Cover Page

Excerpt

Dear Reader

Title Page

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Epilogue

About the Author

Copyright

“You can’t do this!” she gasped.

“I assure you, your maidenly honor is quite safe. I’m only searching for weapons. I don’t trust anyone, especially women as wily as you, my dear. Perhaps a knife strapped to your leg?”

His hand moved up one leg, then another. Her pulse quickened. “How dare you?” she whispered.

Nate removed his hand from beneath the folds of her skirts, then turned her loose.

Ann spun around, ready to give him a piece of her mind. But seeing his raised hand, she backed away. “I don’t care who finds me in your room. If you strike me, I swear I’ll scream.” He brushed back the hair that had fallen into his eyes, and Ann realized her mistake. There had been no blow intended.

Nate leaned against the door. “What’s wrong, duchess? Guilty conscience?”

Dear Reader,

What a perfect time to celebrate history-the eve of a new century. This month we’re featuring four terrific romances with awe-inspiring heroes and heroines from days gone by that you’ll want to take with you into the next century!

Antoinette Huntington is the unforgettable heroine in The Lady and the Outlaw, a new Western by DeLoras Scott, which also happens to be the longawaited sequel to her very first Harlequin Historical novel, Bittersweet. Here, the pragmatic and English-bred Antoinette has a romantic run-in with a rugged outlaw on a train headed to the Wild West. Don’t miss it!

In Suzanne Barclay’s new medieval novel, The Champion, knight Simon of Blackstone will leave you breathless when he returns from the Crusades to right past wrongs. In doing so, he rekindles a love that was lost but not forgotten. Wolf Heart is the fascinating, timeless hero from Shawnee Bride by Elizabeth Lane. He’s a Shawnee warrior who rescues a young woman from certain death. Can the deep love that grows between them transcend the cultural barriers?

Corwin of Lenvil, a Saxon knight, is the handsome hero in Shari Anton’s exciting new medieval tale, By Queen’s Grace. Corwin infiltrates a rebel camp in order to rescue a kidnapped royal maiden who long ago broke his heart. There’s passion and danger at every turn!

Enjoy! And come back again next month for four more choices of the best in historical romance.

Happy holidays,

Tracy Farrell

Senior Editor

To Tracy Farrell, a very special lady

England, October 1875

Having heard the baying of the duke’s hounds, the small hunting party spread out. The duke’s cousin, Matthew, moved to the left, while Edmund Huntington, the duke of Gravenworth, veered off to the right. The duchess chose to remain in the center. If all went well, the dogs would soon flush a worthy stag from the protection of the forest, momentarily disturbing the morning fog still clinging to the edges of the meadow.

A superb horsewoman, Antoinette set her frisky gray splendidly. As always, her mohair riding habit and hat mirrored the current Parisian fashion. However, her thoughts were not on horsemanship, fashion or the hunt.

As Antoinette drew her rifle from the confines of the saddle scabbard, a momentary frown creased her smooth brow, the only indication of the pain the effort caused. At least her clothes hid the bruises Edmund had inflicted last night.

Resting the weapon across her lap, the duchess glared at her husband’s back. Before Edmund had pulled ahead, she had seen his nostrils flare. He was already anticipating the kill. Antoinette’s full mouth spread into a contemptuous smile as she curled her finger around the trigger. Finally she raised the weapon to her shoulder and waited for the stag, already desperate to elude the dogs and death. But as if guided by some unknown force, she slowly moved the tip of the barrel until the back of her husband’s head came within her line of vision.

Five years of mistreatment flashed through her mind. From Edmund she had learned the meaning of loathing. How many nights had she prayed that some misfortune would befall him? She could end his tyranny here and now. All she had to do was squeeze the trigger.

A stag suddenly leaped into the clearing, not six feet from where Edmund had positioned himself. He fired his weapon, but the magnificent beast didn’t falter. The duke had again missed his target.

An unusual calmness befell Antoinette. as she looked back down the barrel of her rifle…still pointed at her husband. Could she kill him? Was she capable of such a monstrous act? It would be so easy.

A shot exploded in her ear. Her eyes became large green orbs as she watched Edmund sway in the saddle then slowly slide to the ground, the blood from the hole in his back already staining his yellow hunting jacket.

For a brief moment, Antoinette felt a sense of satisfaction. The next moment she was consumed with the horror at what she had done. The weapon slipped from her hand and fell helpless onto the ground. Pulling her gaze from the motionless body on the grass, she looked at Matthew. She desperately needed to explain that it had been an accident. “I…I…” Words failed her.

As Matthew put his rifle away, Antoinette could see his thin lips were spread in a sardonic smile of satisfaction. Suddenly she questioned whether she had indeed been the perpetrator.or Matthew?

“You murdered His Grace!” she called accusingly.

“I?” Matthew asked, his face mirroring surprise.

No! Antoinette thought. She couldn’t have committed the act. There was no sense of guilt within her. Suddenly, she realized the precariousness of her situation. If Matthew had committed the crime, he wouldn’t want to leave a witness behind. She yanked her mount about. She had to reach the hunting lodge and safety.

A swift kick sent the big gelding into motion, but Antoinette’s hesitation had allowed Matthew enough time to close the distance between them. His strong hand grabbed her horse’s reins near the bit, causing the animal’s head to be jerked about. It took all of Antoinette’s skill to keep her seat as the horse tugged, danced and kicked. Desperately Antoinette whipped at the hand holding the reins, but Matthew’s grip was firm. Finally she gave up her effort at freedom.

“You shot Edmund in the back!” she again accused:

Matthew’s smile didn’t reach his steely eyes. “Come, come, my dear. It was a poacher who shot him. Right?”

“There was no poacher.”

“Either a poacher,” Matthew said, and raised a meaningful brow, “or you.”

Antoinette’s throat filled with bile.

“Who else hated Edmund enough to shoot him? It certainly couldn’t be me. I would have taken care of the matter a long time ago.”

Antoinette raised a shaking hand to her throat. “No one will believe me guilty of so vile an act,” she said with far more conviction than she felt.

“Ah, but they will. Would it not be easier for the ton to believe that you were ridding yourself of a husband you despised while securing your unborn child’s inheritance, than for me, who gains considerably less, to have committed the crime?” He released the reins.

As frantic as she felt, Antoinette knew escape was impossible. “I…I suppose it must have been a poacher.” Her mind had become a sea of confusion.

“I’m pleased to see your recollection of this little mishap coincides with mine. I’ve always known you to be a wise woman, my dear. Actually, you did the world a service by putting an end to dear Edmund.” Matthew watched a crow fly by. “Just think. Had my father not been born six minutes later than Edmund’s father, I would be the duke. Ah, but as my father always said, trickery abounded that fateful night. He was the firstborn twin, you know, but because his coloring was not dark like the Huntington line, it was claimed that he was second.”

Antoinette had heard the story many times. Too many times.

Matthew pressed the soles of his boots against the stirrups and stretched his legs. “Now you carry Edmund’s child which again prevents me from claiming what should be mine. That leaves me, or perhaps I should say you, with two choices. Either marry me or die for your crime.”

The duchess opened her mouth to speak, but no words came forth. Marry him? All she could do was nod her consent.

“Good. One week after Edmund’s funeral we shall announce our betrothal.”

Antoinette gasped. “The town would believe the child I carry to be yours!”

“Exactly.”

A shudder crawled up Antoinette’s spine, causing the pounding in her head to increase. Her eyes desperately scanned the woods for any sign of help, though she knew none would be forthcoming.

“And of course with the child being mine, I will gain the dukedom,” Matthew continued. “I shall become your protector, so to speak. Now, my dear, we must make haste to inform the servants of the terrible atrocity that has taken place this fateful day.”

Your Grace, there is a messenger here to see you.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Cuthwell.” Ann went to the narrow entrance and accepted the message. As soon as she returned to the warm parlor she opened the missive and perused the letter from her father. It stated

that, after a lengthy meeting between her father and

uncle, the duke of Wilmington, it had been decided that she should join their brother’s son, Beau Falkner, in America and await the birth of her child. If she delivered a son, he would be the next duke of Gravenworth, thereby thwarting Matthew’s attempts to gain the title. Should the child be a daughter, then other arrangements would have to be made. Passage had already been booked on the Dolphin, one of the fine sailing vessels owned by W. T. Honeycutt, a close friend of her uncle. Funds had also been provided.

Ann crumpled the paper in her hand and stood watching the heavy raindrops strike the cottage windowpane. The dark, low clouds blotted out the sunlight, making it appear more like dusk than morning. A perfect cover for the daring plan she had been contemplating. It would be a terribly risky move on her part, but she would have the advantage of surprise. And, try as she might, it was the only positive way she could think of to prevent Matthew from gaining control of Graven worth. Ann left the parlor and headed for Captain Cuthwell’s small study.

Twenty minutes later, after half-truths and evasions, Antoinette Huntington had managed to talk the retired sea captain into finding her a driver who was trustworthy and had a fast team of horses.

While impatiently awaiting the captain’s return, Ann thought about her escape from Gravenworth. At Edmund’s funeral, a few whispered words to Jonathan Falkner was all it had taken for him to put his only daughter in his coach and whisk her away from Matthew.

Ann smiled warmly. During the trip here, she had told her dear father what had really happened during the hunt. The tall, stately man had been completely understanding, mumbling something about Edmund’s just reward.

“Perhaps it’s because I can’t fathom murdering anyone,” she had said, “but in my heart, I do not believe I fired the shot.”

“I understand you were upset at the time, but it’s. too bad you couldn’t have retrieved your rifle. You could have found out if it had been fired. Fortunately, the tale about the poacher was believed by all,” her father had pointed out. “There is a great deal at stake here if, as you suspect, Matthew did indeed see to Edmund’s demise,” he had added thoughtfully. “Matthew might not hesitate to harm you now that you are no longer under his control.” “I’ll be safe at Seaborne Manor.”

