Lost Fortune (The Unbridled Series Book 1)

by Sandra E Sinclair

  Rilla gave him her warmest smile.

  “Please, Cal, take a seat. Would you care to join us for breakfast?” Jewel asked. Her smile was possibly a reflection of her friends’ as a glance passed between then. Jewel looked between Rilla and Pigeuron and gave them an almost imperceptible nod of the head.

  “No, thank you kindly, ma’am. I’ve already eaten, but I’ll take some tea, if there’s some going?”

  “Please, Mr Dalton, speak freely,” Rilla said, waving her hand for Cal to take the seat offered.

  He cocked his head. “Are you sure, Miss Rilla? What I have to tell you is delicate and should be told to you in private.” He rested a hand on the back of the chair indicated, but remained standing.

  Rilla furrowed her brow. “I have no secrets from Jewel, and the only thing I would keep from Mr. Pigeuron, he already knows. So please, take a seat and tell us what makes your call so urgent you’d forget protocol.” Rilla watched the color in his cheeks deepen.

  Cal did as he was told and sat at the table. Jewel poured him some tea, and he nodded his thanks. “I’m begging you all pardon, but I wanted to tell you before Mrs. Woolum got here. Wyatt didn't keep his word to you, Miss Rilla. I heard him telling Mrs. Woolum everything you didn't want them to know.”

  Rilla gasped, her hand flew to her chest. What was this sensation coursing through her? Some of it was despair, but most of it was relief. Her secret was out, and she’d no longer have to marry Odum. This thought troubled her. She should be devastated, but she wasn't. Somewhere deep within her, she already knew Cal would be there for her as soon as he knew her position. The realization startled her. How could she be so sure? She hardly knew him.

  However, Pigeuron, obviously a shrewd lawyer, took advantage

  of the opportunity presented, to put the plan in place. The moment the words had left Cal’s lips, he was up on his feet. “Oh my goodness, Miss Staab, this will be to the detriment of you. Not only is your reputation tarnished, but without a husband, you lose the inheritance too. You will be put out onto the street.” His chunky arms swept across his eyes, and he fell limply back into his chair.

  Jewel shot out of her chair and screamed the word, “Nooo.” Her hand waved her napkin above her head, and tears instantly filled her eyes before cascading down her cheeks. She hugged Rilla’s head tightly against her bosom.

  “You’re undone, you’re utterly and completely undone. You’ll be reduced to no more than a beggar on the street. From riches to rags. Whatever shall we do?” She too covered her face, but with the napkin and slumped back into her chair.

  Taking Jewel’s lead, Rilla sprang to her feet, spun around in a blind panic then fell dramatically to the ground at Cal’s feet. She cried out, “I'm finished, my life is over.” She grabbed his leg, while her eyes stared into his beseechingly. “Please someone—you, take me to the creek so I may end my life. I cannot, will not, live this way. I'm in ruins, and I need to end it all.”

  She thrashed her head from side to side while shaking Cal’s leg with every word she uttered. “No husband, no money, no name. I’m cursed. Cursed I tell you.”

  She threw his leg away from her, dove across the floor, raising her head slightly to see what Cal was doing. He was as white as a sheet. His face was confused, his eyes dancing between the three distressed people in the room. Watching him through the slit in her fingers, it was evident he didn't know what to do.

  Whatever he’d expected the outcome of his disclosure to be, Rilla was dang sure their poor attempt at amateur dramatics—performed for his benefit—wasn't it. Were he not morose in guilt and confusion, he would have seen right through them. Had this been a theater, they would most assuredly have been shuttled off the stage by a murderous crowd, demanding their money back.

  Cal was out of his seat faster than a jackrabbit, and on his knees at her side. Rilla covered her face. Her shoulders rocked with the laughter, and she added to the fake crying, with the occasional hiccup and moan, letting the tears of her role playing seep through her fingers. Her duplicity appeared to be eliciting the desired effect on the unsuspecting Cal Dalton. His eyes were bemused and distressed as he hugged her to him.

