Mail Order Bride: Ultimate Mail Order Bride Collection: 6-Book Bundle ~ Clean Historical Romance (Shades of Romance Series)

by Jill Maguire

  Kate shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t believe you. It just seems so unlikely that the two of you would end up in the same town after so many years, and coming into contact with each other this way. What are you going to do?”

  “I’m going to go talk to him. See if I can get enough information to prove his identity. Then I’ll tell Fletcher and see how he wants to handle things. Who knows? He may even be wanted by the law for some of the horrible things he did.”

  “I don’t know, Virginia. That sounds awfully dangerous.”

  “It won’t be. He doesn’t know who I am. He didn’t see me that night. He’ll have no reason to think anything other than I’m just trying to get to know folks.”

  Kate as still shaking her head. “I don’t know. Maybe you should let Fletcher handle it right from the start.”

  “I can’t,” Virginia said emphatically. “I have to be sure first before I say anything. Otherwise Mr. Kipling may get spooked and run off. Then he’ll never pay for what he did.”

  “I suppose,” Kate reluctantly agreed. “But do be careful. When do you plan to talk to him?”

  “I’m going into town later today. I want to go while Fletcher is out of town. That way there’s no risk of him finding out what I’m doing before I’m ready to tell him. I’ll stop by the livery pretending that I thought Bart threw a shoe on the way to town. Hopefully I’ll be able to start up a conversation.”

  “You think he’ll tell you about his past just like that? He certainly isn’t going to stand there and tell you about houses that he burned down or other horrible things he did during the war.”

  Virginia stood up from the table and began to pace around the kitchen. “No, I realize that. I’m just hoping to get enough of his history to put him in the right place at the right time. If I can confirm that, then I’ll be certain he’s who I think he is.”

  “Would you like me to come with you?” Kate offered.

  “Absolutely not,” Virginia stated. “I can’t have anyone else involved. It would be too risky, and risks are not something you need to be taking right now, Mama.” She said the last word with emphasis, succeeding to bring the smile back to Kate’s face. “Now let’s change the subject. Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?”

  “Just healthy,” Kate replied. “Anyway, I’d best be getting back. I left all my chores to come over and share the news. Now it’s time to get back to work.”

  “Thanks for coming by. I’m so happy for you and I’ll be sure to tell Fletcher the second I see him. You take care now.”

  Thanks. I will,” Kate paused and turned back from the door. “You take care too.”

  Virginia watched as Kate drove away, her mind bouncing back and forth between thoughts of new babies and old enemies. Hurrying back inside, she quickly finished up the chores she had started before Kate arrived. She wanted to get into town before the day got too hot.

  It didn’t take her long to hitch up the team and soon she was on her way. Though she longed to give the reins a slap and let Ben and Bart go faster, she remembered Fletcher’s warning and kept them at a walk.

  When she arrived in town, Virginia headed straight for the livery. She didn’t want to run into anyone before she had a chance to talk to Mr. Kipling. She was geared up to do this thing now and any small distraction could easily give her an excuse to abandon her mission. She knew it wouldn’t take much for her to lose her nerve.

  The man in question was in his shop alone when she pulled up. When he raised his eyes to her in greeting, it was all she could do to keep from fainting again.

  Gathering her composure, she introduced herself and gave him her contrived reason for being there.

  “I remember you, Mrs. Clarke. That was a real fine party the other night. Sorry to hear that you ended up feeling poorly.”

  “Thank you,” Virginia managed. ”It wasn’t anything serious. I’m glad you had a good time.”

  As he bent to have a look at Bart’s shoe, Virginia studied him. The longer she spent in his presence, the more certain she became of his identity.

  Looking around the livery, she struggled to find a way to open the conversation. “You have quite a business established here. Have you always lived in Loring?’

  Without looking up from his work he answered. “Nope. Only been here a few years, but the town was in need of my services and business just took off.”

  “That’s very fortunate,” she continued. “Did you run a livery before you came to Loring?”

