Love And Hearts Ride West: Mail Order Bride: 16 Novella's Bundle Read online

  “Do you like flowers, Marian?”

  “Oh yes. Mommy taught me about them.” the girl nodded, setting her curls bouncing. “Flowers grow up, they live for a while, then when they are done living down here, God takes them up to heaven and they live forever.”

  Kristine was surprised by the child’s insight.

  “It’s sad when they die, but when they get to heaven they are happy. Mommy is in heaven with the flowers.” Marian looked up at Kristine. “She was done living here. It makes Daddy sad.”

  “Does it make you sad?” Kristine asked. This child seemed so different from the quiet soul she had first met.

  “Sometimes, but mostly I’m sad because Daddy is sad. My nurse says I have to be quiet and behave so I don’t make Daddy sadder.” Marian looked up with a mournful face. “Sometimes it is hard to be good all the time.”

  Kristine resolved to have a word with the nurse. The burden of a father’s grief was too much for such a young child to bear. Every child needed to be allowed to laugh and even misbehave on occasion. She bent down until she could look right into Marian’s face.

  “I’ll tell you what, when you are with me, you don’t have to be quiet.” Kristine lowered her voice to a conspirator’s whisper. “You don’t even have to behave all the time.”

  Marian’s eyes went wide at the thought of such freedom. “Can I run now?” Her whisper matched Kristine’s.

  “I want you to run as far and as fast as you can, as long as you stay in the garden.” Kristine closed her eyes as the little girl threw thin arms around her neck.

  “Thank you.” Then Marian was running down the path, laughing like a prisoner set free.

  Kristine watched her run like the wind, her pale green dress flapping behind her. She may not get the love of a man from this marriage, but there was good to be done and love to be had. The thought of helping Marian come out of herself warmed her heart.

  Chapter 5

  The next evening, Kristine stood before the mirror as Juliette fluttered around her smoothing invisible wrinkles and examining her hair for flaws. Finally, exasperated, Kristine laid her hands on the other woman’s shoulder.

  “Juliette, please stop hovering. Everything is fine. You are making me nervous.”

  Her hostess wrung her hands before catching herself and folding them neatly at her waist. They still trembled as though they wanted to check one more curl, adjust one more fold. “I’m sorry dear. It is just that I want you to be as perfect as can be. All Roberts friends will be here, some of them are very influential in this city. Then there is always …”

  Kristine turned to her and pinned Juliette with a sharp look. “There is always what? If I am going to put on a good show tonight, I need to know what I will be facing.”

  “Well, it’s just …” Juliette went to the dresser and picked up Kristine’s silver-backed brush, turning it over and over in her hands.

  “What is it? I can’t deal with anything until I know what it is.” Kristine went to her and caught Juliette’s hands between her own.

  “It’s Abby. Abigail Wentworth. She owns the ranch just north of Robert’s and to be perfectly plain, she has been after him since Elizabeth died. Before she died actually. Abby was widowed five years ago, her much older husband leaving her the ranch and a tidy sum to sustain her. She set her cap for Robert before Howard was cold in his grave. Abby made it quite plain, even as Robert courted and wed Elizabeth that she wanted him and he hasn’t exactly discouraged her.”

  “So why didn’t he choose to marry her instead of sending for me?” Kristine had gone still during Juliette’s explanation. She had a rival for the affection of a man she wasn’t entirely sure even wanted her. Robert had all but admitted that Kristine’s father had manipulated him into marrying his daughter. Kristine had agreed, even entertained the possibility of love growing in her marriage, now she was going to be presented to the woman who would be her competitor.

  “Because being a man, he is quite blind to her intentions. He sees only the ghost of his first wife in the face of his daughter.”

  “But why me? Why choose me when all he really wants is a mother for his child? Why not take Abby instead?” Nausea twisted in Kristine’s stomach. There were undercurrents here that she wanted no part of. She walked carefully back to the bed and sat down, wrapping her arms around her waist.

