Chapter1
Salida,ColoradoJune1883
“Iwon’tdoit!”EmiliaHigginbothamstampedher footinprotest,turningher back,shecrossedher armsover her chest.“Andyoucan’tmakeme!”
She peeked out ofthe corner ofher eye to see ifher behavior was working. No surprise to her, it was not. She’d seena girl actthis waybackhome inGeorgia outside ofchurch. She had managed to dissuadeher parentsfromtheir wayofthinking.
Of course, that was over ice cream. This was much more serious than a frozen treat on a hot summer day in Atlanta. This was for the rest of her life, until one or the other died. Wasn’t that the promise: ’Til death do us part? Besides, she was older than that girl now, much older. Practically spinster age. This birthday that her parents were determined to ruin with a marriage arrangement wouldbeher twentieth.
Her family had established themselves well near a tiny new town called Salida in Colorado. It meant“exit” inSpanish. Thatcertainlywas anappropriate name for it. The wayshe saw things, few people came here to stay. They came here to exit fromthe harsh Rocky Mountains and find a better way of life in California or even Oregon. She’d lived here three years, and in that amount of time, Salida had established a post office, a bank, a schoolhouse, and even an opera house. There was a new buildingpoppingupeveryweek.
Butshe had no idea why. Who’d reallywantto live here? Perhaps itwasn’tsuchanexitafter all, now thatshethoughtaboutitmorethoroughly.
The main business district had talented craftsmen setting up shops. While it was not Atlanta, she had to admit, it was a town full of gifted people and the quality of merchandise she and her mother could purchase was outstanding. Father invested heavily in land and that had paid off significantly, because those who did wantto settle here boughtsmall portions ofthatland fromhimand Father had becomequitewealthyinthisshortperiodoftime.
Still,itwasn’tAtlanta!
Acting like a child was not going to win her any favors with her stern, business-minded father. Especiallynottoday!Her father’s mind was made. There was no changingit. He was more stubborn thantheNubiangoats theyraised.Unfortunately,this particular subjecthadbeenputoffas longas she couldmanagetodiverttheir mindstoother,moreimportanttopics.
Withher twentiethbirthdayfillingher parents’minds withworryfor her future, she now faced the
inevitable marriage.
“Itistime,Emilia.”Her father spokepurposefully,makinghislongmustachepuffoutwhenever his wordspassedfromhislips.Itwasamusingtowatch.Asachilditmadeher laugh,butshedidn’tdare lether amusementshow now.Hewasseriousanddeterminedtohavehisway.
“Your mother and I have put a lot of thought and effort into this social event. We will celebrate your birthday, of course, but the truth of the matter is… well, it’s all for the sole purpose of you meetingthemanwehavepainstakinglychosentobeyour husband.Hecomesfromagoodfamily ”
“You mean a rich family!” She uncharacteristically interrupted her father while he was speaking. Liftingher chinanotch,hopingthedefiancedisguisedthetrembleher boldoutbursthadcaused.
He paused, mouth agape, the next words still hanging on his lips. Her outburst had stopped him from uttering them. With a deep, patience-seeking inhale, he closed his mouth and lifted his bushy brows.“Yes.ThattermcanaccuratelybeappliedtotheWeatherbys’financial status.” “ButDaddy!”Sheresortedtowhining.
“Mister Alastair Weatherby” her father leanedtowardher for clarity “isaself-mademan.His son, Jasper, will be no different. As we have built our… financial status by purchasing and selling land, theyhave builttheir successes throughraising, breeding, and sellingcattle. Bothare a lucrative businessthesedays.Youwill wantfor nothing ”
“Excepttruelove,”shemutteredunder her breath.
“And… your mother and I” he continued as if he hadn’t heard her, whenshe knew he had. Her father hadexcellenthearing “cangotoour gravesknowingyouarewell takencareof.”
“Oh Daddy, you and mother are young!” She twisted her fingers, trying her best to convince him therewastime.“You’rehealthy!Let’snotworryaboutgoingtoyour graves.Youhaveyears,decades, in which to enjoy life. Please, don’t make me marry this… Jasper Weatherby. What sort of man is namedJasper?HesoundslikeaNancy-boy.”
“Emilia Louise!” Her father barked. “I will not have such low-bred language spoken by my only daughter in my house! Your grandmother would roll over in her grave if she heard your coarse language!”
“I’m sorry, Father.” Emilia assumed the appropriate humble, ashamed posture. “It’s just… how canyouhonestlyexpectmetomarryamannamedJasper?Itsoundslikeanevergreentree.Iwouldbe justaslikelytocall himCedar,or Birch…Willow ”
“Jasper Weatherbyis a fine name” Oliver Higginbothamshookhis head “and youwill adapt tocallingyour husbandwhatever youworkoutbetweenthetwoofyou.Your mother calledmeMister Higginbothamuntil youwere born. Onlythendid she start referringto me affectionatelyas Oliver… andnow Ollie.”
Asmile twitched under her father’s long mustache. Acrimson blush filled his cheeks. She never saw such strong emotion in his face except when he spoke of her mother. Their marriage of convenience had turned into a marriage filled withtremendous love and admirationfor bothofthem. Couldshehopefor thesame…withamannamedJasper?
Thedoor tohisdenopenedslightly.“Ah,hereismylovelybridenow,”heannounced.
