Читать книгу Whirlwind Bride - Debra Cowan - Страница 8

If you need anything at all, let me know.

How many times had Riley said that? She needed a husband, but she didn’t see him offering to help with that, Susannah thought indignantly as she walked away from him toward the telegraph office. She could feel him staring.

His gaze burned between her shoulder blades, causing her skin to prickle. She fought the urge to smooth her hair or turn around.

Her voice had come out more stiffly than she’d liked when talking to him, but seeing him reignited the embarrassment she’d felt in his barn. Adam had a lot to answer for.

Couldn’t Riley have married her just because she was told he wanted to … even if he didn’t make the promise himself? Evidently not. She wondered why he’d been so mean. Maybe he was merely concerned. His dire warnings sounded like something her brother might say. But Susannah was staying. She was glad she hadn’t told him about the baby, but what was she going to do now? She wasn’t going back to St. Louis.

Her entire family would be in even more disgrace. First the baby, then this. Paul hadn’t wanted her. It wouldn’t do to advertise that Riley didn’t, either.

Susannah tugged on her gloves and opened the door to the post office, which also served as the telegraph office. She needed a place to live, which she could secure using the money she’d received from the sale of some jewelry before she’d left home.

She sent a curt telegram to her brother, ordering him to respond immediately and tell her exactly what he’d said to Riley. She also asked that he not tell Riley about her “situation,” hoping her choice of words would keep eager-to-please Tony Santos from figuring out that she was expecting. She’d endured all the embarrassment she could for a while. A final plea for her brother to wire some money ended her telegram. It was the least he could do after sending her to Whirlwind under false pretenses.

After leaving the post office, she started back to the hotel, stopping at the Pearl for a dinner of stew and fresh bread. The rich, meaty meal wasn’t the roasted pork with pearlized onions Minnie the cook served every Friday night at the Phelps’s house, but the meal was good and very filling.

Susannah traced a square on the red-checked tablecloth, hit with a pang of homesickness as the aroma of fresh pie and bread drifted around her.

A shadow fell across her plate and Susannah looked up. A tall, lanky man with dark brown hair stood there. “Evenin’, ma’am.”

“Good evening.” Her gaze skipped over a handsome face, then dropped to his tin star. “Sheriff.”

The blue eyes beneath the dark slash of brows reminded her of another pair of blue eyes.

“You’d be Miz Susannah Phelps?”

For one heartbeat, she thought perhaps her parents had sent someone after her. “How did you know?”

“I’m Davis Lee Holt.” A broad smile split his face. “Riley’s my younger brother.”

“Riley’s brother.” Relieved that Davis Lee wasn’t here on behalf of her parents, she kept her smile in place, but her thoughts whirled. Had Riley sent his brother, the sheriff, to kick her out of town? “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Same here. My brother thinks a lot of yours. And you, too.”

She wasn’t so sure about that, but nodded, anyway. What had Riley told his brother about her? Whatever it was, the eldest Holt seemed too polite to say. Though he didn’t look much older than Riley, his features were sharper and just as compelling. But Davis Lee didn’t make her nervous the way Riley did.

“Riley says you’re here visiting.”

“Uh, yes.” She dabbed at her mouth, then returned her napkin to her lap. She hoped that was all Riley had said.

Davis Lee’s gaze searched her face and she recognized the probe beneath the question. Intelligence glittered in his eyes. She sensed the sheriff knew there was more to her story. If Riley had enlisted his brother to send her packing, he was going to hear from her.

Instead of the leashed wildness she detected in Riley, she recognized a calm in his brother. But he had the same restrained power in his broad shoulders.

After a short exchange about the food and her accommodations, the man bade her good-night. “Hope you have a nice visit in Whirlwind. Please let me know if there’s anything you need. Drop by my office anytime.”

“Thank you, Sheriff.”

“Davis Lee, please.”

“All right, Davis Lee.” Susannah smiled up at him, relieved that he was leaving. She wondered how Davis Lee would’ve responded if she’d shown up on his doorstep instead of his brother’s.

