by Angela Lain
“But she doesn’t know the man. She would prefer if she had more time to…”
“Time to what? Kick over the traces again?” Duncan’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t you think that I never noticed you had an eye for her.” He gave a derisive snort. “As if any daughter of mine would marry a half-breed. No, Faith will marry Shelton, and better herself.” He looked away. “Now we have to get these cattle back to the ranch. Are you helping or riding on?”
Hawk bit his tongue, swallowed his pride and moved alongside the cattle. He would help to drive them back, that way he could stay around for a while. He had failed with Duncan, and it was pretty obvious he would do no better with the man’s new wife. She was the instigator of the whole wedding affair. So his next step had to be to speak with Mr. Edward Shelton in person.
***
Faith and Mrs. Claudia Duncan arrived at the Shelton’s smart house in the early afternoon. Once again they were conducted into the parlor for tea and cakes.
This time only Mrs. Shelton was present with her son. It didn’t make a great deal of difference, Edward Shelton talked of himself, of the assistance he had rendered to his father this morning. He made it sound as if he was an experienced man of law, when that could not be the case.
Faith thought once again that the man was a liar.
Finally she plucked up her courage to ask.
“Could Mr. Shelton and I have a few minutes alone?”
“I think that would be permissible, after all, in three days you will be man and wife. I think we can dispense with the need for a chaperone,” Mrs. Shelton agreed.
Faith rose to her feet, she wanted out of here, and away from potential eavesdroppers. She had done exactly that two days back when she had overheard her step-mother’s orders to her father.
“Maybe we could take a turn around your garden?”
Edward gave a grunt of annoyance. “It’s cold out there!”
“Not as cold as it will be in January,” Faith fired back at him.
“Very well.” He got to his feet. “Mother, organize some more hot drinks for when we return. We will not be many minutes.”
Faith vowed they would take exactly as many minutes as was necessary for her to make her feelings abundantly clear.
They stepped out onto the veranda and he offered his arm politely. Faith took it and accompanied him down the steps.
Today her hair was fastened in a chignon behind her head, adding nothing to her height, however, she had worn her boots, she still topped him by an inch. It raised her courage.
“Mr. Shelton, I believe we need to discuss this arrangement our parents have thrust upon us.”
“Why is that?”
“Because…” Faith paused, amazed that he could be so accepting of this. “Because we were not consulted.”
“Maybe you were not consulted. But I was, and I agreed it was a reasonable idea.”
“Reasonable? To marry someone you have never met?”
“May I remind you of the marvelous trade in mail order brides which has existed in this country for many years.”
“Mail order brides choose to marry a stranger. I did not!”
“You have no suitor in mind. It is time you married, you will soon be an old maid.”
Faith stopped dead and faced him. How could he insult her that way? He was going to marry her. Surely he must have some finer feelings?
“Do you not truly wish to marry, but you are forced to do so?” she questioned.
“Certainly not. It is my choice to marry you. There are certain advantages.”
Advantages? He was marrying for some sort of gain, rather than to acquire a wife?
“Why are you doing this? You don’t want me,” Faith snapped.
“Of course I don’t. I have a perfectly agreeable mistress in San Francisco, and I plan to return to her post haste. I am marrying you to allow my father to get his hands on a large parcel of land, namely your dowry.”
“My dowry?” Faith’s jaw dropped in shock. She had no idea her father had even considered giving her a dowry.
“The original ranch your father used to own.” Faith stared in disbelief. “Oh yes, we have heard all about the fighting and the heroics and your father taking over from the man in charge. Once my father has that land, he will cede me the house in San Francisco.” His tone became sneering. “My father wishes to be a big fish in a little pond. In San Francisco he was nothing much, here he will be a big man, with a large ranch. Of course, I will need to bed you, to father an heir, my mistress cannot do that for me.”
This got worse by the second, he was marrying her because he was being bribed by his father. But he didn’t care, because he had a way out. He would marry her, settle her in a new house at the old CD, get her pregnant and return to his mistress in San Francisco. So much for her step mother’s dream of visiting the big, bright city. The only light at the end of the tunnel was being left alone on the ranch. Then she could do exactly as she pleased. But she would, if Edward Shelton had his way, have a child, his son and heir.
And if it was not a son?
No doubt he would return to rut on her until he succeeded.
Faith wanted nothing of this life.
“I will not do this!”
He stepped forward and seized her arm. “Oh yes you will. Your parents approve. You will have to do as you are told. What other choice do you have?”
What choice indeed?
Her only option was to tell her step-mother what Edward Shelton had admitted, and hope she would see sense.
Either that or run!
That idea looked more and more attractive as Christmas drew nearer. Surely Hawk would help her to escape?
CHAPTER EIGHT
T he day before the Christmas party Faith knew they would spend hours decorating the house with the streamers Claudia had purchased in town. Once again she was awake before dawn, and tired though she felt, she crawled from her bed. She was determined to ride Juno, she had no idea when the chance would come again. Tomorrow was the party, the next day the wedding; it was all happening too fast and she still had no idea what she could do about any of this.
She did not want to marry Edward Shelton.
