by Sharon Drane
Chapter Fourteen
St. Louis
Amelia and Ellen walked hand in hand down the street like schoolgirls.
“It’s so exciting, you and Joshua getting married in three days and then leaving the next day for Kansas.” Ellen noticed her sister was not listening, and stopped. “Amelia, what is it? Why are you looking over your shoulder?”
“I don’t know. I’ve got a funny feeling, like someone watches me.” She scanned the crowds around them. “But whenever I look, I don’t see anyone out of the ordinary.”
“It’s probably nothing. Perhaps it’s just wedding nerves.” Ellen linked Amelia’s arm with hers and walked down the street. “Come along, we’ve got a new wardrobe to buy. You can’t wear widow’s black as a new bride.”
They spent the afternoon going from shop to shop. Thanks to Ellen’s generosity, Amelia bought dresses, hats, gloves, and lingerie. She kept watch for any familiar faces around them, but saw none. Occasionally, she would touch the base of her reticule to reassure herself that the pocket pistol was still there. Each time, she would sigh with relief. Logically, she knew it was there, but her apprehension made her check frequently.
“Amelia, look at this.” Ellen had been in a quiet discussion with the owner of the lingerie shop.
“Oh goodness, that’s lovely, but I’d never dare wear such a thing.” Amelia looked at the sheer nightgown, lavished with ecru lace. The pale blue batiste would look wonderful on her. Her thighs pressed together as she pictured her bridegroom’s reaction. Reaching out to steady herself on the countertop, she felt her face grow warm, as the throbbing built in her core.
“Nonsense, of course you would. Just imagine Joshua’s expression when he sees you in it on your wedding night.”
Amelia smiled in spite of her shyness. “I think he would like it.”
“I know he would!” Ellen took the nightgown to the counter. “That settles it, you have to have this.”
“It’s beautiful, but it’s much too expensive.” Amelia reached for the garment.
Ellen swept it out of Amelia’s reach. “Your trousseau is my wedding present to you. Now, no more arguments, it suits you and you shall have it.”
“Oh very well, if you’re so determined to buy it.” She hugged her sister. “Thank you, it is a lovely gift.”
Ellen turned back to the storekeeper. “Do you have any other lingerie that would go with this?”
Amelia turned away and looked at the displays in the front window. She had moved forward when someone caught her attention as he passed by the shop. Oh my goodness, could that be Logan Matthews? From the back, the way the man swaggered confidently down the street was familiar. Without a thought, she rushed out of the shop and went after him.
She pushed her way through the throng of people, keeping her eyes on the man ahead of her. The closer she got the more certain of his identity she became. When she was directly behind him, she reached into her reticule and felt the gun. It was notched correctly. She positioned it for easy access in case she needed to act.
She moved in close behind the man. “Are you following me?” she demanded.
He turned slowly as she curled her fingers around the pocket pistol prepared to fire.
“I’m sorry, Ma’am, but it appears that it is you who is following me.” His eyes twinkled.
It wasn’t the gambler. “Oh, I’m very sorry. I thought you were someone else.” Hastily, Amelia dropped the gun back into its hiding place.
“For you, lovely lady, I could be anyone you like.”
His dimpled grin made heat rise in her cheeks as he doffed his hat.
“No, thank you. I’m sorry I bothered you.” She turned and hurried back to the shop. Her cheeks grew even hotter at the sound of his laughter following her retreat. Ellen stood on the sidewalk.
“What was that about?”
Amelia moved past the shop. “Nothing, really, I’m worn out from our excursion today. Do you mind if we go back home?”
“I don’t mind at all. Let’s walk down to where Lucas waits with the carriage, shall we?”
When they got back to the carriage and were safely inside, Ellen turned to her. “All right, now suppose you tell me what really happened? You know you cannot lie to me.”
Sighing, Amelia took a deep breath. “I had hoped to spare you this. Someone shot at us when we were aboard the steamboat. Joshua thinks it might have been one of the gamblers from the boat.”
“Why would anyone shoot at you?”
“He was put off the boat when Joshua caught him trying to attack me.”
Ellen smiled and waved to a passing matron. “Good day, Mrs. Langdon.” She turned back to her sister. “And what about you, do you think the man shot at you?”
“I don’t know. There was a mob on the docks, all clamoring to leave Vicksburg.”
Amelia pursed her lips. “But I carry this.” She pulled out Clayton’s gun, “In case someone is after Dougie or me.”
“Never tell me you know how to shoot that thing?”
“Of course I do. Joshua taught me. He said I was a good student, too.”
Amelia was surprised when Ellen started to laugh and horrified when the laughs turned into guffaws.
“And here I was worried about you going to Kansas. They’d best be worried about you.” She dabbed at her tears of mirth delicately with her lace-trimmed handkerchief. “You are well and truly suited to be a soldier’s wife. What’s happened to my baby sister?”
“I don’t want to have to depend on Joshua for everything. He’ll be out on patrol at times.”
Ellen reached across the carriage and patted her knee. “You’ll do just fine.”
Amelia smiled and nodded, trying her best to look confident. Deep down inside, she felt her nerves advancing like hungry ants. Someone was watching her.
A man with his hat pulled down to partially cover his eyes watched as the carriage passed. The street was filled with carriages and wagons. The sidewalks were filled with people, everyone intent on their own business. No one paid attention to him.
He laughed his malicious smile ugly in his triumph. “You may think you escaped me, lovely Amelia, but this is only the beginning of our game. It’s more fun to let you relax, think there is no danger.” His laughter grew louder which drew the attention of a passing woman. He tipped his hat and turned in the opposite direction.
“Enjoy the rest of your free days, however few they may be. In the end you will be mine, only mine. I will so enjoy teaching you the necessary lessons, my sweet.”
