Corsets and Cuffs: (Sweet Historical Western Romance) (Baker City Brides Book 3)

by Shanna Hatfield

  He waggled a finger her direction. “Now that’s the kind of news I’m talking about. Find out who lost horses, where the robberies are taking place, what the sheriff is doing to track down the thief, that sort of thing.” Pleased, Bowen leaned back in his chair. “While you’re at it, add a story to your list about the Chinese. There’s always something newsworthy going on with them.”

  “The Chinese, sir?” Brianna asked. She’d noticed a few Chinese men with long queues and strange hats walking around town. The hotel had assured her Wang Ping’s laundry was the best in town for cleaning her clothes. However, that was the extent of her knowledge of the local Chinese community.

  “Chinatown is located just west of the Powder River, down on Auburn Avenue. There are a handful of Chinese stores, a gambling house, and a joss house. It seems like someone’s always down there stirring up trouble. Just be careful if you venture that direction. It’s mostly men.” Bowen gave her a long look. “On second thought, you best stay away from Chinatown, but see what you can turn up on that horse rustler. As soon as you have a story together, come back and see me.”

  “Do you have any other work you’d like me to see to, sir?” Brianna asked as she stood and tucked the pencil back in her reticule.

  “Nope. I want you out there,” Bowen jabbed his thumb toward the window behind him, “drumming up facts. Stay out of trouble, Miss Dumont. If you’re in jail it will be hard for you to track down any real news.”

  Brianna nodded her head then took her leave. A visit to the sheriff’s office was essential to gain any information for the story about the horse rustler.

  Anxious to put off seeing Tully Barrett as long as possible, she made her way to Maggie Dalton MacGregor’s dress shop. She wasn’t sure if Mrs. MacGregor would be there, since she and her husband had just returned from their honeymoon trip the previous afternoon, but an open sign assured her the woman was in the store.

  A bell jangled above the door when she opened it and stepped inside.

  “Good morning!” a cheery voice called from the back. “I’ll be right there.”

  Brianna watched as a dark-haired beauty rushed out from the back room and offered her a welcoming smile. “Welcome to my store. How may I assist you today?”

  “Are you Mrs. MacGregor?” Brianna asked, admiring the woman’s exceptionally crafted gown, done in a shade that made her think of sun-ripened peaches.

  “That’s me.”

  Brianna smiled. “My name is Brianna Dumont. Yesterday, I dined with Mr. and Mrs. Thane Jordan following the church service. Mrs. Jordan said your work could rival any dressmaker and she is absolutely correct in that assessment.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Dumont. Jemma’s not the least biased, either.” Maggie winked then waved a hand around her store. “I’m usually closed on Mondays, but since we’ve been gone for a week, I wanted to come in and take care of a few details this morning. How may I help you?”

  “First, I heard you have an apartment above your store you might be interested in renting. I’m searching for a place to stay for a month. I’ve been at the hotel this past week, but I’m seeking a more affordable option. Although I checked at the boarding house, it appears the property is up for sale and in quite a stage of transition. The sheriff and Mr. Jordan happened to mention your apartment.”

  Maggie looped her arm around Brianna’s, escorting her through the store to the workroom. Brianna took in the neatly stacked bolts of fabrics as well as tidy baskets of trims. A large worktable and two sewing machines took up a good portion of the space. A staircase led to the second floor near a back door.

  “Come on and I’ll show it to you.” Maggie led the way up the stairs and opened a door at the top. “There are two bedrooms, the sitting room and a kitchen. I’m planning to leave most of the furniture, but I do have a few things I still need to pack and take to Ian’s…” Maggie blushed. “I mean to our home.”

  Brianna smiled and squeezed Maggie’s hand. “Congratulations on your recent nuptials. I’ve heard nothing but good things about you and your husband. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. MacGregor’s parents at church services yesterday. They are quite an unusual, but lovely couple.”

  Maggie gave her a conspiratorial look. “I met them myself a few days before the wedding. Ian certainly takes after his father, although I dearly love his mother.”

  Satisfied the apartment would meet her immediate needs, Brianna turned to Maggie. “How much do you think you’d like to receive in rent?”