Emilia’s mother floated into the room. “Well? Have you convinced your daughter to attend our soirée?”ShesmiledatEmiliawithhopeinher eyes.
Father bristled,hismustachepuffedslightly.“How isitthatwhenshe’sbeing…difficult,yourefer toher asmydaughter?”
Mother turned the hopeful smile into a mischievous grin and focused it on him. “Because, Ollie Dear,whenshe’sbeingdifficult,shemostresembles…you.”Mariateasedwithaplayful touchonhis nose.Buttherewasatwinkleinbothofher parents’eyes.Sheknew theywerenotarguing.
“Mother…” Emilia continued witha loathsome whine whenshe spoke. She hated actingthis way, butdesperationwasstranglingher atthemoment.“MustIgo?”
“Yes, darling. You must. This is for your own good. We know best. You would be wise to remember that.”Her mother tippedher headslightly,thenliftedher chin.
“Argh!” Emilia stomped outofher father’s den, defeated. He wasn’tthe onlystubborngoatinthis family.Whenher mother’smindwasmade,itwasevenmoresolidlysetthanher father’s.
Emilia trotted up the stairs and flungherself onher bed. The tailored ball gownhungonthe door ofher wardrobe. Mother had picked itoutand the local seamstress, Mrs. Tucker, had made itfor her birthdaysoirée without seeingEmilia at all. She kept a card file oneveryone fromthe first time she took thorough measurements and could create perfectly fitting gowns without a single new measurement.Emiliapeekedthroughher lashesatthedress,hangingthere,tauntingher.
Shehadtoadmitthegownwas beautiful.Thelightblue,silk-blendrococoprintwithshorttrumpet sleeves,layeredover achampagnecoloredsheer fabricthatfell gracefullyfromthewaistover taffeta of the same cream shade. The square neck delicately trimmed with a hand-made lace, a Tucker signaturetomostgowns,thatsoftenedthelookofthebodice.
Emilia lifted onher elbows, glaringatthe gown. She hated it. And yet, she couldn’twaitto see it onherself. Nothavinggone withMother for fittings, she had never laid eyes onit until now, and she hadcertainlynever wornthething.Thecolor wasexactlyrighttoaccentuateher browneyes.Itwould make her the belle of the ball…but she had no desire whatsoever to go to this party. It was a farce! Her birthday would end in an engagement and a public announcement that the Weatherbys and the Higginbothams were uniting their families by wedding their children and combining their two businessesintoonemonstrositythatwouldcontrol landandcattlefor thousandsofmiles.
Sheturnedontoher sidesothegownwasbehindher andhuffed.
IlsaBrown,thehousemaid,tappedsoftlyonEmilia’sdoor.
“Comein.”Emiliasighed.
“Your mumaskedmeto,andIquote,‘hurryyoualong.’”Themaidsmiledsheepishly.
Emilia sighed. “I’m sure she did.” She couldn’t be angry with Ilsa. She was the closest thing Emilia had to a friend here in Salida. With an enormous sigh, Emilia lifted herself off the bed and sighed again, hopingfor anempathetic effect. “Oh, all right. ButIpromise youthis. Iamnotgoingto enjoythisbirthdaysoiréeonebit!”
“Myjobisnottomakeyouenjoyanything.Myjobistohelpyougetdressed.”Ilsasaidjovially.
Emiliaglancedattheball gownwithyetanother sigh.“Itisabeautiful gown.”
Ilsagazedadmiringlyatthefrock.“Yes’em,’tisthat.”
Emilia sighed once more and began the arduous task of getting out of the day dress she currently wore and into the formal attire. Guilt swamped Emilia heart for being so unappreciative of her parents’gift. There were manya girl inSalida who’d give her eye-toothto have sucha lovelydress towear.Emiliawasblessedandsheknew it.
Blessed and cursed at the same time. Because her parents were so wealthy, her future would be determinednotbytruelove,butbyasolidlysoundbusinessarrangement.
Ilsa brushed Emilia’s hair until it had a golden-brown sheen, then she twisted, and braided, and pinneditintoalovelydesignthatflatteredEmilia’sheart-shapedface.
“Anythingyoucandoaboutthese sunspots?” Emilia glaredather reflectioninthe mirror.She had alwayshatedthedotsonher face.
“Actually, there is.” Ilsa smiled. “Trythis.” She pulled a small jar fromher apronpocket. “Imade this from the goats’ milk. It’s good for your skin and I added an herbal pigment to help cover up unwanted age spots for your mother. Let’s see what it does for those freckens” She used the old Scottishwordasatermofendearment “Although,Ithinktheyareadorableonyou.” “Oh,Ilsa.”Emiliachastisedthemaid.“TheyarecalledfrecklesinAmerica.Youknow that.”
“Yes,Iforgetsometimes.Beencalling‘emfreckensall melife.”
Emilia frowned while Ilsa went to work. Touching her little finger gingerly to the creamy, beige content,shedottedEmilia’sfaceandthensmootheditout,hidingher discoloredspots.
Next, Ilsa lifted a tinyrouge jar fromEmilia’s table and opened it. Emilia’s mother had givenher the rose-colored pâté when she turned sixteen. The maid lightly touched the thick cream and made three dots along Emilia’s cheek bone, then smoothed it out, blending it with the beige. “Here, put someonyour lips.”Ilsahandedthetinyjar toher.
Emiliadidastoldandpoppedher lips,makingasmackingnoisethatmadethembothgiggle.
