Wherever You Go

by Tracie Peterson

  She cocked an eyebrow. “You heard that, did you?”

  He put his hand beneath her chin and tipped her face up to meet his. “I did, and now I intend to see if it’s true.”

  The kiss was longer than before, and Chris found Mary more than willing. He knew he was losing the battle to avoid an emotional entanglement. Perhaps he’d already lost it altogether, but for the moment he didn’t care. All that mattered was Mary and the way she responded to his kiss.

  “I think I may have lost her this time,” Wes told Oliver. He’d gone to check on the older man but found himself spilling the details of all that had happened. Oliver had already heard about Lizzy’s fall from the doctor, so it hardly seemed to matter that Wes shared the rest of what had occurred.

  “You’ll never lose her, Wes. She’s loved you for far too long. She’s completely gone over you.” Oliver smiled. His color was much improved, and he was itching, he told Wes, to be up and about his business.

  Wes continued pacing. “You didn’t hear the disappointment in her voice or see the way she looked at me. The show is so important to her, and she won’t consider budging. It’s only one show! But she’s determined to stay, even if it kills her, and I don’t understand why.”

  After a long silence, Oliver spoke up. “I know why.”

  Wes fixed him with a hard look. “Why?”

  Oliver frowned and shook his head. “I made her promise me she wouldn’t say anything. My pride once again getting the best of me, but also my desire to keep the others from worrying.” He scratched his jaw. “It’s all my doing, Wes.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Lizzy won’t quit because I told her that if anything happened to stop the show, we’d lose everything.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Oliver looked embarrassed. “I’m afraid the way I agreed to set things up for this trip to England tied all of the company’s resources to the performances. We signed an agreement for twenty-two shows, and if we miss any of them, we will forfeit the contract and won’t be paid for any of them. Lizzy isn’t in this to please Adler or even herself. She knows that if we don’t perform, everyone will lose their pay.”

  Wes was glad for the chair beside the bed and sank onto it. “Why didn’t she just tell me?”

  “Because I made her promise she wouldn’t. When I fell ill, I felt I had to tell her. She wanted to close down the entire thing and go home.”

  “She did?”

  “Yep. She was practically packed. I told her why we couldn’t, and that’s when the plan came together to have Jason make announcements in my place.”

  Wes put his face in his hands. “She asked me to trust her, and I refused.” He’d never felt more ashamed. “I should have known better. It was just my anger that made me refuse to listen to reason.”

  “She loves you, Wes, but she cares deeply about her friends. She knows how much they’re counting on this money. She’s counting on it too—after all, she has a wedding to pay for.”

  “Maybe not. I said some awful things. I’ve tried to talk to her a couple times since then, but she won’t see me.”

  Oliver shook his head. “She knows your heart.”

  “I demanded she leave the show.” Wes heaved a sigh. “I all but accused her of not loving me. It’s my fault.”

  “But it’s not too late. In fact, I have an idea for how you can win her back. It’ll require a little showmanship on your part though.”

  Wes leaned forward. “What do you have in mind?”

  The final performance in London was met with another sold-out arena. The crowd was in high spirits as the performances played out through the evening. Mary’s shooting competition once again ended with her triumph. Jason announced that she had bested every man in England, but it wasn’t to England’s shame at all. With one so beautiful to compete against, a man was certain to make mistakes. The audience applauded in agreement.

  Alice finished the shooting portion of the show with her flaming arrows, and then the Roman riders took the arena and left the audience spellbound with their tricks. For the final act, the girls completed their new routine, which ended with Debbie standing on Jessie’s shoulders and Ella standing atop Debbie’s. Wes was surprised the girls could remain balanced atop a galloping horse, but they handled it with seeming ease. The new finish definitely met with the crowd’s approval.

  That just left the trick riding, which was always the highlight of the evening. Wes waited in the wings while Ella and Gertie performed the lion’s share of the act. Lizzy was feeling much better but had agreed to perform fewer tricks at Uncle Oliver’s request. Wes knew the request had come from his own concerns for Lizzy—but she didn’t, and Wes aimed to keep it that way.

