Desperate Lola (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 2) (10 page)

H
is smile was disarming
. “You drive a hard bargain, Mrs. Kelly.”

“This isn’t a joking matter.” I glanced out the window. “And where are we going?”

“A friend of mine lives here. We’ll be at his house soon, but the matter of your stepfather has yet to be resolved.”

“Quite a few things have yet to be resolved.”

He sat back, eyeing me judiciously. “I’ll think on what you asked. I’m sorry seeing me with Vanessa bothered you, but she was not the reason I went to Lamy. I had business there. I happened upon her in the street, where she promptly asked for more money. I denied her. She tried to persuade me with her feminine charms, but I was unmoved. I’m done with that lying, conniving little baggage. I’ve resolved to put her in the past. I owe her nothing more. I told her as much.”

Dare I believe him? I still knew so little about my own husband. “They say we’re not legally wed.”

“It’s a technicality. I forgot to change your surname on the certificate. That was my error. I’ll remedy that at once. We may even have another wedding, if you wish.”

“Do you still want to marry me?”

He blinked. “I consider us already married, but yes. Why wouldn’t I?”

“I’ve caused such trouble.”

“So have I. You took a bullet, if you will remember. Being with me nearly killed you.”

He had a point. “Yes. We’ve gotten off to the worst start imaginable.” Tears formed in my eyes. “I prayed I’d see you again, but I worried I wouldn’t. He’s determined to take me back to my mother. He wants me to marry someone of his choosing and remain in Virginia.”

“That’s not going to happen. We must decide his fate. Do I have him shot or do I let him go?”

I sucked in a long breath, knowing what I had to do. “I’ll write him a letter, but I must hurry. The train leaves in an hour. I’ll tell him I’m with my husband, and he’s never to seek me out again.”

“If he does,” something dark flashed in his eyes, “I
will
kill him. Make no mistake about it.”

There was a hint of ruthlessness to his character, which explained his success in life. He wasn’t a man to be gainsaid. “Yes. You have my permission to end his life, if he persists on being a threat to us.”

We had drawn up to a large brick house. “Where are we?”

“Our home for the night. We’re taking the morning train. I’ve been on the road all day, and I have no wish to travel tonight.”

“Me either.” My things remained on the train, but I did not need them. “I can’t believe you found me.”

“It wasn’t hard to figure out which train you took. We rode like hellion’s to get here. We exhausted several pairs of horses.”

The driver held open the door. “Thank you.” Stepping from the carriage, I glanced at the house before us, noting the stone staircase with carved balustrades. “This is lovely.”

“He’s in the grocery business. He’s made a fortune in it, but he’s not at home at the moment. Whenever I’m in town, I stay here. His housekeeper has a room for us.”

We stood on the front steps, while the softness of night lingered, the air cool against the back of my neck. The strain of my ordeal having dissipated, I could breathe freely again. “I was so worried.”

“As was I.”

“I knew you’d come for me.”

“How could I not? It grieves me to know seeing me with Vanessa caused you pain. I could feel your anguish. It was illuminating.”

That confused me. “How do you mean?”

“Your feelings are beginning to run deep. I will confess, when I first heard you’d been taken, my vision went red with rage. I’ve never been so angry with anything in my life.” He touched my face. “Then I realized my feelings run rather deep as well. There was no earthly way I was going to let that man get his hooks in you. Never. No man, for that matter.”

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I inhaled his pleasing fragrance. “Then maybe we aren’t doomed after all.”

“No, darling. No.”

“I’ll write that letter as fast as I can, and then we’ll put it all behind us and start afresh.”

He pulled away, holding me at arm’s length. “That’s an excellent plan.”

I grinned. “It is.”

H
anding
the folded paper to Jack, I said, “Here. That’ll make it clear I’ve been reunited with my husband, and I will not be continuing on to Virginia … ever.”

“I’ll give it to Chuck, who will pass it along.” He held another piece of paper. “This is a message from me.”