“Youlooklovely,Miss.”TearsfilledIlsa’seyes.
Emilia looked more closely at her reflection. Did she look lovely? Well, she looked as good as she could. Ilsa was talented with hair and kind as a mourning dove. Emilia stood fromher dressing tableandturnedtohavealookinthefull-length,oval mirror.
“Oh, my!” she exclaimed. Taking in all of herself, ball gown, light makeup, and hair done up so expertly.Shedidlook…dareshesay,lovely.
“Thankyou!”sheutteredinanawestruckwhisper.
“You’re quite welcome, Miss.” Ilsa smiled and stepped over to her bedroomdoor, opened it, and stoodbackfor Emiliatoexit.
Her destinyawaitedher,readyor not.
Jasper Weatherby leaned on his saddle horn with the rising sun to his back. He watched the long shadows made byhis menand their horses as theyfunneled the divided herd into eachlivestockcar. ThiscattledriveendedhereinSalida.
The traindepotwas new, abouta year or so, and muchmore convenientthanthe easternroute for getting his father’s herd to market. While the trek to Salida was further, it was better than trying to herdthebovineover thecontinental divideandthenthroughDenver Citystreetswheretheywouldget too stressed and even wounded. Salida provided for an easier transition to market with the cattle retainingtheir profitablemarketweightandhealth.Thus,better salesfor theWeatherbys.
He looked forward to lyingona softbed atthe hotel before ridinghome. Atleastthe ride home to Alma andthe FlyingWRanchwouldbe ata quicker pace thanthe one thatbroughthimhere withtwo hundredheadofcattle.
“Mr.Weatherby?”aboyshouted.
He turned, shielding her eyes with a flat hand to see who called his name. The leather saddle moanedunder hisweight.“I’mJasper Weatherby.”
The boyranevenfaster toward himand leaned up ontiptoes withanenvelope Jasper recognized asatelegram.
“Thank you.” He fished out a silver dollar fromhis jacket pocket and flipped it in the air for the kidtocatch,whichhedid.
“Gee.Thanks,Mr.Weatherby!”
The boyranoffbefore Jasper could correct himas he always did whenanyone addressed himso formally.“Myname’sJasper.Mr.Weatherbyismyfather.”
His words were lost in the breeze. The boy was long gone. He sighed as he tore the end of the
envelopeoffandpulledthefoldedtelegramintothesunlight.Thenhesighedevenharder.
“Whataretheyupto?”hemutteredashereadover thefaintink-printedwordsasecondtime.
“I’minnoshape for a social event.Tomorrow? It’ll take a week’s worthofsoakingina bathtubto scrub off all this grime. All he wanted was a longrest and to head home at earlylight.” He resisted sniffingthe underside of his arm, knowingfull well he stankto highheavenafter runningthese cattle alongthe westerntrail.The cattle wouldbe shippedfurther westtoSanFranciscoandhe wouldsoon pocket a heftyprofit fromthe marketeer for his father. His hopes of fallinginto a soft mattress inthe ManhattanHotel weredashedwiththetelegram’sarrival.
His parents would arrive soon and check into the Manhattan Hotel. He was to join them this eveningfor a birthdayparty, dance, meet-n-greet, whatever his folks wanted to call it, for a local gal namedEmiliaHigginbotham whatkindofnamewasthat?
The Higginbothams had made a lucrative marriage arrangementwithhis parents. The partywould be an opportunity for him to meet his bride, celebrate her twentieth birthday, and announce their engagement. Thatwas whyhis parents were joininghimfor this auspicious occasion. Theywanted to bepresentfor thepublicannouncement.
His days ofbeinga free manwere comingto anend. His parents were determined it was time he settled down. He couldn’timagine himselfmarried!Sure, itwas a fine institutionfor his parents and some of his friends, but he’d never seriously considered himself the husband-type or under the controllingwhims ofa female. He’d seenhow his friends changed as soonas theysaid “Ido.” Itwas notfor thefaintofheart.
But it seemed, lately, it was the only thing his mother thought about since he reached what was considered adult status. Now she and his father had made a business arrangement for himto have a wife.Awifewithasubstantial dowry,accordingtothetelegram.Wasthattheonlyitemofimportance when choosing the woman he’d spend the rest of his life looking at fromacross the breakfast table? He loved his parents, but he loved his life as a bachelor, too. Why couldn’t his mother realize he would gladlysettle downwhenhe was ready? He wanted to find a gal that was right for him. Agal thatheknew inhisheartwastheone.
Ashiver ran down his spine. The last of the bovine entered the last livestock car. He turned his steed to address the marketeer. The man licked his finger and counted out the paper money until he had whatwas owed the FlyingWRanch. Jasper folded the bills and stuffed theminhis inside breast pocket.
“Been a pleasure doing business with ya.” Jasper said as politely as he knew his mother would havewantedandshooktheman’shand.
Turningtohiswaitingmen,heshouted,“All rightboys.Here’syour pay.”
He divided out their portions of the earnings, including his own pay so he could get a room, and the profitfor his father’s coffers he stuffed backinto his vestpocket. “Let’s secure some hotel rooms andgetsomerest.You’ll beheadingbackearlytomorrow morning.”
“Hotel room?” Cheyenne Fergusonlaughed. “Nah, boss. I’mgonna find me a saloonand rentme a roomupstairs,ifyouknow whatImean.”Hesaidwithawinkandawickedgrin.
