The Debutante's Escape

by Peggy McKenzie

  Relief rushed through Regina's body. “Thank you so much, John. I don't know how I can possibly repay—”

  His strong fingers wrapped around her upper arms and pushed her gently away from him. He looked down at her and she wished she could read his mind.

  “Regina, I haven't said yes. I have merely agreed to think about your proposal. Please know that I will always have your best interests at heart, and if I don't believe this plan of yours will be to your benefit, then my answer must be no.”

  Regina nodded her understanding. “I understand, but I know once you have a chance to think about all I have said, you will see that my reasoning is sound.” She only hoped she was right.

  “I’ll let you know.”

  He had such a strange look on his face, Regina wondered if perhaps he was reconsidering their friendship at this point. Her actions tonight were outrageous, but desperate times called for desperate measures or some such saying she had heard before.

  “I think we should get you back to the ballroom before your parents discover you are missing and send out a search party.” John smiled and escorted her to the door. “Let me see if the hall is empty.”

  He unlocked the door and stepped out into the hallway.

  “There’s no one about. Hurry. Everyone will think you’ve been to the ladies’ room. I’ll wait in my office for a bit just to make certain there’s no chance of wagging tongues.”

  She stepped into the hallway. He was about to shut the door behind her when she turned and stopped him. “Thank you, John. You are a true friend to me.” She stood up on her tiptoes and impulsively kissed him on the cheek. His beard was surprisingly soft against her lips and for a moment she lingered. Then, she stepped back unsure what to do next.

  She watched his eyes drop to her lips and for the second time that night, she thought her friend might kiss her. Her breath hung in anticipation, but laughter broke the spell. He spun her around, pushed her toward the ladies’ room door, and closed his office door behind her. Just then two young ladies came around the corner towards her, she nodded and walked slowly toward the ballroom. She could only hope she would be able to hide her deception. She was quite inept at lying. And though she knew that was a good thing, there were times when the ability to spin the truth would come in handy.

  She continued slowly down the hallway wanting to give herself time to think. First, about John’s reaction to her request. Second, about her reaction to John. She had always thought him handsome. Decidedly so. And there were times she felt a flutter in her belly when he looked at her a certain way...but she had always considered him first and foremost her friend.

  John had made it clear long ago that he was not interested in her as anything other than a friend. And unfortunately, tonight wasn’t the first, or probably the last, time that Regina would have to remind herself of that fact.

  Memories of her sixteenth birthday party came to mind. It was the night she first became aware of her friend’s appeal to the opposite sex.

  John had been around twenty-two at the time and every bit the handsome devil her friends tittered over around the punch bowl. That was the night she made the awful mistake of trying to turn their friendship into something more by kissing him. She would not make that mistake again.

  John had never mentioned that night. Or that kiss. Not in all the years since. But she knew her bold behavior had shocked him because after that fateful night he failed to show up for their secret Thursday meetings for weeks.

  She had waited for him every Thursday afternoon for a month before he finally showed up again. She had planned to apologize to him for her untoward behavior and ruining their friendship, but he wouldn’t let her. He said they would always be friends, there was nothing to apologize for, and no need to speak of it again.

  Then he presented her with a new book, and together they sat in the meadow by the lake just outside of town and read while her parents thought she was at Sarah’s house learning to play the piano. She had learned that day that a romance with John would be impossible, even if her parents would allow it. But that was alright because she could remain friends with him, which meant she could remain close to him, and that’s where she wanted to be.

  John stood in the silence of his office staring at the closed door Regina had just disappeared through. As stunned as he was by her proposal of marriage, he was even more surprised by her kiss, albeit on his cheek.

  Her scent lingered all around him. He sniffed at his jacket. It was there too. He wished he could think straight right now for he had a life-changing decision to make. But he simply could not think of anything except how Regina felt in his arms.

  Well, that wasn't exactly true. He could admit—if only to himself—that there were a lot of things he felt when Regina was near, but that was for another time and place.

  He heard the clock on his wall strike eight o'clock. He had an appointment with Ben Scott, and it wouldn't help his cause to be late.

  He straightened his jacket and tugged at his tie. Everything in place, he quietly stepped into the hallway where music and laughter from the ballroom greeted him.

  He wasn’t surprised Regina's father was pressuring her to marry Martin Scott. What did surprise John was that Martin was open to the idea of marrying someone of his father’s choosing. John knew Martin to be a decent man, and he was sure he would make Regina a fine husband. But when they had last spoken several months ago, Martin hadn’t been the least bit interested in marriage. John couldn’t imagine much had changed, which meant Martin was no more receptive to this arrangement than Regina was.

  He supposed the whole situation would be different if she cared for the man. A stab of jealousy pricked his façade of calm.

  John shook off thoughts of Regina. He would give her proposition the proper attention it deserved, but right now it was a distraction and he needed his wits about him when he met with Ben Scott. His future depended upon a clear head.