My eyes widened. “What message?”

“I’ve told him in no uncertain terms that, if he ever tries to contact you again, I’ll kill him.”

I shivered, knowing he spoke the truth. “Goodness.”

“I’m letting him leave with his vitals intact, Lola, although I’d rather shoot him. I had every hope of tying him to a tree and beating the tar out of him. Because of your mother’s welfare, I’ll let him go … this time.”

“You’ve been more than fair.”

“I’m glad we see eye-to-eye on this.”

“We do. I’d be happy to shoot him myself, if he ever dares to set foot on my property again.”

He grinned. “I like the sound of that. I’m glad you think of The Kelly Ranch as your home.”

“It is. It’s my children’s home too, when I have them.”

The grin broadened. “We’ll have to remedy that. I’d hoped we would start tonight.”

“Then give the letters to Chuck. As far as I’m concerned, I’m putting it all behind me.” I longed to wash up and change out of the clothing I had worn for two days straight.

Striding from the bedroom, he said, “Yes, my lovely wife. I’m forever your humble servant.”

I chuckled at that, while quickly undoing the buttons on the calico dress. Eager to wash several days’ worth of travel from my skin, I dunked a cloth into tepid water, using a square of soap to lather a portion of fresh-smelling suds. By the time Jack had returned, I was as clean as possible, having only my chemise and drawers on.

His appreciative gaze raked over me. “Let me find some alcohol for your shoulder. It looks red.”

“I washed it, but I worry it might be infected.”

“I’ll be right back.”

When he returned, I waited for him on he bed. “I’m so happy I’m here, Jack. I can’t tell you how relieved I am you found me.”

He poured the whiskey onto a cloth, dabbing at my shoulder. “Does that hurt?”

“It stings.”

“Good. It’s cleaning away impurities.” His smile fell. “I feel dreadful about this. It’s my fault you were injured.”

“Those men came to the house to kill you.”

“These are dangerous times, and lawlessness is rampant.” After he had finished soaking the wound, he lifted the bottle to his lips. Taking a sip, he grimaced. “Ugh! That’s rot gut right there.”

“It smells like it could remove varnish from a table.”

“Indeed.” He placed the bottle on the nightstand. “Now, how are you?” He pressed his hand to my forehead. “Fever?”

“No.”

“Cold sweats?”

“No.”

“Heart palpitations?”

A smile lifted the edges of my mouth. “Now, yes.”

“Is that so?”

“When you touch me like that.”

His lips neared mine, brushing against me gently. “How about that?”

“That makes my belly feel funny.”

“Your belly?”

“It’s like being tickled from the inside out.”

“I’m not sure Doc Baker can fix that, honey.”

I snaked an arm around his neck. “No, he can’t. We didn’t have a proper wedding night, Jack,” I murmured. “I don’t want any interruptions.”

“There won’t be any. I’ve my boys watching the house, while your stepfather’s being escorted back to the train.”

“I knew you’d rescue me.”

“There’s no way I would’ve let that man take you, or any man. You’re mine, Lola.”

I pressed my cheek to his. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

He held my face, gazing into my eyes. “You can have anything you want. Anything.”

“You.”

“Me?”

“I want you.”

His grin widened. “You have me.”

“I want your heart, Jack. I don’t only want to be your wife, but your mistress too. I can’t share you with another woman.”

He stilled. “You’re rather demanding.”

“You’re free to do as you wish, as most men are, but I hope you never stray. I want to be the one who gives you everything you need.” I felt entirely vulnerable in that moment, open and exposed, which was something new.

“Then you’ll have to refrain from kissing strange men.”

“What?”

“Mr. Brittle.” His look hardened slightly. “You do remember that, don’t you?”

“I hadn’t met you then, and we weren’t married, but it was wrong of me to kiss him. It will never happen again. I didn’t know he was trying to seduce me on your orders. Your behavior was rather poor too.”

