“Well, my girls do make quite an entrance. That’s why I’m here. To start, I need three dresses for each of my seven girls, including matching hats, reticules, and parasols. A few more girls will be arriving in the next few weeks and I’ll need the same for them.” She flipped her hand in the air. “Of course, I know you won’t be able to do anything for them until they arrive, but I want you to know what else will be needed.” Reaching into her reticule, she pulled out a slip of paper. “A list of what I want for each of my ladies.”
Allie took the paper, her eyes widening as she scanned the items listed.
Three street dresses, three hats, one dress coat, three reticules, two pair evening gloves, two pair day gloves, four negligees, four nightgowns, two evening wraps, one dozen handkerchiefs, six pair evening shoes.
Clearing her throat, Allie held the list up. “This is quite a large order, Miss Ruby. This will take me a good deal of time to put together. It’s just me and Nora Evans in the shop.”
Ruby shifted to look at Nora, walking up to her. “You must be the sheriff’s sister I’ve heard so much about.”
Nora’s gaze moved to Allie, then back to Ruby. “You’ve heard of me?”
“I make it a point to learn about all the important people when moving to a new town.”
Shaking her head, Nora chuckled. “Well, I am Gabe’s sister.”
“He’s an important man.” She tapped Nora on the arm. “That makes you important, Miss Evans.” Ruby turned back to Allie. “About my order. When may we expect the first dresses to be ready?”
Allie walked over to the girls, studying each one as she estimated sizes. Drawing in a breath, she looked at Ruby. “Two weeks for the first set of dresses and accessories. Another week for each of the next set of dresses. Afterward, we can begin work on your list.”
“I need the first set in a week, Mrs. Coulter. The rest is fine.”
Licking her lips, Allie looked behind Ruby to the fabric she had in her shop, calculating what she thought would be needed for the first order of seven dresses, hats, and reticules. Turning back toward Ruby, she folded her arms across her chest.
“Nine days. That’s the best I can do.”
A slow smile spread across Ruby’s face. “Done.” Reaching into her reticule once more, she pulled out an envelope, handing it to Allie. “This is for the first part of the order. Nine days, Mrs. Coulter.”
“Nine days, Miss Ruby.”
“Are you certain you’ll be all right while I finish with Mrs. Coulter, Jack?”
“Yes, Aunt Nora.” She handed him another cookie, watching for a moment as he practiced his letters.
“You’re doing so good.”
“Miss Murton says I’m getting better every day. I can write my full name. Do you want to see?”
Pulling up a chair, she sat down next to him, her mouth turning into a grin at his intense concentration as he wrote each letter. When finished, he held up the paper.
“See.”
“That’s excellent. I can see why Miss Murton says you’re doing well.”
The bell above the front door chimed as Lena stepped inside. “There’s my son. How was school?”
“Good, Mama. It’s Friday, so we don’t have school tomorrow.”
“I know. We’ll be able to spend time together.” She bent down, kissing Jack on the forehead before looking at Nora. “I heard you had an unexpected visitor today.”
Standing, she shook her head. “News travels fast.”
“It does when it’s Ruby Walsh and her gang of women. Did she place a big order with Allie?”
“I’d call it a huge order. We’ll be working long hours to fill it within the timeline she agreed to with Ruby. Allie’s in the back if you want to see her.”
Lena settled a hand on Jack’s shoulder. “I won’t bother her now. It’s time to get Jack home and fix supper. Oh, I wanted to let you know I saw Wyatt Jackson in town this afternoon.”
Nora’s stomach quivered at the mention of his name. It had been close to a week since she’d seen him at the Pelletier’s, and each day she’d hoped he’d make his trip to town. When he never appeared, she told herself he hadn’t forgotten about seeing her. He’d just been too busy to make the trip.
“Oh?”
Lena nodded. “I saw him at Noah’s when I took in a bridle for repair. Wyatt was picking up some new tack and tools for the ranch.”
“I see.” Nora clasped her hands together, wishing she had the courage to ask if he’d inquired about her.
