The Anonymous Bride (Texas Boardinghouse Brides 1)

by Vickie McDonough

  Ray was a high-strung man who looked to be on his last leg. The robbery attempt must have really shaken him up. “Let’s have a seat, and then tell me what happened.”

  Nodding, Ray moseyed back to his office, and Luke followed. Ray owned the biggest desk in town, even larger than Mayor Burke’s. The dark wood gleamed under the fancy lamp. Papers were stacked in neat piles. A picture of an English foxhunt covered a large portion of the wall behind the banker. Luke couldn’t help staring. He’d never had reason to visit Ray’s office and now stared at the largest painting he’d ever seen, with the exception of one he’d glimpsed in a saloon in Wyoming.

  “I was closed, and Gerald, my clerk, had gone home.”

  Luke forced his attention away from the picture to what Ray was saying.

  “I wanted to finish up some paperwork for a local rancher, so I was working late.” He rambled on about the robber knocking then shoving his way in when Ray answered.

  Luke’s mind drifted back to Rachel. He wanted to see her again. To make certain she was all right and unharmed.

  The banker chuckled and shook his head, and Luke realized he’d missed something.

  “Uh ... would you repeat that?” he asked “I wouldn’t have believed it myself if I hadn’t witnessed it. Bertha Boyd came in the door right on the heels of that thief. At first, I thought she was another gang member. The robber swung around to face her, and she smacked him on the arm with that new cane she’s been using, causing him to drop his gun. He picked it up, and Bertha plumb knocked him on the temple with another swipe of her walking stick. The gun fired, and I guess either the bullet or a wood splinter cut the thief ’s arm. The man collapsed at Bertha’s feet, but she didn’t pay him any mind. She just looked at me and said my clerk had short-changed her when she took out some cash earlier.”

  Ray leaned back in his chair, hands on his belly. “I’ve never been so happy to see that gabby woman in my whole life. I didn’t even question her about the error but took the money right out of my own pocket and paid her. She might well have saved my life.”

  Luke grinned at the thought of the large woman foiling a bank robbery. Jenny Evans would sure have some news to post in her paper this week. “So you didn’t lose any money?”

  “No, we never got more than five feet from the door. It’s nothing short of a miracle.”

  Luke stood, anxious to check on his prisoner. “God works in mysterious ways.”

  Ray let out a belly laugh. “That he does.”

  As he entered the jailhouse moments later, Luke nodded at Dan Howard sitting behind the desk, reading an old Dallas newspaper. Max lay on his blanket in the corner and didn’t even lift his head. Luke walked past the livery owner to the two cells at the back of the jailhouse and stood eye-to-eye with the prisoner. Something seemed vaguely familiar about the man leaning against the cell wall. His dark hair was greasy, and several days’ whiskers covered his square jaw. Piercing blue eyes studied Luke, as if taking his measure. Cleaned up, Luke suspected most women would find him handsome. He glanced at the man’s bandaged arm. “Guess the doc took care of that, huh?”

  The prisoner shrugged one shoulder. Luke spun around and marched back to his desk. Dan stood and stepped away, as if he felt guilty for sitting in Luke’s chair.

  “Thanks for jailing the robber and watching him for me.”

  Luke bent and tugged on the middle drawer as a thought raced through his mind. He yanked out his stack of wanted posters and thumbed through them. He looked at a half dozen before he found the one he wanted. A slow grin tugged at his mouth as he stared at the likeness of his prisoner. Ty Payton, leader of the Payton Gang that had terrorized southwestern Missouri. He handed the poster to Dan.

  He took it and then let out a low whistle. “That’s him all right. Imagine, a real wanted outlaw in our little town.” He shook his head. “What’s this world comin’ to?”

  Luke peeked at the man he suspected was Ty Payton again. The prisoner had slumped down on the small cot and placed one arm over his eyes. Luke stared at him. What had brought the man from his normal hunting grounds in Missouri to Texas? And where was the rest of his gang? “Payton?”

  The man lifted his arm and glanced at Luke.

  “You Tyson Payton?”

  “Maybe.” He lowered his head and turned to face the wall, but not before Luke saw a smirk tug at the corner of his mouth.

  He was Payton, all right. Luke read the information about the gang on the poster. Payton normally traveled with two other men and sometimes a woman. It was suspected that the woman was Carly Payton, Tyson’s sister.

  The hairs on the back of Luke’s neck stood on end, and his gut swirled with uneasiness. Where had he heard that name before?

  Dan stood beside Luke’s desk with his hat in his hand. “Marshal, there’s a woman at the boardinghouse who came in on the evening stage while you were gone. You’re gonna wanna talk to her.”

  Exhaustion made Luke’s brain foggy. He needed to head to bed, but instead, he had a long night ahead sleeping in his jail and keeping watch on his prisoner. Part of the man’s gang might still be around and plan to break him out of jail. “Can’t it wait?”

  Shaking his head, Dan rolled up the edge of his felt hat. “I don’t think so. You probably should head on down there while I’m still here.”

  Luke sighed and strode out the door. He couldn’t imagine what could be so important that it couldn’t wait until morning. But at least he’d get to see Rachel again.

