Last Promise (3 page)

George's sister, Coreen, had married Hardwicke for his money. Coreen was a great beauty in her day, just like his niece, and Hardwicke had been persistent in wooing her. George's family were on the same social level as Hardwicke, but their estate was not nearly as large. George knew when his sister married Hardwicke it wasn't a love match, but his sister wanted the life his wealth could provide. When George inherited the Granville estate he chose a different path than his sister. He gave control of the estate to his younger brother and he left England. He yearned for a different life, one filled with adventure and knew he would find what he was looking for in America. He could sympathize with Mary Ann for desperately wanting to get away from the life she was destined to lead. She feared her life would mirror Coreen's if she stayed in England.

“Of course I want you to stay, but you know your father. He'll send someone to find you, and I would expect if they are not already on their way, they soon will be. I just don't want you to be disappointed if he forces you to return.”

“I left Mother a note and told her I was leaving. I didn't say where I was going.”

She looked so devastated that George tried to relieve her concerns. He didn't have the heart to tell her that it would only be a matter of time before they discovered she'd left England. Hardwicke had a legion of detectives and barristers at his disposal. “Let's not worry about it tonight. I certainly don't mind if you stay forever. If your father's agents appear on our doorstep, then we will deal with the situation when and if it happens. But if you decide you want to go home before then, I will escort you.” It troubled him that his beautiful young niece had traveled so far with no escort. Why, all manner of evil could have befallen her. Her guardian angel must have been keeping a close watch over her.

“I will not be going home. I have some funds, but I need to find a position, or a building where I can establish a business. Once I arrived in America, I discovered I could start a small shop. As a matter of fact, while I was waiting for you to return today I had time to look around your hotel and there is a perfect little spot I could utilize for a shop I have in mind.”

George couldn't believe his ears. Mary Ann was nearly royalty in England, he wouldn't hear of her looking for a position, or working for that matter. “My dear, that is impossible for someone of your position. If your father does show up here he will have me drawn and quartered if he finds you among the working class.”

“Uncle, I don't need to remind you that this is a different country and I am determined to support myself. I am no longer dependent on Father and I have not come all this way to be a burden on you.”

“My dear, you have never been forced to earn a coin and I assure you I can certainly see to your needs. I do not consider you a burden.” Her desire to work was the last thing George expected out of a young woman who had been coddled her entire life.

“I want to work. I want to live life like everyone else. I'm sorry, but I cannot exist like Mother.” She'd given her future a lot of thought, and if her uncle wouldn't assist in her effort, she would find another way.

They discussed this point for over an hour until George finally relented. If she was determined to do this, then he would help her in any way possible. He actually admired her resolve. “What kind of shop do you have in mind?”

“A small shop to carry products for women.”

“What kind of products?”

“On my journey here I noticed the farther west I came that there were fewer stores that sell items necessary for a woman's toilette; powders, tinted rouges, perfumes, and such.

“You are so beautiful, surely you have no need of such potions.”

“Thank you, but I assure you all women will use such products if they are available. I will carry the finest perfumes, as well as undergarments from France. Such items are only found now in the larger towns.”

“You'll not find the women here will buy such foolishness. I thought apothecaries mixed the powders for women. As far as undergarments, these are items that can be purchased at the mercantile.”

“I assure you it is not foolishness as all women enjoy looking their best. Apothecaries do mix various powders, but they are not equal to the products from Paris. The undergarments certainly are not what you will find in the local mercantile. They will be designed from the finest silks and satins.” She wasn't comfortable discussing intimate apparel with her uncle, but he needed to know what she had in mind, and he seemed truly interested. “I am quite determined. If you do not have space to spare in the hotel I will find another spot.”

He quickly concluded his niece was not just a lovely woman, she also had a sharp mind. Far be it from him to know what interested the fairer sex. He would have to take her word for that. It seemed her mind was made up, and he wasn't one to squash her dreams of independence. “What space did you see that you fancied?”

“The space to the right as you walk through the door. The alcove under the staircase is quite large and I can use a partition should the ladies prefer privacy while they are shopping.”

“Quite right. That is a space not utilized. While you are getting your shop underway, perhaps you would be interested to learn about managing the hotel. I am building a house on some land outside of town, and it is taking me away from my responsibilities at the hotel on a regular basis. You can register the guests when Eb is occupied with his other duties, and supervise the two ladies who handle the cleaning of the hotel. Mrs. Howe does the cooking in the restaurant. You may need to help her in the dining room when we are busy, nothing too demanding, maybe refill coffee cups, things of that sort.”

Mary Ann jumped up and threw her arms around his neck. “Oh thank you! I don't know what I would do without you. I will pay you rent for the space.”

