A bit of calm thinking did not rule out the possibility that Walmore had come to Independence to locate David for those evil men. Now that he’d insinuated his way into David’s good graces and company, the murderers could choose the time and place to carry out their wicked deeds. It wasn’t so far from what Peterson had tried to do in Scottsburg, using her as the go-between.
Or was David’s theory that the thugs were chasing Walmore the correct one? It would explain his black eye and nervousness.
She felt a pang of compassion for Walmore. The young man didn’t seem able to fend for himself in this inhospitable land. She hoped they weren’t throwing him to the wolves.
Whatever their current situation, she couldn’t give herself entirely over to fear. She was off on an adventure with the man she loved. Even if they were in danger, she somehow found herself enjoying every minute.
David stopped a well-dressed man on the street and asked him for the name of a nice restaurant. He then hailed a horse cab and instructed the driver to take them there.
Millie shrank back when they entered. She had never eaten in such a fine place, and she certainly wasn’t dressed for it. But David drew her in, and they were soon seated at a secluded corner table. The china, the spotless linen tablecloth and napkins, the glassware—all might have been found on a rich man’s table. Fresh flowers filled a ceramic vase, and the cutlery appeared to be fine silver plate. When she caught sight of the prices, she nearly swooned, but David caught her eye and smiled.
“Don’t let that frighten you, Mildred. When I reach New York, I shall have an infusion of cash awaiting me.”
“Oh, I—” She gulped, not knowing what to say, but she felt the heat in her cheeks. She leaned toward him. “I don’t like to see you spend so much on me.”
“It’s my choice, dear. Enjoy it, and see if you think the chef here cooks better than you. Personally, I doubt it, but it will be a pleasant study.”
Millie’s heart fluttered. This was all so far from what she knew. In Oregon, she’d dreamed of living in this sort of atmosphere—or she would have, if she’d known what to dream. She couldn’t have conjured up the particulars because she’d never come near to this standard of luxury.
But that was long ago when she aspired to marry her way out of poverty. Now she would gladly share a log cabin with this man and forego the social whirl she’d once craved.
She attempted to read the copious bill of fare, but she kept sneaking glances at David. He was being more than kind to her. He was acting like a suitor. Dared she hope?
When the waiter—who was dressed finer than most preachers—reappeared, she had not come close to making a choice.
“Oh dear, there are so many dishes that sound exquisite.”
“Shall I order for both of us?” David asked.
Relief settled on her, and she handed the menu to the waiter. David knew her now. He would order something she would like.
“Yes, please.” She smiled at him a bit shyly, wondering how they could be so calm in the midst of life-threatening turmoil.
He ordered a chicken dish she had never heard of—the name of it sounded foreign. The waiter asked if they wanted a drink, and David asked for tea for both of them.
When the waiter had gone, David bent toward her and said quietly, “Mildred, it’s time I spoke to you of what is on my heart.”
“You mean…Walmore?”
“No, no. Forget that man—and the others as well. My dear, you must realize I’ve grown very fond of you.” David took her hand and held it tenderly on the snowy-white tablecloth. “Might I believe that you also care for me?”
She gulped. Her face must be scarlet now, and she couldn’t tear her gaze away from his earnest blue eyes if she’d wanted to, which she didn’t. In fact, she thought she could stare into them for the rest of her life and never be bored.
“I…yes. Oh yes, David, you might. I hope you will. Because I do.”
He smiled. “Ah, Mildred. You are such a delight.”
“Really? Because I feel rather awkward just now.”
“Please don’t. It’s not my intention to make you ill at ease.”
Her mind whirled. Where could this lead? His words seemed directed toward a proposal of marriage, but if he was truly on his way to accept a title in the British peerage and ownership of a vast estate, how could he possibly consider her as a fitting wife? And if not marriage, then what? No, she wouldn’t believe that he would suggest something more vulgar. He wasn’t that type of man.
He sat back a bit but did not relinquish her hand.
“I see that you are confused. Perhaps I should have chosen a more private venue, but Mildred, I have come to admire you. In fact, I love you.”
Millie’s heart surged into a pounding gallop. She caught her breath but could not speak.
David smiled gently. “I am asking you to consider whether you might go to England with me, my dear—as my bride.”
CHAPTER 34
The waiter returned at the most inopportune moment possible. David released Millie’s hand and sat decorously silent while the food was placed before them. Millie’s lovely green eyes were downcast. She seemed intent on watching how the waiter placed the dishes.
“Will that be all, sir?” the man asked.
“Yes, thank you,” David said.
The man went away, and Millie raised her gaze. “I…I hardly know what to say, David.”
“You have not said no, and I take that with optimism.”
“But you…your position…”
“Ah yes. The title. I hope you won’t let that put you off. But if you think you could not bear it—all that it would entail, why then I would give up the title and the estate to my cousin. I find after great deliberation that I would rather stay in America with you than return to England alone. My dear, would you accept a proposal from David Stone, commoner, who is partner in a stagecoach line?”
Millie stared at him, her cheeks going even redder. “I should be proud to if that were the case. In fact, I might say it would make me extremely happy.”
