Heart of mine, p.17
Heart of Mine, page 17
Oscar harrumphed, his face redder than Mavis had ever seen it. She hoped the butcher didn’t expire right in the middle of the meeting.
Slowly, Russell McGrath stood in his pew. “Attention, everyone. I’m sorry you received such devastating news today,” the dentist said. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but I came to Eden to invest my money. I heard your town was growing, and I wanted to start anew. I’ve bought several of the unfinished buildings along the cobblestone streets, with the intention of starting a variety of businesses. I’ve also given a few”—he glanced around at several of the faces—“of my new friends some loans at a very attractive interest rate. Lower than the bank here could offer. And only when they had a demonstrated need.” He smiled at Karen Forester, the waitress who worked for Lavinia. “Like a new china hutch and china tea set.” His friendly gaze slid over to Nicole Day, Clint’s younger half sister who worked for Lavinia part time as well. “Or a new horse. You know, for things that are just out of reach. Things you’ve been dreaming of but haven’t been able to afford. A violin for the young’un, train tickets to visit a relative, perhaps adding on to your home. Nothing big. What I’m saying is, if you need help with these payments, or anything else you’ve been saving up for, I’m here to assist you. I want to make your dreams happen tomorrow instead of five years from now.”
“Those are the loans I used to give,” Bud Larson, owner of Eden’s small bank, shouted angrily. “You’re stealing my business!” His glare was troubling.
“At an unheard-of interest rate, Mr. Larson. At a fraction of what you’re charging, people are happy to come to me. As a matter of fact, I have one client who came to me to pay you off.”
“Why, you—”
Bud lunged for the man. Clint caught his shoulder before he could go anywhere and pulled him back, white-faced and spitting mad. “How come you got so much money, McGrath?” Bud demanded. “Not from drilling teeth.”
Cool as a cucumber, Russell lifted a shoulder. “No, not by drilling teeth. I made my money the old-fashioned way: I inherited it.”
More voices talking and complaining. The meeting was spiraling out of control.
Mavis’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. Yes, it was true, Mr. McGrath had spoken with Henry immediately after he’d come to town about his intentions. He was setting up his dental practice in Eden and wanted to invest in the town as well. He’d bought a few of the unfinished buildings on speculation. Her seeing him everywhere around town made more sense now. He wasn’t just being friendly, or investing—he was doing business by grooming his prospective banking customers.
Does he intend to start a real bank in Eden as well? And how honest would that bank be?
Meanwhile, who was buying up the occupied properties? Her gaze cut to Larsala Salazar and the innocent look on her face, then Mr. Wells, the businessman building the new hotel with the backing of unknown investors. As much as she hated having the thought, her suspicion also darted for a few seconds to Beranger. He’d known he was already coming to Eden. Belle had said he was extremely wealthy.
Is he buying up commercial properties, intending to get his hands on all the real estate and then planning to run up the cost for everyone?
Mavis took a deep breath. Now that she was mayor, she couldn’t sit by and let Father’s beloved town fall to the unscrupulous.
CHAPTER THIRTY
In the throng of bumping people, Emma made her way out of the stuffy church, craning her neck as she looked for Santiago. He’d been in the crowd, along the left-hand wall with his father, listening to the impassioned pleas of the townsfolk. The council meeting had dissolved without much more being said. People scratched their heads or looked stone-faced and in shock after learning their livelihoods were at stake. Mavis had called an end to the cacophony so she could meet with Clint and Henry, try to make some sense out of all the telegrams, and see if they could track down the mysterious Mr. Strong who was threatening the peace and tranquility of their growing town.
Eden’s population had expanded even more quickly than they’d all realized, Emma thought. Being away a few days made the newcomers stand out all the more. As she made her way toward Main Street, a wagon coming from the direction of Denver rolled past carrying three women who couldn’t be anything but saloon girls by the way they were scantily dressed. A buxom woman with a wide smile held the lines of the team, and two small boys sat at her side, grinning happily.
She turned and studied the people.