Jasper nodded, but he didn’t approve. That just wasn’t how he had beenraised. “Well, just make sure you’re ready to go at sunup. My folks are meeting me here… for some business we gotta take care ofinSalida,soI’ll putCookie incharge” he metthe older man’s gaze toconfirmhe accepted the new assignment “He’ll see youall get home all right. We don’t want to leave anybodybehind, sodon’tgivehimnotrouble.”
“Don’t youworrynone about Cheyenne, boss.” James Blacktrotted off beside Cheyenne, several others rode alongside them.Onlytwoofhis men,Cookie,the chuckwagonmaster,andScout,a native employeeandfriendwhodidashisnameimplied,scoutedaheadoftheherdtoensuretheyhadplenty ofstreamsandshadefor thecattle,joinedJasper tocheckintothehotel.
Cookiesquintedoneeye.“I’ll makesuretheygethome,Jasper.You’vegotenoughonyour mind.”
Whatdid he know? Had Jasper’s father told the old hand aboutthis matchmakingpartyhappening in Salida? Not unless his parents had known they were going to do this before he left on the cattle drive. Otherwise, why would they inform him with a telegram? Telling him of their plans while he was home would have been less expensive. But Jasper had to admit, it would have been less effective.Now hehadnochoicebuttomeethisparentsandattendtheparty.
Jasper nodded to the two morallyrespectable menwitha smile. He was too tired to getinto what Cookie might or might not already know. They rode in silence to the Manhattan Hotel. He asked for three rooms, so they’d each have the privacy they deserved after sleeping together under the stars, paid for the three rooms out of his ownpay, so it didn’t come out of their pay, as a reward for their goodbehavior.Thenhebidthemgoodrest.
Aloneinhisroom,hedidsniffhisarmpit.“Whew!”
It was disgustingevento himself. He smelled like campfire smoke, cattle, dirt, and soured sweat. Nota pleasantodor to be walkinginto a birthdaydance for his future wife. His imaginationbeganto wander.Her name was Emilia.He thoughthe likedthe name,Emilia,buthe justcouldn’tabide bythe idea of getting married. He was young, still. Never sewed a single wild oat, as they say. He wasn’t sure what that meant exactly, but he’d never done it, and if he married this gal his mother and father hadchosen,henever would.
Should he join Cheyenne and James at the saloon for one last chance to go to tiger town. Maybe later, right now that soft mattress was calling to him. After a nap, he’d decide what he could do to
enjoyhislastfew hoursofbeingasingleman.
Joltedawakebyaknockathisdoor,Jasper satstraightup.“What?” “Jasper,Darling,it’sMother.”
“Mother!”Jasper repeated,tryingtoshakethecobwebsfromhismind.“Ijustwokeup.Whatroom areyouin?”
His mother called the roomnumber through the door. “So, we’ll see you in a bit? We should go downtogether.”
“Uh, I don’t know.” He stood beside his bed. “I was thinking I should buy Emilia a birthday present.Imayjustmeetyouintheballroom.”
“Oh, how nice. Yes, youshould do that.” Mother’s voice softened. “All right, then. We’ll see you attheparty.”
Glancingathimselfinthe small mirror behind the water bowl and pitcher. He had notplanned on attendinga formal affair, he had nothingwithhimto get gussied up, as his mother would want. Sure, he could probably pick something up for himself off the hook at the mercantile when he found a suitablebirthdaygiftfor Emilia,butthedesiretodressupinanill-fittedsuitwasnotinhisbones.
Steppinginto the hall, cautiouslylookingfor his parents inaneffortto avoid them, he strode to the frontdesk. “MayIhave myclothes brushed, and myboots polished, please. And could yousend up a bathtub?”
The manbehind the counter seemed tickled pinkto accommodate his everywish. Sucha different attitude from when he and the other two checked in. Obviously, Father had let the hotel know who theywere.Jasper rolledhiseyes.Hehatedbeingpretentious.Hisfather seemedtothriveonit.
Once he had cleaned up, he’d go to the mercantile. He couldn’t arrive without havinghis present for the birthday girl wrapped nicely for her to open. What kind of cad shows up at his intended’s birthday party without a properly adorned box? Besides, he needed a diversion from his lingering cattle-drive aroma,his giftshouldbe justsucha distraction,andanexcuse topreventhis mother from knowingwhathewaswearinguntil itwastoolate.
Ifhis future bride didn’tlike the smell ofcattle anddirt,thenshe wasn’trightfor himanyway.The sooner he discoveredher tolerances,the better.He justhopedshe wasn’tlonginthe toothanduglyas the dayis long. Asubstantial dowryusuallymeant there was somethinglackinginher appearance or personality. What had his folks gotten him into? He wasn’t sure if he should pray for a pleasant appearanceor apleasantpersonality.Didhehavetosettlefor oneor theother?
After all, this was the womanhe’d be lookingatfirstthinginthe morningand lastthingatnight. A shiver randownhisspine.
“Lord, don’t let her be ugly!” he prayed, thenheaded backto his roomfor that hot bathwhile the
Chapter2
Emilia chewed the inside of her cheekas she and her parents rode to the ManhattanHotel for her party.Shefacedthethingapbetweenher father andmother.Father hadtoallow for thefullness ofher skirts by positioning his legs far to his right, while her mother angled away from him to avoid entanglingwithEmilia.
