In Times Gone by

by Tracie Peterson

  “Arthur told Kenzie that everything that happened was his father’s fault—that he’s never stopped loving her.”

  “Hogwash.” Joseph got to his feet. “That boy never loved anybody but himself. I’m guessing his pa sent him to win Kenzie back so that he can get to me.”

  “It would answer why Arthur insists she marry him before returning to Kansas City.”

  Joseph’s expression remained stoic, but there was fear in his eyes. “You’ve got to keep her from doing that. He can’t be trusted. I’d be willing to bet everything I own that it’s all a ruse. He’ll marry Kenzie and then threaten to make her miserable unless I give in. You can’t let him marry her. I haven’t always done right by that girl, but I wouldn’t be able to bear seeing her hurt again.”

  Caleb chuckled. “I don’t think that’s a problem. You see, there’s someone else who wants to marry Kenzie. My best friend, Dr. Micah Fisher, has fallen hard for your daughter.”

  “And he’s a good man?”

  “He is. He’s a good, God-fearing man, and he loves Kenzie. I’ve no doubt of his sincerity. He’s worked hard to get Kenzie to notice him.” Caleb grinned. “She hasn’t made it easy.”

  “I don’t imagine so.” Joseph smiled. “Do you think she’ll give him a chance?”

  “I believe she already cares for him a great deal. I think she’s just been afraid to trust another man after Arthur. Then Arthur showed up, telling her that it was all a lie—that he still loves her and never intended to end their relationship. It’s got her pretty shaken up, but she’s got a good head on her shoulders. I think in time, it’ll all come around right.”

  “I was always disappointed that she wasn’t a boy,” Joseph admitted. “I’m sorry to say she knew about that disappointment too. She did whatever she could to try to please me, to win my approval. I wish I’d made it easier on her. She’s a good daughter. She’s always done right by us, and it grieves me to think that my attitude might have caused her to seek solace with the likes of Arthur Morgan.”

  “We all make mistakes. Maybe one day you can tell her that you’re sorry and ask her forgiveness. I’m sure it would go a long way to healing that wound.”

  Joseph rubbed his chin and nodded. “No doubt you’re right.”

  Victoria couldn’t believe her good fortune. The day before, she’d received a letter from Arthur telling her he’d arranged an appointment for her with Abraham Ruef. He would send a carriage for her, and it would be up to her to figure out how to get away.

  She had worried about that very thing, especially after Camri Coulter demanded to know who the letter was from. Victoria had lied and told them it was from her former fiancé, who’d gotten in touch with Mr. Bridgestone and learned where she was.

  “You surely don’t want to see him again,” Judith commented as Victoria prepared to leave. “I don’t know that I should let you go by yourself. If Kenzie hadn’t left this note saying she needed to speak to Camri and me as soon as she got back, I’d go with you.”

  “I’ll be perfectly fine.” Victoria had quickly landed on the perfect excuse for going to see Piedmont Rosedale. “I must return his ring and some of the other jewelry he gave me. He’s sending a carriage. I won’t be unescorted. Not only that, but he lives with his two maiden sisters, and they will be there as well,” she added, though anyone who was anyone knew Rosedale had no sisters.

  Fortunately, her cousin was a nobody.

  Judith frowned. “I didn’t see his sisters when we were there. Of course, it is a very big house.” She wrung her hands. “I do wish the others were here to consult. Why didn’t you tell me about this yesterday?”

  Victoria wasn’t about to admit that she hadn’t mentioned it because she knew this would be the kind of argument she’d face. “I’m sure I’ll be back within the hour, and I’ll be supervised at all times.”

  Judith finally raised her hands in defeat. “Just get back as soon as possible. I don’t want it said that I kept you a prisoner in this house, but neither do I want to be accused of not looking after your welfare.”

  Victoria smiled as the clock in the hall chimed three. “I’m sure no one would accuse you of doing anything improper.” She walked to the front door and opened it. The carriage was just coming to a stop at the curb. “Good day, Judith dear.” Her voice dripped sarcasm.