Santiago had slipped away.
But back to the problem at hand. Somebody with money—and perhaps some influence—had gotten a whiff of how fast the place was growing and wanted to capitalize on the boom. The articles written about the Brinkman sisters had drawn men to town, and continued to do so. A number of those who had arrived first were miners who had had a handful of early successes in the streams and rivers in the area. That news had traveled faster than that of the five single heiresses to places like Leadville and Colorado Springs, snagging the attention of prospectors there who hadn’t yet struck it rich. According to Henry, that had caused a further surge in the population. What the sisters had started, the gold and silver exploration had perpetuated.
A head taller than most, Beranger stood out. He was walking twenty feet ahead of Emma. Her heart tripped. For the last half hour, she’d been all too aware of him standing behind her in the crowded church, hat in hand, listening to the conversation along with everyone else. She wondered what he thought of Eden and the Five Sisters Ranch so far. Although she’d waited for a private moment last night, that hadn’t arisen. The dining table between them had felt like the great divide. Right now, she longed to hear his voice. She’d grown accustomed to sitting at his right, listening when he spoke, or being a confidante when he had something to whisper.
All night, she’d watched Katie fulfill that role. If Emma was truthful with herself, the sight had hurt. Her little sister had played the good hostess and had kept up appearances, though Emma had seen her broken heart whenever their gazes touched. Katie was clearly pining for Santiago, who normally would have been in attendance.
Off to her right, and striding purposefully toward the church with a red, angry face, were Jean-Luc Boucher and his sister, Amorette. The brother and sister team owned Mademoiselle de Sells, the successful French restaurant in town. Jean-Luc’s light brown hair was a mess as usual, and his square jaw was shadowed with stubble. He waved a scrap of paper in his hand while he marched. Amorette ran behind in a pretty sky-blue dress with paisley cuffs and collar, her blonde curls bouncing. They hadn’t been at the meeting—they looked to have just received bad news about their rent too. Her heart sank. Eden would no longer feel like Eden if Mademoiselle de Sells were forced to close!
Emma cupped her mouth with one hand. “Beranger, please wait up.”
He turned and looked around. “Are you following me, Miss Brinkman?” he said somewhat playfully as he touched the brim of his Stetson. “Haven’t you had enough of me after three whole days in the stagecoach together?”
She laughed, her mind atwitter, but thought she saw a twinge of disappointment in his eyes. He was more handsome than ever. Last night, when the men were preparing to depart, he’d addressed her a bit stiffly, and she’d wondered why. He’d saved his smiles for Katie, who’d rallied under his attention, even laughing when he recounted the story of crazy Mr. Tug and the carpetbag.
“Yes, I guess I am following you,” she said. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Never,” he said.
She noticed that, though his eyes were different colors, they both twinkled equally. She would never comment on anything like that, but they were so alluring she couldn’t help but smile. He wore the clean pants he’d worn the night before too, which he must have carried with him on the trip, and a different shirt. His easy stance was one she’d gotten to know quite well.
“Thank you again for a lovely evening,” he said. “Your ranch is spectacular. I can see why you love Eden so much.”
So formal. No compliments on my pretty dress? Or how nice I look? Where is the Beranger who sat close to me in the moonlight?
“You’re welcome,” she said, a little hurt. He seemed preoccupied, not at all interested in what she had to say. “I’m sure we’ll share many more evenings like that now that you’re here.”
Even though they’d just met, she felt close to him, like they shared a secret bond. She’d never had such a good friend.
But does he feel the same?
“Isn’t this Mr. Strong business troublesome?” she said, searching for a neutral topic. “I can’t imagine how this has happened. Until that astounding meeting, all had been right with the world, and now I don’t know what to think. I’m relieved my shop isn’t rented. None of my father’s properties are.”
“That’s fortunate.” He glanced toward the livery and scuffed a boot.
Is he impatient to be on his way?
She had the sinking feeling that he was putting up with her company and that was all.
“It might be more serious than you think,” he continued. “I’ve seen something like this when I was in Australia.”