“Having you at the manor would indeed lighten my heart. I have been far too lonely since your blessed mother’s passing so many years ago and since your brother sailed for India. But it’s still not safe. I’m taking you to an old friend’s cottage instead.”

Her father had placed her chilled hands in his and rubbed them gently. “My dear, you must stay in Bath until it is decided what should be done. Matthew will never find you at Captain and Mrs. Cuthwell’s cottage.”

Though the following two weeks of confinement had moved at a snail’s pace, it had allowed her time to come to grips with her feeling about Edmund’s death. She knew she should feel guilty for not caring, but she still hadn’t shed a tear and there was no sorrow within her. Edmund had long since destroyed any emotion she might have harbored. For the first time in years, she was free to do whatever pleased her. And if there were tears to be shed, let them be for her and the sin against God she had committed…if she had committed the sin.

Despite her fears, later that morning Ann left Bath, time being her enemy. The Dolphin was due to sail in two days, but if she was fortunate, the pounding waves caused by the storm would delay the ship’s departure long enough for her to board.

Matthew flung his goblet in the blazing fireplace and curled his lip. Where was Antoinette Huntington? He knew for certain she had never arrived at Seaborne. So where had her father hidden her? He turned to warm his backside. The cold and miserable weather only served to fuel his temper.

What was it going to take to flush the duchess from her hiding place? He had put out word of money offered for her return, but nothing had come of it. Even the men he’d posted at each ship boarding in Bristol had turned up empty-handed. Somewhere, sometime she would have to emerge.

He had thought he had everything under control. He had been convinced that Ann’s fear and self-condemnation would prevent her from trying to leave. When she mingled with the guests who had arrived for the funeral, he had remained constantly by her side. But as his cousin was being placed in the ground, she had moved to her father’s side and there was nothing he could do to prevent it. He had seen her whisper something to the stately man and knew immediately that he had been tricked. Her apparent meekness as of late had been but a ruse to keep him from suspecting her intentions.

Matthew banged his fist against the thick rock wall. As the closest relative, he would now be the next duke of Gravenworth. if Ann wasn’t carrying Edmund’s seed. It was without question that she had informed her father of her condition, which meant that her uncle, the duke of Wilmington, was also aware of it. The duke had the queen’s ear. Matthew knew that should he make a move to claim the title, Ann’s uncle would be quick to inform Her Majesty of his niece’s condition. He had no desire to be sent to the guillotine.

Matthew scowled. He had to find Ann and proclaim himself father of the babe she carried. But even that seemed doomed. The duchess was still nowhere to be found!

The door to Matthew’s room flew open, startling him. “How dare you barge in here?” he thundered.

“Milord,” Thomas, the manservant, said hurriedly, “the kitchen has informed me that the duchess was just here and. she’s already left.”

“And no one stopped her?” Matthew hurried forward. “I’ll see that some heads roll! Get my coat.and my horse!” His heels clicked on the stone hallway as he hurried forth.

Thomas rushed after the taller man. “She took her dog and Hester with her,” he sputtered, already out of breath.

Inside the carriage, Antoinette clutched the leather coach strap, trying to maintain her seat. She was so tense her bones were aching. The black overcast skies, the flight for safety, the bumpy ride and the uncertainty of escape had taken its toll.

She released her hold and stretched her cramped fingers. She could barely see the pregnant maid who sat in the shadows on the far side of the seat Ann worried about the rough road causing Hester to lose her baby, but to slow the carriage would be disastrous.

Antoinette released a suppressed grunt. Had she remained at Gravenworth, it wouldn’t have taken long for Matthew to discover her claim of being with child had been nothing more than a means of keeping her husband from her bedchamber.

The whip cracked in the cold night air, reminding Ann of a gunshot. For a brief instant, she relived the sight of blood soaking Edmund’s coat as he slid from the-

“If I don’t die from this bloomin’ ride, I’m as likely to die from the cold!” Hester wailed. She pulled the blanket tighter about her shivering body.

Ann shoved the derringer into her reticule then returned her hold on the strap. Threatening Hester with the weapon had been the only quick way she could think of to make the loose woman do her bidding. She still found it hard to believe that at four months into her confinement, the maid’s stomach gave no evidence of her condition. Could Hester have also lied about being with child? Enough. She couldn’t dwell on it now.

The duchess’s thoughts turned to Sir Drake. She wanted to weep. On top of everything else she had lost, she could now include her dog. Even after making it outside the castle safely, she’d had to keep the gun pointed at Hester. Busy hands and haste had allowed Sir Drake’s leash to slip from her fingers. The whippet had immediately darted off to relieve himself. To her despair, it would have taken too long to search for him or wait for his return.

“Where the bloody ‘ell are ye takin’ me?”

Ann’s wool cloak failed to keep out the night’s dampness. “Someone should have washed your acid mouth with lye soap a long time ago.”

“Edmund dain’t complain.” Hester toyed with a long flaxen curl hanging over her shoulder. “At least I ain’t barren.”

“You seem to have overlooked something very important,” Ann said calmly. “Edmund is dead, and it is because you are pregnant with his bastard that Matthew will see to your demise next.”

Hester gasped. “‘E wouldn’t do that. Why’re you sayin’ such? Edmund told me a bastard can’t inherit a title, but he said he’d see that his son was well taken care of.”

“And you believed him?” Ann scoffed. “Matthew is Edmund’s closest relative. He has slain to secure the title. Why would he allow Edmund’s bastard to live? But Matthew isn’t going to succeed. I shall see that Richard will become the next duke of Gravenworth.”

“Richard?” Hester asked.

“That is to be Edmund’s son’s name.”

Ann pulled back the curtain and tried to see out the window. Every instinct told her that Matthew was close behind. The momentary break in the clouds seemed a godsend. She rapped on the trap to get the driver’s attention. It took several tries before she was successful. “Holbert,” she called, when the man on the box finally slid the trap open, “take the coach to the trees! We’re being followed at close chase!”

As soon as the team and coach were well hidden, the driver quickly placed scarfs over the team’s muzzles to keep them from nickering. Then, everyone waited.

Less than five minutes passed before all heard the cadence of hooves pounding against the earth. Ann could make out only the shadows of riders as they passed, and Matthew was surely one of them.

She let out her held breath. What was she going to do now? After the riders had gone so far without catching the conveyance, they would circle back. Suddenly she remembered an old road that hadn’t been traveled in years. When she and Edmund were first married, she’d used it for her morning rides, knowing he wouldn’t find her. Ann glanced at the sky. It was clearing. Once past the trees, there would be enough moonlight to see by.

Ann quickly informed Holbert of the road and how to reach it. The driver had already proven well worth his fee. Knowing there was nothing more she could do, she settled against the back of the cushy seat. The clouds were clearing too quickly. Was the storm passing? If so, they would never make it back to Bath in time to catch the Dolphin that would have taken them around the cape to San Francisco. She had waited too long to fetch Hester.

But if the ship had sailed by the time they reached the docks, she would be forced to procure another passage to America. The corners of Ann’s lips curved upward. She had thwarted Matthew and for the moment she was justly proud of her victory.

“How do ye know it was Matthew who murdered ‘Is Grace?” Hester asked, but with considerably less haughtiness.

“I saw him do it,” Ann lied. Hester would never know the truth.

“But you told everyone-”

“I said what had to be said at the time.”

“Milady, why are you protectin’ me?”

“Because of the child you carry. I intend to raise Edmund’s bastard as my own.” Letting Edmund and everyone else think she was pregnant had proven to be more of a blessing than she had realized. She did, however, feel guilty about keeping the secret from her father. But only by claiming Richard as her own could she secure the title. “You’ll have until we reach Bath to decide if you are agreeable. If so, we will sail to the colonies, where I will see that you are financially secure.”

Hester had always wanted to go to the colonies. “What if it’s a girl?”

“Huntington men sire sons. But should it be a girl, you will still be taken care of.” Ann had already concluded that if she had to, she would secretly obtain a boy from an orphanage in the colonies.

They had finally reached the old road. The bumpy road would make traveling even more uncomfortable, but there had been no alternative. Inside the dark conveyance, Ann could feel the abigail staring at her.

Hester sat quietly, absorbing what the duchess had said. It wasn’t uncommon for a barren family to raise a bastard child. The duke’s death had put an end to all her planning and scheming. Now she’d never be the lady of the castle. Who would have thought His Grace would die at such an early age?

Hester took a deep breath. Since Edmund’s departure, she hadn’t cared what happened to the brat she carried. But with the duchess now wanting to raise the child as her own, all sorts of possibilities could open up for her. From now on she’d bide her time and do whatever Her Grace wanted. “I ain’t gotta think on it, Your Grace. I’m willing to go with you. Richard will be your son.”

Ann rested her head on the back of the seat. For now, the Huntington line would remain intact. Only good could come from her decision to become Richard’s protector. Besides, the commitment had been made and she no longer had the option of changing her mind. From here on, she must do whatever it took to see that Edmund’s son became the next duke of Gravenworth.

New York, March 1876

Her hands cradling her protruding stomach, Hester continued to pace the creaking floor. Time was running out. Soon she would be giving birth. Who would help her? There was no midwife and she had already determined that the duchess knew nothing of such matters.

Unfortunately, even as near as her time was, Hester knew that they had to get on with their journey. Had they not missed the Dolphin, they wouldn’t be stranded in New York. But they had missed the Dolphin’s sailing, and consequently Her Ladyship had booked passage on the next available ship leaving for the colonies. The duchess had reasoned that the colonies were far too small a landmass to be concerned about where they docked.

Hester rubbed her stomach. The baby had kicked. Good fortune had not deserted her. Having the duke’s son was going to give her more power than she had ever dreamed of. The ocean voyage had provided ample time for planning her future.

When they arrived at Beau Falkner’s ranch, Hester Potter would declare herself as being the duchess of Gravenworth.

Hester smiled and resumed her pacing. While aboard ship, she had waited hand and foot on her seasick mistress to gain her confidence. The single piece of information that had started her thinking about switching places had been the discovery that Beau Falkner had never met his cousin. Bored, and with a minimal amount of coaxing, Her Grace had spent hours talking of her past and willingly answering questions. Hester now knew everything about the duchess, including her life at Seaborne.