  The short ride didn’t culminate at Arthur’s hotel as she’d thought it might, but rather at an office building only a few blocks away. The driver helped her down from the carriage, and Victoria was relieved to see Arthur waiting for her at the lobby door.

  “I wasn’t sure if you’d manage your escape,” he said with a grin and a tip of his hat.

  “Judith was bothersome, wanting to know all the details, but I gave her a satisfactory story, and that was that. It really isn’t all that hard to handle her. She’s not very bright.”

  “But she is quite lovely to look at,” Arthur said with a smile.

  “Do you think her prettier than me?” Victoria watched for his reaction.

  Arthur looked shocked. “Hardly. She could never hold a candle to your beauty.”

  Victoria returned his smile. “I knew you were a man of sophisticated taste.”

  They stepped into the building, and Arthur pointed the way. “Mr. Ruef is meeting you in the office of a friend. I told him discretion was important.”

  She clutched his arm and simpered. “You are truly amazing. I’m ever so grateful for your help in this matter. I have to admit I find you quite captivating.”

  Arthur’s voice grew husky. “I was thinking much the same about you.”

  They entered the office, where a stern-faced matron in a rather manly brown tweed suit looked up from her typewriter and ordered them to sit. She then got up from her desk and exited the room through the door behind her desk. When she returned, she left the way open.

  “He will see you now.” She reclaimed her seat and immediately went back to work as if they didn’t even exist.

  Victoria allowed Arthur to lead the way. He walked in and greeted the stranger with an extended hand and a broad smile. “Mr. Ruef. My father speaks so highly of you.”

  “I don’t suppose he accompanied you to San Francisco?” Ruef asked.

  “No, sorry, but circumstances beyond his control kept him too busy to leave Kansas City. However, I believe you’ll enjoy the company I’ve brought you. Miss Victoria Whitley, this is Abraham Ruef.”

  Victoria considered the older man. He had a thick head of dark hair combed straight back and an equally thick mustache. He stared at her with an intensity that would have intimidated a weaker woman, but Victoria wasn’t at all concerned.

  “Mr. Ruef, thank you for agreeing to see me.”

  “Miss Whitley. I knew your family. A fine family indeed.”

  She touched her gloved hand to her throat and sighed in the way she’d learned delicate women could use to gain great attention. “I’m so relieved. Does that mean you’ll help me?”

  He smiled. “It has been my life’s work to help those who are being put upon by others.” He motioned for them to sit. “I’ve already reviewed your situation and believe it will be expensive but not impossible to rectify.”

  Victoria sat and smoothed out her skirt. “I don’t care at this point what it costs. I simply want my inheritance and my freedom.”

  Ruef gave her a broad smile, but his gaze remained cold and calculating. “Then I am certain we can do business. I’ve already gone through the details of your situation. The fact that your father and brother are deceased, as well as your grandmother, clearly cuts the ties where your family is concerned. This Judith Whitley has no proof of being your cousin and, although I’m far too busy to see to it, should you desire to pursue action to reclaim the entirety of your family’s fortune, you might fare well. It will probably take a great deal of time, perhaps years, but we could try.”

  As tempting as that sounded, Victoria knew there were too many people who would come to Judith’s aid to declar
e her a Whitley. She was an identical image of her twin sister, and those who’d known the family realized exactly who Judith was. Besides, wouldn’t it be better to just take what she could get now and then maybe try to get the rest at a later date?

  “I’d prefer just to get my share for the time being. I want to be rid of this town and my cousin as soon as possible.” Victoria smiled. “Is it something I might consider later?”

  “Of course.” Ruef leaned back in his leather chair. “In the meantime, I can have this matter wrapped up before the end of the week.”

  “The end of the week? Then I’ll have my money and freedom to do as I wish?” Victoria could scarcely believe she’d heard right.

  “Absolutely. I have a judge who’s a good friend. He’ll see the matter pushed through. Of course, there is an expense to expedite this matter. It will require a considerable fee.”

  “I don’t care,” Victoria said, shaking her head. “I’ll pay you as soon as I have my inheritance.”

  Ruef nodded and pushed a detailed invoice toward her. “I’ll need you to sign this.”

