But was it enough to get him to call off the wedding and let Hugh marry her instead? The trouble was, he would have to eventually tell Coveney that the chances of Hugh ever becoming Duke were slim, especially now that Hugh had heard from his brother Gerald. He’d gotten the wire yesterday. Gerald had told him Arabella was suspected of killing John, but they had no proof. She’d been asked to leave the estate and given a home and an allowance in London contingent upon her leaving her sons alone. It was enough information for him to realize that Arabella hoped that if she could convince him to come back, she would be welcomed as well. And then she could make her sick dream of getting Hugh to be Duke a reality. If she’d killed John, she wouldn’t hesitate in killing others.
Minnie and her father had begun conversing about her time in Noelle, leaving Arabella and Milliken to continue in their flirtation. The longer Hugh was in the room with Margaret’s intended, the more certain he was that she should never be forced to marry him. Arabella, on the other hand, deserved such a fate.
“Hugh, could we take my father on a tour of the town? I especially want him to see the assay office. You do such fine work there, and I found it fascinating to hear about how you value the gold and determine the mineral content of various rocks. Who knew that there is so much more to a rock than it being a rock?”
He gave them a smile. “You know I can’t refuse you anything.” But he turned to her father. “I don’t wish to bore you, but if you would find it interesting as well, I am happy to show you around. We can also meet our mayor, Charles Hardt, the Reverend Chase Hammond, and Sheriff Draven, who all played a role in keeping your daughter safe.”
Coveney glanced over at Milliken and Arabella, who both seemed so engrossed in each other that they’d forgotten where they were. Then again, they were in a brothel, so perhaps they were acting entirely appropriately, given the location.
“I think that’s a fine idea. Though it may be cold, I think the fresh air will do us all some good. Lord Milliken, will you join us?”
He looked over at Coveney. “You know I cannot stand the cold. I do not wish to catch a chill. You go on and enjoy yourselves. Perhaps Arabella could have the servants bring us some tea.”
For a man who’d been so insistent upon propriety, he’d certainly begun using Arabella’s first name rather quickly. The expression on Coveney’s face told Hugh that the older man had noticed as well. It seemed his plan was working. But he wasn’t going to count himself the victor until his ring was on Minnie’s finger.
Arabella stood. “That sounds like a fine idea. I, too, despise the cold. And the streets are filthy. Certainly no place for a lady. However, I do understand why Margaret would want her father to see where she’s been staying.”
He could not have planned this more perfectly. Arabella and Milliken would be left alone, and given the chemistry already happening between them, things were bound to happen. But would it be enough for Milliken to think Arabella a better prize than Margaret? A duchess, even a widowed one, would give him clout. But he doubted Arabella’s allowance would be enough to keep Milliken happy for long. Margaret’s purse was deeper. Which one did Milliken value more? And would it matter if Margaret’s father continued to look so displeased at Milliken’s behavior?
They exited the brothel, and Hugh led them through town, pointing out various landmarks and businesses that might be of interest to Arthur Coveney. The air had gotten chilly, even more so than usual, and Hugh knew they couldn’t stay out long. But it was such a delight watching Minnie chatter about all the things she loved about Noelle, and her father nodding appreciatively.
Hugh pointed at the mine, and then they walked to his office. He gave them a brief tour, and as he was explaining how his furnace worked, Coveney stopped him.
“You have no intention of going back to England, do you?”
He knew this conversation would have to happen at some point, but he’d hoped it wouldn’t be so soon. Not before he was confident that Coveney would accept his suit.
But there was something about the man that made Hugh unwilling to be dishonest.
“Unfortunately, I don’t. Arabella was hoping to convince me, but honestly, all she does is remind me of all the reasons why I like it better here.”
The other man nodded slowly. “You would give up being a duke to remain here?”
How did he explain that there was little to no chance he would ever become duke? And that he didn’t want to.
“There are others perfectly capable of doing the job far more competently than I can. I am happy here, and my family is happy with how things are in England. Arabella is the only one who wishes for things to be different.”
“I gather she was your brother’s wife?”
Hugh nodded. “I’m sure it makes her think she has some obligation to run the family. But it is not necessary.”
“And it would be imprudent for you to marry her,” Coveney said. “A man should not marry his brother’s widow.”
Was it possible that Coveney was starting to consider Hugh a proper husband for his daughter?
“That, and Arabella and I would never suit. I wish for a wife who values kindness, hard work, and honor above a person’s rank or status. Most importantly, I want someone who will be a true companion to me so we can build a life together.”
All of the reasons he cared for Minnie. Yet none of the reasons Coveney had for marrying off his daughter. How could he convince him that he would be a far better husband than Lord Milliken?
“But you’re still Lord Hugh, right?”
Hugh nodded. If the title was what really mattered to him, Hugh would use it for Minnie’s sake. “But I think, in America, those titles matter less than a man’s character. I would be proud for my wife to carry my title, but I would be most proud of her character.”