She paid her bill and went up to her room, looking forward to sleeping on a mattress, despite its lumps.

It was a relief to take off her dusty traveling clothes. She’d let out the seams in a few dresses. The roomier garments, along with her cape, had hidden her expanding curves, but she could no longer lace her corset. In days, her condition would be obvious to the whole world. Soon she’d need a couple of new dresses. Clothes were easy to find, but what about a husband? She couldn’t advertise. It simply wasn’t done.

Pulling the pins from her hair, she tilted her head back and let the heavy mass tumble down her back. She dug her brush from her smallest valise and walked to the window, staring out at the sky, which was turning a vibrant orange and pink. She dragged her brush through her hair, enjoying the comfort of the familiar routine.

Who would want to marry a woman carrying another man’s child, anyway? The stigma of Susannah’s illegitimate child was one reason she’d left St. Louis. Despite its distance from big cities, Whirlwind wasn’t removed from convention.

The land stretched forever, vast and unending, golden plains melting into the flame-colored horizon. Susannah felt small and out of place. Just then, the baby kicked.

Placing a protective hand over her belly, Susannah determined her baby would have a place here, somehow. She’d figure out a way.

And suddenly she had an idea.

For the third time, Riley unwadded the crumpled telegram and stared at it, his shocked numbness edging into a quick flare of temper.

She was in the family way, dammit. A baby!

All last night he’d wondered why she would marry a man she didn’t know, and he’d never once considered that.

Miz Susannah Phelps had some explaining to do. Riley told himself it should be enough that he’d escaped her marriage trap. It wasn’t. Aware now of the real reason she’d come to Whirlwind—to him!—he had to know what would’ve happened if he’d agreed to marry her. Would she have told him she was expecting?

Trying to calm the angry disbelief perking inside him, he saddled Whip. He made it to town in record time, going straight to the Whirlwind Hotel. She wasn’t there. He asked the desk clerk, Penn Wavers, if he knew where Susannah had gone, but the nearly deaf old man just smiled and told Riley to sign the register.

Jaw clenched, he walked out and looked up and down the dusty street. Just like yesterday, cool sunshine glittered off the plate glass of Whirlwind’s businesses. There were only so many places she could be; if he had to go in every one of them to find her, so be it.

Turning, he moved quickly down the planked walk, going into the bank, the Pearl Restaurant, peering into Davis Lee’s office, but there was no glint of silvery-blond hair. Just as he turned away from the sheriff’s window, he saw Susannah coming out of Haskell’s General Store across the street.

“Miz Phelps!”

She turned and he saw apprehension flicker across her pretty features.

As he neared, she backed up against one of the rough wood columns that supported the awning. Shoulders taut, she looked poised to bolt. He figured if the lady thought she had a prayer of outrunning him, she would’ve chanced it.

She held a soft, lumpy package wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. She clutched it closer as he stopped inches away from her.

Her delicate scent teased him. She wore a white, soft wool dress with thin red stripes, too pretty and frothy to be practical for this part of the country. Thick, gleaming hair was piled atop her head like silky sunshine. Just the sight of her made Riley’s mouth water, and it wasn’t because she reminded him of his favorite candy.

She looked cool and sweet; he just bet she would taste that way, too. Damn.

Sky-blue eyes regarded him warily. Her chest rose and fell rapidly. The fabric of her dress pulled taut across her breasts with each breath. She was one fine-looking woman. He might not want to marry her, but that didn’t mean he was blind. He forced his gaze to her eyes.

“Mr. Holt.”

He doubted she’d be so formal once he told her what he knew. “I need to talk to you.”

“I’m on my way to—”

“Now.” He gripped her elbow, not hard enough to bruise that creamy flesh, but firmly enough that she knew he meant business.

He tugged her over so that they stood away from the street and against the wall of the store. The wall without a window.

She pulled away from him, paper crackling as she hugged the package to her. “What do you want? I don’t like to be manhandled.”

“There are a few things I don’t like, either, such as being lied to.”

She went as still as a spooked rabbit. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about your little secret.”

She started to turn away. “I don’t have time for—”

“Your baby.”