“Then that is settled—you are willing to marry me, at least under some circumstances.” He couldn’t help smiling, but Millie looked astonished.
“Do you mean you would make such a sacrifice?”
He chuckled. “For me it would hardly be a sacrifice. I have done without Stoneford and all it brings for many years, and I would hardly miss it—though I do love the place, and it holds dear memories for me. But I know I could be happy with the life I established in Oregon, particularly with someone as charming and pleasant as you by my side.”
Her lips twitched, and he thought perhaps he’d nearly made her smile.
“Mildred.” He reached once more for her hand.
She glanced about, looking adorably timid.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I should let you eat your supper. It wasn’t fair of me to raise the subject just when you’re served a meal.”
She did smile then. “Indeed, sir. Most inconsiderate.”
He laughed aloud and picked up his fork. “Let us eat, then, but I hope you will consider my proposal while we do. We can discuss it later.”
David took a bite of his salad, but he did not like to admit even to himself how nervous she had made him. He wished he’d waited until they were in a private spot—one where he could sweep her into his arms and kiss away her doubts.
Millie peered at the salad for several seconds, apparently astonished. Perhaps she had never seen fresh greens in combination with halved grapes and bits of orange and walnuts. She picked up her fork and took an experimental bite. Her expression gratified David, telling him he’d chosen well. Wait until she tried the chicken. She would probably march to the kitchen and demand a recipe or two.
However, after three bites, Millie blotted her lips with her napkin. “The food is most excellent, sir, and I thank you for it, but I must speak to your earlier point.”
“Please do,” David said gravely.
&nbs
p; “I also have come to care deeply for you and to admire your character. Nothing would make me happier than to be your wife. But I know you left Oregon with a purpose in mind. I would not like to see you put aside what you felt was your duty for my sake.”
Peace settled over David. He could only feel that the Lord had brought this about. “We shall speak more of this,” he said, “but I assure you, I shall not shirk my duty.”
She nodded. “Good. It’s just that things you’ve said in the past have made me wonder whether you could in good conscience hand the family’s heritage and responsibilities over to your cousin.”
“True, my dear. For now, I will only say that you have made me the happiest man alive.”
“Indeed?”
“What? Are you surprised?”
“Yes.” A tiny frown wrinkled her brow. “Frankly, I am, because I had no idea I could wield such power over you.”
“I hope that you shall learn in the future the strength of that power.”
Millie shivered slightly, but she did not look uneasy or discontent. She fell to her dinner with enthusiasm. David relaxed and enjoyed the meal as well, and when they were nearly finished, he slipped the waiter a coin and asked him to secure a cab for them.
“Where to now?” Millie asked once they were settled in the carriage.
“Back to the depot to pick up our luggage.” David took her hand and held it in both of his. At last, he had her in a place where prying eyes could not reach. “It’s odd how many miles we’ve traveled together, but I never until these last few days wished we were the only passengers.”
She laughed aloud, and he drank in the sight of her, seemingly carefree. But her face soon sobered.
“David, did you mean it?”
“What, dearest?”
“All of it. Any of it.”
“Of course.” He lifted his arm to encircle her shoulders and drew her near.
Millie’s eyes widened then closed as he leaned in to kiss her. He was glad they hadn’t trifled with romance in Scottsburg. This was as it should be—the moment when a man sealed his love for a true-hearted woman with a kiss. She brought her hand up to his collar and returned his caress with what seemed a match for his ardor, yet with enough restraint that he was encouraged. His recent assessment of the new Mildred Evans was not wrong.
“I love you,” he murmured, holding her against his chest. He considered asking her to remove her hat so he could stroke her hair but decided that would come later. He may have won her love, but the time for familiarity was not yet at hand. “Let me tell you what I have in mind for us.”
“I should very much like to know,” she whispered.
David smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “I know I could be happy living a simple life with you, but you’re correct about my temperament. I do feel it is my duty to take on the estate at Stoneford. If there were another heir whom I thought could run it well…but there is not. Will you still marry me, my darling, if I go to England? Would you go with me and live as the right honorable Countess of Stoneford?”
After a moment’s silence, she whispered, “If you will help me. I confess I haven’t the least idea of what that means.”
Peregrin returned to his seat as the train’s whistle let out a blast. The places opposite his were vacant, and he looked anxiously toward the door. Instead of Stone and Mrs. Evans, the two thugs were coming toward him. Teddy plopped beside him, and Wilkes eased his big frame down onto David’s seat.
Peregrin gulped. “That’s Mr. Stone’s seat.”
“Was,” Teddy said.
“What do you mean?” Panic seized Peregrin by the throat. He tried to jump up, but Wilkes grabbed his wrist and squeezed.
“Sit down, Perry. You and me’s going to have a little chat.”
“I told you, I’ll get the money.”
“Oh yes, you told us that several times,” Teddy said. “Well, your so-called friend didn’t give it to you. Then you said you could get it anyhow.”
“You were supposed to get it last night.” Wilkes leaned his massive head toward Peregrin. “So where is it?”