  He walked down the hall and into the ballroom where music, dancing couples, and laughter filled the air. He spotted Ben standing next to some of Durango’s business owners. Regina’s father was nowhere to be seen. Thank goodness for small favors.

  When he caught the tycoon’s eye, he nodded. Ben gave him a slight nod of recognition and excused himself from the crowd. The man had an air about him that exuded privilege. John liked knowing he could associate with men like Ben. Well, up to a point. John had learned over the years that a man’s word was more important than power. It’s one of the reasons he wanted to keep his reputation unsullied, unlike Regina’s father. Henry Beckett had made a good many enemies when he came out on top of more than a few business dealings by means of fraud and deceit.

  John watched and admired Ben’s ability to cross a room with ease as he headed toward him. He nodded and smiled at those trying to gain his attention, cajoling them just enough so they didn’t feel slighted as he kept on course toward John.

  “There you are Kingston. I understand you have a private office where we can talk without interruption. Lead the way.”

  “This way,” John said and turned back down the hall. He led the man into his office and closed the door behind them. He pointed toward a set of chairs in front of his desk. When Ben had taken his seat, John offered him a drink.

  “Of course, Scotch if you have it.”

  “I do.” He poured Ben some of his best Scotch and handed him the expensive crystal cut glass. Normally he wasn’t big on showing off his own financial health, but in this case, he wanted to let Ben know that although he wasn’t a millionaire or a shipping tycoon, he was doing alright in his own little corner of the world.

  He poured himself a drink and took his seat in the second chair and waited for Ben to take his first sip. “Mmmm, the good stuff.” Ben nodded his appreciation and took another sip.

  “Yeah, I do enjoy a good drink now and again.” He said modestly to downplay the expense of the Scotch.

  “Do you have any idea why I wanted to meet with you toni
ght, John?” Ben crossed his ankle over his leg and got comfortable in his chair.

  “I don’t want to assume, Ben, so I'd rather you state your purpose plainly if you don't mind. No room for misunderstandings that way.” John took a small sip of his Scotch and savored the burn down the back of his throat.

  “That's another thing I like about you, Kingston. You keep your cards close to your chest. The mark of a practical man and a good businessman. Unlike some of the popinjays around here who have no skills in that arena at all.”

  John knew several of the men he was referring to—Regina's father for one. The man was a buffoon who huffed around telling everyone how important he was because he was part of some French aristocracy from half a dozen generations past. But this was America. No one cared about where you came from. The only thing that mattered was where you were going and what you did to get there.

  “I think we both know exactly which popinjay you’re referring to.” John saluted the man with his glass and took another sip.

  Ben Scott chuckled. “And yet, anyone—such as myself—who cared to find out the veracity of his preposterous claims wouldn’t have to look very hard to discover the truth.” The businessman raised his eyebrows a tad, giving John a look of quiet victory. “He is tenth in line to become baron over some remote European province. He receives an annual allowance that makes it possible for him to look down his nose at everyone. Me included.”

  “I hardly think he would dare to insult you, sir. After all, there’s something he wants from you.” John knew Regina's father had no such affinity toward him. The man had always made it painfully clear that John’s friendship with his daughter had never be welcomed. Or tolerated.

  “Yes, he and every other father living in this town. And every matrimonial-minded mother who has a daughter of marriageable age. I've encouraged Martin to take a wife, but he doesn't seem interested at present.”

  John's stomach plummeted as he thought about what Regina had told him earlier in the evening. He tested the waters.

  “Why not just marry your son to Henry's daughter, what was her name?” John pretended not to know.

  “I don't recall her name. She is a lovely young thing. I met her earlier this evening, but there are dozens of lovely young women here. And none of them come with a pretentious father who's neither practical or business-minded.”

  John breathed a sigh of relief. “I can see where he would set investors back on their heels. His arrogance is off-putting, to say the least.” He took another sip and waited for his companion to get to his point.

  “And that brings me to the purpose of our meeting, John. I’ve got a lot of interests here in Colorado and I need someone I can trust to ensure that myself, along with my investors, are protected from unsavory businessmen.”

  “Tell me what it is I can do for you, Ben.” John set his glass down on the front of his desk and looked directly into the man's eyes. It was a trick he learned long ago from his father. He’d told John A man can hide lies behind his words, but he can't hide them in his eyes. That's the key to a good con, son. Learn to hide the truth in your eyes and the world will fall at your feet.

  John had used his father's advice at the poker tables to best his opponents. He could read the truth in their eyes while hiding his. And while his cunning skills could have been used dishonestly, he had refused to follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, he prided himself on being an honest gambler and businessman.

  “I need someone I can trust to look after my interests here in Southwest Colorado. Railroads are big money right now and I want in. But I can’t be everywhere, and that’s where you come in.”

  There. John breathed a sigh of relief. He had wanted this, but he had convinced himself this was one prize out of his reach.