Hester’s chest swelled with pride. She hadn’t been foolish enough to think that was enough to get her what she wanted. Speech and mannerisms were also important. So she had listened carefully to the way Her Grace talked. Then, when off by herself, she had practiced diligently until she could talk with the same sophistication as her mistress and move about with equal grace. Very soon, all her hard-earned efforts were going to put gold in her pocket.

Undoubtedly the duchess’s father or uncle had already sent a message to their nephew informing him of Ann’s arrival and that she was with child. Though they had different shades of hair, she and milady were both blondes. Yes, she praised herself, she had planned well and was quite prepared to make the transition.

Hester laughed, already anticipating playing the part of a duchess. Of course, she would have to make sure Antoinette Huntington never reached her cousin’s ranch.

Hester looked out the window. Snow was starting to fall, but it didn’t matter. Knowing she would soon be treated with dignity gave her the strength to tolerate anything. When money arrived from England, she’d be rich. Then she’d stick the brat in an orphanage and go her own way.

The door suddenly flew open and Ann waltzed in. The bellboys trailed behind, each with his arms loaded with boxes. The duchess had been shopping again. Hadn’t she already purchased enough clothes for a dozen women?

“Oh, Your Grace,” Hester said with mock sweetness as soon as the door had closed, “1 can’t wait to see what you’ve purchased.”

Ann removed her wool cloak. Her hat and veil followed. Rubbing her arms to rid the lingering cold, she smiled fondly at Hester. Poor woman, Ann thought. How could she move about with such agility while having so heavy a burden? She pointed at two of the boxes. “Those are for you.”

Hester tried to act excited about receiving the gifts. “Did you find a wet nurse?” she asked as she untied the ribbons. She pulled a hat from the box but didn’t bother putting it on.

Ann frowned. “No. In England it wouldn’t have presented a problem. They’re everywhere. America is so confoundedly uncivilized. Here women are actually expected to nurse their own children.”

Hester plopped ungracefully onto the small space left on the bed. “We’re no closer to your cousin’s estates, and now you tell me there is no one to suckle the child! You promised that a boat trip was all it would take to reach him.” She had to regain control of her temper.

Ann felt guilty. All these months couldn’t have been easy for Hester, yet she had never complained. “I’m certain I’ll find one soon.” The problem was when and where? Though Ann could never forget whose child Hester carried, she had grown quite fond of the maid. Hester had remained by her side when she was seasick and had offered an immeasurable amount of kindness and friendship.

Ann smoothed her hair back and pulled one of the heavy new gowns from its container. It was a lovely brown velvet affair with a long train. At least her new clothes allowed her some degree of satisfaction.

“Have you discovered where your cousin resides?”

“No,” Ann replied honestly. “I’ve inquired at all the fashionable stores, but no one has ever heard of him.”

“I believe I have a solution to our problem.”

Ann was pleased at hearing how Hester’s speech had changed. With such improvements, the abigail might make something of herself.

Hester lowered her lashes. “I understand that the duke’s son will belong to you. However, why couldn’t I be the child’s wet nurse?”

Ann’s green eyes momentarily glowed with interest, then faded. “It has been proven repeatedly that such matters work best when child and mother are parted at birth,” she said kindly. “It causes less hurt.”

Ann suddenly wondered what would happen if Hester should change her mind about giving up the child. How could she excuse forcefully taking the boy from her? Hadn’t enough wrongs already been committed?

Hester pressed on. “Even you have said Matthew’s men are certain to find us if we remain here much longer. I could nurse Richard, and no one would ever suspect that I gave him birth. And, most importantly, we could continue on to your cousin’s ranch.”

“We can’t leave. Richard has to be born before we reach the ranch or everyone will know he isn’t mine.”

Hester ground her teeth. The closer they were to the Arizona Territory when she had the child the easier it would be for her plan to work. “We can stop at a town on the way. Matthew would be less apt to find us.”

Ann pursed her lips. “It wouldn’t work. One day you would want to proclaim yourself as his real mother.”

“Who would believe my word over Your Grace. especially after the years pass? Milady, how could I, a mere servant, not want my son to become the duke of Gravenworth? I would be so proud.”

Ann made the mistake of looking into Hester’s blue, soulful eyes and couldn’t refuse the request. Besides, what Hester had said made sense. “We do need to be on our way.” She sighed. “All right, we’ll try it.”

When Ann left the suite, her stomach was churning. Every instinct was telling her that she had made a bad decision.

Ann stepped from the hired conveyance and surveyed the building before her. She had read in the London Times that Vanderbilt had spared no cost to build Grand Central Station. She had to agree that it was indeed a magnificent edifice.

Fifteen minutes later, Ann continued to stand steadfast in front of the beak-nosed booking clerk, absolutely refusing to move on. She had not yet received an answer that made any sense. She took two deep breaths and tried again. “As I have already stated, I want two tickets to Arizona Territory.”

“And as I said, lady, I cannot sell you tickets to there. I’ve looked at all the timetables and there is no train going to such a place. You can’t even tell me which direction you’re talking about.”

“I believe the lady wants to go west,” the man standing behind Ann said impatiently.

“West,” the booking clerk repeated. He studied his schedule again. “I can get you to Colorado on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Then.” He ran his finger down the row of numbers. “From there you can catch the Denver & Rio Grande to Pueblo where you can make a stage connection. They’ll know how to route you from that point.” He handed her the proper tickets. “Your train departs at 8:25 p.m. tomorrow.”

Ann’s head was swimming with names she had never heard before. “How long will the trip take?”

“Only a day or two, lady,” the gentleman behind her again spoke up. “You got your tickets, now move on so I can purchase mine.”

Ann paid the clerk, then turned to face the man who had been heckling her. “You, sir, are extremely rude!” With the dignity befitting her station, she left.

Once out of sight of the offensive man, Ann frowned. She had misjudged her money. It was going a bit too quickly. However, she had no idea how she could have spent less. She hadn’t bought a thing she didn’t need.

Ann was about to leave the depot when someone tapped her shoulder. Expecting to see the same irritant she had just encountered, she turned, ready for battle. But she had never laid eyes on the rail thin man standing in front of her. He was too poorly kept to be a gentleman of substance.

“Madam, please permit me to introduce myself.” He removed his worn top hat and bowed deeply. “The name’s Jefferson Davis. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?”

“No.”

Jefferson smiled. “I happened to overhear you talking to the clerk. From your accent, I take it you’re new in our country.”

“Well, yes. I am.”

He glanced around as if to be sure no one was listening to their conversation. “What the clerk didn’t tell you was that when you leave New York City, you’ll be facin’ every kind of no-account known to mankind.” He tried taking the lady’s arm to lead her outside, but she stepped away.

“What does that have to do with you, Mr. Davis?”

“Just trying to be neighborly, ma’am. I wouldn’t sleep well if I didn’t at least give you a warning. If you and a servant or-worse yet-a child, are traveling by yourselves, you are in grave danger.”

Ann’s concern increased. Acquaintances had said that the land surrounding the towns was infested with outlaws and Indians. Absolutely no one was safe. “Well. what do you think I should do?”

“I’d suggest you hire someone to travel with you and your party. Someone good with a gun.”

“Do you know anyone who would fit that description?”

“You’re looking at him, my lady.”

“What the hell are you doing here?” a loud voice blared as Jefferson was jerked about.

Jefferson made a run for it. As Ann watched the bear chase the weasel, she caught sight of an entirely different gentleman standing off to the side, seemingly observing everything. Fear shot through her, as cutting as if she had been pierced by steel. Was he one of Matthew’s spies? She should have left New York the day after they had arrived. But she had thought to wait for the child to be born. Then there was the wet nurse and new clothes. What choice had she had?

Ann lowered her head and hurried outside. Immediately she spotted another suspicious man watching people entering and exiting the depot. Possibly her imagination was running amok, but paranoia had already infiltrated her mind. It was all she could do to maintain a steady step instead of running to a carriage for hire.

Not until Ann had the red-faced driver take several side streets was she finally convinced that they weren’t being followed. Why did one problem seem to compound into another? She had believed Jefferson Davis, which meant she needed to be more suspecting of people. But Mr. Davis had pointed out something very important. Women traveling alone were at the mercy of others. Despite this sad fact she had to continue on to Beau’s ranch and pray that along the way she wouldn’t be murdered, raped or robbed, or all three.

Ann looked out the window just as the coach passed a tailor shop with a man’s suit on display in the window. Could she? She thought only a moment. “Stop!” she yelled to the driver.

The cab came to an abrupt halt, throwing Ann forward. Her hat was pushed to the side, and the hat pin pulled unmercifully at her hair. After taking a moment to repair the damage, she turned and looked out the rear window at the shop.

“You gettin’ out, lady?” the driver called.

“Yes, but I want you to wait for me,” Ann replied to the obnoxious man. Apparently the driver had no intention of helping her down. She was forced to perform the service herself. She disliked New York more and more.

Ann walked back to the shop and stared at the tweed suit on display. She could fit in it. She was tall, slender and, unlike Hester, her bosom was small.

Even though the thought of putting on such clothing turned her stomach to whey, a solution to her problems was taking form. She and Hester could travel as man and wife. If men performed as women in Shakespeare’s plays, why couldn’t a woman pose as a man? A cold wind stirred, and she felt the added chill. She moved to the door and opened it.

Hester’s gaze shifted from the man’s suit to the duchess, then back to the man’s suit. “We are to travel as husband and wife?”

“Don’t look so shocked. We have to do whatever is needed to protect ourselves.”

The thought of the duchess wearing such a suit threatened to send Hester into peals of laughter.

“I trust you won’t have the babe until we find a midwife.”

Hester chose not to point out that it wasn’t something she had any control over.

Turning her attention to the suit, Ann held the trousers in front of her to judge their fit.