Emilia was glad for the horse drawncarriage her father had ordered the yardman, Bill Ferguson, to lease for their trip into town. Ridinginthe wagonwould have beenuncomfortable, and whenthey arrived, her hair would be a complete mess from the breeze, not to mention how dirty her dress wouldbe,andtheywouldlooklikerusticprovincialswhodidn’thavetwocoinstorubtogether.
Beinga land baron, her father certainlyhad more thantwo coins. He had built a lovelyhome that satabove Salida inthe mountains.Itwas a handsome estate withthree stories anda basement.Emilia appreciated its grandeur after living more lowly in Atlanta, Georgia. Her father’s success here in Colorado was not wasted on her sensibilities. It was the insistence on her marrying a complete stranger thathadher sensibilitiesruffledlikearooster standingwithhistail featherstothewind.
It was her twentieth birthday and yet, it was ruined by this betrothal nonsense being forced upon her. She moved fromchewing on the inside of her cheek to chewing on her lip. She had to figure a wayto convince her parents this was nota good idea. Buthow? Theywere dead setongoingthrough withthislucrativebusinessdeal.Didher father carenothingfor her happiness?
“You’ll wantfor nothing.” Her father had said. Well, she would wantfor something!She knew she would. She’d wantfor a husband who loved her withall his heartand wanted her to be happyabove everything else. Simply married and wealthy was not enough for her. What if he was ugly! Or old! She had notthoughtto evenaskaboutthis Jasper Weatherby. She onlyknew his name and thathe was a cattle baron’s son. Surely, ifhe was the son, he would notbe old. Could she hope he would notbe hideoustolookateither?
Emiliaswallowed.
“Whatisit,Dear?”Her mother lookedconcerned.
“Nothing.” Emilia quickly answered before she blurted out her mind’s true thoughts. “I’m a bit nervous,isall.”
“Well,” Father chuckled. “There’s nothing to be nervous about. You’ve been to parties like this before.”
“Yes, but ” She closed her mouth. There was no need to remind Father that this birthday party would end withanannouncementthatshe would be wed soon. This evening, she would have to stand
in front of everyone, smile, and look like the happy, blushing bride-to-be, while inside, she was afraidshewouldbeill fromfightingthevapors.Shestaredoutthelittlewindow instead.
“Oh,comeon,Darling.”Mother coaxed.“Youlovebirthdays!Thisoneissimplyextraspecial!”
Emilia pressed a smile toward her mother and gave an agreeable nod, to make Mother happy. In truth,Emiliawasfightingtears.
Soon, the driver stopped the carriage. The Manhattan Hotel, which sat on the Arkansas River in thecenter ofdowntownSalida,wasbeautiful.Builtwithlocallyquarriedgranitestones,ithadalowrise castle look about it. Emilia had to admit, this was the perfect place to throw a party. The ballroomwas enormous, and the staff were graciouslyaccommodating. Her mother knew how to put together asoiréethatwouldbetheenvyofthewholetown,andmaybeafew nearby.
They were intentionally forty-five minutes later than the hour that the guests had been told to arrive. Another of her mother’s social schemes, allowing Emilia, the guest of honor, to arrive poignantly as if she were the queen or something just as worthy. Her father exited the carriage first, putouthishandtoher mother,whosteppeddowngracefully.
Emilia prayed she could move as smoothly. She was knownto step onher hemand trip easily, or lose a shoe and end up hopping until she found it. She gathered her skirts in one hand, gripped the inside of her shoes with curled toes, and reached for her father’s hand with the other. Slowly, she emerged. The taffeta skirts rustled as she moved through the small door. At last, she stood, in one piece,withher parents,anddriftedtotheentranceofthehotel.
The string instruments could be heard playing, as they ascended the lovely wooden staircase toward the ballroom. Stone and wood adorned everything from walls to windows. And every window gavewaytoaview oftheriver andmountains.Itwasalovelyhotel.
Her nerves were balled up and itwas a struggle to float, as she had beentaught, toward her grand entrance. The birthday girl! Would her fiancé be the first to greet her inside? She had no idea what Jasper Weatherbylookedlike.Wouldshemakeafool ofherselfbynotrealizingitwashim?
She drew in a deep breath, closed her eyes, and paused outside the doors that were about to be opened,ceremoniously,justfor her.
“Are you ready?” Her father asked as he grasped the ornamental door handle. Her mother took aholdoftheother handle.Together theywouldopenthedoor,andEmiliawouldwalkin.
Shenodded,withasinglejerkofher head,andclosedher eyesagain.
She felt the whoosh of air as the doors opened. The string instruments swelled louder as the barrier was released for the music to spill into the hall. She drew inanother deep breathand opened her eyes.Anticipatinganoverwhelmingreceptionfromthoseinsidetheballroom.
Couples were dancing, people were walkingpastthe door, some were talkingalongthe perimeter
of the room, a waiter carrying a tray of edibles walked by, while another crossed the opposite directionwitha trayoffluted glasses filled withbubblingchampagne held over his shoulder. Emilia stoodthere smilingbrilliantly unnoticed.
Her father stepped into the roomand cleared his throat. No one heard him. He snatched a glass of champagne, and a spoon fromthe other waiter with food, and tapped the silver against the bell-like glass.Thetinklingdrew theattentionofthoseclosesttohim.