  He thought about the outlaw’s sister—Carly Payton. Suddenly, he stopped in the middle of the road. Rachel had said something about someone named Carly. As unusual as that name was, she had to be Payton’s sister.

  Luke broke into a run and charged toward the boardinghouse. His heart thundered. Was Rachel in danger again?

  ***

  Rachel thanked the Corbett brothers for helping them to get home and entered the house. She glanced around as if seeing everything for the first time. It looked so wonderful. Miss Bennett and Miss O’Neil both sat in the parlor and jumped up as they entered.

  “’Tis wonderful to have you all home again.” Miss O’Neil hugged Rachel, then Carly and Jacqueline.

  “Yes, we were so worried about you.” Miss Bennett cast an odd look at Carly. “We ... uh ... kept some food warm for you, if you’re hungry, that is.”

  “We’re starving!” Jacqueline squeezed past them and made a beeline for the kitchen.

  “Don’t forget to wash up first.” Rachel said.

  Jacqueline tossed a scowl over her shoulder, but suddenly her expression changed. “Yes Ma.”

  Rachel looked into the surprised eyes of the other women. Maybe her being kidnapped had made her daughter thankful enough for her return that she’d be more obedient. She could hope so, at least.

  “I’m so happy that you’re all right.” Miss Bennett hurried forward and hugged Rachel. She released her and looked at the floor, her hands wringing in front of her. “I owe you and the other ladies an apology. I’ve been so worried about what would happen to me if I lost the competition that I haven’t been very nice.” She looked up at Rachel and then glanced at Shannon and Carly. “I’m sorry. I would like for us to be friends, no matter how the contest ends.”

  Shannon’s green eyes lit up. “Aye, I would like that. I have felt the same way, and I, too, want to apologize.”

  “I’m sorry, too, if I was mean to ya.” Carly pressed her lips together.

  Rachel stepped forward and embraced all three women. “Everything’s forgiven, and maybe we could drop the formalities and call each other by our given names.”

  The women nodded and wiped their damp eyes. Everyone smiled, and the tension that had been there earlier left the room. Rachel muttered a silent prayer of thanks to the Lord.

  A door opened upstairs, setting Rachel’s heart pounding. Garrett had said they’d captured the bank robber, but she didn’t know if he was the same man who’d kidnapped her. A young woman with her arm in a sl
ing appeared at the top of the stairs, followed by a man. Rachel saw the woman’s gaze move past her and her expression change to a scowl. Turning slightly to look behind her, Rachel realized the woman was staring at Carly.

  “Um ... I hope you don’t mind that I gave these folks two of your rooms. They came in on the late stage today. I didn’t want to turn them away since there’s no other decent place for them to stay in this town.” Leah Bennett wrung her hands as if fearing Rachel would be upset. “I didn’t take any money, but I told them they could square things with you when you returned.”

  Rachel smiled to ease the young woman’s discomfort. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

  Leah smiled and nodded, looking relieved. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll head on to bed.”

  “Good night, then, and thank you for saving us some food.”

  “I shall go also. We did feed the new guests.” Shannon brushed past Rachel and stepped up the stairs.

  After the two women ascended the stairs, the man helped the injured woman down. They looked enough alike to be siblings, with their dark hair and matching blue eyes. Carly shuffled beside Rachel, seeming restless. Did she know the new boarders?

  Stepping forward, she smiled. “I’m Rachel Hamilton, owner of Hamilton House. Welcome, and I hope you will forgive my appearance. We’ve just been through a trying ordeal.”

  The man nodded. “I’m John Blackstone, and this is my sister, Ellie Blackstone.”

  Rachel felt her eyes widen and turned to face Carly. She stood with her head down, but she saw Rachel looking at her and gave a slight nod.

  So this was the woman Carly had impersonated. “I’m glad to see you’re doing so well, Miss Blackstone.”

  The man’s eyes narrowed. “What do you know of her troubles?”

  “Not much, I can assure you, and what I do know, I just learned about today. I’m sure the two women who just went upstairs told you what happened to us.”

  When he shook his head, Rachel sighed. “Could we all sit down in the parlor, please? We’ve had an extraordinary day.”

  “Does this have something to do with that blond woman asking me if we had family staying here already?”

  Rachel offered him a smile. “It’s complicated.”

  Miss Blackstone shook her head. “I’m not getting any closer to her.” She pointed at Carly. “What’s she doing here anyway? And why is she wearing my dress?”

  Carly stepped forward, looking twice her age. Her shoulders were slumped and her head hung down. “I came here pretending to be you.”

  The real Miss Blackstone gasped and moved back. “See, John, I bet she’s the one who stole my satchel.”

  “I’m sorry for that. I thought you were dead.”

  The front door flew open, banging against the wall, and everybody in the entryway jumped. Rachel’s heart stampeded as Luke charged inside. His gaze pinned on Carly, and he pulled his gun. Carly shrank back.

  Jacqueline raced in from the kitchen, her napkin tucked into the neck of her shirt. “What’s goin’ on?”