  Juliette joined her and laid an arm across the younger girl’s shoulders. “Perhaps it is because you remind him of Elizabeth as Abby never could. Oh not in looks, Elizabeth was blond and delicate as a wildflower. But you have the same grace and gentleness that was so much a part of her.”

  “But I am not his first wife. I’m myself. I don’t want to be another ghost of his wife. I want him to love me for myself.” Kristine knew she sounded petulant and hated herself for revealing such a weakness to this woman she had just met. But she needed a friend for a moment, and Juliette was there.

  “I think he will. Give him some time and let him get to know you.” Juliette gave her arm a squeeze. “You are an attractive young woman. He is a smart, attractive, young man. If you ask me, that is the perfect recipe for a wonderful romance.”

  Juliette pulled the young woman to her feet. “Now let’s go downstairs and show a certain floozy what a real woman is like.”

  Kristine laughed, although it was a touch hysterical, and allowed herself to be led from the room.

  Chapter 6

  The foyer was already full of people removing their wraps and mingling with old friends when Kristine and Juliette appeared at the top of the stairs. Juliette surveyed the crowd with satisfaction.

  “Nearly everyone is here, perfect.” She turned and faced Kristine, a crafty look in her eye. “Here’s what we are going to do, I will go down first. I want you to wait until I’m at the bottom, then you follow me. Let’s make an entrance.”

  Kristine lingered in the shadows of the hallway and waited for her new friend to descend and blend into the crowd. Nobody even noticed her. So she obviously meant, ‘You make an entrance.’ Kristine took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. She had completed her own years at finishing school and like her sisters; she was trained for this type of performance.

  She waited for a lull in the murmur of conversation and stepped out to the top step, pausing until people began to look up. Head high and gloved fingers trailing lightly along the curved banister, she descended one slow step at a time. Covertly, she watched the crowd’s reaction.

  The muttering started up again, accompanied by the nudging of elbows and the tugging of sleeves. By the time she was half-way down, everyone in the room was staring at her. Juliette appeared Robert in tow. Her friend positioned him at the foot of the stairs and Kristine went the rest of the way down seeing only the admiration in his eyes.

  As she drew level with him, Robert took her hand and held it, bowing low to place a kiss on her fingers. “You are stunning. I am speechless.”

  “You are too kind, sir.” Kristine dropped into a graceful curtsy then glanced at him through lowered lashes. “Will you introduce me to your friends?”

  “With pleasure.” Robert tucked her arm within his and kept one hand on hers as he led her through the assembled guests. The faces and names passed through her mind leaving no impression. All she could see was the glow in his eyes every time he looked down at her. All she could feel was the warm pressure of his hand on hers.

  Her heart throbbed in her chest as she smiled and murmured polite phrases to people. Perhaps Juliette was right and there was a chance for love after all.

  No sooner had this thought gone through her mind, and then there was a commotion at the door. A woman burst through the door, the butler trailing along behind, red-faced and puffing.

  “Please miss, you must be announced.”

  “Nonsense, everyone here knows me. Except for the fortunate bride to be, and I can introduce myself to her.” The woman paused at the entryway and scanned the crowd. Her emerald green gown teetered on the edge of
indecent, but that may have been the effect of the woman’s generous bosom rising above an exceedingly small waist.

  Kristine pitied the corset maker who had such proportions to deal with for such a shape did not come ready-made.

  Then the woman was sailing toward her like a warship, her eyes fixed on Robert.

  “There you are, Robert,” she said in a voice that commanded the attention of the crowd. “I am so sorry I’m late. There was a small crisis at the ranch and I barely got away.”

  The woman reached Robert and placing her hands on his shoulders; she pulled him down and kissed his cheek. With a cheeky grin, she released him, only to grab his free arm. Kristine wondered if she was the only one who noticed how tightly the woman pressed her ample bosom against his arm.