“After we’re settled, I’m certain you’ll adjust to the American way of living. I’m quite knowledgeable about the colonies,” Ann stated proudly. “Before I married, friends and I often found it an interesting topic for discussion. For instance, you will be glad to know that this land isn’t even as large as England. Why we bothered to go to war over such a place is still beyond my understanding.”

“You said that sailing on a ship destined for New York wouldn’t cause further delays,” Hester goaded. “If that was so, why did your father book passage on the Dolphin which was to berth in San Francisco?”

“Probably because it set sail sooner. Arizona Territory has to be somewhere in the middle of the two.” Ann unbuttoned her gray wool skirt and let it fall to the floor.

“You also said the ocean voyage was only going to take six weeks,” Hester reminded the tall woman. “But by the time we reached the islands, waited, then sailed again, another two months had passed.”

“The captain forgot to mention the Caribbean Islands,” Ann excused.

Hester sneered. The pampered duchess knew nothing. “I’ll get my sewing basket from the other room. Adjustments are going to have to be made for the suit to fit properly.”

Ann pulled on the trousers. The material was scratchy. “Hester,” she said soberly when the abigail had returned, “we have to be very careful. We can’t talk to anyone. I had foolishly begun to believe we were safe, today I was reminded of how wrong I have been. I saw two men at the train station. Either or both could have been sentries for Matthew. It reminded me of how precarious our position still is.”

Hester wasn’t at all worried. If Matthew caught up with them, he’d have no reason to kill her now. “What shall we call ourselves?”

“What do you mean?”

“As husband and wife. What names will we use?”

Ann’s fingers paused at buttoning the trousers. “You’ll still be Hester. what is your last name?”

“Potter.”

“Very well, we will be Mr. and Mrs. Potter. I…I will be Albert. I have always admired the name. I purchased something else to go with my new look.” Ann fished about in the hatbox. Finding what she was searching for, she pulled it out and showed it to Hester.

“It’s a mustache. I thought my face might be too smooth, so this should take care of that just fine.” Ann held it to her upper lip.

“It’s the wrong color.”

“It’s just a little darker, that’s all. I’ve seen lots of men whose mustaches weren’t the same exact color as their hair.”

Hester could not hold back the laughter that bubbled forth. “Did you have to get such a bushy one?” she managed to ask.

“We can trim it,” Ann stated defensively.

Hester shook her head. “What about your hair?” she asked.

“My hair?”

Hester marked on the pants where she would take in the waist. “Gentlemen do not have hair to their hips.”

Knowing Hester was right, a single tear trickled down Ann’s cheek. As Edmund had pointed out, her hair was her only beautiful quality. “You will have to cut it.”

Hester forced back a smile. “Such a shame.”

“It will grow again,” Ann said, more to herself than to the abigail.

The women began their work. They had a lot to do if they were to be ready for tomorrow’s journey.

While the bellboys attended to the luggage, Ann took one last look at herself in the mirror. She still had trouble believing that she and the image were one and the same. She really did look like a gentlemanfrom the suit to the top hat-and even the watch fob and cane that finished off the entire look. Edmund often said her low, raspy voice made her sound more like a man. The mustache didn’t look right, but there was little she could do about it now. She turned away and shoved the derringer into her coat pocket. Now she would find out if she could fool others.

As Ann and Hester hurried behind the porter carrying their luggage, Ann had to fight back a sense of giddiness. The man in front hadn’t even looked twice at them. Women openly flirted with her-no, they flirted with Albert. Her disguise was working. Ann started to relax. As her confidence grew, she even lengthened her stride, tapping her cane on the floor with every other step.

Ann turned to encourage the huffing Hester to move faster, when she ran into a solid, jarring object. After some fast handwork to catch her hat, which had been knocked off, she looked to see what she had run into. To her shock, it turned out to be a man!

Ann resented the way the man looked at her with smoldering black eyes. After all, it had been an accident. Then, completely dismissing her before she’d had a chance to apologize, he circled his arms around the woman he was with. His lips captured the redhead’s in a kiss that had Ann’s cheeks burning from embarrassment. No gentleman would kiss a lady in such a manner, and certainly not in public!

Disgusted at having to witness the man’s lack of chivalry, Ann straightened her vest and continued after Hester. Still, she couldn’t resist looking back at the man who had towered over her. He and the woman remained locked in an embrace. She had never seen a man wearing a white doeskin frock coat before, let alone one with fringes down the arms. True, it was a bit worn; nevertheless, it was indeed a magnificent piece of apparel. But then she had never seen anything quite like the man wearing it, either. His dark shoulder-length hair, chiseled features and wide breadth culminated in pure masculinity. She found him to be quite intimidating.

After entering their car, Ann and Hester settled themselves on the red horsehair seat in the Pullman coach. Hester glanced around at the lavish accommodations. Fine wood lined the interior, and brass lanterns with green glass swung from the clerestory. The porter had even informed Albert that there was a saloon car on the train where passengers could relax on soft sofas and men could smoke.

“Are you comfortable?” Ann asked Hester.

“I will be as soon as I catch my breath.”

Ann was anxious for the train to be on its way. They wouldn’t be safe until they had departed New York.

Seated next to the window, Ann looked out to see if anyone suspicious was stationed about. Her gaze ceased its traveling when it came to rest on the same tall man she’d bumped into. He was again kissing the beautiful redhead but was obviously trying to pull away from her.

The whistle blew and the conductor shouted, “Last call! All aboard!”

The train jerked, then the wheels slowly moved forward. Ann became intrigued. Was it the dark-haired man or the red-haired woman who was supposed to be boarding?

As the train picked up momentum, Ann lost sight of- the couple who were obviously very much in love and hated to part. She would never know what happened, or why either had to leave.

“Howdy, sir.”

Ann looked up and found herself staring at the very same towering figure she had just been thinking about. His eyes were warm and friendly and so dark they looked black. Though she couldn’t call him handsome in the sense of being pretty like Edmund, he was undoubtedly the most magnificent rogue she had ever seen. She nodded her acknowledgment, but made no reply.

“Are you traveling far?” he asked Ann as he took the seat directly across the aisle from Hester.

“Ah. er.” Even his voice was deep and pleasing to the ear. “Just to Coloda.”

“You mean Colorado?”

Ann reminded herself that as long as she and Hester remained to themselves, fewer problems would arise. But just looking at the stranger had caused a pleasant fluttering in the pit of her stomach. “Yes. That’s the village.”

“Village?” He chuckled. “Are you sure you know where you’re going? Colorado is a territory, not a village.”

“We’re going to Arizona Territory,” Hester inserted.

Ann resented Hester’s intrusion.

The man removed his low-crowned hat and placed it on the empty seat beside him. “Looks like we’re going to be traveling for a spell together. Name’s Nathan Bishop. Folks call me Nate. I’m also headed for Denver.”

“Quite a spell?” Hester repeated. “You’ve been misinformed. Colorado is only a day or two away.”

Nate chuckled. “I don’t know who you’ve been talking to, but it’s a six-day trip to Colorado.”

“Six?” Hester gasped. “But we may not have that long.” She turned an accusing eye on her so-called husband. “You said two days! Where are we going to sleep?”

Ann was equally shocked at hearing the length of traveling time. “We sleep here,” she defended. “The porter said the seats become beds and beds fold down from above. Curtains are pulled for privacy. I shall take the top. We’ll be quite comfortable.”

Nate settled himself in the seat. “When did you leave England?” he asked Hester.

“If you don’t mind, my wife needs rest,” Ann said in a less than friendly tone.

“I feel fine now, Albert.” Hester smiled sweetly. “My husband worries about me,” she told Nate, teasingly acting as if it were a confidentiality.

Blood surged through Ann’s veins when the stranger gave her a knowing smile, then a sense of disappointment followed when he dismissed her and turned his attention back to Hester. This was ridiculous! She didn’t even know the man.

Hester smiled at the deliciously handsome man. “We left England nearly five months ago.”

“You didn’t tell me your name,” Nate said.

Her cheeks dimpled. “Hester Potter. This is my husband, Albert.”

Nate nodded.

Worried at Hester so easily handing out information, Ann tried to give the woman a pinch on the hip as a reminder of their plight. Unfortunately there was too much material clumped together for her to reach her target, and a verbal reminder would draw attention.

“You must be traveling home to be with your wife and children,” Hester said matter-of-factly. She intended to find out right off if the gentleman was married.

“I’m not married.”

“How interesting. Why would you want to leave New York and go west?”

“I have a small ranch near the Arizona Territory.”

As the stranger and Hester continued their conversation, Ann was wishing she could warn Hester of the stranger’s uncouth nature. He’d proven that when he’d stood in the middle of the depot kissing that woman goodbye! And such a kiss. Why, she’d never allow any man -to kiss her in such an unacceptable manner.

Ann looked out the window to see if there were any Indians yet, and discovered she could see Mr. Bishop’s reflection in the glass. His face was strong, with chiseled features, and his even, white teeth were a pleasing contrast to-his bronzed skin. The set of his shoulders indicated a man of confidence. He smiled easily and was friendly, but there was also an unmistakable air of danger about him. Ann suddenly realized that Mr. Bishop was also looking at the window. Had he sensed her watching him? She placed her head against the back of the seat, and the image disappeared. How could she be attracted to such a man? After putting up with Edmund’s abuse, she had thought she would never want to look at a man again. Yet just now, she had actually been staring at Mr. Bishop. No, she couldn’t call him that. She should call him Nate. Men generally used another man’s first name.

The following morning, Nate sat with his head back and his hat over his face, trying to catch up on his sleep-or lack of. He had already ascertained that the upper Pullman berths were definitely not constructed for a man his size. It was like trying to sleep on a narrow plank. With his back to the wall, the movement of the train had nearly caused him to fall forward on several occasions. Turned the other way, he was certain he would roll backward off the confounded thing.

Hearing the conductor announce that the train would be stopping shortly for breakfast, Nate shoved his hat to the back of his head and straightened up.

“Good morning,” a sweet female voice acknowledged.

