Rilla had one of two choices. She could bring the wedding with Odum forward, or run and keep on running until she stopped where no one could find her and find out about her parentage. Her life was falling apart around her, and she could do nothing to stop it. Without a husband, she would lose the money too. She'd have nothing, and none of this was her doing.
Her parents didn't think things through when they made their plans to keep her safe. She’d have been better off knowing from the start, at least then she would have been better prepared for the outcome which was sure to follow. She needed to know more about this detective who was looking for her, but she wouldn't be able to find out anything more from Pigeuron until after he had rested.
Rilla didn't know anyone who could make a simple task look as exhausting as Pigeuron did, along with his flair for the theatricals. She needed to discuss what her options were with Jewel. Rilla had told Jewel everything the moment her friend had arrived. Her shame was not something she’d wished to see on paper, and in her own hand. Now she was glad she did. This was not a plight she could keep to herself or handle alone.
Pigeuron was snoring before she'd even left the room. There was no way she’d get anything more from him until he was rested.
She retired to her lounge in the west wing and waited for Jewel to arrive. Jewel was out with her suitor, a middle-aged miner who’d been sold a dud gold mine. But it didn’t stop him from drilling, and he’d struck it big. Rilla smiled as she recalled when Jewel met her wooer, who insisted on calling Jewel, Princess.
The ladies in church had told Jewel he wasn’t a good match for someone as polished as her. Despite his swanky attire, the man was uncouth and of little to no means. All he’d had were his fine clothes after sinking his money into his venture. He was a fool who’d bought a mine that had given it’s last to the previous owners.
But Jewel had ignored them, and encouraged him to call on her. However, he refused to marry her until he found the gold he knew was in the mine. Jewel had done well to stand by him. All the naysayers were now singing from a different hymn sheet.
Rilla was worried if she did have to run, she would be completely alone in the world. Now Jewel’s intended had struck it rich, they would soon be wed. There was no chance of her starting over, and building a new school would be impossible on her own. Without a husband, there was no inheritance. No money, equalled no future.
Her hands covered her face as she sank into a chair and weighed her options while she waited for Jewel to return home. She didn’t have to wait long. Jewel bounced into the room full of merriment, her face as bright as the stars that shone at night.
“Oh, Rilla, I have wonderful news. Thomas and I, we’ve finally set a date to be married. I’m to be Mrs. Archibald.” She spun in a circle around the room, then pulled off her shawl and gloves, and sank into the chair opposite.
She was so happy, that it took a while for her to see the distress on Rilla’s face. Jewel was out of her chair in an instant and on her knees in front of her friend. “My goodness, Rilla, whatever is the matter. You look as if you’ve lost a diamond and found a lump of coal.”
Holding back tears she fought hard not to shed, Rilla stared down at her friend and said, “To be honest, Jewel, that’s how I feel.”
“What could possibly have happened to put you in such a state? I’ve only been gone a few hours. Did the dragon lady return for another visit in my absence?” Jewel’s eyes were questioning, seeking answers in Rilla’s face as she waited for her to respond. She squeezed Rilla’s hand then pressed it to her cheek.
“My darling, Rilla, you must speak to me. If you don’t tell me what’s wrong, how can I help?”
Rilla finally found her voice. “Sweet Jewel, I wish you could help me but every which way I look at it, I am undone. My life is about to be ruined, and I fear the scar will be permanent.” Unable to restrain her tears any longer, Rilla’s cheeks were splashed with the shame of her parents.
Without knowing why, Jewel wrapped her arms around her friend and began crying too.
Chapter 12
Cal arrived in Longchapel, long before his letter from his cousin in Boston, and made his way to the post office. Cal needed to know more before sending word to his client. He had to be sure he was doing the right thing—find out exactly who Rilla was. There had to be some kind of connection between Worthington and Miss Staab.