The words were enough to stop her. She faced him, eyes wide with horror. “Adam told you?”

“Damn straight.”

Tension vibrated in her body, and he knew if he touched her, she’d be as rigid as a wagon axle.

“I asked him not to say anything,” she whispered harshly, her gaze darting around.

“He didn’t say it plain. Still protective as all get-out.” She was so pale that Riley thought she might faint. That wouldn’t surprise him a bit. “He reminded me of a situation with a girl we knew at university. The same thing happened to her.”

“So he didn’t—”

“No. Your secret’s safe, though you can’t keep it quiet forever.”

She let out a slow breath, a hint of color returning to her face. “I don’t know why you’re concerned. It’s not your problem.”

“I have to wonder if you would’ve told me the truth, had I agreed to marry you.”

“Of course!”

“Now, how do I know that?” His gaze skimmed over her full breasts, her still-defined waist.

Before he could ask when the baby was due, Tony Santos rushed up. Doffing his hat, he gave Riley a quick hello before turning to Susannah. “Miz Phelps, did you get the telegram all right?”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Santos.”

“I sent my nephew as soon as it came in, just like you asked.”

“I appreciate that.” She smiled, not showing any signs of the impatience clawing through Riley.

He cleared his throat, giving the older man an expectant look.

Tony shifted from one foot to the other, then smiled at Susannah. “I hope you’re having a nice day, ma’am.”

“Thank you.”

Riley stared hard at him until the older man stammered a goodbye.

As Tony walked away, she glared at Riley. “There’s no need to be rude.”

“How far along are you, anyway?”

“Just at five months,” she said tightly, flushing a dark rose. “I hardly think this conversation is appropriate.”

“Honey, you tried to hitch up with me. It doesn’t get more appropriate than that.”

“Must you keep bringing that up? We were both there. It’s not as if I don’t know what an idiot I made of myself.”

“I wouldn’t say you were an—what is that?”

“What?” Still sounding vexed, she looked over her shoulder.

“On your hand.” He’d caught a glint of something shiny, something gold. On her third finger. Lifting her left hand, he felt his jaw drop. “What is this?”

“A ring.”

“A wedding ring,” he clarified, his gaze shooting to hers. Her hand was stiff and hot. And tiny. Surely she hadn’t already married? He’d dropped her off at the hotel less than twenty-four hours ago!

“Yes, a wedding ring.” She snatched her hand away.

“You move fast.”

“It’s none of your concern.”

“I may not be marrying you, but I am still a friend of your family. I can’t just let you—”

“You have no say, Mr. Holt. None.” Color blazed in her high cheekbones, turning her eyes the color of heated sapphires. In spite of the irritation spiking inside him, Riley’s body hardened. She scrambled his thoughts quicker than a kick to the head.

He gestured to the ring. “What about this poor clod? Did you tell him? Who is it? One of the Baldwins?” For some reason, the possibility made him sick.

“I’m not married. I’m … a widow.”

For a full two seconds, he stared at her. “You’re what?”

“A widow.

A woman without a husband.”

“I know what a widow is!”

“Keep your voice down,” she whispered, looking around nervously.

“You’ve never been married.” What did he really know about her? “Have you?”

“No.” She stepped closer and he felt anger and desperation pouring off her. “But I refuse to let people know my baby as a bast—as illegitimate. The child is the innocent party here.” Riley agreed. Susannah’s delicate scent tugged at something inside him. How long had it been since he’d smelled anything besides himself and horse sweat? He cleared his throat. “Your condition will be obvious soon—”

“And by then people will have seen the ring.” She touched the band on her finger. “Hopefully, they’ll draw the conclusion that I’m a widow.”

“Who’s gonna believe that? You didn’t have the ring on yesterday.”

“I wore gloves,” she said defiantly. “Except at your ranch. Don’t you think this has gone on long enough? We’re starting to draw attention. Surely you can’t like that.”

He glanced around and noticed several people walking past with curious looks on their faces. Others stopped in the street, watching openly.

Riley lowered his voice. “What about your last name? It’s the same as your brother’s.”