“Mornin’,” he replied to the English lady.

After tying back the curtains, Hester and Ann took their seats. Though Hester had managed to sound cheerful, she wasn’t yet fully awake. Ann made a point of not even looking at Nate. She found him to be entirely too unnerving. Instead of worrying about his effect on her, she should be worrying about making it to Beau’s before Hester had her baby. Still, it would help if Nate would remain silent for the remainder of their trip.

“I thought you might want to know that when a train stops at stations for meals,” Nate said, “you’ll only have a short time to eat.”

Ann squeezed her eyes shut. She should have known her wish wouldn’t be granted.

“Why?” Hester asked.

“It’s a crooked deal, but there’s nothing the passengers can do about it. You see, the cost of a meal is always collected first. On some trains, the conductor will have the passengers board the train the minute the food is placed in front of them. The plates are then collected and handed out again when the next train stops. The conductor gets his share of the take.”

“You mean the meal is served over and over again?”

“Exactly. Of course that isn’t always true, but it is a guaranteed fact that none of the food along the way is eatable. Nevertheless, to ensure time to eat, I suggest you exit the car as quickly as possible.”

“We have managed quite nicely without your assistance,” Ann admonished. As she had explained to Hester last night, they had to keep their distance from others. Though they had possibly escaped Matthew’s watchdogs, they didn’t need word getting out that an English couple had been traveling west and the woman was in a family way.

Twenty minutes later Nate and other more experienced travelers jumped from the train before the wheels even came to a grinding halt.

It wasn’t until Nate had gulped down the last bite of food on his plate that Mr. and Mrs. Potter made a leisurely entrance into the eatery.

“All aboard!” the conductor yelled.

Obviously skinny Albert needed all the food he could manage, and in Hester’s condition, she could use a meal, also. Nevertheless, Nate thoroughly enjoyed the shocked looked on the couple’s faces when the conductor yelled “All aboard!” the second time. Nate considered it ample payment for their ignoring his earlier warning.

Nate went out the doorway, stepped up the steel stairs and into the Pullman car. From here on, the smartest thing he could do would be to keep his counsel to himself.

He took his seat, then watched the other passengers board the train. He wanted nothing more to do with the Potters. He didn’t care for Albert’s barbed tongue. He’d already felt its cutting edge twice. But it was Hester who bothered him the most. She brought back memories of another gentle, pregnant woman he’d known years ago. Memories he thought he’d long since suppressed.

With no more than a wink of an eye, his mind turned back time and Bright Moon’s lovely face came to mind. He had married the Cheyenne princess and had lived with her honorably. Life had been good then.

Nate’s eyes focused on the British couple returning to their seats. They seemed such a mismatched pair. Albert looked too young to be Hester’s husband. His face was far too pretty for a man. Hell, he looked as if he should still be in a crib. His skin was as smooth as a baby’s behind, and it was hard to believe it had ever seen the edge of a straight razor. And that ridiculous mustache Albert was sporting looked as if it were part bear. Did Albert honestly think others would believe it was real? While Albert was tall and lithe, Nate estimated Hester to be only about five feet tall. Other than her protruding stomach, she was quite petite and as cute as a button. She was friendly, Albert wasn’t. They both had blond hair, though Albert’s was almost silver and Hester’s considerably darker. Albert walked with a superior air. Hester didn’t walk. She waddled. Another thing. Hester seemed far more common folk than her husband did. Albert had the grinding mannerism of someone who thought himself superior to others.

Ann could feel Nathan Bishop watching as she and Hester moved down the aisle. Not just watching, but scrutinizing. Something she couldn’t afford. How long would it take for him to realize she was not a he? She moved closer to Hester, who was leading the way, then leaned down so as not to be easily observed. “I shall not wait for you at the next stop, Hester,” she stated firmly. Her mustache had prevented her from eating what little food she’d been able to snatch up. “You deliberately took your time before leaving the train, and we missed our meal.”

Hester made no reply. Though on occasion she walked up and down the aisle, she was still uncomfortable and decidedly bored. Now she could add hunger to her growing list of complaints. Nevertheless, she had no intention of apologizing. The pleasure she derived from having Antoinette Huntington waitthen go without food-was as pleasing as eating candy.

Ann sighed dejectedly when Hester settled in her seat and asked Nathan, “Do you travel often?” Last night’s talk about protecting themselves had apparently gone in one ear and out the other.

“No,” Nate replied reluctantly. He’d deliberately not spoken to her.

As the train stopped at seemingly every small town stretched along the railroad track, Ann kept a constant vigil. She wanted to see who left and who entered their car. Though it was doubtful Matthew would have men searching moving trains, Ann knew she couldn’t afford to let her guard down again. She couldn’t understand why Hester never showed any concern for their safety. The only thing Hester cared about was hanging on to every word Nate said. Not that Ann could honestly fault that. She certainly hadn’t failed to notice him, nor had she missed the way his broad shoulders filled out the white leather jacket.

Looking out the window, Ann’s full lips suddenly spread into a wide grin. A freckled-faced boy on a bareback horse was racing across a field, trying to beat the train. His face was lit up with joy and excitement. Ann found herself rooting for him. But the contest didn’t last long. The young lad finally pulled back on the reins and waved as the train passed him by. Would Richard be able to enjoy such simple pleasures? She hoped so.

Ann sighed. She had never so much as hinted to Hester about her part in Edmund’s death. But during the past months, she had spent countless hours deliberating over who had killed the duke. How wise her father had been to send her to Captain Cuthwell’s lodgings and now to her cousin. No one had to tell her that Matthew was still searching for her. She and Richard would be in constant danger until they arrived in Arizona Territory and were ensconced in Beau’s home.

At noon, Ann and Hester stood with the others, ready to hop off the metal stairs the minute the train came to a complete stop. They only managed to eat a small portion of their food before having to board again. Each was determined to be first in line come supper time.

Hearing a grunt, Nate jerked his head up, causing his hat to fall to the floor. A quick glance assured him that Hester was only shifting about in her seat, attempting to get comfortable. The way he was acting, one would think she carried his child. But then again, it could be because she seemed so tiny and helpless. Feeling like a damn fool, he reached down and snatched up his hat.

“I’m sorry,” Hester said softly. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“I was only resting my eyes.” He gave her an appreciative smile. “I’m not much good at sitting about doing nothing.”

“That must be why you persist in talking to my wife.” Ann regretted the words as soon as they left her lips. She had no reason to snap at him. She was tempted to retract what she had said, until Nate’s cold eyes settled on her. No matter how strongly she felt his masculine appeal, she would not allow him to intimidate her. Her eyes locked with his in a silent battle.

“She needs to talk to someone,” Nate said. “You’re certainly not offering any conversation.”

Ann’s mood was already at a low ebb, and the man’s cutting words didn’t help raise it.

“Mr. Bishop, need I remind you that Hester is my wife?” Ann laced her fingers together. “You’d do better to watch for an Indian attack than pay attention to Hester. I’ll have you know there are savages everywhere.”

“Is that so?”

Nate’s broad grin started Ann’s heart hammering against her ribs. Why did he have this strange effect on her?

“I didn’t realize you were an authority on such matters.”

Ann raised her chin a notch. “When traveling, I always make sure I know what to expect from my surroundings.”

Hester had to fight to contain her laughter. Her Grace knew nothing.

“I will protect my family,” Ann continued. “You, Mr. Bishop, will have to take care of yourself.”

“Just how do you plan to protect yourself and your lady?” Nate asked, refusing to let the matter drop. “I see no gun. Or maybe you plan to use fisticuffs.” The thought of Albert raising his soft fists in defense made Nate chortle.

Ann’s ire had been plucked. She refused to let him have the last word. “I’ve had enough of your insults,” she stated haughtily. “Hester, change places with me. Mr. Bishop can find someone else to talk to.”

“But, Albert-”

“Obey me, Hester, and please sit by the window,” Ann stated quietly but firmly.

The muscles in Nate’s jaw flexed as he settled his gaze elsewhere. He would not get involved in this test of wills.

“Sitting next to the window nauseates me,” Hester whined.

Ann cleared her throat. “Oh. Well.” She was completely disconcerted. She crossed her legs. She needed to relieve herself and she wasn’t going to be able to delay much longer. It was bad enough that a woman of her station had been forced to wear men’s clothing. Having to use their closet was absolutely demoralizing.

Later, when Hester was certain Her Grace’s temper had calmed, she said sweetly to her husband, “Dearest, Nate knows where Arizona is located.” She looked at Nate. “Perhaps he would be willing to escort us there.”

Ann gasped. How could Hester suggest such a thing? That would be tantamount to posting a public notice declaring Hester as Richard’s mother! “We can discuss it later.”

Hester gave a brief nod before returning her attention to Nate. “She’s…I mean he’s thinking about it.”

Ann looked out the window with unseeing eyes. Perhaps she had initiated the confrontation with her comment, but knowing that still did nothing to calm her anger. And who was he to say she never talked to Hester, when Hester was always talking to him! And who was he to speak of a wrongdoing? One minute he had been passionately kissing the woman he loved at the train depot, then he’d turned right around and flirted with a very expectant Hester!

Ann thought of a ball that she had attended a year ago. She had overheard two widows discussing how some men especially enjoyed sex with pregnant women. At the time, she had found the conversation disgusting and had moved. She looked at Nate and sneered. He was no different than other men when it came to leaving one woman’s arms and immediately seeking the love of another.

Ann closed her eyes. Her marriage had made her callous, but that didn’t change the fact that Nate was in the wrong.

To say she and Edmund made love would be a complete misuse of words. When they were first married, he delighted in hearing her screams as he forced himself on her. It hadn’t taken long to realize silence was her best defense. Finally, ignoring the repercussion of what would happen when he discovered she was lying, she had made up the daring story about being pregnant. For some reason the ploy had worked. Edmund had stayed away from her bed. Until the night before his death.