  Victoria scanned the itemized list of expenses. She forced herself to remain expressionless as she looked at the total, which amounted to fifty thousand dollars. She had no idea how much her inheritance was, but she had a feeling Ruef did and had charged accordingly. She glanced at Arthur Morgan, and when he smiled and nodded, she signed the paper.

  “In just a few days, you shall be a free woman, Miss Whitley,” Ruef said.

  “Thank you, Mr. Ruef.” She got to her feet. A huge burden and obstacle had been taken from her. “I look forward to hearing from you once matters are settled.”

  He considered her for a moment, then nodded. “Yes. I’ll be in touch very soon.”

  “I’ll be ready.” She looked at Arthur. “Thank you for assisting me with this matter.”

  They exited the office together and made their way outside. Already Victoria was making plans.

  “I wonder if you would do me another favor?” she asked Arthur.

  “And what would that be?”

  “When we hear from Ruef, arrange a room for me at your hotel for that evening. After we see Ruef, I don’t intend to return to Mr. Coulter’s house. I’ll send for my things when I send Judith proof of my freedom.”

  Arthur frowned. “But I need you there to be my eyes and ears. At least until Kenzie agrees to marry me.”

  “I can tell you that the entire house is in a tizzy since Micah disappeared. I know you told Kenzie you offered him a hospital and he agreed to go away, but somehow I doubt that’s the truth. Dr. Fisher isn’t the kind to just walk away.”

  “No, indeed he wasn’t.”

  “Wasn’t? Does that mean Dr. Fisher is no longer alive?” She watched him carefully. She was picking up on his idiosyncrasies. He had a way of darting his gaze left and right when he lied and a slight tic in his right cheek when he was angry.

  This time he only smiled. “It means that he will soon no longer be a problem.”

  She shrugged as he hailed a cab. “Well, I hope you can find a way to wrap things up by Friday. I have no desire to remain in that house one second longer than I have to.” He helped her into the carriage, and she sat back on the leather upholstery and smiled. “I presume you’ll send a cab for me once our meeting is settled.”

  Arthur handed the driver money for the ride. “You can rest assured. Haven’t I seen to everything so far?”

  She nodded. “Yes, but I have yet to see your itemized list for repayment.”

  He smirked. “Oh, but you will. I have a very specific repayment plan in mind.”

  Victoria laughed as the driver put the team in motion. Arthur Morgan might think he was going to take advantage of her, but he wouldn’t. She’d had other men try to compromise her, and they hadn’t won. Arthur Morgan wasn’t going to win either.

  CHAPTER

  21

  The clock had chimed four by the time Kenzie was finally able to sit down with Camri and Judith. She’d been formulating a plan in her head since talking with Arthur. She knew Micah was in danger, and it was up to her to see him rescued. After all, she was the reason he was in trouble.

  “You invited Arthur here?” Camri shook her head.

  “I’m convinced he’s done something with Micah. He must have him locked up somewhere.” Kenzie tried not to let her thoughts go to anything worse than imprisonment. “You know Micah too well to believe he’d leave of his own volition. He wouldn’t hurt his mother and father this way.”

  “He wouldn’t leave you for ten hospitals,” Judith replied.

  “I agree,” Camri said. “Micah isn’t that kind of man.”

  “No, he’s not.” Kenzie smiled. “I knew Arthur was lying when he said it.” She sobered. “I don’t know if he’s hurt Micah, but I have to find out. I’ve come up with an idea.”

  Judith leaned forward. “How can we help?”

  A knock interrupted them before Kenzie could reply. The trio exchanged a look of concern.

  “You don’t suppose Arthur has returned?” Camri asked, getting to her feet.

  “I hope not.” Kenzie stood too.

  Camri left them for a moment and then returned alone. “It’s a telegram.” She held it out so they could see the envelope. “It’s from Caleb.”

  Relief washed over Kenzie. “I’m glad.” She sat back down while Camri read the message aloud.

  “‘Morgan is lying. Catching train. Do nothing until my return. Caleb.’” She glanced up. “Well, that suggests he’s found out something.”