She looked stricken for a moment then brightened. “I’ll say I married a distant cousin.”

“That would work.”

Jake Ross, a widower whose ranch adjoined the Rocking H, ambled up. Tipping his hat to Susannah, he said, “Mighty nice day, Miz Susannah.”

“Yes, it is.” Her eyes lit with hope, as if she thought Jake might rescue her.

Riley exchanged greetings with the typically shy man, waited until he’d moved on before turning back to Susannah. “I want you to tell me why you cooked up this scheme.”

“I don’t owe you any explanations.”

“Lady, you came here because of me.”

“Only because Adam assured me you wanted to marry me.”

“And you would’ve gone through with it, too. For that reason alone, I deserve an explanation.”

The color drained from her face. “All you need to know is that I’m posing as a widow so that I won’t bring disgrace to my child. I know how cruel people can be.”

Pain flared in her eyes, then was gone. Riley wondered what experience she’d had with cruelty. If Adam had sent her all the way to Texas, there must’ve been some. No doubt from wealthy families who called the tune in Susannah’s circles.

She was so delicate looking. His voice softened. “What happened to the father?”

“That’s none of your business.” Her face closed up. “I have it in my power to protect my child and that’s what I’m doing. You know what it’s like for an unmarried woman in my condition. Adam sent me here because of the scandal in St. Louis. This is my chance to start fresh, a place to give my baby a life where he or she isn’t shunned because of being illegitimate. I’m asking you to keep this between us. Please.”

Riley had already shot to hell the one plan her brother had for keeping her respectable. Now Adam’s presumptuous plan didn’t seem so presumptuous; instead it seemed protective and desperate. He’d sent her far away, where no one knew her, yet where he had a friend he could trust. Someone she could lean on if necessary.

J. T. Baldwin’s big voice boomed behind Riley. “Miz Phelps, how are you feeling today?”

“Fine, thank you, J.T.”

“You’re the loveliest thing this old town has seen in quite a while.”

Fighting a sharp surge of impatience, Riley chewed on the inside of his cheek.

“You’re quite the flatterer, J.T.”

“Only when called for. Say, my boys and I are heading over to Abilene for a horse race this weekend. Would you care to join us?”

Riley saw her face pale at the mention of horses, but she smiled. “Thank you, J.T., but I have some matters I must attend to.”

“Well, maybe next time.”

The big, ruddy-faced man bid them good day, but before Riley and Susannah could continue their conversation, Davis Lee stopped to inquire after Susannah’s health. “Hello, Miz Phelps.”

“Davis Lee.” A soft smile curved her lips.

“You two have met?” Riley leveled a look at his brother.

Davis Lee grinned. “Last night in the restaurant.”

“I suppose you were just out for a walk?”

“Yep.”

Riley knew he shouldn’t have discouraged his brother from meeting Susannah. That had been like waving scent in front of a bloodhound.

“Have a nice day, ma’am.” He clapped Riley on the shoulder as he stepped around him. “And you behave.”

Had she already met every man in town? Riley was starting to think he should’ve dragged her behind a building so they would have some privacy.

Once they were alone again, he picked up where they’d left off. “What happened between you and the father?”

Her lips tightened and the ice in her gaze could’ve frozen a Texas summer day.

“Were you betrothed?” he pressed.

“It didn’t work out.”

“I’m sure Adam knows.” Riley couldn’t imagine any man—or woman—walking away from a child.

Her lips twisted. With a look of determination, her gaze locked onto his and she said in a fierce, low voice, “His name was Paul LaFortune. I fell in love with him. I thought we were to be married. He said he wanted that. But when I told him about the baby, he disappeared. I thought it was from shock or surprise. After two weeks, Adam hired a private investigator. They found him and he wasn’t interested in the baby.”

“Or you,” Riley said softly, reading volumes beneath her careful words, the too-smooth, emotionless speech.

She lifted her chin, eyes bright with anger. “Have you heard enough?”

“He seduced you.”

She blinked in surprise, then said stoically, “I was also party to the deed. He didn’t take advantage.”