“Now, now, this is not something you need to concern yourself with. As I said, the space is not used at present. Let me know what you will need in the way of construction for shelving, painting, or whatever, and I will see to it. We will install a door to have a private entrance.”

Her uncle hadn't mentioned the man who carried her luggage to her room. The man with the stunning blue eyes. “Uncle, you didn't mention Mr. McBride. What is his position at the hotel?”

George gave her a puzzled look. “Mr. McBride?”

“Yes, he carried my luggage to my room.”

“I have no Mr. McBride employed here.”

“That is strange. I'm quite sure he said his name was Luke McBride. He's a very tall man and quite the ruffian.”

George laughed. “Luke is not one of the employees. He is one of the owners of the McBride Cattle Company. He is the youngest of the three brothers. Fine men.” He furrowed his brow at her. “Ruffian, you say?”

“Indeed. He was brawling in the street when I arrived. I thought he was one of those
pistoliers
I've heard so much about.”

“Most men here carry guns and make no mistake, the McBride brothers know how to use them. But they are good men, certainly not gunslingers. I consider them friends, they've been very kind to me.”

She had tipped a man who didn't even work for her uncle. “You say they have a ranch here?”

“They own one of the largest cattle ranches in Wyoming. And Luke carried your luggage?”

“Yes, I'm afraid I made a dreadful mistake. I thought he was in your employ and I tipped him.” She'd probably insulted one of her uncle's friends.

“No worries, honey. I'm sure he took no offense. Luke is a good-natured man.”

She remembered when Mr. McBride was in the room she hadn't been very friendly. He was such a large man that he made her nervous. “I will apologize, of course.”

“Don't give it another thought. These men out here don't consider such slights as serious transgressions.” He smiled at her. “Particularly if the transgressor is someone as lovely as you.”

She hoped her uncle was right and she hadn't offended Mr. McBride. While she didn't countenance his behavior, she wouldn't want her uncle's friends to think ill of him due to her mistake.

George stood and walked to the door. “You best get some rest, we will talk some more over breakfast and make plans for your shop. In the morning I'll have Eb take your things to the third floor. Those are my living quarters for a few more months until my home is completed. You will find the space more accommodating than this room.”

Mary Ann hadn't realized he lived on the premises. “The entire third floor is your personal living quarters?”

“Yes, you will have all the room you require. Your bedroom is much larger than this room,” George informed her.

“This room is quite lovely. Why are you building a home?”

“I've an interest in trying my hand at cattle ranching. So perhaps your arrival will be most opportune for me if you find you enjoy managing a hotel.”

“I am sure I will enjoy it very much and I will start tomorrow.” She was anxious to get started now that she had a plan for her future.

“There is no hurry, take some time to rest.” George had made the trip from England and it was a grueling journey.

Mary Ann didn't need rest. She was invigorated knowing she would no longer be forced to attend parties gossiping with bored women, or be forced into a marriage she didn't want. “I do not need to rest. Tomorrow is the beginning of my new life.”

Chapter Three

“What do you mean you got in a fight with Clyde Slater?” Colt asked. The three brothers were sitting on the porch waiting for the women to get ready to go to church, and it was the first chance Colt had to ask Luke about his busted lip.

“I told you, he was rude to Sally Detrick and I kicked his butt,” Luke answered.

“Bad words,” Jake reminded his brother.

Luke gave him a sheepish grin. “A synonym for donkey is in the Bible; just ask Cade and Cody.” His twin nephews had a way of letting him know what words were in the Bible, and what he could get away with saying and what were
bad words
.

Jake chuckled. “You better put a
jack
in front of it then.”

Colt gave them both a hard look. “Luke, you need to stop brawling in the streets.”

Luke took a deep breath and expelled it loudly. “Just tell me what you would have done, big brother.”

“Yeah, Colt, tell him what you would have done,” Jake said. Both Jake and Luke knew Colt would have done the same thing.

Colt couldn't help but laugh. Sometimes his brothers were like dealing with his twin boys. “I know, I know. But it seems to me you have a way of finding trouble, Luke.”

“I was taking Sally and Lucinda to lunch, I wasn't looking for trouble, at least not the kind you're thinking about,” Luke explained.

Jake shook his head at Luke. “Both of them? Dang, brother, don't you ever get tired?”

“I'm not married.” Luke grinned at them. “Remember me? I'm the smart brother.”

* * *

As soon as the entire family reached church, Luke looked around for George Granville. Almost every Sunday George arrived at the same time they did, but not today. Once inside, Luke looked at every person in the pews, but still no George. He didn't pay attention to the preacher's sermon, his mind kept going back to the beautiful woman he'd met yesterday. Finally, the last hymn ended and everyone filed out of the church. Colt stopped to speak with the preacher at the door, and Jake grabbed Luke by the arm and pulled him aside.