  When it came time for Lizzy’s final act, Wes was ready. She was riding Longfellow tonight, which left Thoreau free for Wes to use. Oliver had suggested he say nothing to Jason about his plan, and Wes was happy to comply. The less he had to deal with Adler, the better. Oliver assured him that despite the change in the routine, Adler would pick up on it quickly enough and figure out what to do.

  Wes waited until Adler called for the music to end and absolute silence had fallen over the arena. He jumped into the saddle and nudged Thoreau to amble out into the open. He was dressed in a nice suit but wore his Stetson and boots. He looked like a cowboy come acourtin’, which was exactly the look he wanted.

  Lizzy sat atop Longfellow at the opposite end of the stadium. When she locked gazes with Wes, she froze. Adler started to say something about her trick, then caught sight of Wes. He fell silent as if some wonderful intervening angel had taken hold of his tongue.

  Wes let Thoreau move slow and steady across the performance area until he stood just a few feet from Lizzy and Longfellow. Dropping the reins, Wes slid from the back of the horse and made his way to Lizzy.

  “Elizabeth Brookstone, I’ve been a fool.” He hoped he said it loud enough for his voice to be heard by one and all, but in truth, if only Lizzy heard—it was enough.

  She smiled, and Wes took that as a good sign and dropped to one knee. Gasps rang out across the stadium, and when he held up his hand, you could have heard a pin drop.

  “Lizzy, I’m sorry for the way I acted, and I hope you’ll forgive me.” His voice was for her alone, and when she nodded, he grinned. He waited a moment for effect, then gave a shout. “Will you marry me?”

  She nodded again and slid off her horse to join him on the ground as he stood. The audience erupted into such a cacophony that Wes feared they might well bring the place down. But he didn’t care. Lizzy had wrapped her arms around his neck, and it seemed there was only one thing to do. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her. She was a remarkable woman—a woman of courage and devotion. A woman who put others first, even to her own detriment. A woman he planned to love for the rest of his life.

  That night there was great celebrating at the Adler estate. Henry Adler had arranged for a party for the performers and crew of the Brookstone show to thank them for making the event more than anyone could have imagined.

  “We’ve already had more requests for next year than we anticipated. Venues as far away as Germany and Switzerland have requested the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza.” He clapped and pointed at the various members of the troupe. “I want to thank you for your amazing performances, and I hope that each of you will be with the troupe next year.”

  Jason did his best not to look unhappy. He had been stunned when Wesley DeShazer made his way into the arena, but he’d known better than to take issue with it. The audience was enthralled by the cowboy romance playing out for all to see. He wasn’t about to ruin the effect. His father would be thrilled, and it would ensure the show’s success—at least for one more season. Afterward, Jason made sure to talk at great length with his father regarding Lizzy’s performances with the show. He pointed out that she was too important to the success of the show to just allow her to walk away. They had to do something to entice her to stay.


  “Are you saying this for the show’s benefit or for your own?” his father had asked. It had made Jason want to hit the old man square in the mouth. How dare he?

  Oliver Brookstone, who had convinced Lizzy to let him out of bed for the special occasion, stepped forward. “Based on tonight’s success, I have taken the opportunity to have contracts written up so that each of you can read through them and see exactly what I am prepared to offer you for next year’s show. After speaking with Henry and Jason and seeing the huge number of European requests, I’m almost certain we will spend most of the year abroad.”

  There were comments from around the room and a few questions posed as well.

  “What about the staff? Will we increase again? It was a lot harder to perform and be responsible for our own gear and help with packing and unpacking.”

  “Of course,” Oliver said, nodding. “We will need more performers and crew.”

  This was the first Jason had heard of the idea. Expanding the show might very well be a good course of action, but he hadn’t suggested it. He resented that after helping make the show profitable, Oliver Brookstone would just reverse the changes without even asking Jason’s opinion.

