Desperate Lola (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 2) (8 page)

D
octor Baker came
to see me later that morning, pleased that I had not reopened the stitches and my skin appeared free of infection. “You’ll do fine, young lady.” He smiled kindly. “My wife asked me to tell you she’s hosting a ladies luncheon next week. She wishes to extend an invitation to you.”

“That’s wonderful. Inform her I’ll be there.”

“It’s at our house, but I’ll have to get back with you on the time.”

“I look forward to it. I want to meet other ladies in town and get to know them.”

“My wife can introduce you to everyone, Mrs. Kelly. She’s quite active with local charities and the reading club and things. Boot Creek’s seen an influx of people lately, and some of them are in need of help.”

“Of course. I’m due to have lunch with Mrs. Hershey on Saturday. I hope I heal quickly enough to don a tight-fitting sleeved bodice.”

“Take it easy. I’d wear something looser just in case. You don’t want to aggravate the wound. You want it to heal right the first time, not fester.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” The shoulder wasn’t nearly as sore today, but pain registered, if I moved it in a certain way. “Thank you for coming out to see me.”

“It’s my pleasure, Mrs. Kelly.”

“You can call me Lola.”

“Welcome to this part of the world, Lola. I was told by Mrs. Hershey that you’re a mail order bride.”

“Yes.”

“It takes some gumption to get up and leave everything familiar behind to come out and marry a stranger.”

“Mr. Kelly and I corresponded for almost a year. He’s not a complete stranger.”

“But still, that’s taking quite a chance.”

I had no choice, needing to escape my stepfather. “It is, but I do believe it’s going to work.”
If we don’t all die in some horrible shooting.

He had begun to place items in a black leather bag. “The reason I mention it is, because there was someone asking about mail order brides. I thought it strange, but I overhead a gentleman in the mercantile talking about it.”

My stomach dropped. I sat up, feeling a wave of dizziness. “Oh … really?”

“He was asking about Lola Foster. From what I recall, your maiden name is Parsons, correct?”

I struggled to conceal my emotions. “Oh … yes. Parsons.”

“Well, he must have the wrong person then.”

“Do … do you remember what he looked like?”

“Tall fella, balding. His nose is a mite big and red.” He shrugged. “That’s about all I saw. If it weren’t for Mrs. Butterfield, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it.”

“What about Mrs. Butterfield?” Her family owned the mercantile.

“She said the only mail order bride by the name of Lola in these parts was you.”

I was going to be sick! Sliding from the bed, I stepped towards the window, drawing the curtain aside to look out. “She said that.”

He snapped the bag closed. “Yes, she did. She said you just recently married Mr. Kelly. This seemed to interest the man greatly. He wanted to know who Mr. Kelly was and where he lived. Are you all right? You’ve gone dreadfully white, my dear.”

“I’m just fine, Doctor Baker. Thank you for coming to see me today. I hope you have a safe trip back to town.”

“Don't do too much with that arm. Have your maid help you dress. It’s important not to pull on those stitches. I’ll be back in two days. If you see redness and puss, please have someone come and get me.”

“I will.” I stared out into the pasture. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He left then, because the door clicked shut.

A loud scratching followed, and I tore myself away from the window to let Otto in. “Hello, boy.” The dog ambled over to the foot of the bed, dropping onto the carpet to lick his paw. “Oh, my God,” I muttered to myself. “I can’t believe it, but why am I not surprised? Of course he would find me. I should’ve known. Why now? Haven’t I been through enough?” I glanced at the ceiling, needing to have a conversation with God. “Can’t anything ever go smoothly? Must you make me suffer so? That man’s on his way here, as I speak!” The rising tide of panic had my scalp tingling. “I hate this! How could you let this happen? Can’t you make him go away? Lord, please save me,” I cried.

I needed to think. I wanted to hide, but there was nowhere to go. I had sent my mother a letter, giving it to the woman on the train to mail from Santa Fe. I never should have mailed something like that from the territory, but it would still be in transit. It wouldn’t arrive home for another week. I must have been careless long before. He had somehow discovered me. I was hardly practiced at the art of deception, and I had failed entirely in my bid to escape free and clear. Now I would have to face my stepfather, the one man I loathed and feared most in the world. I’d rather confront Oliver Trundle and his six-shooter, taking a bullet any day, than have to stand in the same room with Mark.