“I imagine it depends on who you ask.” Riley found himself strangely compelled to touch her, reassure her in some way. He stuffed a hand in his pocket.

“My idea of love seduced me. I realized then I didn’t know what love was, but that’s all right. What my baby needs is security.”

“Miz Susannah?” It was Russ Baldwin who interrupted them this time. “You ready to drive out to Widow Monfrey’s old place?”

Susannah gave him a blinding smile. “I’ll be right with you, Russ.” She turned back to Riley, her voice urgent and pleading. “You won’t say anything, will you?”

“Why are you going out to the Monfrey place? It’s been empty for about three months.”

“Promise you won’t tell anyone about my ruse or the baby. Please?”

“Are you looking to live out there?”

“It’s none of your concern.”

“That place is run-down.” Riley turned and waved off Baldwin. “Miz Phelps isn’t going today, Russ.” The big man looked at her. “Ma’am?”

“I’ll be with you in one minute, Russ,” Susannah said with a forced smile.

“Go on, Russ,” Riley said. “I’ll take Miz Phelps wherever she needs to go. She did come to visit me, after all.”

“All right, Miz Susannah. If you change your mind, let me know.” He touched a finger to the brim of his hat and strolled off.

Her eyes sparked with anger and her lips tightened in a way that made Riley want to kiss her until they went soft beneath his. “How dare you!”

“You can’t stay with me,” he blurted, then cursed silently.

She stiffened. “I never asked—”

“I mean, it would be improper for you to stay with me,” he said in a more gentle tone, “but I can find you a place. I already know of one.”

“There’s no need,” she said hotly.

“I feel a need.”

“No,” she said.

“Let me make up for the way I acted yesterday. It was poorly done.”

She looked at him a long minute, then her features softened. “We were both under false assumptions. And you can rest assured Adam has already heard from me for his part in that.”

Wanting to coax a smile from her, Riley grinned. “I would’ve paid good money to see that telegram.”

A smile curved her lips, and it kicked through him like a steel-shod hoof.

“What did you have in mind?”

He stood there, a bit stunned, before he realized she’d asked him a question. “Oh. You can stay with Cora Wilkes. She’s newly widowed. Just yesterday, in fact.”

“She doesn’t need someone invading her grief.”

“She needs someone to help her,” Riley said firmly. “And so do you. It’s a good arrangement. I’ll take care of everything.”

A tiny frown puckered the smooth skin between Susannah’s eyebrows.

“I’ll come by the hotel in a few days and take you to meet her.”

“I don’t know.”

He took off his hat, stepped close enough that he could feel the warmth from her skin. “Let me do this.”

The struggle to refuse was plain on her face, but finally she nodded. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Her eyes, endlessly blue and liquid, did something to his insides. And when she smiled, his muscles clenched as if she’d run those small oval nails across his bare belly. Had any man ever turned her down? Probably not.

“Let me walk you back to the hotel.”

She nodded, but didn’t take his arm. As they walked, she kept a wary distance between them. They reached the hotel in silence, and after agreeing to meet on Friday, Susannah disappeared inside, skirts swishing.

Hell. Irritation shot through him and he pulled his hat lower on his head. Reaching into his pocket for the last piece of peppermint, he popped it into his mouth despite how it now reminded him of Susannah. She’d been here twenty-four hours and it seemed that every male in town—except him and Lester Hedges, who was just this side of dead—was already panting after her.

Yes, he would keep her secret, along with a healthy distance. Something about Susannah Phelps made him wonder about things he’d never given a second thought. Such as what it would be like to have a woman like her again. And then he remembered the agony of losing one woman to the ravages of this land, and felt himself take a mental step back.

He’d gotten his answers, found out why she’d really showed up in his barn yesterday. She was expecting, but she was just fine. That was all he cared about.

Only then did he wonder what she’d meant about providing security for her baby. Even though Adam’s plan had failed, did she still plan to marry? Judging from what Riley had just witnessed, Susannah wouldn’t lack for suitors.

For some reason, that thought had him clenching his jaw tight enough to snap.