  In the past, Maggie would have rattled off a number, but she wanted to discuss it with Ian before she made any decisions.

  “To be quite honest, I hadn’t thought about renting it. If you wouldn’t mind giving me time to consult with my husband on the price, I can get back to you later today.” Maggie studied her a moment then grinned. “Better yet, why don’t you join us for lunch and we can discuss the matter then?”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose, especially since you and Mr. MacGregor are just returned from your honeymoon trip.” Brianna was convinced she’d feel awkward and out of place with the newly married couple.

  “Nonsense. You may as well join us. Ian’s mother will have something ready to eat.” Maggie offered her an encouraging look. “I insist. It will give us the opportunity to get to know you a little better.”

  Brianna nodded. “Very well. I accept your kind offer.”

  Maggie showed her all the rooms then led her back downstairs. “Is there anything, other than the apartment, you wanted to discuss?”

  “Actually, I’d like to purchase a riding skirt from you. The other day I rode a horse with a sidesaddle and it has been made abundantly clear I should refrain from doing so in the future.”

  Maggie laughed. “With the men in this town, I’m sure you probably heard more than you cared to. Strong opinions and a tendency to share them are hallmarks of several men around here.”

  “That would certainly be true for your sheriff.” Brianna stared at a beautiful ice-blue gown Maggie had on display. Ecru lace dripped off the cuffs and hem while soutache trim highlighted the front of the jacket and skirt. The simplicity of the gown’s design gave it an elegant appearance.

  Aware of her interest, Maggie pointed to the gown. “Would you like to try it on? It would be perfect with your coloring, especially your eyes.”

  “Although it’s beautiful, Mrs. MacGregor, I must keep my focus on riding skirts. What would you recommend?”

  “That you call me Maggie,” the woman said with a sassy grin.

  An hour later, Brianna had purchased a riding skirt, two simple cotton blouses, and a brocade vest.

  “I’m so glad I had some things in stock that fit you,” Maggie said as she totaled the purchases.

  While Brianna took money out of her reticule, Maggie wrapped the clothes in a piece of plain brown paper and tied the package with a length of blue ribbon.

  “You’re welcome to wait here until noon and then I can show you where we live,” Maggie said as Brianna picked up the package and moved toward the door.

  “I have a few errands to run.” Brianna glanced down at the watch pinned to the front of her jacket. “I shall return a few minutes before the noon hour.”

  “I’ll see you then, Miss Dumont. Thank you for your purchases this morning.”

  Brianna smiled at Maggie as she opened the door. “Please call me Brianna. I have a feeling we’ll be friends and I can use as many as I can find these days.”

  “Enjoy your morning, Brianna.” Maggie waved as she hurried down the street in the direction of the hotel.

  Brianna deposited her new clothes in her room then ran by the mercantile to select a small gift for Ian and Maggie and asked Mr. Miller to have it delivered to their home that afternoon.

  With a fortifying breath, she walked to the sheriff’s office and opened the door. It was the first time she’d entered without being angry or in handcuffs.

  She stepped inside and smiled at Deputy Harter as
he sat at his desk with a stack of paperwork. The sheriff was noticeably absent.

  The deputy stood and tipped his head toward her. “Miss Dumont. It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is, Deputy. I had a few questions for the sheriff. Is he available this morning?” Brianna offered the young man a bright smile.

  His chest puffed out slightly and his mouth kicked up at the corners. “He had some business to take care of, but he hoped to be back this afternoon. May I give him a message?”

  “No, thank you. I’ll speak with him another time.” Brianna moved toward the door as the deputy followed her. “Enjoy your day, Deputy.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  As she stepped outside and hurried down the street, she felt him watching her and wondered if all the men in town could use a lesson in good manners.

  She strolled over to the soap factory and made an appointment to speak with the manager the following week, then rushed back to Maggie’s place.

  Eager to see the MacGregor home, she opened the door to the dress shop and stepped inside. Maggie leaned against a tall, blond-haired man as he stood with his arms wrapped around her, kissing her thoroughly and passionately.