I had properly chastised him, because he had the grace to look guilty. “You strike a hard bargain.”

“Is that really such a hardship?” I giggled.

He fell to the bed, threading his fingers together behind his head. “Well, let’s see now. You’re demanding I give up visiting the fine ladies at the Lazy Susan Brothel and the Velvet Robe. That means I can’t play cards with the boys at Lassiter’s any longer. I’ll have to limit my excursions to the saloon. None of those hardworking girls will sit on my lap for a dollar now. You’re essentially ruining my social life.”

He had to be joking. “Jack.” He grinned broadly. “Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack.”

“No, you’re not.” I crawled over to him, gazing at his face. “You can still play cards and drink to your heart’s content. You don’t have to live the life of a saint.” I kissed his cheek. “I just want to be the only one who does this.” Nibbling on his ear, I listened to his soft intake of breath. “And this.” My hand rested on his shirt, the fingers sliding between the buttonholes to touch his skin. “I’ve been longing to see you without your clothes on. I’m hoping you won’t disappoint me. It is our delayed wedding night after all.”

“I adore this bossy side of you, Mrs. Kelly.”

I chuckled at that. “Those hours on the train. All I could think about was you.”

“Those hours in the saddle were worth every bruise on my tailbone. I’d do it again, if I had to.”

“Never. You’re going to teach me how to shoot, and I’m going to learn to protect myself.”

“Sounds like you’re ready to adapt to ranch life.”

“I’m ready to start my new life with you.”

He moved the lacy strap of the chemise from my shoulder. “Then we might have a deal.”

“You agree to all my terms?”

“You agree to mine?”

“Will you love me forever and be faithful and true?”

“You promise to stay forever and love me?”

I smiled, feeling a rush of tingles. “I do.”

“I love you, Lola,” he said huskily.

Our lips met, the sweetness of our breaths mingling, while we sealed the deal on all of our promises. I threaded my fingers through his hair, while ravaging his mouth, invading him with my tongue. There was no need for shyness now, because we had declared ourselves body and soul. I kissed his face, feeling the roughness of his beard, while he drew my chemise downwards, exposing me. My hair fell to his chest, where I had undone his buttons.

“You’re so lovely,” he murmured.

“So are you.”

He turned with me in his arms, leaning over, while gazing upon my face with irises that had darkened with passion. “I never expected this.”

“Expected what?”

“To feel such breadth of emotion so soon. I’m entirely enthralled by you. You’re blonde perfection through and through, and I thought you frail at first, but you’re strong. You took a bullet with as much stoicism as any man. You’re not afraid to tell me your feelings. You don’t shy from anything. If I didn’t know better, I’d say God brought me my perfect mate.”

I smiled, touching his face. “He answered my prayers too.”

Our mouths met, as eager tongues battled, slinky and wet. I could drown in his kisses, adoring the way he felt against me. His lips were soft, yet urgent, the underpinnings of desire lurking in each caress. I let him pull my drawers down, while I grasped at his shirt, exposing the firm expanse of his chest. I explored him, feeling the contours of his muscles, while toying with a small, hardened nipple.

“Oh, Lola.” His hands weren’t idle, reaching to my thighs, where he stroked me gently. “Beautiful, Lola.” He toyed with me intimately, while heat began to pool and throb, my body bursting to life with need.

“Jack,” I whispered.

“Yes, my love?”

“I want you.”

He took my mouth, drugging me with languid, blissful kisses, until I moaned and sighed against him. Then he moved over me. “Are you sure?”

“Oh, yes,” I breathed against his neck.

“There will be no going back.”

“It’s already too late for me. I’m in love with you.”

“And I with you.”

Our eyes met, and, in that moment, we were connected in every way possible, forever devoted as man and wife, as lover and mistress, until death do us part.

M
rs. Hershey breezed
into the room. “Oh, my heavens.” She glanced at me. “I do believe you owe me an explanation, Ms. Wellington. Or is it Mrs. Wellington?”