  Glancing across the room, Jason saw Lizzy and Wesley standing by themselves. After a few more minutes, they slipped out the door and were gone. Jason seethed. How dare they leave? It wasn’t proper for them to be alone. Lizzy was going to ruin her reputation if she wasn’t careful.

  “I also want to thank Jason,” Oliver said, coming to where Jason stood. “He stepped up and served in my stead. Jason, you saved the show, and you have my undying gratitude.”

  Jason smiled, all the while thinking that he’d rather have Oliver’s niece. He looked at his father. The older man wasn’t smiling or beaming approval. Instead he looked at Jason with a stoic expression that suggested boredom.

  One day I’ll show you, Father. I’ll show you exactly what I’m capable of, and you won’t look at me like that ever again. I’ll show you all.

  twenty

  The ship they took home to America was even grander than the one that brought them to England. There were no wardrobe surprises, but each of the suites had been lavishly appointed with flowers and the finest of furnishings. Two new girls were introduced as lady’s maids for the cabin, and each was just as talented as Sarah and Miriam had been.

  Mary was glad for the week they’d have at sea. She had already determined that one way or another, she and Chris were going to talk about his past and their future. She was in love, pure and simple. And unlike her relationship with Owen Douglas for all those years, this was the kind of love a girl dreamed of and fought for.

  But on their first full day at sea, Mary saw very little of Chris. He was present at dinner, where everyone had come together to discuss their accommodations and any additional needs, but he disappeared shortly after and wasn’t seen again until morning. Henry Adler and Jason kept him captive the entire time, planning the Expo show with Annie Oakley. Only once did they bother to ask Mary anything, and then it was a simple yes or no question, and none of the three men pressed for more information.

  Mary was more than a little irritated as she made her way back to the cabin. Chris and the Adlers had left the dining saloon in a hurry, hoping to discuss some important matter with Oliver, who was remaining in his cabin to rest throughout the trip.

  “It would be easier to find a unicorn onboard than get time alone with Christopher Williams,” she said, slamming the cabin door behind her.

  “What?”

  Mary looked up to see Lizzy sitting in a plush chair. She wore her nightgown and robe and looked rather pale. “Are you all right, Lizzy?”

  “I feel rather queasy. I didn’t think I’d be seasick since I wasn’t last time, but the water is rougher this time.”

  Mary put aside her outrage. “I’m so sorry. Can I get you anything?”

  “No, but you can tell me what’s wrong.” Lizzy smiled. “Maybe it will help me keep my mind off my roiling stomach.”

  Mary took off her gloves and unfastened her jacket. She kicked off her slippers before curling up on the sofa nearest Lizzy’s chair and making herself comfortable.

  “I wanted to spend time with Chris, but the Adlers have him at their beck and call. All they want to do is discuss the Expo and Annie Oakley.”

  “And you want to discuss being in love?” Lizzy asked.

  “Well, something like that. I didn’t plan to fall in love, but now that I am, I want to know how Chris feels. I want to tell him that I know about his father and brothers.”

  “But you don’t know for sure that you do. You’ve made an educated guess, nothing more.” Lizzy reached out to take Mary’s hand. “What if you’re wrong?”

  “What if I am? It will show him that even if the worst is true, it doesn’t matter to me.”

  “But, Mary, it obviously matters to Chris. You must respect that. You surely know what it feels like to have something become public knowledge that you’d rather not. Just give him some time. Right now everyone, Chris included, wants to make sure they have the exhibition arranged to perfection. Surely you can understand that.”

  “I do, but . . .” Mary sighed and fell back against the thickly cushioned sofa. “I’m not a very patient person.”

  Lizzy laughed. “Neither am I, and I had to wait a long time to get Wes where I wanted him.” The pitch of the ship shifted, and she grabbed her stomach. “Oooh. I do wish the seas would calm.”

  “Hopefully it won’t last much after today. That’s what they told us at breakfast.”

