Gold Rush Bride

by Shirley Kennedy

  Garth opened the door. He was in his shirt sleeves. Aside from a slight raise of his eyebrow, he showed no surprise but instead tipped his head quizzically. “Why, Miss Tinsley—Letty. You’ve come to visit me? To what do I owe such an honor?”

  Thanks goodness, he couldn’t see how her heart was pounding. “I have come to speak to you concerning a matter of some delicacy.”

  “Really?” He swung the door wide. “Do come in, unless—” his forehead furrowed with concern “—would you prefer to go downstairs? I know how you ladies are about the appearance of things.”

  She just wanted to get this over with. “That won’t be necessary.” She stepped into his room and found it much like hers. Same table, chairs, rickety cots. Even an identical lizard on the wall.

  He pulled a chair from the table. “Then do sit down—oops.” He’d just spotted the lizard, directly above. “Sorry about that.” He moved the chair.

  At least Garth was being the soul of politeness. She seated herself, remarking, “I’ve got one of those, too. I guess a lizard comes with every room.”

  He laughed at her little joke, pulled out a chair across from her and sat. “So? Tell me about this matter of some delicacy.”

  She took another deep breath and plunged in, describing how she, Betsey and Elfreda found Mary by the side of the road in a state of despondency, about to drown herself in the river. A red welt clearly marked her face where she’d been struck by her employer, Honoria Leffington. Mary was a lovely, sweet girl who didn’t deserve such abuse and it had to stop. As Letty talked, she grew more sure of herself and increasingly incensed over Mary’s treatment until by the time she ended, her voice shook with righteous indignation. “It simply cannot continue. I would speak to Mrs. Leffington myself, but I fear she wouldn’t listen to me. That’s why I’ve come to you. Her abuse of Mary must not continue, and I hope you can help.”

  He’d listened attentively to her every word. “What would you have me do?”

  “Speak to her. She’s in your charge, isn’t she? Of course, if you can’t, or won’t, I swear I’ll take care of the matter myself.”

  “That won’t be necessary.”

  “You mean…?”

  “You must bear in mind that Mrs. Leffington is a grown woman, not in the least obligated to do as I say. I’m not in charge of her, I’m only escorting her. However”—his mouth curved into a confident smile— “I’ll take care of it.”

  “Then I shall leave the matter in your hands.”

  “Fine. Was there anything else?”

  Obviously she was being dismissed. He really had been insulted and could hardly wait to get rid of her. “Nothing else.” She rose to leave.

  He got up, too. “You needn’t rush off. Your reputation is safe. I’d venture to say there aren’t a lot of wagging tongues in Gorgona.”

  She laughed and looked up at the lizard. “How about him? He’s got the tongue for gossip.” As she spoke, the creature’s extra long tongue darted out of his mouth, captured a tiny bug and disappeared again.

  They both started laughing and suddenly she felt that same pull flowing between them that she’d felt on the dock that first night, only this time, he didn’t back away but instead gripped her arms and peered at her intently. “Ah, Letty, what can I…? There’s something about you that…”

  Her whole body tingled with awareness of his hands on her arms. She couldn’t move, didn’t want to move. “That what, Garth?”

  He closed his eyes a moment, as if he was savoring the feel of her yet thinking he should break away. He drew in a sharp breath. “That makes me want to kiss you.” He pulled her close against him.

  She caught a faint whiff of leather mixed with lavender cologne as he crushed his mouth to hers. She was lost the second their lips met, utterly lost, aware of nothing but his powerful body and how much she loved being in his arms pressed tight against him. For a time they swayed together, clenched in a tight embrace. Finally, he pulled his mouth away and was sliding his hand along the nape of her neck when her senses returned. Good grief, what was she doing? She broke away, stepped back and placed an open palm on his chest. “We must stop.”

  He stepped back and took a long, ragged breath. “That shouldn’t have happened. I apologize.”

  So he regretted it? She was shaking inside, but he mustn’t know. “No, it shouldn’t have happened.” She managed a smile and a casual shrug. “Shall we pretend it never did?”

  “That would be for the best.”

  “Then I shall be going.”

