramped, but safe. At least for now. She could hear voices in the other room.
“If she’s not here, then you won’t mind us taking a look around,” a man’s voice said.
Minnie placed the blanket inside the nook, then sealed herself back in. Though Jack had assured her no one would find her there, her heart thudded as footsteps came closer. Surely they could hear the sound of her beating heart.
“Like I said, she’s not here,” Jack stated. “I overheard her telling Birdie that she was going to go back with the mail wagon when it left today. Then she could get over the pass safely, and to the nearest town for the train. She said she just wanted to go home.”
Minnie had to give Jack credit for his brilliance. By the time the men caught up to the mail wagon, they would already be in the next town, and it would be too late for them to come back to Noelle until tomorrow. But surely, when they did come back, they would be angry with Jack for his lie.
This had to stop.
Even though Birdie said she agreed with Minnie’s decision, it wasn’t right to put her friends and their businesses in danger.
Something crashed in the distance, like the men had knocked something over, looking for her.
“I told you she’s not here. You have no right to come in here and ransack my business. Birdie, I believe the sheriff is looking for these men. If you and Gus could get him, my shotgun and I will keep them from doing any more damage.”
Jack’s voice gave Minnie some comfort, and even though Birdie had told her Jack would keep her safe, Minnie couldn’t help wondering what helping her would cost her friends.
“Margaret,” one of the men said in a singsong voice. “We know you’re in here. Someone told us they saw you coming in yesterday, and no one’s seen you coming out. Your daddy will be quite disappointed to hear the trouble you’ve given us. And I’m sure your fiancé will be displeased as well.”
Another man murmured something that Minnie couldn’t hear. The one who’d been speaking laughed.
“Lord Milliken does have some creative punishments for those who displease him. Has he shown you his whip yet? Or maybe his riding crop? Sometimes, when he gets bored with a girl, he lets me have a chance.”
He was trying to scare her. Surely, he wasn’t saying that Lord Milliken would whip her? Yes, he was trying to terrify her, because no gentleman would ever do such a thing.
Minnie closed her eyes.
“He’s not going to let you have his intended. Not until he gets an heir.” The other voice sounded almost upon her.
“So maybe we have her first. You’re not stupid enough to talk, are you, Margaret?”
The sound of a shotgun being prepared to fire, or whatever it was they did, reached Minnie’s ears. “No one will be having her,” Jack said calmly. “I’d be happy to show you exactly what I mean, but I see the sheriff is almost here.
Something else clattered to the floor, and Minnie forced herself to remain calm. The real Minnie had told her Lord Milliken was capable of unspeakable things, and though Minnie had never understood the hints of whispers among servants, she fully understood now.
If only Minnie’s heart wasn’t beating so loudly. Nothing on this earth could make her agree to marry Lord Milliken now. Surely if her father heard what these men were saying, he wouldn’t make Margaret go through with it. But what if he did?
Her mother referred to the activities in the marital bed as humiliation. What these men spoke of was worse than that. And though none of the other ladies who traveled to Noelle with her told her anything about their wedding night, Minnie had to believe that none of them had endured the kinds of things these men were discussing. In fact, the women all seemed rather happy about the arrangement.
Earlier this morning, when Minnie had eaten breakfast with Jack and Birdie, the couple had exchanged glances and touches so full of love that Minnie had been so eaten alive with envy she had been unable to touch her food. She’d had a taste of that love yesterday with Hugh. He’d almost kissed her, she could tell, but his fear of her father’s displeasure had stopped him.
What would it have been like to have had that moment with him? To feel his lips on hers the way she’d seen between Jack and Birdie?
Surely it would be too wonderful for words. And perhaps that was why none of the women ever spoke of it.
What seemed like hours later, Jack came to the alcove and let her out. “They’re gone now. Sheriff Draven is taking them to the jail. He told me earlier that if they came back to send for him, and he would
have them arrested for disturbing the peace. I don’t know how long he can hold them, but for now, you’re safe.”
He gave her a smile, and though she knew it was meant to be reassuring, it only made Minnie feel worse. How much angrier would they be when they were released? They spoke of whips now, but what would happen when they were upset with her? What would they do to Birdie and Jack? Or even Hugh?
“Thank you,” Minnie said. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Jack’s cheeks reddened. “It’s the least anyone can do. We look out for our own, so it’s no trouble. Hugh said he will come by for you in a little while.”
Minnie’s heart leap at the thought of spending more time with Hugh. Maybe today, she could convince him that she belonged here with him.
Birdie entered the room, and Jack put his arm around her. The look of affection that passed between them made Minnie even more certain about her feelings for Hugh. Hearing the fate that awaited her, and seeing that it didn’t have to be that way, gave her hope that she and Hugh could have just as wonderful of a relationship.
“Did he give you any idea as to when that will be?” Minnie asked.
“I’m not sure,” Jack said. “He has some things to do, and he wants to see if there is word from your father.”
His words snuffed out the tiny flame of hope that had been flickering in Minnie’s heart. Hugh was still determined to return her to her father. And now, more than ever, Minnie couldn’t take the risk of her father being unsympathetic.
“That’s all right,” she said. “I don’t mind waiting.”
As she spoke, an idea hit her. “If the men are off to jail, it should be safe for me to go to his house, shouldn’t it? Birdie helped me make some new curtains that will brighten the place up. I’d like to surprise him with them if I may.”
Hopefully, they would agree it was safe for her to go. Alone. She wouldn’t lie to her friends, they deserved better than that. So she would go, hang the curtains, scavenge a few supplies, and then do the very thing Jack had lied to the men about. She’d take the mail wagon over the pass, and get on the train. Only she wasn’t going home. She would finally leave Margaret Coveney behind, and head somewhere where she could be Minnie Gold.
The Lord: The Tenth Day (The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides Book 10) Page 9