  “Until then, I think I’ll head back to bed.”

  “Is that where Ella is?” Mary glanced toward the bedroom door.

  “Yes. I’m glad she and I are rooming together this time. You don’t have to witness our shame.” Lizzy got to her feet and staggered toward the door. “Please know that I’ll be praying for you.”

  Mary let out a long sigh. “Somebody needs to.”

  On the fourth day of rough seas and no time with Chris to herself, Mary decided to send him a note. She asked if he might call for her at precisely two o’clock—that she had something she wanted to discuss. To her relief, she received his response almost immediately. He’d be delighted to meet with her.

  She dressed carefully in a burgundy skirt and white shirtwaist. Over this she wore a brocade vest in shades of gold, cream, and the same burgundy as the skirt. Over this came the coat that matched the skirt. She allowed the cabin maid to style her hair but wore it down instead of pinning it up in some fashionable coiffure. Chris had once commented on liking it down, so Mary had the young woman curl it with irons, then brush it back off her face and secure the sides with gold ribbons. Lastly, there was a large burgundy straw hat trimmed with gold edging and feathers.

  “There’s quite a breeze, miss,” the girl told Mary as she arranged the hat. “I’m not sure the hat pins will hold if the wind catches the edge, so I’d stay inside, if I were you.”

  Mary nodded. “I plan to.”

  “At least the ocean is calmer,” the girl said. “I think everybody is happier for that.”

  The maid finished, and Mary studied the result in the cheval mirror. She looked first one way and then another and finally shook her head. “I’m not going to wear the hat. It’s too pretentious for what I have in mind, and that way if we do decide to take a walk on the deck, it won’t be a hindrance.”

  The girl carefully pulled the hat pins and removed the hat from Mary’s head. “Will that be all, miss?”

  Mary took another look and smiled. “Yes. It’s perfect.” She knew fashion dictated that a proper lady wore a hat when going out, but life on the ship made things a little different. She was sure it wouldn’t be too big of a disgrace.

  The maid curtsied and returned the hat to its stand. Mary glanced at the mantel clock just as a knock sounded at the door. She didn’t wait for the maid to get it but went herself. Opening the door, Mary smiled at the sight of Chris
in his navy blue wool suit. He wore a dark burgundy striped tie, as if they had coordinated their colors.

  “You are very prompt.” Mary took his arm. “I like that about you.”

  “You are very beautiful.” Chris pulled the cabin door closed as Mary stepped closer. “I like that about you.”

  She laughed. “Thank you for agreeing to meet me. I hope you didn’t mind my sending a note. I just felt like I’d hardly seen you since we came aboard.”

  “Yes, I’ve been busy with my writing and with the details for the shooting competition between you and Annie. But you said this was important.” He eyed her with a raised brow that betrayed his curiosity.

  “And so it is.”

  “Where are we going?” he asked as Mary led him down the passageway.

  “I thought we could go to the solarium and see all the flowers. I was told it’s quite lovely, and since the ocean is calmer today, I felt it was perfect timing.”

  He looked at her with a sly smile. “Sounds romantic.”

  “It could be,” she murmured.

  They made their way up several decks and toward the stern of the ship, where the huge greenhouse awaited. Mary marveled at the warmth and humidity as they entered the solarium. All around them, carefully cultivated plants decorated the groomed pathways. Everyday, ordinary flowers mingled with more exotic tropical ones to create a riot of color.

  “It’s like another world.” Mary found it fascinating.

  “That it is,” Chris replied. “They pipe in steam from special boilers, I’m told.”

  “I had no idea this was here until the cabin maid mentioned it. It’s charming. Completely charming.”

  Chris glanced around. “But for all its charm, it doesn’t seem there are very many people here.”

  “Maybe they’re still recovering from the heavy seas. Ella and Lizzy are both still in bed.”

  “I heard they were ill. I hope they’re back in the pink soon.”

  “Yes, they’ve spent most of the past three days in the green.”