  He cleared his throat. “Regarding that other matter, you needn’t worry, I’ll take care of your problem with Honoria.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Morgan,” she replied in her most polite, most remote tone of voice.

  He saw her to the door and she stepped outside. Only when the door closed behind her, did she slam her hand to her chest and whisper, “Oh, dear God.” What just happened? She was still trying to collect herself when she heard footsteps and looked around. Honoria Leffington! Sailing down the hallway with that ridiculous hat on her head. The snooty woman’s eyes grew wide as she recognized who was standing in front of Garth Morgan’s door.

  Trapped. No way to avoid speaking to the woman. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Leffington.”

  Honoria stopped short. “Really, Miss Tinsley? Coming out of a man’s hotel room?” She tilted her nose in the air. “I am shocked that a young woman of good family would conduct herself in such a wanton fashion. But then, we’re in an uncivilized country, aren’t we? Where proper manners and good moral character don’t seem to matter.”

  Letty opened her mouth to speak, then thought better of it. Why should she care what this awful woman thought of her? “Let me by.” With a lofty lift of her chin, she stepped past Honoria. “I have nothing to say to you.” She continued down the hallway highly pleased she’d resisted the temptation to defend herself. Not that Honoria was entirely wrong. She had to smile. Only minutes ago she had indeed been conducting herself in a wanton fashion. What would become of any relationship with Garth Morgan, she didn’t know, but what she did know was she got a restless throb of desire in her veins just thinking about him.

  * * * *

  After Letty left, Garth poured himself a stiff drink. Not a good idea in the middle of the day, but he needed it. His pulse was still racing. Letty had been in his arms. He could still feel the wonder of her in every nerve, every pulse. She’d asked for his help, and he’d comply, even though dealing with Honoria grew more difficult every day. But he’d promised Mother and there was no backing out. He’d do his best.

  And he would be the soul of tactfulness and diplomacy.

  Next morning before breakfast, Garth proposed that he and Honoria go for a walk. As they strolled along the riverbank, he suggested in the most pleasant, reasonable manner possible that she might wish to go easy when dealing with her servant, Mary Hawes. To save Honoria from the slightest humiliation, he implied that quite possibly she hadn’t realized she was being so harsh.

  Fire in her eye, Honoria drew herself up. “How dare someone complain? I shall treat my servants how I please. I pay her, don’t I?”

  Stay calm. Sound reasonable. “That doesn’t mean Mary’s yours to do with as you wish. She’s not a slave.”

  Honoria stopped and turned to face him. “Who complained?” Her screechy voice grated on his ears. “Was it that Tinsley woman?”

  “It’s not important who complained. The point is—”

  “She was in your room, that brazen hussy!”

  Dear God. “We’re not going to argue over this. You heard what I said. If you mistreat Mary again—and I will hear about it if you do—then you can get to San Francisco on your own. I’ll have nothing more to do with you.”

  She gasped. “You can’t mean that.”

  “I can, and I do.”

  As they stood on the bank, a crocodile of considerable length glided by, a common sight along the Chagres Riv
er. Honoria pointed a shaking finger. “You’d leave me to fend for myself with those monsters around, and snakes and spiders and God knows what?”

  Garth watched the ugly creature disappear down the river. There could be no more nasty beast in the world than a crocodile with its scaly skin, long snout full of jagged teeth and soulless eyes. “I wouldn’t want to see you eaten by one, Honoria, but I swear to God, if you hit Mary again, I’ll toss you to the crocodiles myself.”

  Judging from her horrified gasp, his dire threat hit the mark, and she didn’t reply. Good. He need say nothing more. “I believe we’ve disposed of the subject. Shall we return? Perhaps they’ll have something decent for breakfast.”

  On their way back to the hotel, Honoria remained strangely silent. Shocked, no doubt, that for once she hadn’t gotten her way. Perhaps he’d gone too far with the crocodile remark, but, damn it, the woman tried his patience to the limit, so unlike… Letty. His gut wrenched, just thinking about her visit to his room yesterday. More than once, she’d made him smile. Such a great sense of humor, joking about the lizard when most women would only be expressing their horror. But she wasn’t an ordinary woman. How brave she was, making the best of things, taking all the hardships of this horrendous journey in her stride. Lillian would have long since turned back. He had to smile. Lillian Belmont would never have taken such a harrowing journey in the first place. Selfish to the core. Loved her comforts. She awaited him in San Francisco, so beautiful, so voluptuous, all woman and then some...