“Put your paper and pencil away, Jack. We need to start for home.” Walking toward the door, she stopped before opening it. “Oh, he asked me to tell you he’d be by this evening to take you to supper.” Lena lifted a brow, her gaze full of mischief. “I don’t believe you ever mentioned his invitation to me.”
“No, I didn’t.” Nora glanced away so Lena wouldn’t see the way her face heated. “I, um…wasn’t certain he’d remember.”
“Believe me, he remembered. Well, I’ll see you at home.”
Nora let out a shaky breath when Lena closed the door. They’d been so busy with Ruby’s order, she’d been able to forget Wyatt’s invitation for a while. Now she had something more important to worry about. What she was going to wear.
“Nora? Are you all right?”
She hadn’t noticed Allie come up beside her. “Yes, I’m fine. Lena just left with Jack.” Catching her lower lip between her teeth, she made a quick decision. “Is there a chance you might have a dress I could buy that would be suitable for a supper engagement?”
Allie tilted her head. “Supper engagement?”
“Well, yes. I’ve been invited to supper and can’t think of anything in my wardrobe that would make me look, well…attractive.”
Her face sobering, Allie stepped in front of her. “Nora, anything you wear will be attractive on you. You’re a beautiful woman, so it really doesn’t matter what you have on.”
Swallowing the feelings rushing through her, she let out a nervous laugh.
“Follow me. I’m certain we’ll find something that will make an impression on…” She raised a brow.
Nora lifted her chin as her gaze met Allie’s. “Wyatt Jackson.”
“Wyatt asked you to supper? That’s wonderful, Nora. He seems so nice, and Cash thinks highly of him.” Tapping a finger against her lips, her gaze wandered to a closet near the back. “I think I have the perfect dress for you.”
“I know how busy you are, Allie. Why don’t I look and let you get back to work?”
“Nonsense. This is the most fun I’ve had in a while. I mean, dealing with Ruby is entertaining, but Wyatt escorting you to supper is exciting. Wait until Cash hears.”
Sifting through the closet, she pulled out a stunning green taffeta dress with black buttons up the front and black trim along the cuffs and collar. Holding it up to Nora, she smiled.
“It’s perfect. The green matches your eyes and brings out the color in your auburn hair. And it’s not too fancy.” Setting it aside, she walked over to a trunk, lifting the lid. “Now, let’s see. I’m certain I have an evening bag to go with it. Ah, here it is. Go try it on so I have time to make adjustments.”
Taking the dress, Nora shook her head. “You don’t have time, Allie. I’m sure it will be fine.”
Closing the lid of the trunk, Allie sat down on a nearby chair, crossing her arms. “I’m not budging until you’ve tried it on.”
Nora didn’t protest further. Going into the back room, she took off her clothes, slipping into the dress. The fabric felt wonderful against her skin. Silky, expensive, and regal. Closing the front buttons, she smoothed the skirt with her hands. Inhaling a breath, she stepped back into the front room.
Standing, Allie’s features didn’t indicate her thoughts as she walked all the way around Nora. As she came back to face her, she nodded.
“I need take it in a little at the waist. The length is perfect, as are the shoulders and sleeves. Let me make a couple marks, th
en you can take it off and I’ll work my magic.” As Nora turned away, Allie gripped her arm. “Wyatt better guard his heart tonight.”
“What do you mean?”
“One look at you, Nora, and he’s going to fall in love.”
Walking to the front of the shop, Nora glanced out the window, looking toward the other end of town. She spotted Rogue, Wyatt’s horse, in front of the Dixie. The mahogany bay stallion with white points didn’t fidget like some horses, standing still as he waited for his owner to return. Someday, she hoped to train her horse to behave the same.
Turning, she left through the back. Nora tucked the package under her arm, hurrying to Noah’s livery to retrieve Sugar and ride home. The sun had begun to disappear behind the western mountains as she took the trail out of town. She hoped Wyatt would stay at the Dixie long enough for her to change and fix her hair. Nora had never been one to primp. Her dress and style were simple and unaffected. Tonight, she wanted to look stunning.
