Caterina (Pendleton Petticoats Book 2)

by Shanna Hatfield

  Absently recalling Delmon invited them for dinner, Ilsa set down her scissors, shook out the dress she’d spent the day finishing, and showed it to her aunt.

  “I finished Mrs. Longcamp’s dress. Isn’t it lovely?” Ilsa admired the pale green creation that made her think of sea foam. Not that she’d ever seen sea foam, but what she imagined it would look like.

  “Yes, yes, she’ll be thrilled.” Louisa didn’t even look her direction as she sorted through Ilsa’s dresses and chose an orchid pink gown trimmed in bright pink lace.

  Ilsa hated it for the simple fact that Delmon selected the color and Louisa made it.

  “Change into that,” Louisa ordered, hanging the dress on a hook and walking to the door. “I’ll send Mary in to do your hair. You have seven minutes before you’ll force me to make you sorry for not following my orders.”

  Ilsa watched her aunt leave the room with her face a picture of calm acceptance. The second the door shut and locked, though, she stamped her foot and tossed a pillow across the room.

  The helpless, worthless feeling she experienced left her angry and frustrated.

  Viciously yanking on the ugly gown, she smoothed down the gaudy pink lace around the collar as Mary arrived. The maid styled her straight blond hair into an elegant style that rested on top of her head.

  “Thank you, Mary.” Ilsa smiled at the servant who tried to be a friend to her since she moved in with her aunt several years ago. Louisa discouraged their friendship, going so far as to threaten to fire Mary if it continued.

  “You’re most welcome, Miss Thorsen.” Mary bowed and went out the door.

  Quickly gathering a wrap, her gloves, and reticule, Ilsa took one last look in the mirror and forced a smile as her aunt opened the door and motioned her forward. “Hurry up. Delmon’s carriage is waiting.”

  “Yes, Aunt Louisa,” Ilsa said, wanting to jump in the carriage and keep going until she found herself at Aundy’s ranch in Oregon.

  Instead, she carried herself regally, following her aunt down the steps and into the carriage that would take them to Delmon’s ostentatious home he shared with his father.

  Louisa never failed to be impressed by the overdone décor the Bertrand family preferred.

  Ilsa never failed to feel overwhelmed by the dark house stuffed with expensive works of art, uncomfortable furnishings, and her fiancé.

  Welcomed by Delmon at the door, he kissed both their cheeks. While pressing his thin lips to Ilsa’s, his hand wandered improperly down her spine and lightly tapped her backside.

  Deftly moving away from him, Ilsa pointed out a new painting he acquired since her last visit two weeks prior. He and Louisa launched into a lengthy conversation about the finer points of Impressionism and the relatively new style of art.

  “Will your father join us this evening?” Louisa asked as they finally took their seats in the dining room.

  “No, he had another engagement, but sends his regards.” Delmon spoke to Louisa but kept his lecherous gaze fastened on Ilsa.

  “Perhaps he’ll be able to join us Sunday after church. We have the loveliest meal planned.” Louisa smiled imploringly at Delmon. “You’ll be there, of course, won’t you, dear?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Delmon settled his attention on Ilsa. Her skin crawled as she thought about marrying the despicable man in just two weeks time.

  After dinner, Louisa excused herself to give them a few minutes alone in the parlor. Ilsa wanted to scream when Delmon began chasing her around the room. From experience, she knew if he caught her, he’d either touch her inappropriately or press one of his sloppy kisses to her lips.

  “Stop it, Delmon. This instant!” Ilsa maneuvered a high-backed chair between them, desperate to escape not only his presence, but also the entire situation.

  “I love it when you play hard-to-get, my little pet,” Delmon said, smoothing down the sides of his thin black mustache.

  Rather than give him the manly appearance he sought, the mustache and tiny patch of hair beneath his bottom lip looked like some foreign strain of dark, fuzzy mold infected his face. The thought of it brushing her own skin made her quiver in revulsion.

  Mistakenly reading her reaction, Delmon’s eyes gleamed with lascivious intent. “You shiver in anticipation of my kisses.” He made a grab for her as she moved from behind the chair to the sofa. A few more steps and she’d reach the door, although she knew she couldn’t outrun the annoying little man.

  While Ilsa stood barely five-feet tall, Delmon was only a few inches taller. No wonder he was still single. Between his unacceptable behavior, his lack of a personality, and his slight, short frame, she could easily see why he’d managed to stay unmarried for more than thirty years.

  Well past her nineteenth birthday, Ilsa was in no rush to wed, especially to someone she couldn’t stand.

  Delmon lunged at her, falling on top of her on the sofa. A scream began working its way up her throat. Before it escaped, Louisa returned to the room and suggested it was time for them to retire home for the evening. The woman completely ignored the fact that Delmon had Ilsa pinned beneath him while he pressed unpardonably close against her.

  After making a hasty departure, Ilsa settled her skirts around her in the carriage. She jumped in surprise when Louisa’s hand connected with her cheek in a resounding slap. Glancing up in shock, the hate she read in her aunt’s eyes left her reeling.