“He didn’t have any—” Peregrin looked around and lowered his voice a notch. “He didn’t have any in his suitcase. But you can have these.” He fished a small wooden box out of his pocket and held it out.
Teddy snatched it and opened the lid. “What’s this?”
“His cuff links. They’re valuable. Close it up—he’ll be back any second.”
The train lurched, and Wilkes let out a guffaw. “That’s what you know, genius. Your pigeon has flown.”
“That he has,” Teddy said.
“What do you mean?”
“Stone’s cut and run. He and the lady got off and didn’t get back on.”
Peregrin sat very still. “You’re joking.”
“Not us,” Teddy said cheerfully. “Guess your friend forgot to tell you.”
Peregrin looked out the window. They were gathering speed, and the countryside flew past.
“We’ve got to go back.”
Wilkes placed a weighty hand on his sleeve. “No, chum, we ain’t going back. This all you got? ’Cause it don’t look like much.”
Peregrin swallowed with difficulty. “Those are onyx cuff links. They’re family heirlooms, and they’re worth a lot. You could probably sell them for a hundred pounds.”
“Pounds of what?” Teddy asked.
“Sterling. Or a few hundred dollars.”
“Those little things?” Wilkes made a sour face. “I doubt that.”
“So do I,” Teddy said, “but we’ll find out when we get to New York.” He pocketed the box. “You still owe us.”
“Please—I’ll get the money. Really. In fact, if you boys wanted to stake me, I could probably win half of it back today in the smoking car.”
“I seen you play poker,” Wilkes said in disgust.
“Isn’t that how you got into this fix in the first place?” Teddy asked.
Peregrin had no answer. His stomach began to hurt as he contemplated his future, and the train hurtled onward.
“Have you any reason to stop in Philadelphia now, my dear?” David asked the next day, as they breakfasted in the sitting room of the suite he’d insisted on engaging for her.
“I don’t think so.”
“If you wish to see some of your old friends, or if you’d like to shop there for your trousseau…”
“My trousseau?” Millie frowned.
“Why, yes. I thought you would want some new clothes before we set sail…” He paused, trying to read her expression. She seemed distressed, though in his experience, most women went into raptures at the prospect of a new wardrobe.
“Oh David.” Her voice faltered.
“What is it, Mildred?”
“I…I wouldn’t know what to buy. Don’t you see? I have no inkling of what a countess should wear. Have you? You must.”
“Well, it’s been some time since I’ve moved in fashionable circles.” He puzzled over that for a minute, then smiled. “New York. There are always a few Londoners in New York. I’ll warrant we can scare up some connections of a finer sort than Peregrin Walmore. A little hobnobbing, a few introductions, and surely within a day or two we’ll unearth some lady or other who can help you choose your wardrobe for the voyage.”
“It sounds so complicated. Perhaps one new dress and…well, some sundries.” Millie wouldn’t meet his gaze.
“Yes, well, I think you’ll need more than that, my dear. On shipboard, people dress for dinner, you know, and there will no doubt be dancing and entertainments in the evening.”
“Really?” She blinked as though the concept was quite novel.
David cleared his throat. “There are some things that will probably surprise you, dearest. I know it’s all happening rather quickly, but I must return to London as soon as possible, and I’d like to make the voyage before winter sets in.”
“Winter? Oh, surely. There’s plenty of time, isn’t there?”
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br /> “Yes. I was thinking we might stay in New York two or three weeks for our honeymoon. During that time, perhaps you can outfit yourself.”
“If I have some guidance.” Millie had never looked more helpless and unsure of herself.
“Yes. But the first thing, it seems to me, is the wedding. Where would you like to be married?”
She swallowed hard. “Why don’t you decide?”
“All right. If there’s no one you wish to include in the festivities…”
“I have no one now that Sam is gone.”
David reached for her hand. “Mildred, I’m so sorry about your brother. He wasn’t such a bad fellow.”
“Yes he was, but thank you for saying that. You gave him a chance at an honest life, and he ruined it. I guess that was partly my fault. But we did get another opportunity, and I tried to steer Sam straight. He just…he didn’t want to work hard, I think, which I don’t understand. Our mother taught me to dig right in when it was needed. But Sam…well, it just didn’t take with him, I guess.”
“Mm, I suppose you’re right.” David waited a moment before easing the conversation to a happier topic. “If you wish it, we could find a minister today, in this town, and be married now, before we continue our journey.”
Her eyes lit. “Really? Because it doesn’t matter to me where we say our vows. I’d like to do it soon though, if we can work it out.”
“I’ll have to inquire. There may be regulations that require a public announcement or some such thing. If that is the case, we could go on to New York and refurbish your wardrobe while we wait.”
“Oh.” Millie’s face fell. “David, I don’t like to mention this, since I am not yet your wife, but…would you want to marry me in my traveling dress? I do have the calico….”
“I’d be happy to buy you a new gown for the wedding,” he said quickly.
She flushed. “Oh, but that wouldn’t be seemly, would it?”
He gazed at her lovely face. Her green eyes remained downcast as she pondered.
“What would you like to do, Mildred?” He stroked her hand slowly.
THE Prairie DREAMS Trilogy Page 94
