“Yes, I’m afraid I made Miss Matthews drop her pail at the store.”
Sorcha’s eyebrows flew up at this comment but Emer busied herself, taking off her shawl and hanging it on a peg near the door. She put more wood on the stove before filling the pot with water.
“Emer, sit down and keep Mr. Shipley company. Mr. Shipley, please sit down. Meggie, go find your father. Jenny, have you done your chores?”
Emer didn’t get a chance to argue as her sister issued orders to all of them.
She sat staring at the floor. She guessed he was looking at her as the back of her neck tingled. What was he doing here?
Chapter 35
“Fine homestead you have, Petersen. I can see why you picked this spot,” Lawrence said as the men walked out of the house.
Brian beamed at the praise.
"You have some nice horses, too."
"My sister, Nandita, gave me some. The others I bought when Cal Sutton sent me to Denver. He told me to take my choice as payment for my services.”
“Brian wants to have his own horse ranch one day. He's amazing with the animals. He seems to know exactly what they want.” Sorcha lovingly looked up at her husband.
Lawrence wondered what it was like to be part of a couple so in love with one another. Emer told him they had been strangers when they married but it seemed like they had known each other forever. They may not have much compared to his parents but what they lacked in finances was made up for in love. Their simple life held so much appeal compared to his life in Boston or Denver.
Emer came out of the house, the sun glinting in her hair. She carried a tray of homemade lemonade and cookies.
"Are you trying to sweeten me up, my dear Miss Matthews?"
"Not at all, Mr. Shipley. The cookies are good but they aren't that powerful."
Lawrence laughed loudly as the adults around him joined in. The children looked puzzled.
"My sister has the makings of a fine baker, Mr. Shipley."
"Your sister has many talents, Mrs. Petersen." Lawrence winked at Emer, who blushed prettily. She had softened a bit since she'd come to live in Clover Springs. It was as if the girl was learning to trust outsiders and let them see the real person. He liked it.
"So how do you like Clover Springs?" Sorcha asked as he bit into a cookie.
Lawrence considered his answer. "I only arrived a couple of days ago but I like it just fine, Mrs. Petersen. In fact, I may decide to stay here for a while."
"Is there something in particular of interest to you?"
“Sorcha, that’s enough. You are making our guest uncomfortable.” Brian turned to Lawrence. “Mr. Shipley, would you like to see the rest of my spread?”
“Please call me Lawrence. I would be delighted. Afternoon, ladies.”
Lawrence enjoyed the time he spent with Brian. The man was extremely knowledgeable about both the area and his horses.
"Why don’t you expand your business?"
"Cash is king in Clover Springs just as it is everywhere else, Lawrence. The banks don’t see fit to lend money to folks like me."
"Why not? You have the makings of a fine business. Clover Springs is expanding. Expansion can only result in an increase in demand for your services.” Lawrence looked around him as he spoke. He wasn’t paying attention and walked right into Brian’s back.
"If only the bankers I have dealt with in the past thought like you. Did you know the storeowner, Daniel Sullivan, had to marry in order to get a loan to buy the store? He had over fifty percent of the purchase price saved, too. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think he ever regretted marrying Katie, but still.” Brian started walking once more. “Bankers aren't held in too high regard around here.”
Lawrence didn’t say anything. He waited until Brian realized what he’d just said. It didn’t take more than a few seconds before the other man reddened.
"Shoot, here's me shooting my mouth off. You’re a banker. I didn’t mean no offense.”
“None taken, Brian. Emer said something similar on the train from Boston. I think the two of you may just be onto something.”
Lawrence rode back to town, his brain reviewing the conversation with Brian. He was certain in a town like Clover Springs, he would find many other potential customers facing the same funding issues as Brian. His father would consider these deals to be too high risk for the low return involved for their Denver branch. But he didn’t have to consider his father’s feelings anymore. He was free to do what he wanted. Did he have sufficient funds to open a bank here in Clover Springs? Was there enough business to sustain it?