“Australia?”
“From my time spent aboard ship. A town was eaten away one business at a time by an unscrupulous sheep rancher. Once he had enough power, he bought himself a sheriff. Nobody dared go up against him for fear of going to jail—or worse.”
“Clint could never be bought,” she countered.
“I agree. But back then, the honest sheriff suffered an unfortunate accident, if you will, and was replaced—by one of the sheep rancher’s henchmen. Once the law is tainted, no one is safe.” He gave her a curious look. “Not even the Brinkmans. I’d not like to see anything similar descend upon Eden.” A lopsided smile appeared. “But that’s far from happening here—yet. I’m confident Mavis, Clint, and the attorney will figure things out before it’s too late. A good rule of law are imperative and should never be tainted with susceptibility to bribes or power. Laws protect law-abiding citizens as well as prosecute lawbreakers, and should be applied without prejudice. That is why Lady Justice wears a blindfold.”
Emma stared. She’d never thought about the law that way—or really in any way at all. Beranger, with his knowledge and worldly experience, seemed larger than life. He made her aware of how much there was of the world beyond Eden, or Santa Fe, or even Philadelphia.
He smiled and drew close, lowering his voice. Her pulse sped up.
“By the way, what is Katie’s favorite color? I’m sure you must know.”
All the good feelings she’d been experiencing flew away on the breeze.
“Katie? Favorite color?”
He nodded. “I’d like to cheer her up. The men explained about Santiago and how sad she’s feeling. I thought a pretty ribbon from your shop might do the trick.”
“Y-yes, of course,” she stuttered. “Blue. Her favorite color is blue.”
“Ah, yes, to match her pretty eyes. Thank you. I’ll be by later today to pick that up. You carry ribbons, don’t you?” He touched the brim of his hat and made as if to continue on his way.
She couldn’t breathe. She didn’t want him to leave just yet. Not with the way she felt. Beranger was noticeably different here in Eden. Had he only been toying with her during their travels to make the days pass more quickly?
“Since you have nothing to do but relax until Blake and Moses return and take you to the mine, I thought I’d play tour guide and show you the town, the upper meadow, and the hanging bridge. Crossing it takes some nerve.”
“I appreciate that, Emma, but Katie has already offered—later today. Maybe we can all go together.”
Katie? Again?
No, Emma didn’t want to be a third wheel.
He held up a hand. “Before you say anything, know that I have no romantic intentions toward your little sister, Emma. We’re just friends—exactly like you and me.”
“I was not inferring anything about you and Katie.” She swallowed, not sure how she felt about that last statement. “It’s just that Santiago’s silence is repugnant. Katie has been left in limbo to suffer. She won’t hold up much longer. An explanation is the least he owes her.”
Out here in the sunshine, the difference in his irises was blatant. The colors sparkled, and she knew the instant he realized she was comparing the two.
“I can’t believe you ever called them a curse, Beranger. Or ever considered them that way. I’m trying to decide which I prefer, the green or the blue . . .” She couldn’t stop a wide smile. “I guess I’ll just have to choose both.”
His brows shot up as he contemplated her with a small smile. “Emma, I’ve been hired by you and your sisters in a professional capacity. You made it clear you have no interest in romance. Pleaded your case very eloquently. I totally understand. Did I ever try to change your mind?”
She blinked. His words were said in the nicest way, but she could feel an element of tension woven between them. “No, you didn’t.”
“Then why are you following me around? As much as I like your attention, it also”—and here he stepped closer, both of his eyes, the green and the blue, smoldering—“feeds my imagination.”
“B-because we’re friends.”
You told me one of your most intimate secrets.
“I’m just trying to be hospitable, so you feel at home.”
He gently wagged his head back and forth. “But I’m not at home, am I?”
No, he isn’t. Not by a long shot. And what does he really mean by that?
She forced the question out of her mind. The point was that he’d taken her talk in the moonlight seriously. She was glad of that, because she’d never change her mind. Just the sight of poor Katie was enough to convince her that love could only break your heart.