  “Carly Payton, you’re under arrest.”

  Rachel gasped, as did the Blackstones. Carly’s eyes looked like a trapped mustang’s. “Luke, surely this isn’t necessary.”

  His gaze darted to her and back to Carly. “Did you know you were harboring a criminal?”

  Rachel shook her head. “Not until today. Carly told me everything while we were...” She glanced at the Blackstones. “While we were tied up. And she gave her heart to God.”

  “She’s still a wanted outlaw. I can’t ignore that, Rachel.”

  She stepped forward and laid her hand on his arm, pushing slightly, until he lowered the gun. “She’s not going anywhere. Let us get cleaned up and eat something. Neither of us has eaten since last night’s supper.”

  Carly stepped forward, twisting her hands. “I’ll go with you peacefully, Marshal. But I would appreciate the chance to clean up and eat first.”

  A myriad of expressions crossed Luke’s face before he finally relaxed. “All right. But you’re not leaving my sight.”

  Rachel sucked in a breath. “That’s hardly appropriate, Luke. I’ll stay with her while she cleans up, and you can wait for us in the kitchen.”

  A muscle in Luke’s jaw ticked. “I don’t want you or anyone else getting hurt, Rach.”

  “Carly is a believer now. She’s not going to hurt anyone.”

  John Blackstone stepped forward. “This woman has been impersonating my sister. She stole from her and left her for dead after a stage robbery. I demand justice.”

  “I thought she was dead. If I’d known she was still alive, I’d have done different.” Carly ducked her head again under John Blackstone’s glare. “Her belongings are upstairs.”

  Luke studied the group then turned to the Blackstones. “I can assure you that Miss Payton is under arrest. She and Mrs. Hamilton have been through an ordeal today, and I’m going to let them do as they requested. Then Miss Payton will be taken to jail.”

  Mr. Blackstone observed them for a moment then nodded his head. He turned and motioned for his sister to go back upstairs.

  “I’ll need to get a statement from you both tomorrow. I can come here if you’d rather not come to the jail.”

  Mr. Blackstone nodded. “Here would be good. As you can see, my sister is still convalescing.”

  “I’ll come by tomorrow morning, then, after breakfast.” Luke turned to face Rachel. “Do your cleaning and eating quickly. Dan Howard’s watching the jail for me, and I need to get back.”

  Jacqueline stepped forward and grabbed Luke’s hand. “C’mon in the kitchen with me. There’s food and hot coffee.”

  Rachel marveled at how Luke allowed her daughter to boss him around. He followed Jacqueline into the kitchen, and chairs scraped across the floor. She escorted Carly to the washroom downstairs, her heart aching for the young woman. “I’m sorry about all this.”

  “It ain’t your fault. I only pretended to be Miss Blackstone ’cause I truly thought she was dead. I thought if ’n I got away from my brother, I might could start a new life.”

  Rachel cringed at the thought of Luke marrying an outlaw, even though she didn’t think Carly was hardened like her brother. She feared what would become of Carly and her fledgling faith. The young woman had admitted taking part in several bank and train robberies. Rachel hated the thought of the young woman locked up in jail, but she would have to pay for her crimes. Though that was the right thing, Rachel wanted mercy for her. Hadn’t Carly repented of her sins? She was a new person now and needed to grow in the Lord and put her old life behind her, but how would she do that in prison? I’ll do whatever I can to help her, Lord. Protect Carly, and help her through the difficult days ahead. And help me to be a better mother to Jacqueline.

  One thing she’d decided while being held captive, if Jacqueline didn’t have better guidance and more consequences for her bad behavior, she could well turn out like Carly had. As much as she disliked disciplining her child, Rachel knew it was God’s will.

  Give me the strength I need, Lord, to be a good mother.

  CHAPTER 34

  Saturday afternoon, Luke paced from the parlor of his small house to the foot of his bed. Was he doing the right thing?

  If everything went as he hoped, he would be making the most creative marriage proposal he could imagine; but if things went the other way ... A hard knock sounded on his front door. He crossed the small room and yanked the door open.

  “It’s time,” said Mayor Burke. “You ready?”

  Luke shrugged, making the mayor scowl.

  “Half the county has come to town. Women are selling food, baked goods, and lemonade, coffee, and tea to make money for the church. You’re not thinking of backing out, are you?” The mayor shoved his hand to his hips and glared at Luke. “Why, this bride contest has been the biggest thing to hit this town in months. Everyone’s speculating on which of the remaining two boardinghouse brides you’ll pick.” Mayor Bu
rke chuckled. “There’s even a few folks holding out for you to marry that outlaw bride you hauled off to Dallas.”

  Luke sighed and shook his head. “I can assure you that won’t happen.”

  Why had he ever agreed to marry like he had? He didn’t normally allow people to ramrod him into doing things. Romancing and wedding proposals were supposed to be done in private between two people in love and not made some public spectacle. But he’d given his word. And he’d prayed and prayed and still felt his plan was God’s will. He only hoped Jack followed through on her end, or he’d be in big trouble.

  He grabbed his hat from the peg near the door. “All right. I’m ready.”