No sooner had that thought drifted through my mind, then a pounding came at the door. I spun around, as the dog catapulted to his feet. I waited with bated breath, hoping whoever had come to call was someone other than my stepfather.

“Mrs. Kelly!” Mrs. Boles had come to my room. “There’s someone here who claims to know you. He says he’s your father.” She eyed me quizzically, as Otto bounded out the door.

“Tell him I’m not at home.”

She wrung her hands. “He’s terribly persistent, but I will tell him.”

“Thank you.” I shuddered, drawing in a ragged breath. “Now go away,” I murmured.
Lord, are you listening? I need you now. I need you to make Mark go away.

“Pardon?”

“Not you. I mean … him.”

“Yes, Mrs. Kelly.” She left, closing the door.

I went to stand at the window, although the view from this side of the house was of the pasture. Closing my eyes, I prayed fervently that Mark would take his leave.
Please, dear Jesus. Make him go away
.

“Lola!” someone shouted. “Come out here right this minute, young lady!”

Dropping the drapes, I leaned against the window frame, staring at the door, fully expecting him to burst through at any moment.

“If I leave, I’m bringing the sheriff back with me! You come out right this minute!”

A knock sounded on the door, making me jump. “Yes?”

It creaked open, revealing Judd. He was one of the men who worked for Jack. Young and eager, his expression looked wild. “Who’s that fella? I’m about to run him off at the end of my rifle.”

“He’s my stepfather.”

“You want me to shoot him? He’s got the boys all riled up. We’re under strict orders to make sure you’re safe, Mrs. Kelly.”

“Come out here, Lola! You’re not married to that man, honey! You think you are, but the marriage certificate says Parsons. That’s not you. You’re under my authority, Lola. I am your legal guardian. You need to come out right now.”

My world shattered, the pieces floating around me like confetti at a parade. “Tell him I’ll be down in a moment.”

“Is that true? Is he your guardian?”

“I … don’t think so. I’m married now. I’m not his concern.”

“What about the certificate?”

It seemed as if Jack had forgotten to change the name on the document. “Mr. Kelly will take care of it when he comes back.”

“Lola Foster! Come out, Lola!”

“Go tell him I’ll be down.” I rubbed my forehead, feeling the beginnings of a headache.

“Yes, ma’am.” He left, closing the door.

I braced myself for the confrontation to come, taking a deep breath. I had married Mr. Kelly in good faith. He was my husband. My stepfather would have little to say in the matter. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I saw a frightened-looking woman, whose expression revealed dark despair. Why hadn’t Jack remembered about the name on the certificate? Did it matter anyhow?
Oh, Lord, give me strength.

I left the room, while my shoulder throbbed anew, the pain flaring and spreading down my arm. The bandage remained hidden beneath a loose-fitting calico dress. Mrs. Boles stood at the foot of the stairs with her husband, who held a weapon. There were other men too, the people Jack had hired to watch over me. This gave me confidence, seeing them waiting and ready to protect me.

“I’ll take care of this.” I mustered the courage to approach the door, knowing the past had finally caught up with me. “I hope you don’t have to shoot him. He’s married to my mother.” The maid held Otto, who stared at the door with anticipation, his tongue hanging from the side of his mouth. “I’ll be right back.” Stepping out onto the lengthy porch, I stood as far away from Mark as I could. He had dismounted, tying the horse to the hitching post. A man held a rifle nearby, pointed in his direction. Another man stood at the base of the steps, rifle in hand. “Go away.”

“I knew you were in there.”

“Congratulations.” I sounded toneless.

“We got your letter from Kentucky. I set out immediately to retrieve you. This silly little game needs to end, Lola.” He wore wrinkled trousers and a frock coat. He had removed his hat, revealing a balding patch on top of his head. “It’s good to see you.” The smile seemed tense, never truly reaching his eyes.

“You’re on private property. You need to leave.”

“I will, as soon as you’re ready to go. You’re coming with me.”

“I’m married now, Mark.”

“Not according to the certificate. You’re not Lola Parsons. It’s not legal.”

“A formality that will soon be rectified.”