  Rilla was satisfied. He’d helped Wyatt to besmirch her good name. Anything she did to Cal Dalton from here on out was righteous judgement.

  Chapter 20

  Cal’s hand flew to his forehead as his eyes darted from one to the other of the distressed individuals sitting in front of him. When Rilla attached herself firmly to his leg in hysterics, she demanded his full attention. Her nearness and distress robbed him of any good sense and rational thought as he got carried away in the moment.

  Her head was moving wildly, as though she was struck down and possessed by demons. He’d heard of something like this happening to a woman back home when he was a boy. The thought had upset him then, filling his dreams with nightmares. Seeing it for himself now in Rilla wasn’t any less disturbing.

  Watching her so distraught made the blood run from his head to his boots. He wanted to disappear.

  It was because of him she was upset, and he truly believed he deserved to roast in the pits of hell. If he ever saw Wyatt again, he was going to kill him. He shouldn’t have to be sitting here looking down at his love, demanding he take her somewhere to do away with herself.

  He would stop breathing before he’d aid her in such a task, much like what had almost happened when he had witnessed her flight across the floor. He’d only been able to breathe again as he knelt here holding her in his arms.

  Was she truly possessed by demons?

  As her frantic jerking simmered within his arms, so did his thinking. Something didn’t seem right. His instincts after years of working as a Pinkerton man started to kick in.

  Holding her in his arms was causing him some confusion, he’d be the first to admit that. But as he played back the scene that had just unfolded in front of him, he realized there was a good chance he’d quite possibly been duped.

  But why would she do it?

  Why would Rilla and the others all go to such an extent to put on a poorly acted show for him? The more he thought about it, the more he realized it had been a show.

  Rilla wasn’t the type of lady to lose herself so completely. From what he’d known of her since he first met her, she’d always been in control and what he’d just witnessed was out of character.

  Suddenly, it came to him. He held back the smile which begged to spread across his face as his heart lurched.

  “Mr. Pigeuron, what was it you said about Rilla needing a husband?” The small, fleeting smile he saw flash across the lawyer’s face confirmed his suspicions.

  Mr. Pigeuron straightened up in the chair and stared right through him, letting him know he was holding Cal personally responsible for all of this, before clearing his throat. “It’s like this, son. If Miss Rilla is not wed in a little over four weeks, she stands to lose her inheritance. Mr. Worthington’s interference has landed her in quite the predicament,” he said, scratching on his chin like he was thinking.

  Cal looked down at Rilla as she started whimpering, her shoulders beginning to jerk once more at the man’s words.

  Fighting the urge to roll his eyes at the continued charade, he swallowed hard to keep the smile from reaching his face.

  Didn’t she know he’d marry her in a heartbeat? All she had to do was ask him.

  He thought he’d made his feelings clear, evidently not, because for whatever reason, she’d convinced herself she could only get him to marry her in order to save her inheritance. Cal would have rather she be begging him to marry her out of love, maybe that would come in time, after all what wasn’t there to love about him.

  For now, he’d be happy with what she could give him. It would also give him the chance to right the wrongs he’d done.

  As she shook in his arms, he decided two could play this game. He figured his acting couldn’t possibly be any worse than what he’d witnessed here tonight.

  Pigeuron continue
d, “I’ve never met the woman, but I hear Mrs. Woolum is quite the character. I can’t see her allowing her son to marry a woman without station and standing in the community.”

  Rilla shrieked, throwing her hands in the air, the sudden unexpected movement made Cal jump and topple onto the ground. He righted himself and took Rilla back into his arms. He had to admit, she was dedicated to her performance.

  “Tell me if I have this correct. All Rilla needs to make things right, is to find herself a husband?”

  “Well, I suppose that could work,” the lawyer said, and rubbed at the folds in his neck, as if contemplating. “Mmm. But where are we going to find a decent man deserving of such a fine woman such as Miss Rilla, at this short notice?”

  This time, he couldn’t stop his eyes from rolling, so he closed them and drew in a deep breath. He decided it was time for his own performance.

