The Detective Bride

by Sylvia Damsell

  “Why can’t he look into this by himself?”

  “Because two are better than one at such things.”

  “When must I leave New York?”

  “In two days. It will take four or five days to get to San Francisco and then you’ll travel by express coach to Lower Pine where you’ll be met by Wilde. There’s a picture of him in there.” Albert nodded at the package Susannah held on her lap. “Now I have work to do and you need to prepare.”

  “Yes, of course.” She stood and made for the door. “What are you getting out of all this?”

  “It’s my work.”

  “I’ll read the notes.”

  Susannah left and wasn’t at all sure what she thought about things. She walked down the passage, turned and walked back.

  “Yes.” Albert’s tone was not particularly patient but she was used to that.

  “Is there anyone I can see in New York before I go? What about the body who are building the university and seminary?”

  “There is a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ballard, who are involved. They keep an eye on an orphanage here. The minister and his wife in Lower Pine adopted four children from there and other children have gone to parents in that area. I could see if they’re around and tell them you’re going as a mail order bride and would like to know a bit more about the area.”

  “If I’ve only got two days you’ll need to hurry,” Susannah said.

  “Call in here in about four hours. I’ll see what I can do.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  Susannah made her way outside and the first places she visited were the bank and post office where she deposited the money she had been given. At least she wouldn’t be poor though she mustn’t come across as too well off. She must also work out what kind of a person she would be. Someone who chose a husband by mail. Was it desperate ladies who did that or just people who wanted a change? What she must do was go to an agency of some kind who arranged such things and ask questions. She could even pretend to be thinking of going down that route to marital bliss.

  Marital bliss? What a boring concept. Her parents were happy together, she knew, but she wanted more than what they had. She wanted adventure, which was why she joined the detective agency. Nothing could be more boring than being stuck with one man all your life though maybe later she would change her mind about that. Maybe she had already but being away might be good so she could think things through.

  She went into the bank then the post office, deposited her money and made her way to a store where she knew she could buy the clothes and other items she would require. As she emerged with piles of parcels Noah walked forward.

  “You always appear at the right time,” she said, thankfully relinquishing a few to him.

  “I’ve shopped with you already if you recall.”

  He smiled down at her, a smile she rather liked except that she didn’t want to get to like it too much. She was a detective and she wanted to concentrate on that, not romance. Anyway, he just enjoyed her company and they did get on well. He hailed a cab and she settled in it with some relief.

  “How is it that you get cabs so quickly?” she asked.

  He put his legs on the seat opposite. “I’m big and you don’t argue with big guys. You get cabs quickly because you’re beautiful.”

  “Oh. I wondered.” Her tone was light. It would be nice if she could pretend to be married to him because they would have a lot of fun.

  “Have you met this man you’re supposed to be marrying?” he asked.

  “No. It’s going to be a pseudo marriage with a pseudo minister to conduct the service.”

  “Two pseudos. Just remember it is pseudo. Will you be living in the same house? That’s not very discreet.”

  “We’ll have to. I’m sure he’s a perfect gentleman. If he isn’t I have a gun.”

  “You must lock your bedroom door. Not all men are gentleman and you’ve never met him so you have no idea if he is.”

  “I’ll do that. This is work, Noah, and you don’t have to worry about me. Don’t you think I can look after myself?”

  “I think that Clark puts you in difficult situations. I could speak to him about it, if you like.”

  Susannah screwed her nose at Noah. “I don’t like. I’m a detective, not a helpless woman who can’t look out for herself. Haven’t I proved that?”

  “Yes, but....”

  “No buts. I’m leaving in two days.”

  He frowned. “That’s a bit quick.”

  “I suppose there’s no time to waste.”

  “Can you tell me about the case?”

  “Yes, of course I can., but I don’t want a sermon afterwards about how helpless women are.”

  He smiled slowly and she knew she would miss that smile. She would miss him but he couldn’t be with her always and she didn’t need a keeper. He listened closely while she told him the details and at the end made no comment.

  “Nothing to say?” she asked after a couple of minutes.

  “Nothing to say.”

  “Wow!”

  “Nothing you’ll listen to.”

  “That last remark spoilt everything.”

  “Spoilt everything?” His expression was quizzical.

  “Yes. Ending on nothing to say was good. Making the last remark was not necessary. You need to learn when to stop.”

  “You are so.....”

  He paused, leant towards her and took her face in his hands. This was the point to pull away, she knew, but she didn’t seem to have the strength to do so. He put his lips on hers, kissed her slowly and it took every ounce of willpower to draw away. She pushed him back in his seat.

  “That wasn’t very....” She coughed. “That wasn’t very gentlemanly.”

  “I’m sorry.” He sat back in his seat. “You shouldn’t look so adorable and I’m demonstrating what that oaf who will be sharing a house with you might try to do.”

  She felt she needed a hundred fans to cool her and hoped it didn’t show. “I told you, I have a gun.”

  “But your response to me was not one of resistance which means it won’t be to him. There’s something nice about kissing, don’t you think? If he kisses you, you may respond.”