He pulled up outside the stables, handing the rented rig back to the owner. If he was to live in Clover Springs, he needed to find somewhere more permanent to live. His mother would have a fit. Smiling, he pushed the door of the boarding house open.
The desk was unattended when he entered so he headed straight up the stairs. He opened his room to find his cousin waiting for him.
"Mitchell, what are you doing here?"
"The bank's been robbed."
"When?"
"A few days after you left. It took a while to track you down. Your mother sent me to get you. You ignored her telegrams. She told me not to return without you."
"Telegrams? I didn’t get any. Was anyone hurt?"
"The head cashier got hit in the chest. Nothing the docs could do. The raiders didn't get much, though. Seems the staff suspected something and hid some of the cash in the second safe." Mitchell glanced around him. “Couldn’t you find anywhere better to stay?"
"Darn it, Mitchell. The man had a name and a family. Don't you even care a man gave his life to protect the business?"
Mitchell’s face flushed but he didn’t say anything.
Lawrence strode over to the window and threw it open. He couldn't breathe. What type of family did he come from where someone's life held so little value?
"What did Mother do for Connors’ family?"
"Who?"
"Mitchell, I could hit you right now. Connors, the man who died.” When Mitchell didn’t meet his eye, he swore under his breath. “She didn’t do anything, did she? For the love of God, don’t you people care about anything other than yourselves?”
"Don’t you mean ourselves? You stand there berating me when you are the one who decided to go chasing after some floozy when you should have been at the bank. You have no right to talk to me about priorities.”
"Don't ever call her that name again.” Lawrence took deep breaths, trying to gain control of his temper. “Emer Matthews is a fine young woman.”
Mitchell started laughing but stopped at the fierce look Lawrence sent in his direction. "You can't be serious?”
Lawrence didn’t say anything but turned to stare out the window. He wasn’t sure of Emer’s feelings but he wanted her in his life. He wasn’t about to discuss that with Mitchell.
“Can’t you just bed her and get her out of your system?”
“Mitchell…” Lawrence growled taking a step toward his cousin.
“Oh, this is rich. You’ve fallen for her. Your mother will have a fit. Your father will disown you. It was bad enough you resigning from the bank, but to throw your whole life away over a two-bit girl?” Mitchell didn’t bother to hide the glee from his tone. He was probably already counting the riches coming his way if the Shipley family acted as he described.
Lawrence found he didn’t care what they did. They could keep their money and their reputation. He would start over with Grandpa Joe’s money. He wouldn’t be as rich as his parents but he would be happier. Here in Clover Springs.
"Emer is worth ten of you. Mitchell, get out and don’t come back.”
"But where will I go? The train doesn't leave until tomorrow,” Mitchell whined.
“I don’t care but leave now. I can't guarantee your safety if you stay a second longer. “
Mitchell blanched before moving toward the door.
Lawrence paced the room for a few minutes before he s
wore. Connors had died saving their bank. The least he could do was provide for his family. The eldest was only ten.
His mother should have done something, even if she had only paid for the funeral. He grabbed his coat and headed back out. He would send a telegram to Travers. He’d look after the Connors from his own personal finances. Thanking Grandpa Joe once more, Lawrence went to find the telegraph office.
Chapter 36
The next morning, Lawrence was sitting at breakfast, reading the paper. Mitchell appeared in front of him, looking wary.
"What do you want?" Lawrence didn’t even attempt to be friendly.
"I'm going back to Denver. Your mother..."
"My mother can go to blazes. I told her I wasn’t coming back to Shipley’s. I will be back to visit her when I feel the time is right and no sooner."
"Lawrence, do you think that’s wise? You know how she can be."
"Mitchell, in case it escaped your notice, I am not a snotty-nosed brat running home to Ma. I am a grown man and the sooner mother realizes that the better. Now, do you mind?"
Mitchell moved to leave.
"Did they catch them?" Lawrence hoped they’d hang for what they did to Connors.