  “What about me? I’m single. I could marry her, if she’ll have me.” His eyes shot to Jewel who had started coughing, with her eyes popping out, at his suggestion. Her shoulders began to jerk as she pretended to whimper while she covered her face. More coughing sounds came from under her napkin, making Cal believe she was more likely laughing at what they all thought they were putting over on him.

  He’d be angry if not for the fact he wanted to fix what he’d done, and he’d be willing to marry Rilla for a lot less.

  Pushing Rilla back a ways so he could look down at her, he could see she had her hands covering her face.

  Likely to keep him from seeing her smile.

  “What do you say, Rilla? Will you have me?”

  She slowly moved her hands down, as she looked up at him. “I can’t let you do that.” Her friend’s coughing seemed to grow louder, obviously afraid she was about to blow things after their stunning performance. “Surely you must already have a lady friend you’ve been calling on. Won’t she be disappointed? I wouldn’t want to ruin your life as well.”

  “There’s no lady friend. You have to let me do this for you. I feel somewhat responsible. It can be a convenience marriage, if that’s what you’re wanting.” He chuckled to himself as he inwardly vowed there was no way he’d let it remain a marriage of convenience, no matter what he said.

  “And in case you’re thinking I’m after your money, I’m not. I’m a man of means. I work because I want to work.”

  “I guess it would help,” she said, and smiled at him. Her smile all but made his heart fly out of his chest. She was the only woman who could have this effect on him, and who he’d be willing to let continue this show for his benefit. “As long as you’re sure you want to do this…”

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

  “Well then, Mr. Dalton, I accept your offer.”

  Jewel exhaled a sound which could be heard by all, and he realized he’d been holding his own breath. Even though, he’d guessed their plan, there was still a moment he worried that maybe she wouldn’t want to marry him.

  As he helped Rilla to her feet, he smiled down at her. “If we are to be married, you may as well call me Cal.”

  Jewel raced over and gathered Rilla into her arms, and he was sure this time he did see a wide grin covering her friend’s face.

  Whatever had just happened here, he didn’t care. He was being given the chance to fix the wrongs he’d done. There was no denying she was going to lose everything because of him, so he was more than willing to do what he could to help her.

  And if he was able to marry the woman he loved to do it, who was he to argue?

  Chapter 21

  Cal and Mr. Pigeuron stayed in the breakfast parlor so they could talk. Cal had told Pigeuron in order for him to be a help to them, as well as be in a position to sort things out, he’d have to know everything Pigeuron knew. He told Rilla now that she was his fiancée, her welfare was his primary concern, and Jewel should take her into the other room to relax as the day had been fatiguing.

  Jewel had risen to her feet almost as soon as Cal had finishing speaking, bringing Rilla with her. As soon as they were alone together, the two women hugged each other and collapsed in fits of giggles onto one of the large couches in the lounge.

  As they sobered from their merriment, Jewel turned to Rilla. “Your Mr. Dalton is quite commanding; wouldn’t you say?”

  Rilla smiled, but before she could answer, Jewel chuckled some more. When properly composed, she continued, “I had no idea our plan would work so well and so swiftly. Cal certainly is an honorable man.”

  “I too am surprised. I was less than certain our little charade would work. But he was most agreeable and so chivalrous.” Rilla trembled at the thought. “I felt sure he would see through our ruse. I must say, I was scared and excited all at the same time. It was exhilarating.”

  “Your acting skills were quite atrocious. It’s a wonder we weren’t found out.” Jewel began to giggle and fan her face as she struggled to get the next few words out through her laughing affliction. “When you…when you went swishing across the ground, I almost died. Had it not been for the napkin, he surely would have seen my amusement. You were magnificently terrible.”

  “I dare say the poor man couldn’t see past his guilt.”

  “My dearest, Rilla, please don’t take this the wrong way. But I believe our Mr. Dalton to be far superior to Odum.”