He’d sent Rilla a letter while still in Arizona, as well as a telegram to his cousin, asking her to find out what she could about Rilla Staab. He guessed she was born in Boston. If she was, it would make sense her business there may have been equal to his own. He’d stayed in Arizona a spell longer while he waited for his cousin to send him word.
Cal’s brothers still hadn’t returned, so he remained in the room above the saloon. His cousin reported what she’d found out, telling Cal it was too much to put in a wire, and would send him a letter of her findings. Armed with this new information, he made his way to Longchapel, California.
He hadn’t approached Rilla when he arrived, taking to following her around instead. Struggling with his conscience, he wondered whether he should or shouldn’t inform Worthington of his findings. He’d assumed all manner of illicit things after seeing Mr. Pigeuron arrive with his baggage at Rilla's house. Perhaps she was a kept woman who’d ensnared Pigeuron with her womanly wiles to siphon the money owing to Wyatt.
Jealousy tore through him like a herd of cattle, and then he found out she was engaged to another man. He did everything he could to find out as many details as he could about her betrothed. Her fiancé seemed happy enough to share with anyone who'd listen that he was marrying the best woman in the world. They been courting for months, and were to be married soon.
The news Rilla would soon to be married, and the thought of her with someone who wasn't him, rode on him harder than a bucking bronco.
Seething with jealousy and the information he’d gotten from his cousin, as well as Rilla’s letter of rejection, Cal decided he was legally obligated to inform Wyatt. So the next letter he sent was the one he'd scribbled down in Arizona, telling Wyatt, he had a sister. Then he informed him he'd found out where the gold and land was, and who owned it. Wyatt needed to be in California if he wanted to get his property back.
Cal regretted sending the letter soon after. At the time, he hadn't realized things were more complicated than he’d thought. He’d been too busy chiding himself for waiting so long to do his job, and grappling with his feelings.
After a few drinks in the saloon, Rilla’s fiancé told Cal, she’d started a school for girls. Although he wasn't very happy about the clientele, he'd let her have her fun for now, saying things would change once they were married. He had plans, and educating the children of whores wasn't on the cards.
Rilla being a mere woman didn’t understand, nor did she know how vast her land was. It took in all the trees and the forest behind it too. The claim was filed years ago and was part of her property.
Odum continued to explain his plans to close down the school and turn the land into a mill, where he could make timber. People needed timber now. At the end of the war, as far as he could tell, timber would be big business, and he needed to be ready for it when it came. Rilla was sitting on a gold mine.
The more Odum revealed, the more Cal realised Odum was speaking metaphorically and didn't know Rilla actually was sitting on a gold mine. This made him wonder about their relationship. If she truly trusted her fiancé, she’d have told him about the gold she had.
Cal wondered how implicit Rilla was in all this. His cousin’s letter told him she was Worthington’s illegitimate half-sister. Did she even know of Worthington’s existence? Thinking about it, he wasn’t so sure. Hadn’t she told him she was alone in the world?
He’d begun to realize things weren't exactly how they seemed, and wished he'd held off contacting Wyatt before speaking to her and finding out her side of the story.
Pigeuron was hiding out at Rilla’s house, that was
evident, because her fiancé didn't know anything about him nor the fact his fiancée came to California from Boston.
The way Odum was speaking told Cal he thought she came directly from France. Cal felt confused and guilty. Nothing seemed to be adding up. He’d been rash in informing Wyatt of Rilla’s whereabouts.
What kind of a detective was he?
He should have made sure he was aware of all the facts before making any decisions. He’d allowed his feelings to cloud his judgment and now he was stuck not knowing what to do.
Surely he couldn’t let Rilla marry her money grabbing, social climbing fiancé. Cal knew the type; he’d known them his whole life. He couldn’t, in good conscience, allow someone like Odum to remain in Rilla’s life. There was no way he could let what Odum had planned happen to her, even if she didn’t want him. But how could he stop it? Her letter told him he was too late, she’d moved on.