  Still busy with the horse, he kept his eyes down. “No, Ma’am. Picked up the trade after the war. Before all the fighting I was a farmer.”

  “So you were a union soldier?” Something in the question alerted him and he stood up, looking her straight in the eye. His stare almost sent her reeling, but too much was at stake now for her to back down.

  “I was. Like lots of folks around here, I came looking for a fresh start. As I understand it, you’re from the south, right?”

  Virginia struggled to speak. “That’s right.”

  “You’ve moved quite a ways then. Your family still down south?”

  Virginia found her nerve and held his gaze. He couldn’t help but notice the dark look that came into her eyes. “I don’t have any family. I was left an orphan after the war.”

  Although she gave no specifics, he suddenly knew why she was asking so many questions. Memories of a particular fire and a particular night came crashing into his head. A house in flames, his men shouting and looting, and through it all the sounds of a child sobbing.

  He was bending over, torch in hand to set some bales of hay on fire. He noticed the small girl hiding in the stable. He looked into her eyes as the dry hay burst into flame. He watched as she ran for cover behind an old tree. He said nothing. He didn’t alert his men to her presence or she would have been killed. He let her go. And he had never forgotten her eyes.

  He couldn’t let on what he knew. He had to keep his secret. “I’m very sorry. War does have horrible consequences. But on a happier note, I think your horse is just fine. You should have no problem getting him home.”

  Virginia couldn’t wait to get out of there. Her pulse was racing and her head felt light. “Thank you,” was all she could manage before fleeing through the door.

  Chapter Ten

  He had to act and he had to act now. He watched as the woman who had been the little girl of his nightmares hurried her horses down the street. She was the sheriff’s wife. If he told her who he was he would have to face the law. He’d been running from the law for a long time now. He’d made a good life for himself here. He couldn’t let her ruin everything.

  Aaron Kipling took only a few minutes to put a plan together. He was aware that Fletcher was out of town so there was no way his nosy little wife could talk with him until he returned. For the time being his secret was safe and he aimed to keep it that way.

  He led one of his fastest horses out of the livery and tied it to the railing. Then he went back inside and tidied up the jobs he had in progress. Then, locking the door up behind him, he mounted the big horse and headed out of town.

  Virginia stopped at the café for a cup of coffee and a chat with Missy Graves who worked there. It was a chance to calm her nerves and think about her next steps.

  Then, so that she would have something to show for her trip, she visited the mercantile and bought a few things that they needed at the house, including the fabric she had mentioned to Fletcher.

  Still uneasy from her conversation with Aaron Kipling, she decided to stop by the jail and see if Fletcher was back. Even if she didn’t say anything right now, it would be nice to ride home together. But her hopes were dashed when she found the office empty except for the part time deputy that kept an eye on things whenever Fletcher was away.

  “Sorry Mrs. Clarke. He isn’t back yet. He asked if I’d be good to stay on till dinner time case he was that long.”

  “Oh, I see. Well thank you.” Disappointed, Virginia decided it was best
to just head for home. She secured her purchases in the back of the wagon taking a minute to grab an apple each for Ben and Bart. She spoke to each horse as she offered her treat and then climbed up into the wagon.

  The day was blistering hot and the horses had no interest in moving at more than a slow walk. That was fine with her. It would give her plenty of time to think about what she would say to Fletcher when he got home.

  Her quiet musings were shattered when a figure on a huge black horse appeared from the woods and blocked their path. Bart whinnied loudly and Ben pawed the ground anxiously. Virginia recognized the man as her wagon came to a stop in front of him.

  “Mr. Kipling. I didn’t expect to run into you out here. Is there something wrong with one of the horses after all?”

  Aaron Kipling just stared at her, his horse stepping from side to side as if ready to bolt at any second. Ben and Bart stood tense, and still.

  “Nope, Mrs. Clarke. Or should I say Hollings?”

  Virginia’s eyes grew wide as she returned his stare. ”How do you…?”