Ann’s hands curled into fists. As clearly as if it was happening again, she could see him suddenly appearing in her room, devoid of clothes, his face twisted in viciousness. Her throat had filled with bile, and she had wanted to die. There had been no boundaries of degradation that Edmund didn’t try to satisfy his vile lust. That night had been the worst.

Had she really been pregnant, there was little doubt she would have lost the child. Maybe that was what he had wanted. It was likely that he had long since made her incapable of bearing children.

But Matthew was pursuing her. Would it never end?

After an hour of sitting and watching people getting on and off the train, Ann had developed another throbbing headache. As she rubbed her temples, it occurred to her that Hester had fallen asleep. Ann wished she could rest as peacefully.

The porter had said there would be a fifteen-minute delay at the next stop. That would give her plenty of time to take a walk and work out the stiffness in her legs.

When the train finally made its stop, Ann immediately stepped into the aisle. After a quick glance to assure her she hadn’t disturbed Hester, she eagerly hurried to the exit.

As soon as Ann was far enough away from the train, she inhaled deeply. The soft breeze and fresh air immediately lessened the throbbing in her head. She tugged at her fob, then checked her pocket watch to be sure she returned on time.

Ann hadn’t walked far before again finding herself facing a broad chest. She backed away. His closeness made her dizzy: “Are you deliberately blocking my path?” she queried. She was tall for a woman, but next to Nate she felt quite small.

“I guess you could say that. I want to know what your problem is.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ann said irritably.

“Then let me be more specific. You don’t know a thing about me, yet when you speak, you deliberately cut me down. I want to know why.”

Ann squared her shoulders and stood as tall as her frame would allow. “Very well.” She had taken all she could from the man. “I believe you to be an opportunist. A ne’er-do-well. Something neither I, nor my wife, have need of. I strongly advise you to find another place to sit.”

Nate pulled a cheroot from his vest pocket and bit off the square end. “And just how did you arrive at such a conclusion?”

“I saw you at the train depot with a woman, acting quite despicably in public. Then, the minute you were seated in the Pullman, you started flirting with my wife. You are a womanizer, sir.”

“Flirting?” Nate chuckled. “I thought I was just being friendly.”

Ann considered the possibility that he was telling the truth, then immediately tossed the thought away. She could not afford to patronize anyone who knew Richard’s true birthright. This was a perfect opportunity to be rid of Nate once and for all. “I don’t believe you. I think it advisable that you move to another car.”

Nate cocked an eyebrow. “Had you at any time asked nicely, I would have been more than happy to oblige. Except there is only one sleeping coach, and the only empty seat is the one next to me.”

Ann watched him strike a match with his thumbnail then hold it to the end of his cigar. She started to go around him, but he stepped in front of her, again blocking her route.

“Oh, no,” Nate warned. “You’ve had your say, and if you’re finished, it’s my turn. There is no way in hell that I’m going to move, so you might as well relax and listen.”

Ann looked up into black eyes that were daring her to try something. “Very well. I’ve come to realize that any words we exchange are simply an unnecessary waste of my time. If I must, I can tolerate you until Davers-”

“Denver.”

“Exactly.”

A deep laugh bellowed from Nate’s chest.

“May I ask what you find so funny?”

“You, Albert. I’m laughing at you.” The humor disappeared from Nate’s face. He took several puffs of his expensive cigar then slowly blew out the smoke. “I’ve met a lot of men just like you. Cowards who try to intimidate others with threats.”

“I will not stand here and allow you to speak to me in such a manner!” Ann tried to push by him. Instead, she was shoved backward and had to do some fast footwork to keep from falling.

“I said it was my turn to talk. I’m going to give you some advice, though I doubt you’ll heed what I’m about to say. Don’t try threats out west. I’d hate to see a nice lady like Hester end up in the middle of nowhere, widowed, penniless and having to raise a child. And one other thing. Nice, sweet words don’t cost a thing, and you’d have a lot less trouble with your woman if you used them.”

“Are you married?” Ann was fuming.

“Nope.”

“Then don’t go around trying to act the authoritarian on a subject you know nothing about.”

Nate blew two perfect smoke rings and said, “I am, however, a bit of an authority on women, Mr. Potter. I doubt that you could make the same statement.” He turned and walked away, wanting to kick himself. He had always made it a practice to mind his own business, so why did he continue to ignore his own good advice? It all centered on Albert. He was like a chigger that gets under the skin, itches like hell and is impossible to get rid of.

Ann continued her walk. Oh, how she would have loved to put a fist in his stomach. An authority, indeed. He hadn’t even recognized her as being a woman. Ann suddenly wondered how he would have treated her if he knew she was a female. Would he smile at her the way he smiled at Hester?

By the time Ann was headed back to her car, she had come to accept that Nathan Bishop had every right to feel angered by Albert’s sharp tongue. Nor had she any right to be angry with him. He had done nothing but show concern for Hester, a gentlemanly quality that Ann could not fault. And it was Hester who persisted in conversing with him. How could Hester not see the possible ramifications of her actions? At the first opportunity she’d have another private talk with, the abigail.

“All aboard!”

Without thinking, Ann reached out for the conductor to help her up the steps. It was the look on the older man’s face that made Ann realize her reaction had been that of a woman. She quickly glanced about to be sure Nate Bishop hadn’t seen her faux pas. Fortunately, he was nowhere in sight.

As Ann walked down the aisle, she could see Nate and Hester were already conversing. And to Ann’s shock, Hester reached across the aisle and caressed his broad shoulder. The turn of the maid’s head as she glanced out the corner of her eye and just the right flutter of lashes made her intentions quite clear. Even in her condition, she was blatantly flirting.

Ann continued forward, unexpected anger tearing through her like a cleaver. Were these the same tactics Hester had used to get herself with child? Ann wondered bitterly.

Positioning herself between Hester and Nate, Ann looked at Hester. “How could you dare forget yourself?” she said through clenched teeth. “Now move next to the window.”

This time there were no arguments. Hester obediently changed seats. She knew exactly what Ann was angry about.

Hearing Albert’s angry command, Nate had to curl his fists and force himself not to bound from his seat and attack the yellow-bellied coward. He wanted to tell Hester she could sit by him. He wanted to give Albert a taste of how it felt to be struck. He wanted to break the man’s jaw! Unfortunately, none of what he wanted to do was going to change a thing. Still, he couldn’t keep from grabbing Albert’s coat sleeve and yanking him toward the aisle.

“If you ever talk like that again, or lay a heavy hand on Hester while I’m on this train,” Nate said quietly, “I guarantee that an Indian’s or marauder’s punishment will be welcome, because if I get to you first, you’ll no longer be able to call yourself a man.”

Ann jerked her sleeve from his grasp, then looked straight ahead, determined to ignore the warning. How much harm could the man do? Her nerves were already stretched beyond their limits. Neither the anger nor the threats would have even taken place if Hester had kept to herself.

The rest of the afternoon passed in blessed silence. Ann tried taking a nap, but sleep evaded her. Seeing Hester flaunting her feminine wiles had disturbed Ann deeply. She knew that it had not only been Hester’s uncalled-for gestures that had caused her fury to explode. Nate’s acceptance of Hester’s attention had also played a part in it. But Ann now realized there had been yet another reason. As disgusting as it was, she had experienced an unexpected case of jealousoutrage.

In truth, when Edmund was alive, she hadn’t caredwhom he slept with. She had actually been grateful to anyone who kept him from her bed. But when he had dared to seduce her personal maid, Ann had felt betrayed. She had begun to think of Hester as a friend.

It was nearly one in the morning when Ann jerked straight up, striking her head painfully on the top of the sleeper. What had awakened her? Had she heard Hester groan? With little room to maneuver, she scooted around until she could lean over and peek inside the curtain at the bed below. “Are you all right?” she whispered worriedly.

“The child is coming,” Hester groaned.

“No, no!” Ann insisted. “There isn’t a midwife. Can’t you make it wait?”

Hester grimaced at the duchess. “It’s not something I have control over.” Her face twisted in anguish as she was besieged by another pain.

Ann scrambled to get her robe over her nightshirt. Again she heard a loud groan from below. What was she to do?

She nearly fell from the berth when Hester released a bloodcurdling scream. Somehow Ann managed to grab the ladder and swing her bare feet onto the wooden rungs. Passengers already had their heads poked outside their curtains, either curious or angry at being disturbed.

“Hester. my wife is having a baby,” Ann called frantically. “Is there someone who can help?”

Another scream. Ann yanked the curtain back, terrified that she’d find Hester dead. Instead, Hester’s eyes were wide-open. Beads of perspiration covered her face and damp tendrils of hair clung to her cheeks. But it was the blood on the bedclothes that proved to be Ann’s undoing. Hester was bleeding to death! Ann immediately looked away. Grasping the ladder was the only thing that kept her from swooning.

Nate had heard the quiver in Albert’s voice when he pleaded for help. So far, the lanky Englishman hadn’t received a reply. Having heard Hester’s first groans, Nate had already accepted the inevitable. There was a good reason for a man to keep his britches on when traveling. He never knew what would take him from his bed. For instance, he had thought to be rid of the Potters by getting off in Chicago, then catching a later train. Unfortunately, Hester’s time had come too soon. They weren’t due to arrive in Chicago until nine-twenty in the morning.

Nate felt his hands shaking. The last child he’d brought into the world had been stillborn.

Nate climbed down from his bed and joined the useless husband.

He shoved the pale-faced man aside and pulled the curtain back to have a look at Hester. She grabbed his hand and squeezed as another pain racked her body. Nope, Hester wasn’t going to wait until Chicago to have her baby.

“Albert, make yourself useful and tear up those sheets on your bed,” Nate ordered. “And get the porter to bring water, scissors and whiskey.”

“Whiskey? What are you going to do?” Ann wrung her hands. “This is no time for imbibing!”

Nate tried to pull forth some sort of sympathy for Albert’s nervousness. None was forthcoming. “I’m going to make you a father, though I pity the child. The whiskey is for cleaning. By the way, shaving off that mustache was the smartest thing you’ve done.”