  “I'm honored you have such faith in me, but you know about my father’s legacy. He was a con-artist and a—”

  “I know all about your father, John. He is not you. Trust me. I’ve had my detectives all in your business and I like what I see. You are someone I believe I can trust.

  “You are your own man and have made quite the name for yourself, not to mention a sizable fortune. No one in their right mind would publicly hold you responsible for your father's sins, and if they do, we'll simply point out the error of their ways.”

  “What about Henry Beckett? He’s made it crystal clear that he wants this job. He’ll be livid when he finds out you backed the likes of me,” John grinned at the thought.

  “I don't give two hoots in a well what that pompous ass likes or doesn’t like. I've made my decision. I want you for the position. There's only one thing I might suggest you do before you accept my offer.”

  John frowned. “And what would that be?” John braced for the possibility he couldn't go along with whatever the man was planning.

  “I have a lot of very conservative investors. Very. Conservative. To the point I fear, they will not take kindly to a bachelor owning and living in a hotel. I think the dime novels have planted seeds of decadence and excess in their sordid little minds. They are going to balk at giving their money to someone such as yourself.”

  John frowned. “I’m not following. Are you saying your investors won’t approve of my appointment to this position? But I thought you said you trust me?”

  “Yes, of course I trust you. I’m just pointing out the fact that these miserable spineless men will find fault with you because you are living the life they wish they had. They have no power other than how they weld their fortunes. You’ve never seen such spiteful human beings until you have pricked their pride and jealousy rears its ugly head. I can’t afford that kind of drama, you understand that, don’t you?” Ben’s comments troubled John.

  “I suppose I can understand, but what has that to do with my ability to protect their money—which would be my primary duty. Isn’t that enough for them? To know that their money is well-protected?”

  Ben grinned and finished off his Scotch. “You would think so, but it won’t be.”

  “Then what do you suggest I do to appease their jealous natures?” John inquired. He had no idea where Ben was going with this.

  “Have you ever considered taking a bride? You know, getting married and settling down?”

  “Get married?” John was stunned by Ben’s suggestion. “That’s what you think your investors want? A married overseer?” This time, John was unable to hide his shock.

  “I know it sounds preposterous, but hear me out. You’re a handsome devil, I'll give you that, Kingston. And that fact will hurt you as a single man, but if you had a pretty young wife on your arm, my investors wouldn’t think twice about entrusting their fortunes to you.

  “And while their wives would be tripping over themselves to get to know you better, you would have a beautiful buffer between you and their husband’s jealousy. Just promise me you won’t get too friendly with one of them. I’ve already lived through that nightmare with my last business partner. It was a complete disaster.”

  Ben lifted his glass toward John indicating he wanted a refill. John obliged the man then topped off his own glass. He usually didn’t mix alcohol with business, but tonight he would make an exception.

  Ben sat back in his chair and swirled the amber liquid in his glass, refracted lights from the cut crystal glass danced around the room while John was deep in thought.

  “Well, John. Is that something you might consider? Something that might be doable? I'd like to have your answer before I commit to giving you the job. I’m sure you can understand my position.”

  John pushed his shock behind the same mask he wore when he played poker and gave himself a moment to think before he spoke. “I would consider getting married…if the right woman came along. I certainly wouldn’t marry just to get this job, Ben. It’s not in my character to use someone like that.”

  “I know that about you or I wouldn’t have extended the offer. I’m hoping you have someone in mind that might fill that description, a handsome man such as yourself
. Surely, there’s someone.”

  John sat staring at his own glass trying to sort out the consequences of a lifetime in a moment’s notice.

  “John? I need an answer.” Ben pushed. He was not a patient man.

  “Yes, Ben. I believe I do. Someone I've been acquainted with for quite some time.”

  “Good to know. Well, then, get it done as quickly as you can, and I'll make the announcement as soon as I see that marriage certificate signed, sealed, and delivered. But you must get it done by this Tuesday.”

  John's nerves scraped against his conscience. He wanted this position more than anything he had ever wanted in his life. No, that wasn't true. He wanted Regina more. And now, he could have them both, but there was a catch.

  “That doesn't leave me much time, sir.”

  “That's all the time you have, Kingston. My son and I are leaving on Wednesday afternoon’s train.”

  John's gut twisted with regret. Regina wanted a temporary marriage to escape her father's control. And the job for Ben Scott depended on a real one.

  Could he convince Regina that a real marriage to him had many more benefits than the fake one she had proposed? After all, he was capable of bestowing upon her a healthy allowance to do with what she wished. She said she had money saved back, but his gut told him that was a lie.

  And what would she do when she found out he had betrayed her trust and tricked her into a real marriage? There was a good chance she would despise him and then where would he be? Without her or her friendship. A constant stabilizing force in his life since childhood. Not to mention, how could he forego seeing her beautiful face for the rest of his days. And long days they would be without Regina in them.

  John knew the only way he could win at this game was to charm her, court her, and make her fall hopelessly in love with him before she found out the truth about their marriage. Then he might have a chance at happily ever after with the woman of his dreams.