  “You ungrateful strumpet! Two more weeks and Delmon can do whatever he wishes with you, but until then you will keep him at bay. Do you understand?”

  “But I didn’t do anything. I was…”

  “Shut your foul little mouth.” Louisa hit her leg with her reticule before staring out into the night.

  Ilsa kept her back straight and chin up as she returned to her room, determined to fight back the tears of anger, frustration, and fear threatening to overtake her. The turn of the key in the lock behind her echoed with harsh finality, reminding Ilsa of her impending sentence to a life of misery if she would truly be forced to marry Delmon. Rushing to her bed, she collapsed on the soft covers, soaking the pillow with her tears…

  Find Ilsa and more Shanna Hatfield books on Amazon.

  Pendleton Petticoats Series

  Set in the western town of Pendleton, Oregon, at the turn of the 20th century, each book in this series bears the name of the heroine, all brave yet very different.

  Dacey (Prelude) — A conniving mother, a reluctant groom and a desperate bride make for a lively adventure full of sweet romance in this prelude to the beginning of the series.

  Aundy (Book 1) — Aundy Thorsen, a stubborn mail-order bride, finds the courage to carry on when she's widowed before ever truly becoming a wife, but opening her heart to love again may be more than she can bear.

  Caterina (Book 2) — Running from a man intent on marrying her, Caterina Campanelli starts a new life in Pendleton, completely unprepared for the passionate feelings stirred in her by the town's incredibly handsome deputy sheriff.

  Ilsa (Book 3) — Desperate to escape her wicked aunt and an unthinkable future, Ilsa Thorsen finds herself on her sister's ranch in Pendleton. Not only are the dust and smells more than she can bear, but Tony Campanelli seems bent on making her his special project.

  Marnie (Book 4) — Beyond all hope for a happy future, Marnie Jones struggles to deal with her roiling emotions when U.S. Marshal Lars Thorsen rides into town, tearing down the walls she’s erected around her heart.

  Lacy (Book 5) — Bound by tradition and responsibilities, Lacy has to choose between the ties that bind her to the past and the unexpected love that will carry her into the future.

  Bertie (Book 6) — Haunted by the trauma of her past, Bertie Hawkins must open her heart to love if she has any hope for the future.

  Millie (Book 7) — Determined to bring prohibition to town, the last thing Millie Matlock expects is to fall for the charming owner of the Second Chance Saloon.

  Dally (Book 8) — Eager to return
home and begin his career, Doctor Nik Nash is caught by surprise when the spirited Dally Douglas captures his heart.

  Quinn (Book 9) — Coming in 2018!

  Tad’s Treasure (Prequel) — Tad Palmer makes a promise to his dying friend to watch over the man’s wife and child. Will his heart withstand the vow when he falls in love with the widow and her son?

  Crumpets and Cowpies (Book 1) — Rancher Thane Jordan reluctantly travels to England to settle his brother’s estate only to find he’s inherited much more than he could possibly have imagined.

  Thimbles and Thistles (Book 2) — Maggie Dalton doesn't need a man, especially not one as handsome as charming as Ian MacGregor.

  Corsets and Cuffs (Book 3) — Sheriff Tully Barrett meets his match when a pampered woman comes to town, catching his eye and capturing his heart.

  Bobbins and Boots (Book 4) — Carefree cowboy Ben Amick ventures into town to purchase supplies… and returns home married to another man’s mail-order bride.

  Lightning and Lawmen (Book 5) - Coming in 2018!

  Can forbidden love blossom amid the constraints of war?

  “Strong characters, historical authenticity, and unique twists of fate blend with details of a wounded soldier's love.”

  Jane Kirkpatrick

  Award-winning author of This Road We Traveled

  Garden of Her Heart (Hearts of the War, Book 1) — The moment the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, life shifted for Miko Nishimura. Desperate to reach the Portland Assembly Center for Japanese Americans, she’s kicked off the bus miles from town. Every tick of the clock pushes her closer to becoming a fugitive in the land of her birth. Exhausted, she stumbles to her grandparents’ abandoned farm only to find a dying soldier sprawled across the step. Unable to leave him, she forsakes all else to keep him alive.

  After crashing his plane in the Battle of the Atlantic, the doctors condemn Captain Rock Laroux to die. Determined to meet his maker beneath a blue sky at his family home, he sneaks out of the hospital. Weary and half out of his mind, he makes it as far as a produce stand he remembers from his youth. Rather than surrender to death, Rock fights a battle of the heart as he falls in love with the beautiful Japanese woman who saves his life.

  A poignant, sweet romance, Garden of Her Heart proves love can bloom in unlikely places even under the most challenging circumstances.

  Grass Valley Cowboys Series

  Meet the Thompson family of the Triple T Ranch in Grass Valley, Oregon. Three handsome brothers, their rowdy friends, and the women who fall for them are at the heart of this sweet contemporary western romance series.