  “I’ve no doubt Arthur is up to no good.” Kenzie shook her head. “When he was here earlier, it was as if scales had fallen from my eyes. I don’t know what I saw in him before. I think his declarations of love have always been a lie. I wish I had realized that when I first met him. I’m such a fool.”

  “There’s nothing to be gained by that kind of thinking,” Judith declared. “We must look to the future.”

  Camri lowered the telegram. “She’s right. Micah may be in a dire situation.”

  “I’m certain he is. Arthur wouldn’t have come to me so confidently if Micah weren’t under his control. That’s why I’m going to move ahead with my plan. I’m going to see Arthur at his hotel.”

  “But Caleb said not to do anything until he returns,” Judith protested. Kenzie got to her feet again, and Judith jumped up as well. She put her hand on Kenzie’s arm. “He wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”

  “I know, but I don’t want Micah to get hurt, and that’s more important.”

  “But how can going to speak with Arthur again help you?” Camri asked. “It’s not like he’ll confess that he has Micah.”

  “No, but that’s where my plan comes into play.” Kenzie met Camri’s concerned expression and then Judith’s. “I will agree to marry him.”

  “What? No, Kenzie, you can’t do that. You love Micah.” Judith’s eyes filled with tears.

  “I’m not really going to marry him,” Kenzie said, giving Judith’s hand a squeeze, “but I’ll make him believe it. However, I’m also going to make it a requirement that I get to see Micah one last time so I can tell him to his face how awful I think he is for taking Arthur up on his offer.”

  Both women looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

  Kenzie drew a deep breath. “Look, I know Arthur. He won’t produce Micah for me unless it suits his purpose to do so. Arthur will be thrilled to have me reject Micah in his presence. It will feed his sense of accomplishment. I’ll convince Arthur that I want to make Micah regret his choices and that without that satisfaction, I won’t marry him.”

  Camri still looked skeptical. “Do you think he’ll agree?”

  Kenzie nodded. “I know he will. Arthur loves to see his enemy laid low. This will be the icing on the cake for him, so to speak. Once I see that Micah is safe, then I can turn the tables on Arthur. We can probably have him arrested for whatever he’s done to Micah, but we’ll need Micah’s testimony to
prove that.”

  “You can’t go alone,” Judith said. “There’s nothing to stop that man from . . . well, he might try to force you to his room.”

  “We’ll go with you,” Camri said, surprising Kenzie. “If we’re with you, he won’t do anything untoward.” She glanced at the clock on the mantel. “Patrick mustn’t know. He wouldn’t understand. Thankfully, he won’t be home until after six. If we hurry, we can get to the hotel and back before then.”

  “I don’t know if it’s wise for you to go.” Kenzie considered for a moment. “Arthur might feel like we’re ganging up on him.”

  “Not at all,” Judith interjected. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to be at the hotel by yourself. We’ll sit apart from you, but we’ll be your chaperones.”

  Kenzie nodded. “But what about Victoria?”

  “At this point, I don’t care,” Judith replied. “She ventured out on her own earlier, so perhaps she’ll be content to remain here. Especially if we tell her we’ll be back soon.”

  Camri nodded. “I agree. We’ll tell her that we’re just going down the street to see someone and we’ll be right back. I’ll take money for a cab to bring us home, and we can walk at a fast clip to get to the hotel. We won’t be gone long at all, and she won’t have time to cause too much trouble.” Camri headed for the stairs. “I’ll go get my purse.”

  And with that, the matter was settled. Judith followed Camri upstairs to explain the situation to Victoria, and then both women joined Kenzie at the door. They took up their hats and gloves and made their way outside.

  At the hotel, the clerk seemed more than a little surprised to have three women asking for Arthur Morgan. He grinned as if they’d just suggested he escort them to Arthur’s room. “I’m sure you realize, ladies, that it’s hardly appropriate—”

  “We’re not here to entertain him in his room,” Kenzie interrupted. “Send him a message to meet me in the lobby. He will be quite angry if you fail to do so, I assure you.”

  “Never seen a man have so many women come to visit him at a hotel,” the clerk said, shaking his head. “Even his sister was here.”