"The robbers? No but there's a posse out looking for them."
"Good. Let's hope they are more successful in their operation."
Mitchell flushed at the insult but didn’t respond. Lawrence went back to his paper. Something didn’t feel right but he couldn't put his finger on it. Maybe he should go back to Denver for a while, at least.
Mitchell almost knocked Emer and Sorcha down as they left the store.
"Mitchell, what are you doing here?"
"As if you didn’t know. I don’t know what hold you got on my cousin. You remember, though, blood is thicker than water. He might be taken with you now but as soon as Dorothea pulls the purse strings, he'll come running."
"Excuse me, Sir. I don’t like your tone." Sorcha took a step in front of her sister but Emer didn’t need protecting.
"Never mind his tone. I don’t like him. Get lost, Mitchell Shipley, and don’t come back. Your kind aren't welcome here.”
“If this town admits the likes of you, Miss Matthews, that suits me just fine.”
"Of all the rotten things..." Sorcha fumed.
"Don't pay him any heed. He's nobody and he knows it. Mrs. Shipley keeps him around as she likes having a lapdog. She'll tire of him one day. I wonder what he was doing here, though."
"Mr. Shipley is bound to know. Why don’t you ask him?"
Before Emer could say anything, the voice she dreamed of answered.
"Good morning, ladies. Lovely day, isn't it?"
"Good morning, Mr. Shipley. It is indeed a pleasant day. Perfect for a picnic, wouldn't you say?"
"I would indeed, Mrs. Petersen, especially if you were to bring some of your fine cookies."
"Emer said she would bake some this morning. We will pack a few extra. Why don’t you ride out to the homestead around noon? Brian can take a break then. Frank, too, if he’s free.”
“I’d be delighted. Thank you, Mrs. Petersen. Miss Matthews.” Lawrence bowed but his eyes were dancing with laughter.
Sorcha took Emer’s arm as they walked home. “I am growing rather fond of your Mr. Shipley.”
“He’s not mine and well you know it. Now, can we change the subject?”
Sorcha didn’t speak but the slow smile on her face said all she needed to say.
Lawrence rode out to the Petersen homestead, candy for the children and chocolates for the ladies stored in his saddlebags. He had resisted the urge to buy Emer a pretty shawl. It wouldn’t be proper. They weren’t officially courting. What are we doing?
He liked Clover Springs a lot. The people he had met were very pleasant. He had spent the evening before playing cards with the sheriff and the doctor.
The afternoon passed very pleasurably. He enjoyed speaking to Brian and Frank, although he sensed there was an issue between the two men. Frank wasn’t unpleasant company but it was clear there was something on his mind. When he thought people weren’t looking, he seemed to be watching the Indian girl. Lawrence smiled to himself. What would his mother think if she saw him having a picnic on the prairie with a freedman and Indians? It would give her a fit of the vapors.
“Mr. Shipley, is your cousin staying long in town?” Sorcha’s nose wrinkled as she spoke. What had Mitchell done now?
“Mitchell should have left already. How did you know he was here?”
“We had the misfortune to bump into him in town. He was extremely rude.” Sorcha looked pointedly at Lawrence. “He made some nasty comments about my sister. She deserves to be treated better.”
Lawrence balled his fists. Seemed his cousin would never learn to stay out of his business. “I hope Miss Matthews let him see her temper?”
Sorcha smiled as her gaze found Emer, who had gone to the stream to wash off some plates. “I think my sister was the victor. I do hope your cousin doesn’t come back.”
“Sorcha.” Brian’s tone held a soft rebuke. “Lawrence is our guest.”
“Your wife is right, Brian. I, too, hope that is the last we see of Mitchell. Every family has a black sheep. I wish I could say Mitchell was ours but I believe my mother would bestow that particular honor on me.”
Lawrence stood up. “Excuse me while I go and apologize to Miss Matthews.”