“It’s Mrs.” I held up a hand, flashing a thin, silver wedding band. “I am married, I mean, I was. Lloyd died a few months back and left me with nothing. Then I found out I was carrying his child.”

Pastor Kinsley poured the tea. “Milk, sugar?”

“Yes, please.” I hadn’t eaten a thing all day and my belly rumbled.

“I’ve some orange cake. Mrs. Hanover brought it over this morning. Would you like a slice?”

“Oh, gracious, goodness, yes, I would, sir. I haven’t had a thing to eat all day.”

“I’ll cut you a piece.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had orange cake before.”

He glanced at Mrs. Hershey. “What became of Mr. Hobart?”

“He’s gone outside to cool down. He’s terribly upset.” She pulled out a chair. “I don’t know what’s going to happen now. I certainly can’t force a grown man to keep a promise he made. I can understand he feels bamboozled. You didn’t tell him the truth.”

Pastor Kinsley had given me a generous slice of the cake, which I had begun to eat, the crumbs falling from the sides of my mouth. “Hum … ” It tasted heavenly, the orange and vanilla flavoring made me want to groan with pleasure. I took another bite and then another. “Oh … hum … ”

“Celia, what do you have to say for yourself?”

“Mum … much … warry …”

“What?”

I swallowed. “I’m sorry.” I gazed at the cake in wonder, hoping to have another piece. “That sure was the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my entire life. It was better than the plum pudding at the county fair.”

Laughter filled the room. “I’ll get you another piece,” said Pastor Kinsley. “You’ll need some tea to wash that down with.”

There were crumbs on my chest, some having fallen into the spaces between the buttonholes, because my enlarged bosom had strained the material. “I believe so.”

Mrs. Hershey looked aggrieved. “For Pete’s sake! What are we going to do, Nicolas? That man’s responsible for this young woman. She lied about a few things, and now the marriage is in jeopardy.”

“A few things?” He gave me another slice of cake, pulling out a chair. “I’d say she omitted quite a bit. If I were in Earnest’s shoes, I’d be just as grumpy. He came here expecting one thing and got another.” He glanced at me. “She’s a sight, but it’s nothing a little soap and water can’t fix.”

“This is delicious.” I chewed heartily, the rumbling in my belly ceasing. “I sure do like this cake, sir. Your parishioners are lovely people.”

“It’s Nicolas.” His grin creased the edges of his eyes.

“If he won’t marry her, what on earth am I to do? I’ve never had a match fail. I was successful in finding Chastity Donovan a husband, although the first one was a bit of a disaster. I married Lola to one of the richest men in the territory. I’d call that a smashing success.” She beamed. “I consider Lola Kelly to be one of my best friends. I adore that woman.”

“I agree,” said Pastor Kinsley. “She’s done a great many things for this town through her charities.”

“We’re all thrilled to pieces that she’s with child. I couldn’t be more proud of that union. It was a stroke of brilliance.”

“I told you to quit while you were ahead. Now you’ve got a fine mess on your hands. If Earnest won’t marry her, she’ll be here without a husband or a roof over her head.”

Mrs. Hershey got to her feet. “That can’t happen! I’m going to talk some sense into that man.”

“I wish you luck.”

She harrumphed. “This will not go down in history as a failure. Just watch me.”

“Oh, I will. Nothing could be more entertaining, Doris.” His eyes darted in my direction. “You’re possibly the messiest eater I’ve ever encountered.”

“I really would like another slice of that cake, Mist—Nicolas. I’d be obliged if you could spare more.”

He seemed thoughtful. “You need to eat something more substantial than flour and sugar. It looks like you haven’t eaten in a week. Earnest should take you to a restaurant.”