  He interrupted. “How do I know your maiden name? Because I remember reading the name hanging over the stables the night my gang looted and burned your house. I saw you that night hiding in the stables. I let you get away. I let you live. But I’m willing to bet you’re not going to be so forgiving of me now are ya?”

  “You believe right. You murdered my family and you need to pay for that.” Although her palms were damp and her heart was racing, Virginia kept her voice calm. “Fletcher will see to it that you are sent before the judge for your crimes.”

  The sound of laughter that came from Aaron’s mouth was pure evil. “No, I don’t think so. You see, I let you go once, but I won’t make that mistake again.” He pulled a rifle from his saddle bag and aimed it straight at her.

  Virginia screamed and gave the reins a slap. Sensing her fear and reacting to it, Ben and Bart lunged forward. Aaron’s huge horse blocked their path forward and there was no way to turn around. Instead the two loyal beasts headed off to the right at a full gallop. Virginia had never driven the wagon at this speed and she was terrified.

  Aaron stayed right on the heels of her wagon causing Ben and Bart to go even faster. At this speed and with her lack of experience, there was no way to avoid an accident. Aaron smiled as he watched the wagon careen out of control. Not only was it going to crash, with the direction the horses had taken it was going to be well into the desert when it did.

  Aaron slowed his pace as he watched the wagon tip over. When he arrived on the scene she lay unconscious surrounded by the heap of twisted metal and splintered wood that had once been the wagon. The horses had run a good distance into the desert and the shattered wagon was concealed by a small thicket of sagebrush and rocks.

  Aaron looked down at her still form. He couldn’t see any blood but he could see bruises starting to appear on her face. If she wasn’t already dead, he was pretty sure she would be soon. He slid his rifle back into its holder. He wouldn’t need to shoot her after all. In this heat, and in her condition, she wasn’t going to last long.

  Aaron turned his horse around and headed back towards town. His secret would remain safe. No one would have any reason to connect him with the lady’s death. She’d admitted that she hadn’t told her sheriff husband anything about him and being as she was pretty new in town, it wasn’t likely she had told anybody else either. Yep, he was pretty sure that his secret was safe.

  He hadn’t gone far before he was overcome by guilt. What was he doing? This wasn’t the man he had worked so hard to become over the past twelve years. He was better than that. If he left her there to die, he may as well admit that he hadn’t changed at all. Pulling upon the reins he stopped his horse and headed back to the site of the crash. He hoped he wasn’t too late.

  She was still unconscious as he lifted her gently into his arms. He laid her gently on the saddle until he got positioned behind her then he cradled her small body against his own. He could feel her shallow breathing and for the first time in a long time he prayed to God that she would be alright.

  He trip back to town took longer than he would have liked but given the way he was carrying her, he had no choice but to go slow. She was starting to stir by the time they arrived at the livery, but by the time he laid her in his bed she was back asleep.

  He tried as best he could to check her injuries, and from what he could tell, she had no broken bones. He dabbed cool water on the scratches he could see on her face. The sagebrush had fortunately broken her fall, and it looked as though a few bruises and scrapes were going to be the worst of it.

  He pulled a worn quilt over her and dragged a kitchen chair over to the side of the bed. His eyes never closed as he watched her sleep. He knew that his life was now in her hands and he couldn’t help but wonder what she would do with it.

  Chapter Eleven

  Fletcher headed straight for home instead of stopping by his office. He was confident that his deputy could handle things, and he was anxious to get home and see Virginia. This was the first time they’d been apart for this long and though it was only a few hours, it seemed like forever.

  His anticipation turned quickly to disappointment when he saw that the wagon wasn’t parked by the barn. He wondered where she could be at this hour. Glancing at his watch, he noted the time. Seven o’clock. It was well past dinner time, and even if Virginia had gone visiting she would have headed home by now. There was only about an hour of daylight left and she had never driven the wagon after dark.