When she focused back on Beranger, he’d taken a step away. “So,” he said, his charming smile back. “Will you be joining us today for the town tour?”
“Later today? I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ve a meeting with Mr. Buns, my employee. He’s been wonderful for running the Toggery while I’ve been away. You two go ahead. You’ll have fun.”
“Done, then,” he said, tipping his hat. “You have a nice day too.”
The second he left, her smile vanished. She took a deep breath and watched him go, feeling as if she’d lost something precious. Perhaps she’d been misled by his attention on the trip. He had promised Blake he’d look after her—perhaps to him, their friendship had been nothing more than business.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Howdy,” Maverick greeted Beranger, raking the small pebbles of dirt to the side of the entry to his property. “Your horse is doing fine. I gave him extra feed, being he’s had such a tough workout. Interestin’ to see if he comes around—gentles down. The marks of his mistreatment tell his story.”
At the rail of the paddock, Beranger watched his horse gallop the fence, still sweat-stained from his run from Santa Fe. Beranger hadn’t attempted to clean him the previous night. Giving the horse a day to settle and get used to his new surroundings felt more prudent than fighting him.
Beranger struggled to process his conversation with Emma. He’d hoped that the thought of him spending time with Katie would persuade her to open up to him. But she’d been more than convincing about her decision to always reject love during their conversation in the moonlight, and she’d stuck to her guns today. Maybe she’d only ever consider him her friend.
“I should try to rinse him off,” Beranger said, still a bit distracted. Glancing around, he spotted a water pump and several buckets just outside the front doors of the barn. Would the horse stand quietly while being washed?
“Want me to do that?”
Maverick was a large man, and he had plenty of experience with horses. Hell, it was his job. Still, Beranger didn’t feel right chancing the livery man getting hurt. Not until he was a little more familiar with the gelding. The kid’s words in Santa Fe rang in his head.
Stay away. Stay far away.
“I appreciate that, Maverick, but I’ll tackle the job later today. Give him more time to get used to his new surroundings—and for me to change into my old traveling clothes.” He looked down at the front of his shirt and brushed some dust off one of his sleeves. “I have a feeling I may get the wet end of the deal.”
Maverick laughed. “That’s probably smart. Whenever I get a new horse, I can’t wait to get to know the fella. Settling in sounds like a good idea.”
From what Beranger had learned the night before, this was Maverick’s livery, and Mavis was his partner. Of all things, there was a stained-glass window in the loft of the barn. Several nice-looking wagons lined one fence with FOR SALE signs propped on their front seats.
Eden had a pleasant feel.
“I said get home and get to your chores, worthless boy!”
The shouted statement from somewhere made Beranger look around. The sun warmed his back as he kept his gaze on Charger. A memory came floating back.
“Please, Your Grace, send the boy away. You’ve given him enough of your time and treasure,” his stepmother pleaded. “How long must I suffer his presence in my life? That was never a condition of our marriage, that I’d be mothering a cursed commoner whose eerie gaze robs me of sleep and keeps me from conceiving another legitimate heir. What if something were to happen to Gavin, God forbid? The dukedom and the duchy would fall to your brother. I believe I’ve been patient with you long enough. You promised me years ago that he’d only be here for a time, but you’ve not honored that promise. I want another child, William. Of my own. That is my job as duchess. Please don’t rob me of my destiny any longer. As long as your illegitimate son lives under these roofs, that won’t happen.”
“Why not?” his father bit back. “You’re being superstitious. I don’t believe in curses or spells. If you don’t conceive, do not blame that on him—or his unusual appearance. That is something he can’t help!”
“Give me one year, Your Grace. That’s all I’m asking. Since you didn’t send him to Eton with Gavin, then send him to friends in Canterbury or Northington—anywhere. Frame it so that it won’t be a punishment, but an adventure. I’m sure by the time he returns, I’ll be pregnant again. You’ll see that I’m right—and have been right all these years. I beg of you. Please do this one small indulgence for me.”