“You’re a good man, Lord Hugh. I hope you someday find a wife who fits your needs, and you don’t have to do another silly mail-order arrangement. It must be very disappointing to send for a wife who cannot be your wife, but I think in the end, you will be better for it.”
So that was it then. Coveney wasn’t going to let him marry his daughter, at least not now. But he would find a way- he had to find a way- to make the man understand that Margaret was everything he needed, and he would be everything for her.
They returned to the brothel, and he could sense that even Minnie felt slightly dejected over the conversation they’d had. He’d hoped for Coveney to see that his daughter deserved an honorable man, and that Hugh was that man. Had he been wrong to admit that he had no plans to return to England and become duke?
When they got to the front porch, Milly was waiting. She put her finger to her lips, then opened the door and beckoned them in. They’d barely stepped into the foyer when they could clearly see in the parlor that Lord Milliken and Arabella were engaged in a very inappropriate activity.
Minnie gasped, and Hugh quickly grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her away.
“I realize that is a shocking sight, so please, look no more.”
Coveney stormed into the room. “I know a man has needs, but are you such a disgrace that you would so publicly dishonor my daughter?”
The pair straightened, tugging at their clothing back into presentable shape, but even if they’d put things in place, the damage had been done.
“I’m sorry,” Milliken said. “I don’t know what came over me.”
Minnie moved out of Hugh’s grasp and stepped into the room. “Father, you cannot possibly expect me to him marry a man like this. I have been betrayed in the worst way, and it would be cruel to continue with this farce.”
A few tears fell from her eyes, and though Hugh disliked women who used tears to manipulate, he was grateful that Minnie was doing so now. Coveney looked absolutely distraught at the sight.
“My dear,” Milliken said, still adjusting his pants. “It was a momentary aberration, and I can assure you it won’t happen again.”
Minnie glared at him. “I saw
you leaving a house of ill repute in Denver. When I told my mother, she said it was something all men did. But I cannot turn a blind eye to this.”
Then she turned back to her father. “You should speak with the men in the jail, who intimated that this type of behavior is common to Lord Milliken. Is this what you want for me? Because I cannot live in such a way.”
Coveney nodded slowly. “It seems I may need to ask a few more questions.” He glanced over at Milliken. “We may have a contract, but I will speak with my lawyers, because it can easily be broken based on your actions. You have done a most cruel thing to my daughter. You had to have known we would be returning soon. Do you have so little self-control that you would take such a risk?”
It was one of the things Hugh had most hoped for. He knew Arabella thrived on the thrill of getting caught. And with as reckless as Milliken seemed to be, Hugh had hoped that if there was a spark between the two, he would be willing to do the same. At least this part of the plan was working beautifully.
Now he just had to find a way to convince Coveney that despite Coveney’s doubts about Hugh, he was the perfect husband for Margaret. And Margaret could finally fully become Minnie.
Chapter 11
The Tenth Day of Christmas
January 3, 1877
Minnie couldn’t believe the shameful state of affairs. Though she had been whisked away immediately upon discovering Arabella and Lord Milliken, she knew what had transpired. How could she not? Everyone knew, and her father had spent the rest of the evening locked in a room with Lord Milliken.
Hugh had told her to be patient, and that all would be well, but she had never seen her father so angry.
Arabella must have been sent to another room, because she never returned to the one she and Minnie had shared. Which left her waking alone and unsure of facing the day ahead of her. Hugh had told her to trust in him and his plan. But so far, everything seemed to be falling apart.
Her father had said nothing about her impending marriage.
Could she bear it if he still wanted her to marry Lord Milliken? What had been the result of them spending so much time shut in a room together?
As much as she wanted to delay facing everyone, she knew she had to do it at some point. She dressed slowly, carefully. Was it too late to run away?
A knock sounded at her door. “Margaret, are you dressed?”
Her father. Too late to run away after all. “Come in.”
As he entered, she could see the lines on his face and dark shadows under his eyes. It comforted her to know her father had also endured a sleepless night. But the question was, why?
“Lord Milliken isn’t the man I thought he was,” he said, looking far older than his years. “I met with Sheriff Draven and talked to the men Lord Milliken had sent for you. Lord Hugh had also made inquiries into Lord Milliken, and I am greatly troubled by the reports I’ve been given.”
Minnie nodded slowly. “I think, if you were to ask our servants, assuring them that there would be no reprisals, they would also tell you he is not a good man.”
Her words only seemed to make her father look more upset. “How did I miss it?”
“You and Mother would only consider a lord for my future husband. In all the times we spoke of my future, not once did you specify you wanted me to marry a good man.”
Her father’s face turned ashen. “I would’ve thought that would be understood.”
“You shouldn’t assume,” Minnie said. “Until you came looking for me, I believed you saw me only as one of your possessions. You sought to increase your empire, not pursue your daughter’s happiness.”
As she spoke, she could feel the strength of Minnie emboldening her. Margaret would never have spoken to him like that. She would have been too fearful of his wrath and of displeasing him. Everyone was afraid of her father, including the men of Noelle. Perhaps they were not brave enough to stand up to him, but somehow, in all of this, Minnie had found the strength.