  That’s strange. What’s happened? In the past, pure lust coursed through his veins whenever he thought of his mistress. His breath would catch in his throat. His whole body would grow weak with desire, and he could hardly wait to get home. Now, nothing. Pulse normal. Not the slightest skip of a heartbeat. And it was all Letty’s fault. Why had he kissed her? So stupid. A big mistake. The last thing in the world he should have done because he had no room in his life for her. He would never think of marrying her nor anyone. Perhaps he’d reconsider ten or twenty years from now when he might wish for an heir, but marriage was far from his mind right now. That left him where? He was a man of honor. Letty was no trollop. She was, in fact, a lady in the finest sense of the word. He would never dream of seducing her and would be a cad if he tried. Ah, yes, Mother had raised him well. Nothing would be gained by pursuing any further contact with Letty Tinsley. He’d see her again, though. Couldn’t avoid it. Only one trail led from Gorgona to Panama City, and he might very well encounter her along the way. If he did, he’d be polite, helpful if the occasion arose, but that was all. Absolutely, he must stay away from her or his well-ordered life would be ruined.

  Letty. Those beautiful gray eyes, that smooth, fair skin, the exquisitely soft feel of her breasts pressed tight against him, his hands on her body…

  “Really, Garth. Have you been listening? You look a million miles away.”

  “I’m right here, Honoria. Did you think I was daydreaming?”

  “You?” she asked with a smirk. “I know you and your practical mind, Garth Morgan. Flights of fancy aren’t your style. I’d venture to say you’ve never had a fanciful thought in your life.”

  “And you’d be right. Let’s go straight to the restaurant. I’m hungry.”

  * * * *

  Early the next morning, Letty, with Elfreda close behind, stepped out on the plaza, happy to see the last of Gorgona’s Hotel Grande. At least she’d gotten some sleep last night and had even awakened with the feeling something nice had happened. Ah, yes, Garth. Just the thought of that kiss made her all warm inside, even though that one unwise moment was, of course, meaningless. He’d agreed it never should have happened. All the same, she enjoyed thinking about it. Not right now, though. She must find transportation for the rest of the way to Panama City.

  “It’s only twenty miles,” Abner Massey, the travel agent, had said in an off-hand way. “You’ll have no problem finding a pack train that will get you there in no time.”

  Seeing the bustle and confusion, she wasn’t so sure. Horses and mules crowded the plaza. Great numbers of natives with framework packs ran hither and yon, eagerly offering their services for a “reasonable” sum. A crowd of travelers, mostly gold seekers, milled about, haggling over prices. She complained to Elfreda, “I don’t know which one to choose.”

  Her maid pointed to where Garth stood in the crowd. Honoria and Mathew stood beside him. “Why don’t you ask Mr. Morgan? He’s helped us before.”

  Of course. She looked to where Elfreda was pointing and caught her breath at the sight of him. With his magnificent height, he’d stand out in any crowd, but especially among these short-statured natives. He’d be pleased to see her, especially after yesterday, and of course he’d be happy to help her. “Stay here and watch the luggage, Elfreda.”

  She pushed her way through the crowd to where Garth was conversing with a native, presumably one of the pack train owners. He didn’t seem to notice her, so she waited until he’d finished speaking. “Mr. Morgan?”

  He turned to face her. “Good morning, Miss Tinsley.”

  What was this? He could have talking to a stranger. No welcoming smile. No light of recognition in his eyes. “I…uh…are you looking to hire a pack train?”

  He nodded briskly. “It’s chaos out here, isn’t it?”

  What was wrong? He seemed so cold, so formal. But after that kiss? Surely she was mistaken. “I was wondering if possibly you could recommend a reliable pack train guide. You see, I—”

  “Of course.” He turned to Mathew. “Be a good fellow and help Miss Tinsley here.” He turned back to Letty. “My employee will help you. I’ve some matters to attend. Come, Honoria.” He gave Letty a brief nod and took Mrs. Leffington’s arm. They disappeared into the crowd.