  The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan (Book 1) — Cadence Greer’s plans for a happy-ever-after are quickly derailed when her fiancé runs off with his secretary a week before their wedding. Homeless, jobless, and jilted, she escapes to Grass Valley, Oregon, where she takes a job as a housekeeper and cook to seven cowboys on a sprawling ranch.

  The Cowboy’s Spring Romance (Book 2) — Trent Thompson has carried a torch for the new schoolteacher since she moved to Grass Valley more than three years ago. Instead of asking her out, he’s dated every single female in a thirty-mile radius, giving her the impression he’s not interested in her at all.

  The Cowboy’s Summer Love (Book 3) — Always the wild-child, Travis Thompson doesn’t disappoint as he rolls from one adventure to another in his quest to keep his adrenaline pumping. He needs a release for the tension constantly building inside him, especially after he discovers the girl he’s loved his entire life just moved back to Grass Valley.

  The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall (Book 4) — Brice Morgan thought love at first sight was some ridiculous notion of schoolgirls and old ladies who read too many romance novels. At least he does until he meets Bailey Bishop at a friend’s wedding and falls hard and fast for the intriguing woman.

  The Cowboy’s New Heart (Book 5) — Years after her husband died unexpectedly, Denni Thompson can’t bear to think of giving her heart to anyone else. With three newly married sons, a grandchild on the way, and a busy life, Denni doesn’t give a thought to romance until she meets the handsome new owner of Grass Valley’s gas station.

  The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye (Book 6) — With his siblings and friends all entangled in the state of matrimony, Ben Morgan is more determined than ever to remain blissfully single. Despite his vehement refusal to commit to a relationship, he can’t help but envision a future with the sweet, charming woman who unknowingly captures his heart.

  The Women of Tenacity Series

  Tenacious, spunky women give the wild, rugged men who love them a run for their money in this contemporary western romance series.

  Heart of Clay (Book 1) — Easy-going cowboy Clay Matthews is a respected college professor. He's the man family and friends turn to for help, or when they need a good laugh, since he's a huge tease and practical joker. Life would be almost perfect, except for the strained relationship with his once beloved wife... (Available FREE for electronic downloads.)

  Country Boy vs. City Girl (Book 2) — A confirmed city girl finds herself falling for a wanna-be country boy. Sparks fly as a battle of stubborn will ensues.

  Not His Type (Book 3) — After spending her entire twenty-four years hiding in the background and perfecting her status of wallflower, Anna Zimmerman arrives at the astounding conclusion it’s time for a change. Tired of living life in the shadows, she steps into the light, unprepared to handle the attention of the charming, handsome cowboy who works across the street.

  Books by Shanna Hatfield

  FICTION

  HISTORICAL

  Baker City Brides

  Tad’s Treasure

  Crumpets and Cowpies

  Thimbles and Thistles

  Corsets and Cuffs

  Bobbins and Boots

  Pendleton Petticoats

  Dacey

  Aundy

  Caterina

  Ilsa

  Marnie

  Lacy

  Bertie

  Millie

  Dally

  Hearts of the War

  Garden of Her Heart

  Hardman Holidays

  The Christmas Bargain

  The Christmas Token

  The Christmas Calamity

  The Christmas Vow

  The Christmas Quandary

  CONTEMPORARY

  Learnin’ The Ropes

  Love at the 20-Yard Line

  QR Code Killer

  Taste of Tara

  Grass Valley Cowboys

  The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan

  The Cowboy’s Spring Romance

  The Cowboy’s Summer Love

  The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall

  The Cowboy’s New Heart

  The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye

  Holiday Brides

  Valentine Bride

  Rodeo Romance

  The Christmas Cowboy

  Wrestlin’ Christmas

  Capturing Christmas

  Barreling Through Christmas

  Silverton Sweethearts

  The Coffee Girl

  The Christmas Crusade

  Untangling Christmas

  The Women of Tenacity

  A Prelude (Short Story)

  Heart of Clay

  Country Boy vs. City Girl

  Not His Type

  NONFICTION

  Farm Girl

  Fifty Dates with Captain Cavedweller

  Recipes of Love

  Savvy Entertaining

  Savvy Autumn Entertaining

  Savvy Holiday Entertaining

  Savvy Spring Entertaining

  Savvy Summer Entertaining

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield spent ten years as a newspaper journalist before moving into the field of marketing and public relations. Sharing the romantic stories she dreams up in her head is a perfect outlet for her love of writing, reading, and creativity. She and her husband, lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller, reside in the Pacific Northwest.


  Shanna loves to hear from readers. Connect with her online:

  Blog: shannahatfield.com

  Facebook: Shanna Hatfield’s Page

  Shanna Hatfield’s Hopeless Romantics Group

  Pinterest: Shanna Hatfield

  Email: shanna@shannahatfield.com

  If you’d like to know more about the characters in any of her books,

  visit the Book Characters page on her website

  or check out her Book Boards on Pinterest.