“He’s not gonna do that. He’s madder than a hornet. I know I’ve done wrong and it was shameful to lie, but I couldn’t stay where I was. I killed that bull, so I could eat and then I sold the rest. I did what I could. When I saw the mail order ad, I thought it was a message straight from God.” I wondered if he fought a smile, because his lips twitched. “You believe in God, don’t you, pastor?”

“I do.” Now he grinned in earnest.

“Sometimes God works in mysterious ways. I saw that ad and felt compelled to answer it. Then I met Earnest, and he sounded awfully nice in those letters. I thought we’d make a good match. I hoped so anyhow.”

“You don’t have to explain, Celia. I’m not here to pass judgment on you, nor would I ever do such a thing.”

“It was providence. I was supposed to come here. He said he needed a wife and I was already a wife, so I knew I could do the job reasonably well. It’s not that hard to chop wood and boil water. I managed to keep things tidy, even after the house flooded. Lloyd never had any complaints.” I patted my enlarged belly. “And I know I pleased him reasonably well in other respects, because he was always wanting to take me to bed.”

He cleared his throat. “Well, then.” Getting to his feet, he turned his back to me, and I suspected he chuckled, although it came out sounding like a cough. “I think I’ll go see what’s taking Mrs. Hershey so long.”

Before he left, Mrs. Hershey appeared, with Earnest in tow, but he looked peeved. “I’ve managed to get him to come and talk to Celia.” A tentative smile lingered on her face. “All is not perfect, but I have every hope this situation can be remedied.”

Earnest glared at me. “You put too much stock in your powers of persuasion. I’ve no interest in marrying this woman. I’ll reimburse her for the train fair and traveling money, but then I’m done.”

I stared at my hands. “I’m sorry I lied.”

“That’s all fine and dandy, but it changes nothing. I came here expecting an unencumbered young woman and what I got was a filthy little liar.”

“All right,” interjected Nicolas sternly. “That’s not necessary. Mrs. Wellington is remiss for omitting her past, but who hasn’t told a fib or two? There are several good reasons for what she’s done. I understand you may not wish to continue with the marriage, but insulting this poor, desperate woman isn’t gentlemanly.”

He inhaled, lifting his chin. “I’m sorry.” Reaching into his waistcoat, he pulled out a leather billfold. “Here is the money I owe you.” He placed it on the table before me. “I am gravely disappointed to find you lacking. I had expected a chaste young woman without a past. I realize it was asking too much. I refuse to raise someone else’s child. I find it abhorrent. I cannot apologize for that, because it’s the way I feel.”

I was confused. “Ab … what?”

“Distasteful,” said Pastor Kinsley.

“I’m sorry you’ve had a hard life. I hope you find someone who’ll take you in and give you shelter. I cannot bring you home.” He glanced at Mrs. Hershey. “Censor me all you want, but my family would object strenuously if I married her. I would never hear the end of it from my mother, and I do not cross my mother. Ever.” He glowered unhappily. “I could also say that you’ve deceived me.”

Her mouth fell open. “What?”

“I wonder if you knew about this, but kept it from me? Who’s to say you’re not culpable. This mail order scheme of yours is an utter failure.”

“It is not,” she objected, looking astounded. “I’ve had smashing success before. I’ve two successful couples now and I have every hope Celia will find a husband, making it three. I had no clue she was with child. She told me nothing about being married before. I’m in the dark as much as you are. I would never deliberately deceive anyone.”

“Well, I’ve been deceived. Now I must be going.” He tipped his hat to me. “Good day, Mrs. Wellington. I do hope you find yourself in better circumstances real soon.” With that, he turned on his heel and strode from the room.

“Well, that’s that, I suppose,” muttered Mrs. Hershey. “I am shocked by the outcome.”

“He didn’t have to pay me. I don’t deserve the money. You can keep it.” I slid the coins towards Pastor Kinsley. “Somebody can buy food with that.”

The preacher’s expression remained grim. “She’s without protection now. Where will she stay?”

“I suppose I’ll take her home. I don’t know what else to do.” Pulling out a chair, she sat, her shoulders slumping. “What a muddle.”