  Judging by the awkward silence of the room, she was probably not. She had no doubt that this was Abby, the floozy Juliette accused of wanting her future husband. Well, there was no time to lose in sending a warning shot.

  “Hello, Welcome to our little party,” Kristine said as she took a miniscule step closer to Robert. The movement was not lost on the other woman who narrowed her eyes.

  “You must be Abby, I’ve heard so much about you,” Kristine continued. Her voice was steady, her head held high despite the anger that threatened to consume her. She had to bite back a chuckle. Just two minutes ago she did not want this man, now she was ready to fight for him. “I am Miss Harris, and I assume you know everyone else. Robert was just introducing me to his friends.”

  Abby was well aware of the subtle insult and her face darkened. She opened her mouth to reply, but Kristine kept talking right over her.

  Kristine looked up and gave the confused Robert a blinding smile. “It is so kind of Mrs. Williams to throw this little pre-wedding party for me and give me the chance to meet everyone. I’m sure I will have time to get to know everyone better after the wedding. You will be sure to join us then won’t you? And make sure you are on time, I will save a special seat just for you.”

  She smiled at the other woman whose mouth had dropped open. It was a shame she didn’t have the advantage of Miss Price’s School for Young Ladies behind her. Kristine silently thanked the spiteful girls who had made her life such a misery.

  The lessons had paid off.

  Chapter 7

  The rest of the party was a triumph. Buoyed by the success of that first encounter, Kristine relaxed enough to enjoy herself. After dinner, she and Robert opened the dancing with a waltz.

  “I haven’t done this since the year before Elizabeth died. I had forgotten how much I enjoy it,” he said as he spun her in a quick circle, which ended with Kristine even closer than she had been before. Miss Price would certainly frown on the absence of space between them.

  “Elizabeth wasn’t strong and that last year wouldn’t join me on the floor at all.” Robert looked down into Kristine’s face. His brown eyes searched her blue ones as the hand at her back tightened. “I missed it. I missed having a graceful woman in my arms.”

  Kristine couldn’t breathe. There was no space at all between them now and she could imagine the disapproving eyes of the matrons in the room, but they were nothing to the beating of her heart. He had said he missed it, not her.

  And the sadness in the depths of his eyes had given way to something else.

  The music ended, but instead of releasing her, Robert continued to hold her close for the space of several heartbeats.

  “I’m glad you are here, Kristine. More glad than I imagined I could be.” Then he dropped his arm and led her to the edge of the dance floor. Kristine was glad of his supporting arm. Without it, her trembling knees would have given way. He led her to a place beside Juliette and bent to brush a kiss to her fingers. “I look forward to claiming you for the next waltz.”

  Kristine placed a hand over her speeding heart as she watched him lead Juliette to the floor for an energetic reel. She had to get herself under control or everyone would think her foolish as a schoolgirl. Easing her way through the crowd, she found a closed door that led to the library. A low fire simmered on the hearth and she lowered herself onto the sofa and stared into the flames.

  What had happened out there? Had he hinted at something when he had said he was glad she was here, or was she reading too much into a simple statement? Perhaps he just meant he was glad to have a dance partner again.

  When she met him on the station platform, he had still been in the depths of grief for his wife. Now he was hinting at … something. Kristine didn’t dare guess what that might be. She turned at the sound of the door closing.

  “So this is where you’re hiding.” Abby stood just inside the doorway. “I don’t blame you after that little performance.”

  “What performance is that, what do you mean?” Kristine rose to her feet to be on even footing with her accuser.

  “I heard you were such a fine lady, real east coast, big city manners. Then you throw yourself at the first man you see, making cow eyes at him. Everyone knows that you just want his money.”

  Kristine paled at the direct hit. How did this woman know about that? “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Abby sauntered forward. Her cat-green eyes glittered in the light of the fire. She knew she had scored a hit. “I think you do. I am Robert’s closest friend. He spoke to me about writing back east and the deal he made for a loan to some man. He spoke about the man’s daughter, a fine lady who would make such a wonderful mother to his poor little child. Then you arrive, so soon after, I knew who you were.