  “You’re talking rubbish,” she said. “And the only reason I didn’t maim you is because you’ve been a good friend to me. However, I wouldn’t do that again or I might maim you.”

  “I won’t.” You won’t? Of course he mustn’t and she didn’t want a man kissing her to just demonstrate a point. “I’ll see you off when you leave New York.”

  “My parents will. You don’t have to worry. I know you’re a busy man.”

  “I am and I had thought of visiting my parents in Boston. I’ll say goodbye to you now then.”

  Goodbye? It sounded so final and it would have been nice if he could have travelled with her. Was it safe for a woman on her own?

  But she was a detective and she could look after herself. He would probably say that if he knew her thoughts. They reached the house and he carried her wares to the door.

  “Would you like to come in for a meal?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “No, thank you. I have to pack for Boston. I’ll be going there soon.”

  “Today?”

  “Yes, today.”

  “Then I won’t see you for a while.” She tiptoed to kiss him lightly and couldn’t resist doing it on the mouth. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”

  “So you can kiss me but I can’t you?”

  “This is a different kiss.”

  “Goodbye, Susannah. Have a good trip.”

  “Have a nice time in Boston. I’ll see you when I return.”

  “Yes.” He turned abruptly, made for the cab and her expression was a bit bleak as she watched him go. The door opened and Jason leaned forward to pick up some of the parcels.

  “Why didn’t you invite him in?” he asked.

  “I did but he’s going to Boston to see his parents.”

  “Have you been
given your next assignment?”

  “Yes. I’m going to be a mail order bride to a man in California.”

  “You’re what!” Her father burst into the hall through the library doorway.

  “Going to marry a man in California. It’s alright, papa. You can calm down. It’s a pseudo marriage so we can look into something in Lone Pine.”

  “That’s near Independence. Is it dangerous?”

  “Not a bit. It’s to investigate a claim on some land and we’re going to pretend to be married.”

  “You and Noah?”

  “No. A man called Blair who is coming from Los Angeles.”

  Her father frowned. “You’re not going to stay in the same house, are you?”

  “Separately. He’s not interested in me. He has someone he’s going to marry.” Sorry for lying, God, but what else can I do? The thought shot out though she didn’t really think of it as a prayer until she said the words. Would God disapprove?

  “We could come with you. Are you supposed to be married already?”

  “No. We’ll have a pseudo marriage.”

  “Then we should be paying for it.”

  “The agency will. Save your money for when I really marry. I’m supposed to be coming from an abusive home, anyway.”

  Henry opened his mouth and Rosemary walked in as he virtually spluttered. “Darling, calm down. She’s only playing a part.”

  “The last part she played wasn’t very safe,” he growled. “Why can’t Noah be her pseudo husband? He’s trustworthy and he would look after her.”

  “Maybe he’ll be the groom at the real wedding.” Jason grinned widely.

  “The only wedding I’m having is a pseudo one,” Susannah said. “Now help me up the stairs with these clothes. I have packing to do.”

  “We’re coming,” Henry said.

  “We’re not.” Rosemary raised her eyebrows as her husband looked at her. “And all of you are going to stop fussing. Susannah is perfectly capable of doing what she is being paid to do and every time you query it you belittle her.” She turned away and no-one saw the rather anguished expression on her face. “Now apologise to your daughter and accept what she does.”

  Henry looked at his wife’s departing back. “I’m sorry,” he said to Susannah. ”I don’t belittle what you do but I worry about you. I worry about Jason also. It’s not because you’re a woman.”

  Susannah wasn’t sure she believed that but she put her arms round her father and kissed him. “Thank you, papa. Will the meal be ready soon, mama?”

  “In about ten minutes.”

  “I’ll go and hang up these clothes then. Afterwards I’ll show them to you.” Susannah ran up the stairs and felt some excitement at what lay ahead. The day after she met the Ballards at the orphanage.

  She stood for a couple of minutes looking at the tall, imposing and rather grim building. An orphanage and she knew little about such places. All she did know was that it would be full of young people who had no parents and that must be a grim situation to be in. She lifted the huge knocker, banged it a few times and after a minute the door swung open.

  “We’re pleased to meet you. I’m Sarah Ballard.” Probably in her forties or thereabouts, Susannah thought as she took the outstretched hand of the lady in front of her, with dark hair which had a touch of auburn, and a nice smile. “And this is my husband, Justin. Come in.”

  “My friend said you could tell me about Lower Pine,” Susannah gave a tiny curtsey as she took the lady’s hand after walking into a huge hall. “I’m afraid I haven’t had the chance to travel much and I’m becoming more nervous the closer I get to leaving for Lower Pine.”

  “Understandable.” Mr. Ballard held out his hand. “We’ll be pleased to let you know anything you would like to ask. Our daughter lives there with her family and we visit quite regularly.”

  “Was she a mail order bride?”

  “No. She met her husband after she arrived there. What would you like to know?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ve heard stories of the wild west. Is it wild in Lone Pine. Are there wild animals, snakes and things?”