  Given the late hour, he decided the only place she could be was Kate and Morgan’s. She must have gone for dinner and would be able to travel from there and still be home by dark. Fletcher debated for minute or two and then decided to head over there. If she was still there they could come home together, and even if he met up with her part way, he was sure she would enjoy the company.

  He quickly checked the house to make sure she wasn’t there, then he got back on his horse and headed to the Trent homestead. He smiled to himself, thinking of Morgan spending his evening with the two ladies. No doubt by now he was out in the barn puttering away at some chore trying to avoid the confusing realm of female conversation.

  But a nagging worry started to tug at him as he approached his friend’s home. There was no sign of his wagon there either. He hadn’t passed Virginia on the way and there was only one route she would have taken. Morgan and Kate were both on the porch when he pulled up.

  “Howdy friend. What brings you by so late in the evening?” Morgan stood to greet his friend.

  “I was hoping to find Virginia here. She wasn’t at home when I got there. I didn’t stop in town but I figured it was too late for her to be there.” Fletcher removed his hat and raked his hands through his hair. “Wonder where she could be?”

  Kate stood now and joined her husband. “I saw Virginia this morning about ten. She was heading into town then.” She paused then, and Fletcher noticed the worried look that crept into her eyes.

  Pulling Fletcher aside out of earshot of her husband, she went on. “I don’t want Morgan to hear this. Virginia didn’t want anyone else to know.”

  “Kate, what is it?”

  Kate hesitated. ”I promised I wouldn’t tell but under the circumstances, I think maybe I should.” At her tone, Fletcher felt his heart constrict. Somehow he knew what she was about to say wasn’t going to be good.

  “She was heading into town to speak to Aaron Kipling. She said she thought he was the man who burned down her house when she was a girl. She said she remembered his eyes.”

  “So she just up and decided to go all on her own without even telling me?” Fletcher felt anger start to compete with the worry. “What a fool thing to do.”

  Kate shrugged. “I’m so sorry Fletcher. I tried to convince her to wait and talk to you. I even offered to go with her, but she said it was something she had to do alone. She wanted proof of his identity before she told you.”

  Seeing the guilt o
n Kate’s face, Fletcher softened his voice. “It’s not your fault Kate. Thank you for trying to talk her out of it. But I’m learning how determined my wife can be.” Shoving his hat back on his head he turned his horse around. “Guess the first thing I’ll do is head into Aaron’s and see what he has to say.”

  When there was no sign of the wagon outside the livery, Fletcher’s worry increased. “Doesn’t look like she’s here either,” he muttered, dismounting almost before his horse came to a stop.

  The livery door was locked but Fletcher could see a lamp burning in the back room where Aaron lived. He banged loudly on the door. When a very tired looking Aaron opened the door, it was all Fletcher could do to keep from barging straight in.

  “Is my wife here? He barked accusingly. I know she was coming to see you today. Where is she?”

  Aaron stepped forward and pushed Fletcher back outside as he pulled the door closed. “Just calm down some, and I’ll explain.”

  “I have no intention of calming down until you tell me where my wife is.”

  “She’s inside.” Before Fletcher could take a step, Aaron blocked the doorway. “She’s fine. But I want to explain what happened before you go barging in there.”

  Fletcher’s eyes blazed and his fist clenched as he tried to control his rage. “Start talking then, and make it fast.”

  When Aaron was finished, it was all he could do to keep from strangling the man right there and then.

  “It’s lucky for you I’m a lawman, because there’s nothing I’d like more at this moment than the chance to tear you limb from limb. But right now I’d like to see my wife. Alone,” he added as Aaron started to follow behind him.

  His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her lying there so still. The room was in shadows and he couldn’t tell for sure if her eyes were open or closed. He crept to the bedside and exhaled the long breath he’d been holding when their eyes connected.

  She reached out to take his hand. “I’m fine,” she whispered through the gravel in her throat. “Thirsty.” Fletcher glanced down at the small table beside the bed. A glass of cool water stood there as well as a basin full of fresh clear water and a clean washrag. Aaron had apparently been taking care of her.