  Letty stared after them. How utterly wrong she’d been, and how foolish, but no time to think of wounded feelings now. Mathew was speaking, and she must pay attention.

  “I’d be glad to help, Miss Tinsley. If you don’t mind, I’ll talk to Alano. He’s the guide for the pack train we’re on. He’s most reliable, and I’m sure would be happy to take you.”

  The last thing she wanted now was to be anywhere near Garth Morgan, but Mathew was doing her a favor, and she could hardly refuse. “That’ll be just fine.”

  Chapter 10

  At this moment, if Letty saw Abner Massey, the ticket agent, she would strangle him. What a liar with his promises of a pleasant ocean voyage to Panama in a comfortable “semi-private” cabin, an enjoyable sight-seeing cruise up the “picturesque” Chagres River and an easy twenty mile trip by pack train to Panama City wherein she would enjoy the delights of the Panamanian jungle. Now here she was, on the back of an obstinate packhorse, hanging on for dear life as it picked its way through the stifling humidity of the steamy rain forest up steep hills; down precipitous ravines; past mangrove swamps, thickets, all a mass of tangled vines, thorns, trees and leaves. For the first time in her life, she was riding astride instead of sidesaddle. Much safer that way. On each side, her long skirt had hiked up, revealing more ankle than was proper, but who cared if she looked unladylike? At the moment, her one goal in life was not to fall off this animal.

  “My horse keeps slipping,” her poor servant called from behind her.

  “Just close your eyes and hang on, Elfreda.”

  Not long after the pack train left Gorgona, the skies had opened up, drenching the travelers, turning the soil into a sort of greasy semiliquid. The shower was brief but long enough to make the horses and pack mules slip and slide, causing more than one rider to get tossed in the mud. At least Betsey and Mary were in this train. Misery loved company. Up ahead, toward the front, she could see Garth’s broad shoulders and Honoria riding directly behind him. That awful woman was still wearing the dreadful broad-brimmed hat with the purple bow, only the brim wasn’t so broad anymore because the rain had caused it to droop considerably.

  Too bad. What a shame.

 
All right, that wasn’t nice, but in Letty’s current mood, she couldn’t be charitable. Only one good thing: this journey was so horrible, so wretchedly uncomfortable and so fraught with one misery after another that she’d had little time to reflect upon the hurt Garth Morgan had inflicted upon her this morning. She glanced behind her. Poor Elfreda was hanging onto her mount, teeth gritted, turban askew. “Hang in there, Elfreda. We should be stopping for a rest soon.”

  Thanks goodness, the pack train came to a halt shortly after. She dismounted and went to help Elfreda, who was sliding wearily from her horse, her face so strained with fatigue Letty feared she might collapse on the ground. Groaning, Elfreda reached her hand to her back. “My back hurts. My head hurts. God never meant for me to ride a horse.”

  Letty placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You just need a little rest, is all.” She sighed with regret. “I should never have asked you to come with me. I should have considered your age, and—”

  “I’ll be fine.” Anger sparked in Elfreda’s eyes. “Don’t you worry about me, Miss Letty, and don’t you think for a moment I’m sorry I came.” She pulled her shoulders back. “Just need to rest, and I’ll be good as new.”

  Letty wanted to say more, but Elfreda limped off to sit by herself on a log. She still doesn’t like me. Somehow she’d hoped that in the course of the journey, her maid would see she wasn’t all bad, that she had some redeeming qualities, but apparently not.

  Betsey had been standing with her employers. When she spied Letty, she came over to greet her. She wasn’t smiling anymore. “Isn’t this awful? I don’t like this creepy place.”

  Letty looked around. They had stopped beside a clear lagoon surrounded by immense trees and a tangle of dripping vines and hanging mosses. An unbroken canopy of branches and vines in dappled shades of green covered the lagoon high above. Hardly any sunlight filtered through the thick growth to the forest floor, making the middle of the day seem like dusk. The air was so heavy with moisture, it almost seemed cloudy and was definitely harder to breathe. “You’re right, Betsey, it is creepy.” She raised an eyebrow. “Do you still think this is a grand adventure?”