“What are you looking for, little brother?”

“I was looking for George Granville.”

Colt walked up behind them and overheard Luke. “Why are you looking for George?” He'd also noticed his brother's lack of attention during the sermon.

“I had something to ask him.”

“Well, I imagine he's at the hotel. Come on, the family's having dinner there,” Colt said.

The men preferred to eat at home, but Colt liked to surprise the ladies with a dinner in town when they had the time. Victoria hadn't been out of the house much since little Tate was born and it was a treat for her.

The ladies and boys joined them, and Colt took the baby from Victoria. “Are you ladies ready to go to the hotel?”

“Yes,” Victoria and Promise answered together.

“Mrs. Howe makes a delicious apple dumpling,” Promise said.

“Your apple pies are better,” Jake told her.

Promise stood on her tiptoes and kissed her husband's cheek. “You eat so many you are going to turn into an apple pie one of these days.” It pleased her that he still preferred her cooking.

Luke took the twin boys by the hand and led the way to the hotel. As soon as they entered the restaurant, Luke spotted two young women who had been vying for his time, Emma and Lorraine, sitting on the other side of the room. He glanced at Jake and told him he'd be right back.

Jake glanced across the room and knew what his brother was up to. “Don't take too long, we want to order before midnight.”

Luke approached the table and removed his hat. “Hello, ladies.”

“Please join us, Luke,” Emma said.

“Thanks, but I'm having Sunday dinner with the family. I just wanted to come over and say hello.”

“Are we going to see you at the church social at the end of the month?” Lorraine asked.

“I'll see you before then. You are still planning to come to dinner next week, aren't you?” Emma was excited that Luke had accepted her dinner invitation. Everyone thought Sally Detrick had her hooks in him and no one else stood a chance.

Luke was so busy flaunting his charms to Emma and Lorraine that he didn't notice Mary Ann Hardwicke walking from the kitchen. She stopped to place some plates and silverware on top of the sideboard, and saw Luke conversing with two ladies just a few feet away. She thought she would apologize to him for mistaking him for a hotel employee, but when she heard his conversation with the women, she changed her mind.

“Emma, I'm looking forward to dinner next week, and I promise, honey, I won't be late. And yes, Lorraine, you can count on me to be at the social. I won't forget and I promise I'll show both of you ladies a good time. We'll dance the night away.”

Mary Ann rolled her eyes at his comments, thinking every time she saw him he was making promises to show women a good time. Mr. McBride was a lothario of the worst kind. Her uncle might be friends with the man, but she didn't want to have anything to do with him.

“We heard about your day at the lake with Sally. Was she really wearing only her shimmy?” Emma asked.

Luke couldn't believe Sally would have confided in two of the town's biggest gossips about their day at the lake. He leaned over and whispered, “I never kiss and tell, ladies.”

“Emma and I like to swim in the lake, why don't you take us?” Lorraine asked.

Lorraine's implicit meaning wasn't lost on Luke. “Maybe next time.”

Mary Ann's mouth dropped open. She didn't know what was most disturbing: the seducer's behavior, or the lack of propriety by the women fawning all over him. She turned from the sideboard and hurried across the room before he saw her.

Mary Ann's uncle intercepted her as she neared the McBride table. George introduced her to the family, and after an exchange of a few pleasantries, Mary Ann left to check on the ladies cleaning the rooms upstairs. She was taking her new position at the hotel very seriously, determined not to disappoint her uncle.

“Your niece is absolutely lovely,” Victoria said to George.

“She is widely regarded as the beauty of London,” George replied.

“Is she staying in Promise long?” Victoria asked.

“Unless her father comes after her, she says she's planning on making this her home.”

Before the women could ask more questions, Colt spoke up. “I think Luke wanted to see you about something, George.”

“Where is Luke, I haven't seen him?”

Jake pointed across the room. “He's over there flirting with the ladies, where else?”

George smiled. “If only I could be half as popular with the ladies.” He gave a knowing look to Colt and Jake and added, “Not to mention his stamina.”

“Would you tell him I'm going to order for him in two minutes?” Colt was hungry and tired of waiting on Luke to return. As long as there were women to impress, Luke might be gone for hours.

“Certainly.”

“That was an odd response,” Promise said.

“What was odd?” Colt asked.

“George said his niece was staying unless her father came for her. He made it sound as if her father might not be keen on her being here.”

* * *

“Luke, your brother said you wanted to see me,” George said.

“Excuse me, ladies.” Luke pulled George a few feet away so the women couldn't hear his conversation. “I wanted to ask you about a young woman who registered at your hotel yesterday.”