  “So tell me, did you come on your own to see if you could squeeze more out of him,” Abby’s voice sunk to an insinuating hiss in Kristine’s ear. “Or did your father sell you outright, for payment rendered?”

  “Stop it,” Kristine whirled away from the other woman, but the accusation lingered in the air. “You have no right to speak to me that way.”

  “I do have the right.” Abby snarled now. “Robert would have married me if you hadn’t come around to muddle things. I could have made him happy. I could have made him forget her. I would have been mistress of his house and ranch.”

  The mention of Robert steadied Kristine, the man who had danced so intimately with her knew that she was not marrying him for money.

  At least not anymore.

  “If that is true,” She turned to face the other woman, “Then why didn’t he ask you? Why order a bride from all the way back east if you were right here waiting?”

  “He would have if you hadn’t come. Perhaps he still will if you go away.”

  “Let me make this quite clear, Mrs. Wentworth. Unless he sends me away, I am not going anywhere.” Kristine lifted her chin to its most haughty angle. “He is mine.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Abby snarled, and then slammed out of the room.

  Chapter 8

  The next day, Robert brought Marian over to visit but refused to stay himself.

  “I’m sorry. There are some things I need to take care of. Not only do I have my business here in Denver, but my ranch needs attention too. My foreman says that the windmill fell over in the night and without it, the cows have no water. I will be back for lunch or dinner at the latest.” Robert pressed a kiss to Marian’s forehead then mounted his horse and rode off down the street. Kristine’s gaze followed him until a small hand tugged at her sleeve.

  “Can we go outside to run?” Marian pleaded. Kristine smiled and followed her to the garden. Only half her mind was on the little girl’s chatter. The other half was on another ranch, an easy ride for an active horsewoman. Did Abby have something to do with the damaged windmill?

  The day dragged by. Marian was full of laughter now that she was free of the command to be silent. Kristine, however, was plagued by doubts and questions, but she kept them to herself until that evening long after dinner. When Robert finally came for Marian, who had fallen asleep on the sofa in the library, Kristine drew him into a different room.

  “What happened, where have you been all day?
” Kristine knew she sounded like a nagging wife already, but she had to know if he had seen her.

  “What do you mean? I was at the ranch fixing the windmill. I told you that at breakfast.” Robert did look tired and disheveled, very different from the elegant man of the night before.

  “That’s all you did, are you sure?” Kristine started to relax. Fixing the windmill was a big job, she was sure, and add to that the long ride out and back; she began to think she was jumping to conclusions.

  “Well, I stopped by Abby’s to see if anything strange had happened there. It was so late she offered me dinner.” Robert peered closer at Kristine, suspicion in his eyes. “Are you jealous of her? Abby is one of my oldest friends, there is no reason for you to be jealous.”

  “No, are you sure? She plastered herself all over you last night and today she feeds you dinner. I’m surprised she didn’t ask you to spend the night.” Kristine tried to keep her voice down but failed.

  “She did actually until I explained that I had to pick up Marian. It wouldn’t be the first time I had slept on her sofa when it got too late to ride safely. The hills are full of hidden ravines and dry washes. It is a good way to break a horse’s leg.”

  “She wanted you to spend the night.” Kristine spun away from him and stalked to the window. She could just picture Abby, laying a sympathizing hand on his shoulder and asking him to stay. Had that generous bosom pressed against him today as it did last night? How could she be sure that he wasn’t lying to her right now?

  “Kristine, I don’t understand why you are talking like this. Abby is just a friend, no more.” Robert walked up behind her and gently turned her to face him. “Didn’t I tell you, just last night, how glad I was that you had come? Didn’t I make my affection clear?”

  He pressed a kiss to her forehead and wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her close. Kristine closed her eyes and wished she could stay just like that until all the fears and worries went away. But she couldn’t.