She spared little time with greetings before rushing upstairs. Completing her ablutions, she ran a brush through her hair, then dressed before slipping into a pair of black shoes. Standing in front of the mirror, she made a slow turn, her heart pounding, stomach roiling.
Nora hadn’t allowed herself to dwell on the fact she’d never been invited to supper with a man. She wouldn’t curse the evening by assuming he had an interest in courting her. Still, she couldn’t help the excitement twisting her stomach.
Nora never experienced the dances and gatherings common to young women of her father’s social status. Gabe had mentioned soirees and garden parties he’d attended in his youth. She knew he purposely restrained his descriptions so as not to make her feel as if she’d lost out on something important. He insisted she hadn’t.
Her sweating palms and tight chest told Nora her brother was wrong. If she’d been allowed to attend those events when younger, she would’ve learned what to do and say, how to act. A moment of panic gripped her. What did one say when having supper with a man? How did one act?
Sitting on the edge of her bed, Nora sucked in a deep breath in a pointless attempt to control her fear.
“Nora, you have a visitor.”
Standing, she rushed to the door, pulling it open and drawing Lena inside. “I don’t think I can go through with this,” she whispered.
Lena saw the desperation on her face, sensed the fear in her voice. “Let me look at you.” Gently moving Nora a few feet away from her, she looked her up and down. “Wyatt is going to be speechless when he sees you.”
“But I have no idea what to say or how to act. I’ve never, well…I…” Her voice cracked as she searched for the right words.
Lena’s features softened, a knowing smile turning up the corners of her mouth. “You’ve never been to supper with a man before, have you?”
Nora shook her head, her shoulders slumping. “No one besides Father or Gabe. No man has ever shown any interest in my company. I’m not prepared for this.”
Walking up to her, Lena linked her arm through Nora’s. “I don’t believe Wyatt has had much experience, either.”
“No?”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say his complexion is an unattractive shade of green right now. Quite close to the shade of pea soup.”
Putting a hand over her mouth, Nora stifled a laugh. “Certainly not.”
“And he stuttered when he asked if you were home.”
“I’ve never heard him stutter.”
“Well, he did, Nora. Now, look at yourself.” She turned her toward the mirror, then stepped aside. “You are stunning. I doubt he’ll be able to get a word out because his heart will stop the instant he sees you.”
“You truly think so?”
“Yes, I do. I believe this evening is as important to Wyatt as it is to you. Now, what you’ll talk about is what the two of you have always talked about. The town, the people you have in common, his job at the ranch. You can also tell him about the baron and Ruby Walsh coming into Allie’s shop with her girls.”
Nora’s eyes widened. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly talk about Ruby.”
“Of course you can. I’m certain he’s already heard of her appearance, as well as the arrival of her ladies. And I’m sure he knows what her business is, although going into detail might not be wise during your first supper with him.”
“You talk as if you expect there’ll be more.”
Lena smiled, taking her hand. “Come on. Wyatt has waited long enough for you to join him. You greet him while I get your wrap.” She glanced around the room. “Do you have an evening bag?”
“I almost forgot. Allie insisted I take one with me.” She hurried to the table, picking it up. Stuffing a comb inside, she let out a shaky breath. “I’m ready.”
“Wonderful. I have a feeling you’re going to have the best night of your life.”
Chapter Eight
Wyatt couldn’t help himself from tugging at the sleeve of the coat he’d borrowed from Travis. His hair was combed, pants clean, and he’d done his best to press the old chambray shirt he hadn’t worn in months. Cash hadn’t tried to hide his smile when Wyatt walked into the jail, asking if he could change out of his dusty trail clothes.
A couple drinks at the Dixie hadn’t settled the nervous tension that hit him the instant he’d ridden into Splendor. After completing his business with Noah, he’d avoided riding to the opposite end of town and Allie’s shop. Instead, he’d joined Nick at the saloon, exchanging views on Ruby’s new establishment and the ladies who followed her to town. When he could no longer put off his plans for the evening, he’d walked across the street to the jail, endured Cash’s comments, then picked up the wagon he borrowed from Noah.