“There’s a room above the Men’s Emporium. Buddy Wexler was looking for a tenant. It’s nothing much, just a small room with a shared water closet.”

“You live there.”

“I do, on the other end of the hallway. That’s how I know it’s available. It had the sign out this morning.”

“That’s something,” said Mrs. Hershey, sitting a little straighter. “We can get her settled there, while I find her a husband. There are other eligible bachelors in town. I take this failure personally, Nicolas. It grieves me to know she won’t be married, and she certainly needs a husband. She’s about to give birth, for heaven’s sake.”

Pastor Kinsley glanced at me. “How far along are you?”

“I’ve no earthly idea.”

“You haven’t seen a doctor?” Mrs. Hershey’s brows had drawn together.

“No. Never saw one of those.”

“Oh, my stars. She needs to see Doctor Baker as soon as possible.”

“I’ll take care of this. I’ll get her settled and arrange an appointment.”

“That’s so kind of you, Nicolas. You’re a good man. You’d never leave a woman in her condition to the streets to fend for herself.”

His eyes skimmed over me. “I have a feeling I might regret this, but sometimes we’re asked to do things we never thought we would. He does work in mysterious ways.”

These strangers seemed to be deciding my life for me, talking about me as if I were a piece of unwanted furniture that needed to be moved around. “What if I don’t want to stay here? I can’t afford a room anyhow, not for long anyway. I’d only be a burden to you people.”

“I’ll pay for the room,” said Nicolas. “I’ll get the discounted rate. It’s nothing to write home about, but it’s got a bed and a dresser. I can provide you with pillows and blankets.” He got to his feet. “Let’s take a look, shall we?”

Something in his smile made my belly flip over in pleasing little tingles. Or was that the effect of eating all that sugar? “All right.”

“We need to get real food in you as well.”

“I’d love some supper. I sure am hungry still, although that cake was delicious.”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

I scrambled to my feet. “Thank you, Mrs. Hershey. This whole situation is my fault. Earnest Hobart had every right to refuse me. I worried it might happen. I was dishonest as can be in my letters. I just didn’t have much choice in the matter. I hope you can understand that. I never meant to be a liar like that. Life’s been hard lately, especially after Lloyd died. I thought I could manage on my own, but I can’t, not stuck in the middle of nowhere.”

“You don’t need to explain, Celia.” Mrs. Hershey stood, folding her hands before her. “Plenty of women lose their husbands and are destitute. If you’re not near family who can help, it’s a dire situation indeed.”

“My family’s dead and my brothers and sister are elsewhere. I was a surprise baby to my parents. They were pretty long in the tooth when they had me. By the time I grew up, everybody had already left. They got families of their own now. I didn’t want to burden them. I really was hoping to find a husband.”

She patted my shoulder. “Don’t make yourself uneasy, my dear. I’m going to do everything in my power to see you happily married.”

“Is this your only bag?” asked Nicolas.

“Yes.”

Mrs. Hershey eyed the worn leather satchel. “She’s going to need more things than that.”

“I have a change of clothes. That’s about all.”

“People have donated clothing to the church,” said Doris. “I’ll ask Mrs. Kelly for help as well. She’s always been generous with the orphans and widows fund. I’m sure she’ll do something for Celia.”

“It’s going to be just fine,” said Nicolas. “Don't worry so much.”

“I can’t help feeling dreadful,” said Mrs. Hershey.

He escorted me to the door. “No harm’s been done. Mrs. Wellington will be well taken care of.”

The kindly pastor had my attention, as curiosity propelled me to ask, “You sure are handsome for a preacher. I didn’t see a wedding ring. Why aren’t you married?”

Startled by the compliment and the question, he blinked rapidly. “I … um … ”

Mrs. Hershey’s laughter filled the room. “My dear, you’ve just asked the one question everyone in town has wanted to ask, but never dared.”