“You can tell it to the judge. Thus being, you’re my ward, and I’ve come to take you home—where you belong.”

“I’m a grown, married woman. I am exactly where I belong.”

Sliding the hat back on, he grimaced. “Don’t make me go and get the sheriff, honey. I’ve already spoken to him. The certificate is null and void, as if it never happened. You’ve been caught in a lie, and you’re coming home.”

I shook my head. “No.”

“Your mother’s worried sick about you. She’s done nothing but cry since the day you left. You broke her heart. She’ll forgive you for whatever you’ve done, if you come home. There’s no reason to continue this charade. You’ve always been an emotional girl, but this time you’ve gone too far. You’re going to marry one of these days and have children, honey, but in Virginia. You know your mother wants you nearby.”

“I’ve made my decision. I’m not leaving.”

“It’s not your choice.” He glared at me. “Please tell him to lower his weapon. I’m not a criminal. I’m this girl’s father. She’s run away from home, and I’ve come to retrieve her. She has no business being here.”

“I’m not doing anything until my husband returns. I’m sorry, Mark. But that’s how it’s going to be.”

“Don’t make me come back with the sheriff.”

“You can go to blazes!” Tired of the argument, I turned around, heading for the door.

“Lola!”

I halted with my hand on the knob.

“I’ll be back then. You’re an impudent young woman, and you’ve gone too far this time. We’ve been more than patient with you.”

Ignoring that, I entered the house, closing the door behind me. I glanced at Mrs. Boles. “I hope he goes away.” Hurrying for the stairs, I wanted desperately to be alone.

“Shall I send up some tea?”

“Yes, please.” Tears had formed in my eyes, nearly blinding me.

In the bedroom, the full weight of my grief emerged, the familiar feeling of hopelessness enveloping me like an old blanket. I had taken an enormous chance by traveling to Boot Creek in the hopes of marrying a man I had come to respect and admire. Although my husband was still a mystery to me, I knew in my heart we were well-suited. If only he had not gone away today. If only he had been here to set Mark straight. If only my stepfather would leave me alone. I felt sorrow for the anguish I had caused my mother, but my letters were meant to calm her fears. I had set out into the world, taking charge of my own destiny, but I felt like an utter failure.

I slid to the floor in the corner of the room behind the bed, yet near the window. Drawing my knees upward, I wrapped my arms around my legs. As the afternoon shadows darkened the walls, I waited … I waited for supper. I waited for the sheriff. I knew, beyond all certainty, Mark would return. It was only a matter of hours.

T
he sheriff had arrived
yesterday after the shootout, along with several deputies. The witnesses had all given statements, and I had spoken to him briefly. They had taken the bodies away, bringing them to town in the care of the undertaker. My husband had been declared the innocent party, as Oliver Trundle had been on the Kelly property with his men when the incident occurred. Now I faced the sheriff again, standing on the front porch of the house.

“Miss Foster,” he said sternly. “I’m not in the habit of wasting half my day hunting down runaways. Your father has arrived to bring you home, and I suggest you pack your things.”

“I’m married to Mr. Kelly. It’s Mrs. Kelly, please.”

“Not according to the paperwork. There’s some discrepancy in the last name, and, until that’s sorted out, you’re the ward of Mr. Mellon, who is married to your mother, Mrs. Susanna Mellon.”

Mark stood with his arms across his chest, clearly pleased with how the evening had progressed. “Do as the man says, Lola. I’m tired of the delay. I hired a coach to take us to Lamy. We’re catching the morning train.”

“I need to speak to my husband first.”

“Honey,” said the sheriff. “He’s not your husband. I can see this situation is unsettling, but as soon as Mr. Kelly returns, you can straighten out the mess. Until then, you need to leave with Mr. Mellon.”

“I can’t leave. I’ve been injured. I have to wait two more days to see Doctor Baker.”

“All the more reason to return to civilization,” commented Mark. “This is a dangerous place. I heard all about the shootout yesterday.” He glanced at the doorway. “I can see dozens of bullet holes in the woodwork. What sort of father would I be, if I let my daughter stay in such a dangerous place? You may not realize it right now, but I’m saving your life, Lola. Your mother’s beside herself with worry. You’ve put us through hell this past week.”