  At the sound of the bell jangling, the two of them broke apart, turning her direction. Maggie’s face was red with embarrassment but her husband wore a mischievous grin as he looked at Brianna.

  “Miss Dumont, is it? Ian MacGregor at your service.” He bowed to her with a flourish of his hand before he straightened and wrapped his arm around Maggie. “My bonny lass said ye plan to join us for lunch. It’ll be a pleasure to have ye eat with us.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. MacGregor. Your wife was most helpful this morning. Baker City is quite fortunate to have such a talented dressmaker.” Brianna smiled at the man so clearly besotted with his bride.

  “Indeed, we are. Maggie mentioned yer interest in rentin’ the apartment.” Ian glanced at the ceiling then back at her. “Do ye have any references?”

  Maggie scowled at Ian but held her tongue.

  Brianna’s smile faded and she refrained from sighing. “I’ve only been in town a little more than a week. My father owned forty percent of a mine in the area. Perhaps you know Clive Fisher?”

  Ian held back a snort while a lively light danced in his blue eyes. “Ach, lassie, ol’ Clive isn’t exactly a glowin’ reference. Why are you here in town?”

  “I came to check on my father’s holdings at the mine.” At his look, she shrugged. “I had no idea it wasn’t a large mining operation. I discovered the truth the other day when I rode out there. At any rate, I’ve taken a job working at the newspaper and decided to stay, at least for another month. Although the hotel is wonderful, I need to find accommodations aligned to my current financial situation.”

  “So ye’ve gainful employment and aren’t up to nefarious deeds, is that right?” Ian’s teasing grin made both women smile.

  “That’s correct, Mr. MacGregor.”

  “Verra well, then. If my Maggie wants to rent ye the space, I have no objections.” Ian nudged Maggie forward and pointed to the door. “Let’s go see what Mother has rustled up for lunch. We can discuss the details on our way there.”

  Taken aback that Ian turned over the decision about renting the apartment to Maggie, Brianna decided perhaps most men in Baker City weren’t pompous, overbearing dolts like the sheriff.

  Maggie named a price for the rent Brianna thought was more than fair. They agreed Brianna would give Maggie a few days to clean out what she wanted and plan to move in on Thursday.

  After arriving at the house and greeting Ian’s parents, Brianna followed Maggie to a table outside beneath the shade of the trees. A gentle breeze blew up from the creek, carrying both cooler air and the sound of the gurgling water.

  “What a lovely setting,” Brianna said, impressed with the MacGregor’s home and the lavish landscaping. “It’s so peaceful here.”

  “At least it used to be, until you found your way to Ian and Maggie’s table.”

  Brianna’s shoulders tensed at the baritone sound of the sheriff’s voice as he strode across the yard to join them.

  “Tully! What a thing to say,” Maggie scolded as she hugged him then motioned for him to take the seat next to Brianna.

  “Oh, Fred’s used to it,” Tully said, winking at Brianna then removing his hat and hanging it on the back of his chair.

  “Fred?” Ian asked, looking from Tully to their guest.

  “Miss Dumont refused to tell me her name the first two times I arrested her, so I decided to call her Fred.”

  “Arrested?” Maggie’s eyebrows shot upward and her voice rose in volume. “Why did you arrest her?”

  “Twice?” Ian stared at Tully.

  The sheriff leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his hair, fluffing the ring his hat left behind. For an insane moment, Brianna wished she could have followed the trail his fingers made. His short brown hair, thick and wavy, had drawn her interest from the first moment she saw him without his hat. The black Stetson he wore hid most of it from her view, but it didn’t keep her from admiring it when she could.

  “Why did you arrest Miss Dumont?” Maggie asked, glaring at her friend.

  “Assaulting an officer of the law, public nuisance, harassment, and…” Tully glanced at Brianna with a teasing grin. “What was the last one, Fred?”

  She huffed and draped the napkin across her lap before lifting her gaze to the sheriff’s. “Disorderly conduct.”

  Ian’s mother appeared stunned into silence while both Ian and Maggie stared at Tully, baffled.

  Tully took a long drink from a glass of cold lemonade, ignoring their questioning looks.