Not to mention the can of worms he’d opened by writing to Worthington. Worthington had sent a wire to say he was on his way. Cal would have to move fast if he was going to undo what he’d done. On the upside, his commitment to Wyatt was over. He’d completed his contract, freeing him to make things right with Rilla.
There was no other way. He’d have to visit with Miss Rilla and clear the air. Time was running out.
Chapter 13
The maid entered the lounge where Rilla, Jewel, and Mr. Pigeuron were gathered, carrying Cal’s calling card on a small silver tray. Jewel beckoned the maid forward and removed the card to read the name aloud.
“It’s from a Calvin Dalton.”
Jewel’s questioning gaze flew to Rilla, whose heart jolted at the news. Jewel must have seen something in her face—right before her gaze landed on Pigeuron.
It would appear the name meant something to Pigeuron too. No sooner had he heard the name Calvin Dalton, and his relaxed posture stiffened. His eyes popped as he choked on his beverage. He began to make hissing sounds as he coughed and spluttered, spraying the drink from his mouth and nose, his arms flapping wildly through the air.
Being in his line of fire, Jewel jumped up out of her chair in her attempt to miss the trajectory of the fluid, and stared at him in disgust. He was up from his seat, reaching frantically into his pocket for a handkerchief as he did a jig, gasping to get inaudible words out of his mouth. The sounds he made sounded much like a hundred cats screeching into the night, as he whizzed and whistled.
Rilla stared at him with concern, his cherub cheeks looked ready to explode. She filled a goblet of water and handed it to him, while Jewel dabbed at her skirt in vain, her face like a thundercloud on a stormy day. Jewel excused herself and left the room, leaving Rilla to fan Mr. Pigeuron as she waited for him to regain his composure.
The visitor was temporarily forgotten.
“Are you feeling all right?”
“I beg your pardon. It’s just…it’s just your gentleman caller is the detective I told you about. It seems he found you a lot sooner than I’d bargained for.”
A million thoughts fired in Rilla’s brain. How could it be? The man she’d hoped would be her salvation, her aid in escape, her exit plan from marrying Odum, was her persecutor—the person to bring her to her knees. She watched as it played out in her mind’s eye, her future tumbling down around her. This couldn’t be, it was a too cruel and bitter fate.
What could she do to save herself?
“Maybe he hasn’t found out yet. It could be he’s calling because we have been in contact. I met this man while I was in Boston. We have been corresponding.”
“You’ve been writing to this man?” Pigeuron asked, wide-eyed.
“Yes.”
“You never told me you met anyone.”
“There was nothing to tell, our meeting was brief at best.”
“It was long enough for you to exchange your personal information.”
“It was a brief encounter, and we did not exchange details. He gave me his card and asked me to write him, nothing more. It’s possible we could use this visit to our advantage.”
“In what way?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“If you’re going to invite him in. I should retire back to the east wing.”
“I think not. If he is what you say he is, he may already know you’re here. Our duplicity will only make us look suspicious. No, stay. The only way to deal with this is to confront it.”
“As you wish.” Pigeuron returned to his seat and mopped his brow.
Rilla turned to the maid who stood quietly by, her face void of expression, waiting for direction.
“Please show Mr. Dalton in.” Rilla took her seat. Was she doing the right thing? This was a bold and dangerous move. The whole thing could all blow up in her face. But she had faith. The man she remembered had integrity, he seemed fair, and if she played her cards right, maybe she could win him over to her side and her secret could remain.
What she didn’t need was a brother, hell bent on destroying her life. If half of what Pigeuron told her was true, her brother would waste no time in laying her to ruin.
“Mr. Dalton,” the maid said and stepped aside for Cal to pass.
“Good evening, Miss Staab,” Cal said removing his hat. His eyes fell onto Pigeuron who rose from his seat. “Mr. Pigeuron, you’re a long way from Boston.” Cal shook the pudgy hand offered to him. From where Rilla sat, she couldn’t decide if the surprise in Cal’s expression was genuine or not but his smile looked sincere.