That was the truth, but it seemed not to matter to anyone with any influence. She knew Flynn was appalled, as was Jim. And Hawk? Who knew! What was it to him anyhow? She was just a girl he had known, a girl he had kissed… once.
She made her way to the barn, saddled her pony and rode out into the dawn.
***
Hawk was sleeping in the far end of the barn. He had been offered a bed in the bunkhouse, but he’d declined. He’d been alone for weeks out on the range, the bunkhouse seemed too crowded and airless. The barn suited him just fine.
He woke to the sound of hoof beats, he sat up to listen.
Hoof beats heading away from the barn.
He pulled on his boots and hurried to the door, there, fading into the distance was the girl who haunted all his dreams.
He had lurked around the barn yesterday evening in the hope she would come outside, but he’d not seen her. Now he would speak with her, he would follow.
It took him only moments to saddle his horse and set out on her trail. He could no longer see her, but he wouldn’t lose her, not on this range.
He caught up with her at the clearing in the trees where she had been held captive two years ago. She was sitting on her pony, so deep in thought that she didn’t realize he was there until he spoke.
“If this place could talk,”
She spun around in shock, making her pony dance.
“Oh! Hawk! You gave me a fright.”
“I’m sorry. I wanted to talk with you.”
“As did I. Things are worse than awful. I have discovered exactly what the Shelton’s are up to. Edward is not one bit interested in me, all he wants is the land!” she spat angrily.
Hawk walked his horse over to hers and stepped off. “Come on, get down and tell me all about it.”
&nbs
p; Faith scowled at him, but obliged. “This is serious. You sound… condescending.”
“I don’t mean to. I want to know. I spoke to your father, but maybe I should try again if you have discovered more.”
“Oh yes, I’ve discovered a great deal. My father is giving me a dowry, or rather he is giving Edward Shelton my dowry!”
“Which is… money?”
“No, it’s most of the old CD ranch! His father wants it. He says he will trade the old section of CD land for his father’s property in San Francisco. Edward wants to build a house, then leave me here, pregnant, on the old CD, and he will go back to his mistress in the city. Now I don’t care about the mistress, I just care that I will be tied to a cheat like him!”
Hawk looked down into her stormy eyes. He’d always loved those eyes.
“Faith… I will try again to convince your father that this is a very bad idea.”
“I hope you succeed!”
He looked around the clearing. “I remember this so well.”
“I was tied against that tree.” She pointed across the clearing. “I was so afraid…” she shuddered. “It still makes me feel bad, thinking of it.”
“You were brave. Most women would have been hysterical.”
She raised her chin. “Much good that would have done. I was prepared to fight, I would have died rather than submit.”
He laid his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t think of it.”
“No. You saved me that day. Are you going to save me again?”
“I will try. I will speak with your father again. I may even speak with Edward Shelton, but it does sound as if his path is set.”
Faith’s shoulders slumped. “How can I live with this? If you fail…”
“I won’t. I will go now, and I will speak with him. Come, let us ride back to the ranch.”
***
Faith’s day moved on much as she had expected. She was pressed into decorating the rooms with ribbons and bows and boughs of greenery. Her step-mother was at her very best, ordering people around in her imperious fashion.
Faith did as she was bid, her mind was far away. As they had ridden home Hawk had talked of the small ranch in Colorado where his friends now lived. He might say he had no home, but the fondness in his tone told a different story. Would he return to the mountains?
If she could get out of this forced marriage, she would no longer have a home here; was there any chance she could go with him?
By mid-afternoon Claudia was satisfied with the way the rooms looked. She turned her attention to the kitchens and the food.
Faith thought to escape, but that was not to be.
“I have ordered the hot water up for your bath. Ginette will assist you. It is imperative that you are perfectly turned out tomorrow. When you are clean and your hair is drying and in curlers, I suggest you prepare your party dress.”
No rest for the wicked!
A bath and a hair wash wasn’t an unpleasant occupation, but Ginette’s ministrations might be. The idea of tying her hair up in curl papers was not pleasant. She had little doubt Ginette would make it an exercise in discomfort.
There was no choice, she retired to the bathing room and took her bath. Almost two hours later she was able to retire to her room. She told Ginette she wanted to prepare her own clothes, in truth she wanted to escape.
She was beginning to feel panicked. Tomorrow, at the Christmas party, was her last opportunity to persuade Mr. Shelton, or even his parents, that this was not a good idea.
She hid in her room, wondering how Hawk had fared with his attempt to persuade her father.
***
Hawk had returned to the bunkhouse and had breakfast with the hands. Then he had ridden onto the range with them, in the hopes that he may better talk with Craig Duncan if he was being useful.
“Mr. Duncan. May I speak with you?”
“Again? If this has anything to do with my daughter, I don’t want to hear it.” His tone was belligerent.
“It does, but you should hear this. Mr. Edward Shelton does not intend staying in Broken Ridge.”
“And why should he? No doubt they will repair to San Francisco.”
“He’s after the CD land, to give to his father.”
Duncan shrugged. “Dowries are spent, that’s the way it is.”