  Finally, Maggie spoke. “What, exactly, did she do, Tully?” The graceful, elegant woman was the epitome of refinement. Maggie couldn’t imagine her doing anything that might result in one arrest, let alone two.

  “She slapped me across the face, yelled at me in the middle of the street, and refused to go peacefully to the jail.” Tully smirked at Brianna. “I should add resisting arrest to your charges.”

  Brianna ignored his comment and looked at Maggie when the woman reached out and clasped her hand. “What did he say to you, Brianna?”

  Pink blossomed in her cheeks and Brianna shook her head, refusing to repeat what Tully had said in front of Ian and his parents. When Maggie gave her an imploring look, Brianna leaned over and whispered in her ear.

  Maggie rocked back in her chair, anger sparking in her deep brown eyes. She glowered at Tully. “Tully William Barrett! I ought to slap you silly for saying such a thing. How could you?”

  “Now, Mags, don’t go gettin’ all in a fit. Fred’s forgiven me.” Tully smiled at Brianna. “Haven’t you?”

  Brianna held his gaze. “At least until the next time you feel inspired to insult or offend me.”

  Mindful of the tension crackling around the table, Ian’s mother smiled and nodded to her son. “Ian, ask the blessing so we may eat our meal while the food remains palatable.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  After lunch, Maggie gave Brianna a tour of the large stone home while Tully caught Ian up on the news around town.

  As they stepped outside and meandered down the front walk, inhaling the sweet scent from the profusion of flowers growing in pots and flowerbeds, Brianna smiled at Maggie. “Thank you for inviting me to lunch and for allowing me to rent your apartment. I assure you, I’m not nearly the degenerate Sheriff Barrett makes me out to be.”

  Maggie laughed and wrapped an arm around Brianna’s shoulders. “I never thought you were. Don’t take anything Tully says to heart. He’s an overgrown child who loves to tease, but he’s been a wonderful friend to me. Just give him time to get to know you. He’ll come around.”

  “I’ve surmised as much,” Brianna said as they meandered out the gate bearing Ian’s brand. Ian and Tully walked around the corner of the house and waved at them. “The sheriff hasn’t been compl
etely awful, although he works quite diligently at it.”

  The two women giggled as the men approached, ignoring their questioning glances.

  “Might I escort you back to town, Fred?” Tully held out his arm to Brianna.

  Hesitant, she finally nodded her head and placed her hand on his forearm. “Thank you, Mr. MacGregor, for your hospitality.”

  “Ach, lassie. Please call me Ian.” He smiled at her as he settled his arm around Maggie’s waist and pulled her close to his side. “It was a pleasure to have ye join us.”

  “Thank you, Ian, and Maggie, for the lovely meal and the opportunity to visit your beautiful home. If you need more time to move your things, just let me know. I’m not in a rush.” Brianna politely inclined her head toward the couple.

  “Thanks for lunch, you two. I’ll talk to you later.” Tully tipped his hat at Maggie then began the walk into town. Ian and Maggie’s home was located across a lush meadow behind Ian’s lumberyard on the edge of Baker City.

  “They have an incredible home,” Brianna commented as they walked past the lumberyard office. Tully lifted a hand in greeting to several of the men working there but didn’t stop to speak to any of them.

  “It is a beautiful home. I’m very pleased for them. They deserve to be happy, especially Maggie.” Tully appeared to survey everything around them as they strolled down the street. He cast Brianna an inquisitive look. “What did you mean when you said you weren’t in a rush and could give Maggie time to move her things?”

  “Maggie was kind enough to allow me the opportunity to rent her apartment. The hotel is wonderful, but I look forward to staying somewhere more affordable.”

  Tully appeared puzzled. “Why don’t you stay at the boarding house? It’s clean and safe, and the price is reasonable.”

  “The owners are trying to sell it. The situation there appeared to be in a very discordant state when I stopped by this morning to inquire about a room.”

  “Is that so? I suppose I should go see what’s going on over there.” Tully turned his head toward the boarding house as they stood at an intersection, waiting for a wagon to pass.