During the ride to Gabe’s, Wyatt chastised himself over and over for being so impulsive. It had been years since he’d invited a woman to supper, and he’d never met one he felt strong enough feelings for to enter into a serious courtship.
When he enlisted to fight for the Confederacy, all thoughts of a relationship ended. He’d put all his efforts into winning each battle with the hope of an independent South. When the dream ended, Wyatt moved back to Tennessee, settling into a life of farming with his sister and brother-in-law. Their deaths led him on another journey, then eventually to Splendor, where he’d begun the task of rebuilding his life once again. Thoughts of love, marriage, and a family were ideas long buried and forgotten. Then he’d met Nora.
“Am I to take it you have an interest in my sister?” Gabe eyed him over the rim of his glass, the intense gaze saying more than his words.
Picking up his own glass, Wyatt swallowed a small measure of whiskey, letting the warm liquid slide down his throat. Setting the glass down, he nodded.
“Yes, sir.”
Stretching out his long legs from his spot on the sofa across from Wyatt, Gabe nodded. “Friendship or more?”
“I don’t know yet.” Wyatt shifted in the overstuffed chair, adjusting the collar of his shirt.
Gabe leaned forward, placing his empty glass on the table in front of him. “I think you’re a good man, Wyatt, so I’m going to be honest. Nora is naïve in the ways of men and women. I don’t believe she’s ever been courted or spent much time around single men.”
Wyatt glanced down at the floor, then moved his gaze back to Gabe. “She mentioned a little about your mother and hers not being the same woman.”
Gabe blew out a breath. “That’s true.” Leaning back in the sofa, he glanced at the stairs, seeing no sign of the women. “I have three younger brothers. We lived in a big house, had everything you could dream of, including both a mother and father. Nora’s experience was much different. It’s her story to tell, but you need to know I consider her as much my sister as if she were raised in the same home. I won’t stand for anyone taking advantage of her.”
The warning punched through him, the same as a blow to his stomach. “I’d never intentionally hurt Nora, Gabe. Not ever.”
“It’s not inte
ntional hurt I’m concerned about. You know she’s a few years older than you.”
Wyatt nodded. “I’d heard she might be.”
Nora stopped on her way down the stairs, Gabe’s comment and Wyatt’s reply causing her heart to catch. She’d been wondering if Wyatt had any idea of the difference in their ages. Maybe it was for the best he knew.
They must have heard her coming down the stairs as both were already standing when she stepped into the parlor. Forcing a smile she didn’t feel, Nora met their gazes, nodding at Gabe, then turning toward Wyatt. He stared at her, his jaw slack.
“Good evening, Nora. You look beautiful.”
Feeling her face heat, she took another step forward. “Thank you, Wyatt. You look very nice yourself.”
Looking down at his clothes, the boots he’d polished, he pulled on the sleeves of the jacket again. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a reason to put these on.”
“Where are you planning to go for supper?” Gabe’s voice broke the spell between the couple.
“Nick made reservations for us at the Eagle’s Nest.” Amusement showed on Wyatt’s face. “He said to be prepared to meet Baron Klaussner and his entourage. I didn’t know what the word meant until Nick explained it to me.”
Gabe chuckled. “He’s an interesting man. Lena, Nora, and I have met him.” He looked at his sister. “Where’s Lena?”
“She wanted to check on Jack again before coming downstairs. She thought he felt a little warm when he went to bed.”
“I’d better go up. Have a nice time tonight.” He gave Wyatt a pointed stare before walking up to Nora and kissing her cheek, then heading toward the stairs.
The two stood in silence a few moments before Wyatt stepped toward her. “Are you ready?”
“I am.” Her brows drew together. “Do I need to saddle my horse?”
Holding out his arm, he waited until she’d slipped hers through it. “It’s been a while since I took a beautiful woman to supper, but I do remember the need for a wagon.”
Reaching up, Wyatt settled his hands on Nora’s waist, helping her to the ground. For an instant, he considered pulling her to him, then stopped himself when he thought of Gabe’s warning.
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