“But he only wants the dowry!” Hawk exclaimed. “He will leave Faith here and return to his mistress in San Francisco.”
“Rubbish. The girl is trying to cause trouble. Time she was taken in hand.”
“Faith does not…”
“That is Miss Duncan to you! I’m not listening to any more. Either work, or leave, that’s your choice. I told you before, it’s not your concern, stay away from my daughter or you will regret it.” Duncan wheeled his pony and cantered away.
Hawk stared after him in despair. Flynn trotted up.
“Is there a problem?”
“Other than the one Faith has?”
“Ahh, yes. But what can we do? Father says she must marry, how can we do anything to stop it?”
“I am working on it,” Hawk grunted and turned his pony around to head for the town. To hell with Duncan’s work. He had to help Faith.
Hawk had little trouble finding the Shelton’s business premises when he rode into town. Mr. J. Shelton, Attorney at Law, the large sign announced. Hawk had no idea if Edward Shelton would be here, or at his parent’s home, but he stepped down to enquire.
When he entered the office the young lady behind the desk took one look and became visibly nervous.
“Is it possibly to speak with Mr. Shelton, please?”
“Mr. Shelton Senior or Mr. Shelton Junior?” she returned rather breathlessly.
Hawk realized with a jolt of surprise that the girl wasn’t nervous, she was excited.
“Either, or maybe both.”
“You are Mr. Daniel Black Hawk?” she was almost quivering.
“I am.”
“Oh, I am so pleased to meet you. Patsy Bonner said you were in town, she said you went to tea.”
Bonner, the Sheriff’s wife, he realized. And maybe Sherriff Bonner had been right about the woman of this town not forgetting him, although he was sure he’d not met this girl before.
“I did,” he returned evenly. “Is either Mr. Shelton free?”
“I am sorry, no.” She fluttered her lashes at him. “Mr. Shelton Senior is with a client, and Mr. Shelton Junior went out for lunch and has not returned.”
“Where did he go for lunch?”
She looked worried. “I… umm…”
“Please?” Hawk wheedled with his best smile.
She blushed and whispered rather furtively. “He went to the saloon. His father doesn’t like it, but he goes anyhow.”
“Thank you. I will see if I can find him.”
“Oh. Please, you won’t…?”
“I won’t tell him who told me where to find him. I promise.” Hawk gave her another smile, and thought to continue his questions. “Mr. Edward Shelton, he runs the San Francisco branch of his father’s business?”
“I… um… I don’t know. None of the documents we receive from San Francisco have his name on them. The business is managed by a Mr. Tillier. Maybe Mr. Edward works with him?”
For a few seconds Hawk was taken aback, was the man a liar? Faith had said he ran the San Francisco branch, but this girl knew nothing of that.
“So he is not a lawyer?”
“Well… he is still young, he seems to assist his father. I would think he is still training.”
“Ah, I see, obviously I was wrongly informed. Thank you for your help.” He tipped his hat to her, smiled once more, and headed back onto the street.
The man was a liar!
And he spent his lunch hours in the saloon.
There was nothing inherently wrong with saloons. Hawk had spent many hours in saloons of all kinds. Hell, he had met Beth in a saloon. But he was a cowhand and a drifter, saloons were part of life; lunch in the
saloon didn’t sit right with the sort of person Edward Shelton was supposed to be.
Hawk stepped inside the saloon doors, he remembered this place too. Here was where he had met Flynn; the boy had been facing up to a gunman he could never hope to beat. Stepping through those doors had been the start of their involvement in the range war.
Did the barkeep remember him?
“Black Hawk!” The barkeep left him in no doubt. “A beer as I remember; it’s on the house.” The glass was swiftly plonked in front of him. “A Happy Christmas to you. I hope things are more friendly than last time you walked in here!”
“We can but hope,” Hawk returned softly. He leaned on the bar and looked around. There were several men seated at tables, playing cards in a desultory manner. Only one fitted the description of Edward Shelton.
Hawk downed his beer and stepped over to the table, hooking his thumbs into his belt as he so often did.
“Can we help you?” the older man at the table enquired.
“I would like a word with Mr. Shelton, a private word if that is possible, please.”
Edward Shelton eyed him suspiciously. “Why?” His eyes flicked down to Hawk’s gun, still holstered at his side. “Are you threatening me?”
Hawk removed his thumbs from his belt, allowing his coat to fall back over the gun. “No, sir, there is just a small matter of business I would like to clear up.”
The man rose to his feet. Hawk had realized he wasn’t a big man, but at a guess he stood a mere five feet five inches. Faith must almost tower over him. He surmised Shelton would feel more comfortable, and possibly be more amenable, if his lack of inches was not so obvious.
“Shall we sit there?” Hawk indicated a table over by the wall, away from everyone else.
Shelton merely gave a rather rude nod of his head, and moved to sit by the wall. Hawk seated himself opposite and placed both hands on the table, so there should be no doubt of his peaceful intentions.
“I wanted to speak with you about your forthcoming wedding.” He paused; Shelton made no comment, so he continued. “Miss Duncan is not happy with the situation. She would be very grateful if the wedding could be called off.”