“MayIpresent!” Her father projected his voice over the noise as ifhe were onstage at a theater. “MissEmiliaHigginbotham,birthdaygirl andhonoreefor theevening!”
The people gasped, and laughed, and someone beganclapping. It was contagious, soonthe entire ballroom stood looking at her, and applauding her appearance. Heat filled her cheeks. She feigned humble dismissal of their applause, and shook her head, dismissing the attention as nonsense. Her father handed her a fluted glass, and thenher mother, and lifted his ownhighover his head. “Happy Birthday!MyDarlingDaughter!Emilia!”
The crowd did the same and the chant was echoed throughout the ballroom. “Happy Birthday, Emilia!”
She sipped her drinkand smiled graciouslyat everyone who caught her eye. Where was this man to whom she was to be betrothed this very night? Why hadn’t he approached her or made a toast. JennySanders, her best friend, ranto her, squealingabout how beautiful she looked. HuggingJenny, shelookedaroundfor someonewhomightbethemanshewouldsoonwed.
“Come.” Jenny grinned. “You must get a dance card. I’m sure all the men will want to sign it.” Jennypulledher over toa table withthe embossedcards andpencils.Emilia liftedone andwrote her name across the top. She slipped the ribbonover her gloved wrist and stood backwithJennyto see who asked her for the first dance. The string quartet resumed playing and the couples resumed waltzing or dancing to what the musicians played next. Emilia watched the couples walk elegantly andswaythroughthreeother dancesbeforeshehadhadenough.
Was the manshe had beenpromised to inmarriage evenhere? She looked across the ballroomat all the faces. No one seemed interested in her at all. Whoever this Jasper Weatherby was, he either had not bothered to come to her birthdayparty, or he was ignoringher entirely. Did she want himto find her and sweep her out on the dance floor? Just then, the doors opened again, and in walked a ruggedlyhandsomecowboy.How shewishedher betrothedcouldbethisextremelystunningman.Her heartpounded. Could others hear her sillyheart? Thenanidea came to her. She bither lip, actingon theideabeforeshereturnedtoher senses,andmarchedtowardthecowboy.
He looked outofplace, glancingaround for the appropriate locationto putthe little decorated box he held. Was ita birthdaypresentfor her? Whatelse could itbe? She marched up to him, closer than
sheshouldwithoutintroductions,andclaspedhisarmasiftheywereoldfriends.
“Playalong,andI’ll giveyoutendollars,”shehissed.
***
Jasper looked at the woman clasping his armwith a mischievous grin. Who was this little minx? Did she thinkhima vagrantoffthe streets who wandered inlookingfor food? Surelyshe realized he was aninvitedguestwiththe giftinhis hand.Hadhis disdainfor dressingformallylefthimtoappear needy? He chuckled to himself at the idea that ten dollars would entice him to play along with whatever schemeshewasabouttodo.
Rather, itwas curiositythatcaused himto see how this played out. Cautiously, he lether draghim across the ballroom, handing off his gift to a helpful hand that came fromnowhere. He was here to meetEmilia Higginbothamand her family. Would theybe upsetto see himallowingthis unrulygal to lead himinto some game of… whatever this would turnoutto be? Ever vigilant, he was prepared to statehehadnothingtodowiththis woman’s game,shoulditturnintoanawkwardor unkindsituation.
He wished, not for the first time, that he had some idea ofwho he was here to meet. At least then hecouldbeawareifsheor her familywerewatchingthisimpromptuinteraction.
Hestumbledandthenmatchedher pace,surrenderingtowhatever prankthis was.Soon,theystood infromof a manand womanwho could easilybe her parents. She had their combined features. His eyes, her hair color and highcheekbone structure, the jaw of the father and the beautyof the mother. Someonehadsnatchedhisgiftandputitwherever theywerebeingheld.Sohishandswerefree.
The mother was engrossed insome tale, and turned upontheir abrupt appearance, withher mouth gapingwithsurprise.
“Mother,Father.”Thewomanspokebreathlessly.Her confidenceseemedtohavefadedwhilethey traversed the room. He felt a slight tremble in her hands, although her grasp on his arm had not lessened. “I tried to tell youearlier, but youwere not listening.” She began. “I cannot marrythe man youhavechosenfor me.”
Whoa! Is that what this was about? Jasper nearlyjumped awayfromher, but her grip was tighter thanhehadimaginedthelittlegal wascapableof.Didsheclingtohimfor strengthor tomfoolery? Her mother gasped and her father clinched his jaw. Her mother’s eyes darted to see who might have overheard her outburst, and her father followed through with clinching his fists into whiteknuckled balls. Was he aboutto punchJasper inthe nose? She had his rightarmclamped downathis side,couldhedefendhimselfwithhisleftarm?
“Andwhynot,mayIask?”Her mother breathed. “Because.” Emilia raised her chin a notch. “This is my fiancé.” She jerked his arm a little for
emphasis.
Jasper opened his mouth to protest he had no knowledge of her claim. He turned to glare at her. Butthepleadingbulgeofher eyescausedhimtoclosehismouth.
He was here to meet his future bride, not this crazed woman who claimed himto be her fiancé! How did he get into such a pickle so soon? He had just arrived. How could he get out of this mad woman’s clutches? He stiffened, prepared for someone to take control of her. What could he say to make anybody around themunderstand he had nothing to do with this little theatrical display? What was she really up to? Why had she chosen him out of everybody else in this ballroom to make her declaration?