Ann caught herself before she reached up to feel. In her haste, she had forgotten to glue the hair on her lip. Now she was left with no choice but to leave it off.

Much to Nate’s surprise, Albert insisted on helping deliver Hester’s baby. But he proved to be more in the way than helpful, so Nate told him to just stay by Hester’s side. Most of the time Albert’s eyes remained squeezed shut. Nate finally told him to go to the saloon car and get drunk. Albert flatly refused, but made a point of staying out of Nate’s way.

Though she didn’t show it, Ann was weeping for poor Hester. She knew. she should be the one to offer soothing, encouraging words. not Nate. She had never seen a woman in labor, nor had she witnessed the pain involved. Why couldn’t men be the ones to have the babies? If they enjoyed their pleasure, they should be forced to share the labor.

Nate’s laughter caught Ann by surprise.

“That’s it, sweetheart,” he said to Hester. “Push harder. I can see the head. Come here, Albert, and see your child being born. You can even cut the cord.”

Envisioning all sort of horrors, Ann threw her hand over her mouth and rushed to the door at the end of the car. She managed to swing it open just in. time to keep from retching all over the pulled curtains.

By the time Ann collapsed onto the grating between cars, she had lost what little she’d eaten that day. She procured a handkerchief from the pocket of her robe and wiped her mouth.

“You have a big healthy boy,” Nate said coldly.

Ann groaned and said weakly, “Thank you.for helping deliver the child. I’m certain, Mr. Bishop, that if you knew all the circumstances, you would feel more lenient toward me.”

“I doubt that.” Nate went back inside the car, snatched up the bottle of whiskey and walked away. The no-account wasn’t worth roughed-up knuckles, Nate told himself. To hell with him. Nate had just delivered a boy child. He was due a celebration.

After Nate had walked away, Ann stood in the space between cars, feeling much better. She raked her short hair back with her fingers. When Nate had left his bed to help Hester deliver Richard, he hadn’t bothered to comb his thick hair. It had been in a wonderfully roguish disarray and the opening of his shirt had revealed dark chest hair.

Ann suddenly felt a need to be held…to have her insecurities soothed away. She wouldn’t have minded if that someone had been Nate. Tonight, he had earned her respect, something she gave to few men.

Ann sat in the seat next to Nate, wondering at the pleasant odor emanating from his hide coat. Or maybe it was from the man himself.or both. The smell was a combination of dried earth and sun, with subtle hints of wildflowers.

She crossed, then uncrossed her legs. A bad habit she seemed to have acquired since donning men’s trousers. Wildflowers, indeed.

She leaned forward and looked past Nate at the drawn curtains across the aisle. Hester and child were still sleeping peacefully. Ann settled back in her seat. She could hardly wait to hold her son in her arms.

A moment later, she caught herself twiddling her thumbs. Nate hadn’t spoken to her since he’d marched off with the whiskey bottle last night. She would have said something to him if she could have thought of something to say.

Though they weren’t touching, Ann could clearly feel his body heat. The same heat she’d felt in the dreams she’d been having lately. Nate would either be holding her hand, whispering sweet nothings or just staring at her, his black eyes full of hungry passion. It was those dreams that now made her want to lean against him and draw in his strength.

Ann unthinkingly crossed her legs again. There were plenty of things to think about besides Nathan Bishop. She glanced at the closed curtain once more. Why would a woman be willing to go through such pain to have a baby? Not that women had a choice. No wonder there were wet nurses, nannies and such. At least she would never have to go through such an ordeal. She had Richard.

Earlier, she had asked Hester if they should depart the train at the next stop and remain in a hotel for a week or so of rest Hester had quickly reminded her that money was growing short and, to guarantee their safety, they needed to get to Beau’s place as quickly as possible. Ann had considered Hester’s sacrifice to be the very epitome of bravery. Never, never again would she question Hester’s loyalty and goodness. A horrible thought suddenly entered Ann’s mind. Now that Hester had held Richard in her arms, would-she decide to keep him as her own?

“I take it you will be getting off the train?”

Ann raised a smooth brow. Had Nate read her thoughts? “Hester has assured me that she can get all the rest she needs on the train,” she replied, welcoming the conversation.

Nate nodded. “She may be little, but she’s strong.”

“Yes, she is,” Ann agreed. “Why were you in New York?” Ann asked, in a hopefully friendlier tone. Why hadn’t she thought to ask the question sooner? “Is that your home?”

“A relative passed away,” Nate said. “Have you picked a name for the boy?” Albert’s sudden, radiant smile startled Nate. He had been caught completely off guard.

“Indeed, I have,” Ann spouted joyfully. “Richard. Taken from Richard the Lionheart. Richard Edmund Huntington. You, sir, should be proud.”

Nate fidgeted. He was having serious problems with Albert’s smile. It had completely transformed the man’s face. Nate even found himself avoiding looking at the Englishman. Were Albert a woman, Nate would have described her as a fetching beauty.

“You helped deliver the future duke of Gravenworth.”

How come Albert had said Richard Huntington instead of Richard Potter? Nate wondered. Getting the answer from Hester would undoubtedly be a lot easier than getting it from Albert. “I know nothing of titles,” he commented, just to say something. He edged his body more toward the aisle.

Ann was shocked. “You know nothing of titles?” She had found a perfect topic of conversation. “How could you not be knowledgeable about something so important?”

“Important to whom?” Nate replied offhandedly. “We don’t have titles in America.”

“That’s what is wrong with your country,” Ann stated honestly.

Nate shoved his hat back. He was getting angry. Mostly because of his reaction to Albert’s looks, but also because every time they got in a conversation, the confounded man made his blood boil. “I didn’t know there was anything wrong with this country.”

For his own good, Ann decided she should enlighten the gentleman. “Had America remained under English domain, you would have discovered the many benefits. As duchess.” Ann bit the inside of her cheek. How could she have made such a slip? She had already said too much by giving the boy’s proper name. “Tenants are taken care of.”

“Tenants? I own my own land, sir, as do others. We fought to become a free people and we do not answer to some lord who holds court over us.” He still refused to look at Albert. “I don’t know what you’re so proud of. I met a gentleman from England once, and be couldn’t stop praising our vast, open land. He often spoke of the filth and poor in your country.”

His bitter, uncalled-for words stirred Ann’s ire. She had been trying to be informative. “Your friend makes it sound as if all of England is like that. It’s not. Your acquaintance obviously liked being around rabble.” She suddenly realized others in the coach were turning and staring at her. She lowered her voice. “How else could he be so ill informed,” she stated in a quiet tone of voice. “I no longer wish to discuss the matter.”

Nate finally turned and stared at the uppity Englishman, then immediately turned away. Albert’s eyes were the deepest green he had ever seen. “You certainly do have a tendency toward one-sided conversations. But we’re not in England and I’m not going to be dismissed. The man I spoke of is from nobility and had been here on a hunting expedition. He is more than qualified to make comparisons.”

“I doubt that your friend was nobility or knew anything about England. He undoubtedly enjoyed listening to himself talk. And how can you sit there and insinuate your country is devoid of the poor? What about the Irish? They are treated as slaves. And what have you done with your Indians? They receive more respect in England than they do here. Why. you don’t even have wet nurses!”

Nate stared blankly at Albert. What did wet nurses have to do with anything? It was impossible to follow the man’s logic. Albert looked away, undoubtedly dismissing Nate from his mind.

Nate clamped his mouth shut and ignored the festered pimple seated beside him. Last night he would have gotten drunk if he hadn’t run out of liquor. Actually, he would have enjoyed having someone to celebrate with. The successful delivery of Hester’s child had been a monumental moment for him.

Nate deliberately moved his thoughts to the past. It had been more than ten years since he’d delivered his own son. Some of the memories were faded now. He could no longer visualize running through the forest, searching for his wife, nor could he picture in his mind’s eye the bloody trail he had followed. But seeing her by the river, half-conscious and trying to give birth to their child was a sight that would be etched in his mind forever. He had tried to help, but he had lost them both. Fortunately, time did heal. Age also had a way of making a man look at things differently. He no longer blamed himself for what had happened, nor did he lie awake at nights cursing his fate.

Nate smiled inwardly.

This time everything had gone right. For him it was something like redemption. Richard’s healthy cry had been the most beautiful sound he had heard in many years.

For the next two days, it seemed that everyone on the train managed to find their way to their car, offering congratulations to the parents. Any hope of keeping herself and Hester secluded had been solidly dashed.

Ann couldn’t believe how quickly Hester recovered from her ordeal. The abigail’s mood was especially bright, and she gave no indication of how she had suffered. Hester had even said the labor had been brief and there were no aftereffects. Ann cringed at the thought of what a long labor would be like.

She leaned her back against the comfortable seat and permitted herself to wallow in the pleasure of having a son. He was so perfect, even down to his tiny toes. All of her hopes and prayers had been answered. Edmund’s son would take his rightful place as the duke of Gravenworth. He even looked like his father, whose handsome facial features had been a perfect cover for his cruelty. But as much as Ann had looked forward to cradling the tyke in her arms, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. He was so very small. She was afraid she might do something to harm him. What if she held him wrong and broke something? Surely when he grew bigger she wouldn’t be so hesitant.

As for Hester, she had resumed her giggling, leaning closer and reaching across the aisle to touch the man who had claimed to know women. Nate wasn’t even aware that Hester was making a fool of him just to satisfy her vanity.

Ann raised her hand to cover a yawn. She wasn’t getting much sleep at night. The mattress was too hard and the space too narrow.

She turned her head and looked at Nate. What would it feel like to touch him? What would it feel like to have him touch her? Last night she had dreamed they were copulating. She had awaked covered with perspiration and her unfulfilled passion still painfully alive. Wonderful pleasure had washed over her and she.

Ann felt her passion rising. Embarrassed, she glanced around to see if anyone had notice her flushed cheeks. No., She raised the book of Tennyson poems from her lap. How could she dream about passion when she had never experienced it before? And why? After Edmund, she had sworn never to let a man touch her again. She opened her book and pretended to read.