  Justin Ballard smiled. “No. I wouldn’t call it wild though all areas have their share of crime. There are animals, snakes and things but nothing lethal, as far as I know.”

  “Lethal?”

  “That will kill you.” Someone else might have smiled benevolently but he was obviously a perfect gentleman. “The sheriff is good and so are his deputies while the people in the area are very friendly and supportive. The minister and his wife are caring and it’s a place where I think you would like to stay. Can we know the name of your prospective husband?”

  “Blair Wilde. He moved to the area recently.”

  “Our daughter probably knows him. She always makes a point of welcoming newcomers. What made you decide on California and in particular Lower Pine?”

  “My parents aren’t well off and I feel I should not be a burden on them anymore.” That really was a wild departure from the truth, Susannah thought, but she wanted it to sound a bit pathetic. “I’ve been working in a store but I’m not happy there.”

  “I think you’ll like it in Lower Pine,” Sarah Ballard said. “We’re considering moving there once the university and seminary are completed. It’s not going to be as soon as we hoped because there are some legalities which may take a while to settle.”

  The claim of the detective agency’s client, Susannah thought, and did he really have one? Whatever the situation she must remember he was their client. “Legalities?” she asked.

  “It’s something to do with the land,” Justin Ballard said. “We’re hoping it will be cleared soon. What kind of work does your fiancé do?”

  Work? She hadn’t thought of being asked that, which was a bit naive. She must be more careful in future. “”He’s thinking of buying a ranch,” she said. “I haven’t met him yet but we’ve corresponded. When my parents wanted to buy a house they told us there were legalities. The land it was on was under dispute. Is that how it is in Lower Pine?”

  “A bit.”

  The couple exchanged the briefest of glances but Susannah saw it. She mustn’t ask more questions or they might become suspicious. “Are there many orphans here?” she asked.

  “Forty two at the moment. Some have gone to Lower Pine to be adopted there and are very happy. Would you like to meet them? They’re coming out of their lessons in a few minutes?”

  Orphans. She hadn’t had much to do with them and it would be interesting. “I’d love to meet them.”

  And when she saw them she wanted to adopt them all. Maybe she would suggest it to her parents. After all, their house was big enough and they weren’t old. Well, not very old. She would have to speak to them and see if they would be interested in visiting the children. That would blow her cover as a simple city girl looking for a husband but it didn’t really matter. Maybe she could tell them not to mention her until she had finished the case.

  When she and the couple parted she was not sure whether she gained anything from her conversation with them though she had enjoyed being with the children. She knew more about the area but had gleaned very little concerning what legalities had to be settled. She would just have to wait until she reached the area.

  Married to someone. Now that was something else. They wouldn’t be a normal couple, of course, but they would have to share the same house and would he be a perfect gentleman? Was he in actual fact a widower or was that just part of the role he would be playing? What if he was a scoundrel as Noah implied?

  She would just have to wait to find out and really the assignment sounded quite exciting. She must pack when she got home and she must get a map of the area where she was going.

  She made for a book store, bought what she needed and moved on to a dress shop she particularly liked in order to purchase a few more garments. This would be fun because she could spend as much as she liked and wouldn’t have to pay for it. She wandered round the store slowly picking up
garments to try on and when she exited the shop was laden with parcels.

  “He was right. You do need help.”

  She thankfully relinquished most of her purchases to Noah then frowned up at him. “I thought you were going to Boston. I don’t need someone to protect me.”

  “I didn’t follow you and I’m not protecting you.” He adjusted the parcels as one threatened to fall to the ground. “Clark asked me to come because he said all women, given the chance, will buy everything they can.”

  “All women.” She narrowed her eyes to virtual slits.

  “His very words. He is quite a lady’s man.”

  “Is he married?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “Why aren’t you in Boston?”

  “I decided to wait until after you go because I knew you’d go to another shop.”

  “I don’t believe you. Are they alright?”

  “They’re fine. Something came up with the agency, that’s all.”

  She frowned. “Something dangerous?”

  “No. Would it worry you if it was?”

  “I care about all the people I know,” she said. “Don’t you?”

  “Not really. I’m going to drop one of these parcels.”

  “You shouldn’t have taken them all. Stand still and I’ll take some from you.”

  “You’ll have to do it carefully or they’ll all fall to the ground.

  “I’ll do it carefully.” She removed a couple of parcels. “I brought our carriage with me this time. It’s over there.” She pointed. “Thank you for your help but I’ll be alright now.”

  “I could help you if you’ve got more to do. Have you worked out everything you’ll need apart from clothes?”

  Susannah walked in front of him to the carriage and opened the door. She flung in the parcels and he placed the rest carefully on the seat. “I think I have everything,” she said.

  “Why don’t we have a cup of tea and some cake and you can tell me what you’ve got. You should be fully prepared in case there’s trouble.”

  She looked at him speculatively and the invitation was tempting. “Who will look after my purchases?”

  “I know a place where we can park the carriage and see it from the window. There’s some grass so the horses can have a munch.”