  “Sweet Jewel, I’m not offended, in fact I’m in agreement. Alas, Odum will never be more than his mother allows. I feel satisfied with your choice of a suitor, because I swear if I never hear the phrase, ‘Mother thinks’ again, I will live a life of bliss and contentment.” Rilla clasped her hands together in her lap.

  “I cannot count the times I stilled myself from saying to him—‘I care less for what your mother has to say than I do a squawking fowl.’ Tell me, Jewel, am I doomed for thinking such wicked thoughts?”

  “Well if you are, I fear we are both doomed, because I have likened her to creatures far worse.” They laughed some more, then Rilla took her friend’s hand and squeezed it gently, grateful Jewel was so wise.

  Would she have come up with such a cunning plan to save her honor? Cal was a respectable man. His reputation as a Pinkerton man would far outshadow any scandal anyone would wish to place upon her. He had the law on his side, which would be enough to quiet the voices of the hypocrites in their community, including Mrs. Woolum.

  Not to mention how handsome he was. The thought made Rilla’s heart flutter and her pulse race.

  The sensation troubled her as she’d allowed herself to accept the fact she only ever felt this way when thinking of, or being in the presence of, her new fiancé. Ever since she’d first set eyes on him on the train, her vitals had never been the same in his presence. It was time for her to admit she had feelings for Cal Dalton. Womanly feelings. Heat rose though her and settled in her cheeks.

  She turned to find Jewel staring at her. “Are you all right?” Jewel asked.

  “I’m perfectly fine. Why do you ask?”

  “You look different somehow, I can’t explain it.”

  “Maybe it’s because I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Since the news of my beginnings, I’ve been plagued with discomfort, living under a cloud of lies. Being engaged to Cal has freed me from that burden, and it’s all thanks to you, my dear friend.”

  “It had nothing to do with me. I think our Mr. Dalton was already smitten, we simply forced his hand with a little nudge in the right direction.”

  “Either way, I’m satisfied. My months of living with fear, lies, and deception are over. He knows all there is to know and still, he’s prepared to honor me. For the first time in a long while, I feel completely at ease.”

  “I’m happy for you.” The two women embraced, on the verge of tears.

  A loud commotion coming from the hall had them separating and leaving the lounge to investigate.

  They were greeted by a red-faced, heaving Mrs. Woolum, who was struggling to get by the servant blocking her path.

  “Unhand
me, I tell you. I have business with Miss Staab that can’t wait.”

  Rilla sighed. And so it began. “Sarah, let her pass.”

  Mrs. Woolum pushed her way through, brushing her sleeve as though removing cobwebs. “How dare you lay your hand on me. Not that I can expect propriety from a place such as this,” she snarled, as she waddled forward. “The servants are no better than their master.”

  “How may I help you, Mrs. Woolum?” Rilla asked, rubbing at her temple, the makings of a migraine fast approaching.

  The older woman puffed herself up, throwing her shoulders back and pushing her chest forward. “You can begin by stopping your romping around as though you’re a lady, putting on your fine airs and graces. I know the truth about you Rilla Staab, and my son will not be marrying into such disgrace.” Spittle flew from her mouth with every word.

  “I have worked hard to establish our social standing in this community. A status you seek to destroy with your lies and deceit. You used deception to ensnare my poor Odum. We may never recover from this slight on our reputation. I came here to tell you face to face what I think of you. You, Rilla Staab, are nothing more than a harlot, who lied and stole her way into my son’s affections.”

  Rilla was stunned for a moment, unable to believe this woman who talked about propriety would stand before her and so openly declare her feelings without regard.

  “You come into my home and hurl insults at me, while speaking of correctness. You, Mrs. Woolum, have no decorum. As for marrying Odum, I wouldn’t want to charge him with bigamy, for surely he is already married—to you. Now if you would kindly leave my house, so I may have it fumigated to rid it of your presence.”

  “How dare you. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll pack your belongings and leave this town. A woman like you has no business living amongst decent folk.”

  “What’s going on here? Did I hear you correctly? Were you threatening my fiancée?” Cal came up and placed his arm around Rilla’s waist and glared at Mrs. Woolum.