“The same could be said for you, Mr. Dalton. That southern drawl doesn’t suggest to me you’re a Californian,” Pigeuron said, returning to his seat.
“And you’d be right. I’m here on business.”
“If you have time to visit with Miss Staab, I take it your business here is concluded.” Pigeuron cocked his head.
Cal narrowed his gaze at Pigeuron. “Again, you’d be correct in that assumption.” His smile returned as his gaze shifted to Rilla.
“Please, take a seat, Mr. Dalton,” Rilla said. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Thank you, don’t mind if I do.” He took the seat next to her just before she rose to pour his glass of iced tea. She came back to her seat, handing him the glass and took her position beside him, turning her body so she faced him.
“We will be dining shortly; would you like to join us?”
“I don’t want to impose.”
“There’s no imposition. We’re expecting my companion’s fiancé. It will be just as easy to add one more to the dinner party.”
“If you’re saying it’s okay, I’d love to join you.”
Jewel entered the room wearing a different gown, and halted, her gaze focused on Cal.
Rilla stood. “Miss Jewel Inghram, this is Mr. Calvin Dalton.”
“Howdy, ma’am.” Cal had risen from his seat the moment Jewel had entered the room.
Jewel gave a half curtsy. “Mr. Dalton. Rilla, may I have a word with you in private?” she asked, giving both Cal and Mr. Pigeuron a weak smile.
“If you gentlemen will excuse me,” Rilla said, taking Jewel’s hand and leading her from the room. Sure of a safe distance in the hallway, Rilla stopped. “My goodness, Jewel, whatever is the matter with you?”
“I fear my heart was all of a flutter at the sight of your Mr. Dalton,” Jewel said her hand pressed against her chest. “How could you allow such a fine specimen to escape you? And indeed, replace him with Odum. I swear you must be insane.”
“Shush, he may hear you. I didn’t replace him with Odum. He did not return my letters until recently.”
“Well, that’s it. You can’t marry Odum. This man is by far a better match for you. Your sons will be handsome and strong.”
“I wish that were the case, but Mr Pigeuron says he is the detective sent to find me by my brother.”
“Oh, all right then. Let’s invite him to dinner, poison him, and bury him under the rose bushes.”
“Jewel, how could you think such a thing?” Rilla gaspe
d.
“I can think it quite easily, when my friend’s very existence is threatened. I know where your housekeeper stores the rat poison. It could very easily be done.” She grinned.
Rilla shook her head and held her friend to her.
“Thank you, but I have no desire to murder Mr. Dalton, at least not today.” They hugged each other and giggled like school girls, sobering in acknowledgment of the fact they had another caller.
Chapter 14
Cal glanced over at Pigeuron who seemed lost in thought, ignoring Cal as if he was afraid to have a conversation with him now they were alone. Cal was fine with that. As much as he wanted to ask more about Mr. Pigeuron’s relationship with Rilla—only because he appeared a little more protective of her than a lawyer should be, he didn’t want to upset the apple cart. Cal was also stuck wondering how much the lawyer had told her.
Her greeting didn’t feel hostile, quite the opposite in fact. She invited him to share a meal with them. And as much as his conscience wanted to refuse the invitation, the desire to be in her company overpowered any good sense he might have left.
He remembered how he felt approaching the house, like an inexperienced boy who’d never been kissed, his heart raging like an angry bull. Yet the pull to see her ached through him, rendering him a slave to her charms. He had to see her even if she turned him away. Cal had never been this nervous or confused in his life.
Fear gripped his heart as he waited for her to return with her companion. What were they talking about? Had the other woman found out who he was? He needed to come clean, get Rilla alone, and tell her everything, and ask if they could start over.
Lost Fortune (The Unbridled Series Book 1) Page 5