George chuckled. “You must be referring to my niece. I just introduced her to your family. She told me about meeting you.”

“Your niece?” Luke wasn't expecting this news. His eyes flickered to the table across the room, but he didn't see her.

“Yes, my niece, Mary Ann. I hope she didn't offend you by thinking you were employed at the hotel.”

“Not at all.” Hearing George was her uncle put a whole new twist on things.

“What did you want to ask?”

Luke didn't directly answer the question. “Did she travel from England all alone?”

“Yes, I wasn't aware of her plans to come here. It's probably a good thing as I would have been worried to death. She experienced a few harrowing situations along the way.”

Luke couldn't believe it, a pretty little thing like her traveling all the way from England alone. She had to be scared to death. In his mind, it would have been surprising if she hadn't received some unwanted attention since she was so beautiful. That probably accounted for her wariness around him yesterday.

“She wanted to apologize to you about yesterday.”

“That's not necessary; no harm done.”

“I told her no man could be angry with someone so lovely.” George started to walk away, but he remembered Colt's request. “Your brother said he would be ordering for you in two minutes.”

Luke laughed and headed to the table. After they ordered dinner, Victoria told him about meeting George's niece while he was off flirting with Emma and Lorraine. “She's a very lovely woman.”

“I saw her yesterday,” Luke informed them.

“And you don't have a dinner date yet?” Jake asked him.

Luke wasn't about to admit to his brothers that the woman they were discussing had absolutely no interest in him. “No, I really didn't get the chance to spend any time with her.” That was sort of the truth; he didn't spend the amount of time he'd wanted to when they were alone in her room.

“Was this before or after the fight with Clyde?” Colt asked.

“After.” Maybe she was repulsed by his appearance yesterday. That thought gave him hope.

“I hope we get the chance to know her better, I would love for her to meet Mrs. Wellington and hear all about her journey,” Victoria said. She thought her surrogate mother would enjoy the opportunity to speak with one of her countrywomen.

“Mrs. Wellington would enjoy a visit with her,” Colt agreed.

“We should invite her to dinner,” Promise said.

“Did you know she traveled all the way from England alone?” Victoria directed her question at Luke.

“That's what George told me.”

“I can't believe she traveled all that way unchaperoned,” Promise said.

Victoria told Luke about George's comment regarding Mary Ann's father, and Luke recalled Mary Ann's response when he asked if she was staying a long time. The entire time Luke was eating, his eyes remained fixed on the staircase hoping she would come back downstairs. Just as they were about to leave the hotel, his wish was granted. As soon as Luke spotted her on the staircase, he told his family he would catch up with them at the livery.

He stopped at the landing, blocking Mary Ann's path. “Hello again.”

Reaching the last step, Mary Ann's gaze swept to his hips, noticing he was absent his gun today.

“Mr. McBride.”

“So you're George's niece?” He liked her yellow dress and he really liked the way it hugged her curves.

“Yes, I am.” She hesitated, not really wanting to engage in a conversation with him, but she needed to apologize. “Please forgive me for thinking . . . well . . . that you were in my uncle's employ. He informed me of my mistake.”

Luke, never one to waste what he saw as an opportunity, said, “I know how you can make it up to me.”

Mary Ann was surprised by his response. “Excuse me?”

Luke moved an inch closer. She was still on the second step so they were nearly at eye level. “You can make it up to me by having dinner with me.”

Mary Ann backed up a step. “Certainly not. I've apologized, and you, sir, if you were a gentleman, would accept.”

Luke arched his brow at her. “Who said I was a gentleman?”

His comment really flustered her. Her uncle had said the McBride brothers were fine men, and his brothers appeared to be gentlemen when she met them. They even stood to greet her, but this McBride brother was something else altogether. “I should have known by your behavior yesterday that you are certainly not a gentleman.”

What in Hades was she talking about? He thought he was the perfect gentleman in her room yesterday. He'd prided himself on not even trying to steal a kiss. He usually worked faster than that. “What's that supposed to mean?”

She narrowed her silver eyes on him. “Brawling in the streets. Real gentlemen don't behave like common ruffians in England.”

God had definitely blessed her in the beauty department, but she might be lacking in common sense. She must think him a real country bumpkin. Well, she had another think coming. “I suppose I could have demanded satisfaction for insulting a lady and killed him in a duel for his bad manners.”

Did he really think those two women he was sashaying around were ladies? She'd seen the way they put their hands all over him. She arched her perfectly shaped little eyebrow at him. “Ladies? I assure you they haven't a nodding acquaintance with the word!” With that said, she presented him with her back and promptly marched back upstairs.