She darted a glance toward him. He met her gaze. A slight smile took over his mouth. She was lovely and didn’t seemto have a glint of crazy in her eyes. What was this about? Furthermore, who was she? Where was his true fiancée and her family? Surely by now, they were watching this boisterous exchange. Prepared to denyeverything, he stood statue still exceptto lifthis chinand look her father directly in the eyes. He opened his mouth to say, “Sir, forgive me, I do not know this woman.”Butbeforehecouldutter aword,shecontinuedwithher fabrication.
“We metseveral months ago, and he and Ihave beensecretlybetrothed. He is whyIcannotmarry themanyouhavebargainedfor myhand.”
The father locked eyes with Jasper. How many marriage arrangements had been planned for this evening’s gala? Could he convey with his eyes that he was innocent in all these claims she was making? He felt like the father was gawking at him like a gunfighter in the street, looking for a weaknessor atwitch,sohecouldlifthissidearmandkill himgraveyarddead.
“Uh.” Jasper movedatlast.“Icansee thatthis has caughtyouoffguard.” He peeledhis armoutof her grip. “I’m just going to go over there.” He pointed at some arbitrary location away from the parents.“Andletyoutalkthisout.”
He scurried through the people and found a table with mugs of beer already poured and little crackers topped withwhatlooked like sliced sausage and cheese. He filled a little plate and grabbed a mugand moved into a corner where he could hide for a little while. He had to think. Where were his parents? What had the vixengottenhiminvolved in? Would walkingawayresolve the dilemma? Hadhisfuturein-lawsseentheentirealtercation?
He didn’tknow who thatfeistylittle gal was or whyshe had commandeered himto be partofher joke, or whatever that was. If his parents saw him standing with her, spouting claims of being betrothed for several months, his mother would probablymarchhimoutto the nearestwoodshed and tan his hide, regardless of how old he was. His mother’s switches knew no bounds and his twentyseven years did not prevent her discipline. He had been sent here for a purpose and he couldn’t
embarrasshisparentsbygettingmixedupinsomeother family’ssordidaffairs.
He looked across the ballroom. That little gal was not withher parents. Where had she gone. He scanned the crowd. She wasn’t terribly tall or easy to find. Neither were his parents. Where were they? He wanted to get this meeting and announcing his engagement over with and get back to his hotel room.
“Hey.”Thevixenslidupbesidehim.
Hejumpedasifarattlesnakehadshakenitrattler athisfeet.
Chapter3
Jasper followed his mother across the ballroomto where his father stood at a counter for drinks other than water or lemonade. Asharply dressed bartender expertly blended the contents in a metal canister withiceandcoveredthetoptopreciselyshakeitfivetimes.
Ah, Father’s preferred drink. A Gentle Martini, he called it. Father looked undone. What had happened to cause themto arrive so late and in such a state? Perhaps Jasper was relieved that they had arrived late and avoided his little theatrical charade thatthe audacious gal he had leftacross the room caused. She had dragged him into a lie for her own sake. There would be no shock on his parent’spartwhenitwasrevealedthevixenwastobehisbetrothed.
Glancing at his mother’s pale, weary face, he realized there was cause for concern for both his parents’ well-being. They were never late to anything! Ever! Something devastating had to have happenedtokeepthemthislong.
“What’swrong?’Jasper focusedonhisfather’spalecheeksandtautlycompressedjaw.
Alastair Weatherbyaccepted the drinkand tossed itbacklike itwas a one-ounce shotofwhiskey, handedthemantheglassandgesturedfor another.
“Father!Tell me,whatiswrong?”
He turned to Jasper gaspingfor breathfromthe nerve-tamingvodka and vermouth. He swallowed hard, “I have never in my life experienced such a thing. These passenger trains will be the death of me.Iswear,Iintendtoinvestinour ownPullmanwhenwegetbackhome.
“Now,Dear,itwasn’tthe railway’s fault…we made the mistake.” His mother triedtosoothe him. She turned to Jasper, “And we met some very nice people today. I promised to send the missus my momma’sDutchapple-caramel pierecipe.”
His father’s face burned a brighter shade of anger. “I don’t want to discuss it. It’s all sorted out now.Wedon’thavetokeepbringingupmygrievousmistakes ”
“Grievous Father!Whathappened?” Jasper exclaimedwithmuchless patience thanhe hadever beenallowedtoaddressthepatriarch.
Father sighedforcefully.
“We picked up the wrong travel case, Dear.” Claudette Weatherby blurted. Her cheeks instantly filledwithaflushsored,Jasper wonderedifshewouldsuccumbtothevapors.
His father darted a hostile glare ather, sighed heavily, again. “Yes. We have spentthis entire time searchingfor our correct luggage. ThankGod, the personwho had takenours bymistake returned to thestationtoresolvetheerror.Butittookacoon’sagetosortitall out.”
“Oh,gosh.I’msosorry.” Jasper pursedhis lips tostaythe chuckle thattriedtogethimintodeeper trouble.“Butyou’reherenow,andeverythingisall right?”
“Yes,Dear.”Mother repliedwithanervoussmile.
Father slammed back the second martini. “Now, let’s meet your future in-laws and get this wrappedit.”
Jasper sighed.“Right.Uh,aboutthat ”
He glanced around, wondering if the little vixen was staying put with her friend in the opposite corner. He didn’t want her interfering with this important next step in his journey of enslavement by marriage.Drawinginadeep,settlingbreath,hefollowedhisparentstoanother partoftheballroom.