He knew Emer had seen him walk toward her. She held her body straighter, wrapping her arms around herself, as if she needed protection.
“I’m sorry, Emer.”
“Why?”
“Your sister told me Mitchell upset you.”
“I don’t care about him. Why are you here? What business do you have in Clover Springs?”
“You.”
Emer pulled back, a frown creasing her pretty face. He glanced behind him but the other adults were engrossed watching the children.
He moved toward her gently. “Emer, I think we both know you’re the reason I’m here. I can’t stop thinking about you.”
“Don’t, Lawrence. Please.” Her voice shook with emotion.
He couldn’t have misread her feelings, could he? Only one way to find out.
He took a step closer. She didn’t move. Putting his arm out, he pulled her gently behind the cover of some trees. He didn’t want to subject her to gossip, even if they were family.
“Emer, I’ve never felt like this before. You are so different from the women I met before.”
She stiffened in his arms. Darn it, that came out wrong. “What I mean is—oh, heck.” He brought his mouth down, brushing his lips gently across hers. He kissed her eyes, her nose and her lips once more before cradling her to him. “Emer, I couldn’t stay away from you. I …”
She pushed him away. “Don’t say it. Don’t tell me you love me. You don’t know me.”
“True, but I know I care for you. You care for me, too.” He put his finger under her chin, forcing her to look up into his face. He didn’t expect her face to be frozen with fear. Instinctively, he loosened his hold on her but didn’t let her go completely.
“Emer, I would never hurt you.” He brushed the side of her face with his finger. With a sob, she turned her face into his hand.
He sensed she was struggling to believe him. He pulled her into his arms, trying to show her how much he cared. He held her, kissing the top of her head a couple of times until her shoulders stopped heaving.
“You and me? It’s not right,” she whispered.
“Why? We are both adults. Free to find love where we choose, aren’t we?”
“But what about your mother? She hates me.”
“Is that all? You’re worried about my mother? Darling, she hates everyone, including me.”
She was so vulnerable, staring up at him, her face a mixture of fear and want.
“I love you, Emer. Nobody will keep me away from you. I fell in love with you the first day I saw you when you stuck your tongue out at Smithe
rs.”
Her cheeks pinked, making her look even more beautiful.
“You saw that? Nobody was supposed to.”
He kissed her thoroughly, all thought for where they were forgotten. He wanted this woman and was going to do his best to show her how much.
Emer’s heart beat so fast she couldn’t think of anything but his lips on hers. It was so good to be held by someone. She moved closer to him, not wanting to ever let him go.
He loved her. He didn’t care about his mother or anyone else. Just her. He doesn’t know me? If he knew about Patty he would run back to Boston. Why was she thinking of Patty now?
He broke their kiss, holding her tight against him for a couple of seconds. “We best get back to the others. They will be wondering where we got to.”
She stared at him, not releasing her hold. She didn’t want to go back to her family. Reality would set in. This wasn’t real. It couldn’t last. He didn’t know who she was. Not really.
“Emer, smile. You look like you were just condemned rather than kissed.”
She nearly vomited at his choice of words. Condemned. That’s exactly what I would be, if people knew who I was. Would he condemn me, too? If he loves me, he would stand by me and protect me. Wouldn’t he?
“Lawrence, wait. There’s something you should know.”
He kissed her quickly before taking her hand. “I know you feel the same as I do. That’s enough for now. Come on, let’s get back to the others.”
She let him hold her hand as they walked back to where the others were sitting. She could feel Sorcha looking at her but she didn’t look up.
Lawrence gave the children some candy before telling them to go play. She couldn’t say anything or look up at anyone. She resisted the urge to squeeze her eyes shut and pretend she was somewhere else.
“Mrs. Petersen—Sorcha, if I may. You asked me earlier why I came to Clover Springs. The answer is simple. I love your sister and plan on making her my wife.”
Emer’s head shot up. She hadn’t been expecting him to make the declaration so publicly.
Emer: Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Page 12