“I don’t suppose I saw it that way,” he said quietly. “You have to believe that everything your mother and I have done has solely been for you.”
“Perhaps you should have asked me what I wanted.”
She squared her shoulders as she looked at him, unafraid of the consequences. “You and Mother isolated me so much that, until coming here, I knew nothing of the world.”
“We only wanted to protect you,” he said.
“From having friends? My only friend in the world was my maid. I wasn’t allowed other acquaintances, because you and Mother were afraid I’d become associated with the wrong people. In protecting me, you kept me from many of the joys of life.”
For once, her father looked like he was actually listening to her. She took a deep breath as she continued. “Coming to Noelle has been the greatest gift, because I finally know what it is like to have friends. A woman who would give me precious material she needed for her livelihood, so I wouldn’t freeze to death. And then, when those horrible men were looking for me, she hid me, so they wouldn’t find me, even though they threatened her husband and their business. I became friends with a cook who taught me what she knew, so I would be able to survive on my own. She also put herself at risk to protect me.”
Her eyes filled with tears as she realized the kind of friends she’d made. But there was one friend, one even more dear to her that her father must hear about.
“But most importantly, there was Hugh. He accepted me despite all my flaws. Was willing to marry me, even though I was not the woman he’d thought me to be. And then, when he learned the truth about my identity, his honor was such that he chose to protect me and care for me.”
The memory of their almost kisses came back to her, and she finally understood why Hugh had held back. “He put my needs before his own, and when he realized what a horrible man I was marrying, he was willing to risk everything to keep me safe, even from Lord Milliken.”
That was love. Hugh would have given up everything for her, and had demonstrated time and again that he would always do the right thing when it came to how he treated Minnie.
“You care for him.” His words were a statement of fact, and yet they did not go far enough.
“I love him.” She looked at her father, hoping she could somehow convey the depth of her feelings for Hugh. But more was at stake here.
“In order for the railroad to come to town, twelve marriages were supposed to take place. Nine have happened so far. Hugh and I were to be one of the twelve, but he is too honorable to marry me without your consent. He made that decision as soon as he found out I was a young lady of means, and not a maid. How many men would have taken advantage?”
Her father looked thoughtful. “The Mayor did make mention that they were eager to gain the railroad’s business. But what does any of the have to do with me?”
Surely, he could not be so blind as to not see it? But then he nodded slowly. “My coal. But I have no say in where the railroad decides to build a spur or not.”
She shook her head. “You have a reputation for your vindictiveness. Everyone thought if you believed the town was involved in my plan to leave Lord Milliken, and I married Hugh without your consent, you would be angry and, out of revenge, convince the railroad not to come here.”
For a moment, he looked surprised, and then he nodded slowly. “I can see where they would have thought that. And had I not come here myself, to see where you had gotten off to, I could also see where I might have done such a thing.”
“But you won’t, will you?” Had she appealed to his sense of reason enough that he could understand that all the choices in the situation that he would view as being wrong were hers and hers alone? “Once they learned my true identity, they did everything they could to keep me safe until I could be returned to you. I was the one who fought to stay.”
She left out the part about Hugh, since she didn’t want to give away just how much he’d been willing to do for her. Especially since she wasn’t sure if they would end up having
to run away.
“Do you still want to stay?” He looked at her, and his eyes seemed to reflect an expression of genuine desire to understand her wishes.
“With all my heart. I love it here, and I want…” Minnie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Had she asked too much?
“I want for you to consent to my marriage to Hugh. Before the railroad’s deadline.”
He pursed his lips and looked thoughtful for a moment. “Is your marriage still about saving Noelle, or is it something more?”
“You were going to marry me off to a man who needed my fortune to save his estate. Why would my answer matter now?”
An unfamiliar expression drifted across his face. “Because it does. I very nearly made a mistake in not asking that question before, and I will not risk giving you to a monster again.”
At least she knew without a doubt that he no longer intended for her to marry Lord Milliken. Which should have been a victory, except now she wanted more.
“I cannot answer for Hugh, but while it is my dearest wish for Noelle to survive, I also could not imagine a life without him by my side.”
“I see,” he said, but he did not elaborate, and as they sat in a longer silence than felt comfortable, Minnie could only hope it was because he was considering what she’d said.
Hugh stood outside Minnie’s door, unable to believe the conversation he was hearing. She loved him. Enough to stand up to her father and tell him what she really wanted. Him.
He opened the door and entered the room.
“And I wish to marry Minnie. I mean, Margaret.” He looked at her, then back at Coveney. “Not just to save Noelle, even though that was one of my initial motivations. Nor is it for companionship, which was my other reason for choosing a mail-order bride. But because there is no other woman I wish to companion me for the rest of my life than your daughter. She is kind, willing to learn, loyal, and someone with whom I greatly enjoy spending my time.”
The Lord: The Tenth Day (The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides Book 10) Page 12