“Go on; pack your bags, Miss Foster.” The sheriff nodded. “Go on. I’ve a dozen things to do this evening, including a basketful of paperwork.”

I said nothing, returning to the house with tears in my eyes. The life I had wanted seemed to be slipping away, sliding from my fingers like satiny fabric. I could not hold on to the dream a moment longer.

“My dear,” said Mrs. Boles. “I don’t know what to say. If Mr. Kelly were here, things would look considerably different, but I don’t know what to do.”

“Is there a paper and a quill? I need to write something.”

“Yes, of course.” She hurried from the room, while Mr. Boles stared at me with Otto at his feet. He held his weapon, but it wasn’t necessary. When the housekeeper returned, she handed the items to me. “Here you are.”

“Thank you.” I sat at the dining room table, scribbling furiously.

Jack,

How I wish you were here! Something dreadful has happened. Mark Mellon, my stepfather, has found me. He insists we are not married, because the name on the certificate is false. The sheriff has come with him, and they are forcing me from the house. I don’t wish to go. I can’t stand it.

Tears blurred my vision, a droplet falling and smearing the ink.

Mark means to take me to Virginia. I don’t know how to stop him. I am rather helpless now. I have to trust that you will come and get me. How I wish you were here.

Yours, Lola

I folded the paper, while staring blindly at nothing in particular. Mrs. Boles appeared. “I’ve packed a bag for you. Your trunk hasn’t arrived yet, but I’ll forward it to your address.”

Standing, I turned to face her. “This is for Mr. Kelly. Can you please see he gets this?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I guess that’s it then. I go now.” I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“My dear,” her smile was kindhearted, “Mr. Kelly will come for you. He
will
find you. He’s due to return the day after tomorrow, and, when he realizes what’s happened, he’ll come for you.”

“I hope so.”

“It’s going to be fine.”

I moved past her. “Thank you for packing my bag.”

“It’s the least I could do.” To my astonishment, she hugged me gently, mindful of the injured shoulder. “There’s a great deal of affection between you. Anyone can see that. He’s entirely devoted to you. I have every confidence he’ll find you and bring you back.”

“I can only pray. I’m rather vexed about the marriage certificate.”

“It had been overlooked, but you did give the name Parsons.”

“Yes, it’s my fault.” My shoulders slumped. “I have my reasons, Mrs. Boles. Mr. Kelly knows everything. I’ve kept nothing from him.”

“Then it shall all come out in the wash. You needn’t worry.”

But I had every reason to be concerned. I was about to hand myself over to my stepfather, who I had come to distrust and loathe. His interests in me were not wholesome, as the hole in the wall of our house indicated. I would be in his power for the foreseeable future, which troubled me … and for good reason.

A
coach waited
, and, after my luggage had been stowed, I stepped into it, sliding down a leather seat to the window. The desperation I felt ran deep, every fiber of my being prickling with unpleasant sensations. When Mark entered, I refused to look at him, staring out the window. It would be dark within the hour, the sun having set. The driver set out at once, the conveyance rocking gently.

“You were foolish.”

I would not address him, cursing him in my mind.

“Your mother’s beside herself. She hasn’t slept in days, worrying about you. I’ll send a letter as soon as we reach Lamy. We’ll be on the first train in the morning. Look at me, Lola.”

I refused.

“This impertinence will not be tolerated another moment.”

“I’m a married woman. I’m under my husband’s authority, and, when he discovers you’ve kidnapped me, he’ll be livid. Do you even know who he is?”

“You’ve managed to snag a rather wealthy cattle baron, but it won’t matter. The marriage was never legal, and you’re under my guardianship, until you marry.” He leaned forward, his look hardening. “And you’ll marry someone in Virginia. We won’t have you so far away. Is that clear? Do you not care at all about your mother?”

The carriage rocked, and I glanced out the window at the house I had briefly called home. “I can’t leave. I have to see the doctor again.”

“I’ll arrange to have someone look at your shoulder in Lamy. I’m astounded you’ve been shot at, but why does that not surprise me? You run off to this heathen land, and it’s no wonder you fall into trouble. You’re an impudent, thoughtless child.”

“I’m a woman.” I lifted my chin defiantly.
He should know! He’s been watching me undress for quite some time, the disgusting pervert!
That thought turned my belly over. If I were sick, I would vomit in his direction.