Nate’s curiosity had been eating at him as to why Albert had called his son Richard Huntington instead of Richard Potter. Now seemed the perfect time to find out the answer. Albert might not give information freely, but Hester was an entirely different matter.

“Albert told me your son is a duke,” Nate said casually.

Hester was shocked that the duchess had revealed such. “Ah. yes.”

“Does that mean you’re a duchess?”

“Well, I.yes.” Hester knew her supposed husband was glaring at her. She could feel the heat on her back. But she had suddenly realized that she had been given the perfect opportunity to launch her plan. “In truth, I am Antoinette Huntington, the duchess of Gravenworth.” Though it hurt, she ignored her mistress’s pinch. She had just taken the first step toward switching places with the duchess. “Friends and family call me Ann.”

Nate smiled. If Hester was a duchess, Albert had to be a duke. That could possibly account for his prissiness and lack of muscle. That was a big assumption since he’d never known a duke. “Where did the name Hester come from?”

Hester leaned toward the handsome man and whispered, “I didn’t want anyone to know my real identity so I took the name of a servant. I had heard so many tales about your country, I feared for my well-being.”

Nate thought a moment. “I would say you have every right to feel that way, sweetheart. Do you mind if I call you Ann?”

“Yes!” Hester heard the duchess mutter.

“No,” Hester replied, a bit breathy from her sudden excitement at having received such an endearment from Nate.

“Why are you headed west?” Nate asked.

“For a stay at my cousin’s estate in Arizona.”

“Arizona is a big territory, with Indians and hot desert from Santa Fe to where you’re headed. If I were you, I’d convince Albert to find a good guide who can supply plenty of protection before taking you into the wilds.”

The baby started fussing and Hester had to attend to his feeding. Nate’s words of warning frightened her. As the baby suckled, Hester considered the advantages of getting Nate to take them to Arizona. He seemed to be the only one who knew where it was. And there could also be other benefits. At Beau’s ranch, Nate would testify that she was the real duchess and Richard’s mother. Milady would declare it was all lies, but who would believe her? The plan was foolproof.

Though it apparently hadn’t bothered Hester, Ann had placed a cloth over Hester’s breast so others could not observe the nursing. At least Nate had the courtesy to leave the Pullman. He had probably headed for the saloon car.

“Hester, whatever possessed you to tell Nate you are the duchess of Gravenworth?” Ann asked worriedly.

Hester looked shocked. “I had no choice. After you told him Richard’s name, I had to be titled.”

“You’re right. I’m to blame. Well, it doesn’t matter, I guess. We’ll never see him again once we reach Colorado.” Ann looked at the precious baby. She could no longer put off the question that had been tormenting her these past few days. “Hester, you haven’t changed your mind about me raising Richard, have you?”

For now, Hester still needed the duchess. She raised her hand to her mouth in mock shock. “Oh no, milady,” she whimpered as she feigned humility. “How could you ask? You are the mother.” She adjusted her nipple to the baby’s tiny mouth. “I’m only the wet nurse.”

Ann’s concerns faded as quickly as melting ice. She had already come to realize that had Hester decided to keep Richard, she could never take him away. But though that dilemma had been settled, their plight was far from over. Watching who left and who entered the coach had become so automatic that half the time she didn’t even realize she was doing it.

“Hester, please be careful about giving information to anyone else. We won’t be safe until we reach Beau.”

“I fully understand your concerns.” Hester smiled sweetly. “Richard is sleeping now. Would you care to hold your son?”

Ann smiled back.

With no further ado, Hester placed Richard in Ann’s arms.

Seeing the warmth that had entered the duchess’s green eyes, Hester knew she had made the right decision.

“He’s so tiny,” Ann whispered.

“You won’t be awakening him. He is full and content” Hester stretched. It felt so good to no longer be pregnant. And, from all indications, it wasn’t going to take long for her body to return to normal. She could hardly wait to welcome Nate to her bed.

“Your Grace, you look uncomfortable. Here, let me lay milord down.” Hester placed the baby on the seat between them, making sure the small bundle had enough room. “He will make a splendid duke.” She frowned. “Who is going to take care of us once we reach the village of Colorado?” she asked innocently.

Ann’s eyes were still on the small, sleeping babe. His long, tiny fingers fascinated her. He was so perfect. so beautiful. “You sound as if you have someone in mind. Would that person happen to be Nate?”

“Please, just listen to what I have to say.”

“Can Richard see?”

“Not yet” She hurried on before being told to keep her thoughts to herself. “Nate knows how to get to Arizona. He also warned me that it is a dangerous place. If you offered him money, perhaps he might be persuaded to accompany us. We would at least have a guide and a degree of protection. None of His Lordship’s hirelings would be looking for such an entourage.”

“Have you forgotten the danger in such a plan? We know nothing of the man. He could easily be lying to take what money I have. No, I won’t even consider it. We’ve managed this far and we can manage the rest of the way.”

“But Nate said the territory is huge.” Hester could see she was getting nowhere. She had, however, planted the seed of thought. Tonight she would tackle the subject again.

Ann couldn’t seem to keep her hands off Richard. She placed him in the crook of her elbow and rocked him. Nate had said that Colorado was only halfway to the West Coast. Would finding Beau prove to be more of a problem than she had anticipated? The miles of never-ending land were beyond anything she had ever seen. None of it fit the descriptions she’d heard in England. Nor had she seen a single outlaw or an Indian riding a painted pony.

Thirty minutes later, Ann stood and placed Richard on her seat. Though she would have been quite content to hold her son for the rest of their journey, she had to use the gentleman’s closet. She dearly resented no longer being able to squat and hide what she was doing beneath the folds of a full skirt as proper ladies did.

Ann expelled a sigh of relief when she discovered there wasn’t a line of men waiting to use the closet. She stepped inside, but before she could close the door behind her, a hand reached out, bracing it open. Ann found herself face-to-face with Nate. She stared in disbelief as he folded his arms and leaned comfortably against the doorjamb.

“Leave here immediately,” Ann demanded.

“Why? I want to talk to you about your trip to Arizona.”

“Anything you have to say can certainly wait. I want my privacy!” She had to watch her temper. Was it her imagination, or did Nate seem to avoid looking at her?

Nate grinned. He was in just the right mood to give Albert a bad time. “Would you feel less emasculated if I turned my back? Perhaps you don’t want your lack of manliness to be seen,” he ribbed.

Ann stiffened. Did he know the truth? “What do you mean by that?”

Nate slowly shook his head. “I thought it was pretty obvious.”

Ann’s cheeks burned when she realized what he had alluded to. At least he still mistakenly took her to be a man. “Move out of my way. If you must, I shall let you go first. I will wait outside.” She tried to move back out of the way, but Nate continued to block her path.

“That won’t be necessary, Albert,” Nate said with considerable disgust. With that, he backed out of the gentlemen’s closet, shutting the door behind him.

Ann made sure it was locked. What other humiliations would she have to suffer before this trip was over?

“I’ll meet you in the saloon car when you’re finished,” Nate called through the door. “Don’t make me wait too long.”

Ann could hear his chuckle fade away as she proceeded to unbutton her trousers. How could he cause her heart to race when they were always at odds with each other?

By the time Ann entered the saloon car, she had managed to regain her composure. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the virile man seated with a drink in his hand. Just looking at the way his clothes hugged his strong body made her knees weak. But from the look on his face, Ann knew she was about to have more problems. She decided to attack first this time. “I don’t like threats,” she stated when she joined him.

“Nor do I. Here.” Nate handed Albert a partially filled glass. “It’s whiskey. Maybe it’ll put some hair on your chest, though I doubt it.”

Ann thought to refuse but held her tongue. The sooner Nate said what was on his mind, the sooner she could leave. She raised the glass to her lips, but the smell of the brew caused her to lower her hand. She preferred good Irish whiskey.

Nate shook his head. “Albert, you’re such a greenhorn it makes me almost embarrassed for you.”

“I don’t need the sarcasm. What was so important that you felt the need to converse with me?”

Nate curled his lip but somehow managed to contain his temper. “I made a decision.”.

“I am not the least interested in any of your decisions.”

“Dammit, I seriously suggest you contain that mouth of yours!” Nate stood. The easiest way to handle the duke would be to avoid him. He took a deep breath and looked down at His Lordship, who had taken the same chair he’d just vacated. “I have grown quite fond of your wife-”

Ann leaped to her feet, only to be shoved back down.

Nate placed his hands on the arms of the chair and leaned down into the duke’s face, his eyes boring into Albert’s. “Not the way you think. And,” he continued, “since I have agreed to be Richard’s godfather-”

“You what?” Ann gasped. “No! I forbid it! I was not consulted.” Not until he suddenly stood did Ann realize she had been holding her breath. Why was he looking at her so strangely?

“Have you ever shaved?”

Ann’s hand flew to her cheek. “Oh. a.well, you see, T’m rather fortunate. I have never had many facial hairs. I hope we have an understanding about you being Richard’s godfather. I have someone else picked out.”

“As I started to say, as Richard’s godfather, I have decided to accompany you to Arizona.”

Ann tried to control her panic. How could this be happening? “Listen to what I am telling you. You are not his godfather!”

“You no longer have any say in the matter.”

“Of course I have a say. I am his father. Besides, you would never find Cousin Beau’s ranch.”

“Beau?” Nate asked, startled. “Beau Falkner?”

Ann groaned. “You know him?” she asked weakly.

“I doubt there’s a man in Arizona Territory who hasn’t heard of the man. New Mexico, as well. He’s a mighty rich man.” Nate frowned. “Had I known your destination, I would have volunteered my assistance sooner.”

Nate had backed away and Ann seized the opportunity to stand. She felt as if she had been run over by a herd of stampeding cattle.

“We’ll catch a train from Denver to Pueblo, then travel to Santa Fe by stage. From there-”

“You are not listening to me,” Ann said desperately. “Your company will not be needed.” She eased away, ready to depart as quickly as possible.

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