“You behave rashly. You’re not capable of making your own decisions. You’ve caused your family nothing but grief.”

“I will not live in that house.”

“You’ll live wherever we are.”

“I will not. I fully expect my husband to find me.”

“He won’t.”

The cold look in his eyes distressed me. “He’s a man of means, Mark. He’s well connected. I can assure you; he
will
find me.” For good measure I added, “And he might shoot you. I’ve told him all about you.”

“Is that so?”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Yes.”

“Then he knows you have a family back east who miss you?”

“My mother does. I’ve written to her. She knows I’m well. It’s my right to choose a husband and have my own life. That life will be as far away from Virginia as possible.”
Far away from you!

“That is one thing your mother will never agree to.”

“Hence, the reason I left. I took it upon myself to find a husband. You’re free of my burden. You should rejoice.” I glared at him. “But you can’t bear to be without me, can you?”

“I’m fond of you, just as your mother is.”

“Ah, not quite.” The next bit would take a tremendous amount of courage to even vocalize, as I had been keeping things secret for years. “Have you told her about the hole in the wall?”

He looked at me blankly.

“The hole from the water closet that leads to my room. The hole you created behind a painting. The same hole, I presume, you’ve been looking through to watch me in private moments.”

“I’ve no clue what you’re talking about.”

“Coward.” I sat forward, shooting daggers at him. “You’re nothing more than an old, perverted man! You don’t want me to leave, because you gain some wicked thrill from harassing me.”

“That’s untrue.”

“I found the hole!”

“Which has probably been in that wall for decades.”

“No. I remember hanging that painting, and there was no hole.”

“Termites.”

“No. It was created by you.”

“Lies.”

“It doesn’t matter! If you don’t return me to my husband’s house at once, I’ll tell mother all about it. I’ll tell her how you go out of your way to touch me. I’ll tell her about how you stare at me. It’s vile, Mark. I’m not one of your mistresses, nor will I ever be.” I glared angrily. “You’re the reason I left.”

“You’re full of delusions, Lola. If it flatters you to think I’ve been watching you in your room, then so be it. If you feel the need to communicate these lies to your mother, she won’t believe you. You’ve broken her trust by running away. She’s not only devastated by your disappearance, but also hurt by the deception. You’ve a great deal of bowing and scraping ahead of you to win her favor again and be reinstated in her good graces.”

Some of what he said rang true. I had an inkling that mother would blame me and take Mark’s side. This was why I had never confided in her about the hole in the wall and all the other things that bothered me. I knew she would dismiss the allegations, because she had always been an obedient wife. I had seen her defer to him on hundreds of occasions, always behaving with docile servitude. It disgusted me. She knew about his mistresses, yet she chose not to look too closely at the situation. I had once asked her, in a round about way, if it bothered her that some men sought comfort with these women, and her response had been, “What men choose to do with their spare time is their business.”

“I must ask you something?”

I glanced out the window at the darkness. “I can’t stop you from talking.”

“Has … is the marriage consummated, I mean, is the farce consummated?”

Not missing a beat, I said, “Yes. I’m his in every regard.” This was a lie, but I had felt it necessary. “He’s my husband.” I held up my hand. “This is my wedding ring. I’m Mrs. Jack Kelly.” To drive the point home, I added, “And I love him.”

Something unpleasant glimmered in his eyes, as his mouth turned down. “We shall see about that.”

“Indeed.”

I had spoken with far more bravado than I felt. If Jack did not find me before Virginia, I did not know what would happen. Mark, being a successful businessman, had many useful connections and friends to assist him. He would have all the power, and he would be able to impose his will upon me, which was too terrible to think about. My mother would be of little help, as she was his servant in every respect.

Not wanting to look at my stepfather for another moment, I glanced out the window, seeing nothing but darkness and shadow. The moon remained a sliver of light, most of which was hidden by clouds. With any luck, Jack would still be in Lamy, and we would cross paths. I could not board that train tomorrow. I desperately needed to be rescued, but twinges of doubt assailed me. My shoulder throbbed and my arm ached, while my spirits had sunk to new lows.

Jack … I need you. I hope you’re in Lamy. Oh, dear, Jesus. Help me.