The two fiddles and bass played spirited dance tunes as the three Weatherby’s ignored the dancing couples. His father perused the people, finally landing his gaze of the target of his attention. He led the familypurposefullyto a couple who was sittingregally, nextto a table strewnwithribboned gifts and a two-layer cake that had piped icing spelling out Happy Birthday Emilia across the top layer. Sugar flowerscascadedalongtheedgeandover thesides.Adisplayoftalenttobesure.
Thecloser theygot,thefarther Jasper’sgutsanktohisknees.Thiscannotbe!
Jasper let his father and mother go first, since Father knew the man with which this arrangement hadbeenmade.
“Ah,Oliver Higginbotham!”Father addressedthemanseated. Mr.Higginbothamreplied,“Alastair!Youmadeit,atlast.”Heandhiswifestood.
“Yes, Imustapologize. Itseems there was a mixup withour luggage and ittookus a while to sort thingsoutandgetchanged.”
“Oh, I’mso sorryto hear that.” The manbellowed a laugh. “Traintravel is a blessingand a curse, isn’tit?”
“Yes.” Father glanced backatJasper, gesturingfor himto move closer. Jasper struggled to loosen his tongue fromthe roof of his mouth. Never had he been so cotton-mouthed. Perspiration saturated his shirt. Thank God he still wore his leather coat, or they would notice the stains encircling his armpits.Hegrabbedafrostyglassofchampagneasthewaiter walkedbyanddowneditinonegulp.
“MayIintroduce mylovelywife, Claudette Weatherby.” Father puthis armaround Mother’s back andpresentedher withaslightshove.
“Mywife,MariaHigginbotham.”Oliver stated.
Mother curtsied slightly and shook the mother’s hand. Jasper hung back a little, dreading this moment. He drew in another calming breath and prepared himself to step forward when Father introduced him, but he also anticipated the explosive reaction when Mr. Higginbothamlaid eyes on himfor thesecondtime.
“Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham,” Father began formally. “I am proud to introduce to you our son, Jasper Richard Weatherby. He has just completed a most profitable cattle drive to market here in Salida. We neglected to informhimaboutthis soirée, and I’mafraid he was notproperlyprepared to dressformally,asheshould.Myapologies.”Father bowedhishead.
“Oh, that’s quite alright.” Mr. Higginbothamreplied. “I, ofall people, understand mixingbusiness withpleasure.Right,Dear?”
There was an awkward silence. Jasper assumed Mrs. Higginbotham was supposed to reply but had not and everyone waited a moment to see what she would say. Jasper took the moment to look around the ballroomonce more. Would that vixenappear out of nowhere, like before? He didn’t see anyone who looked like her onthe dance floor. And she was too small to be seenamongthose who stood around it. He glanced at the wallflowers to see if perhaps she sat amongthemwithher friend. Why weren’t they kicking up their heels with the waiting gentlemen? Why was he so fixated on that gal?Louise,shesaidher namewas.Heneededtogether offhismindandfocusonwhatwasaboutto happen. His utmost attention was needed for this introduction. He couldn’t ruin it by scandalously searchingfor someother woman.
Jasper turned to meet his father’s pugnacious eyes. He stiffened and stepped forward, as silently commanded. Turning from his father, with his best, most personable smile, he extended his hand in greeting,ashesteppedfrombetweenhisparents,and Gawkedinawkwardsilence.
“Oh. I, uh,” Jasper couldn’t find the words. He stood before the very same parents that he had participated in the theatrical lie about being Louise’s secret betrothed. This birthday soirée and marriage arrangement had beenfor Emilia Higginbotham. Was Louise her sister? Did theyhave both daughters’ marriage arranged without their first knowing the gentleman to whom they were being betrothed?
Themother gapedathim.Thefather clinchedhisteeth.“Isthissomekindofajoke?”
Father’s face faltered, with shock. “No. I assure you, this is our son, Jasper. I’msorry he is not dressedappropriatelyfor suchanauspiciousoccasion,butpleasedon’t ”
“Enough!”Mr.Higginbothamgrowled.“WhereisEmilia?”
“I’ll find her.” Mrs. Higginbotham scrambled, but only took one step. Jasper turned to scan the crowd, as if he knew who he was looking for. Was the friend who approached Louise the other daughter? She was attractive. It would not be so bad to be married to her. He searched for either of them. Just then, the same girl popped out of the throng of people. Jasper smiled at her, thinking this mustbeEmilia.
“Mr. Higginbotham, Mrs. Higginbotham.” The excitement in the girl’s voice made her sound
breathless.Mrs.Higginbothamjoinedher husband,listeningtothegirl.
“Our birthday girl isn’t feeling well. She asked me to let you know she has gone to her room upstairstoliedown.”
The Higginbotham’s looked alarmed, and then concerned. “What now?” Mr. Higginbotham muttered.
Jasper rubbed his hand downhis face. She could notbe Emilia ifshe addressed theminthis way. Thiswasgettingverycomplicated.
Mrs. Higginbothamtouched her husband’s armina wifelywayand whispered. “I’ll go see about her.”
Jasper watchedthewomanfloatthroughthepeopleandoutthemaindoorsoftheballroom.
“Now what?” Jasper’s father complained. Mother whispered something to Father, and he turned back to Mr. Higginbotham. “It seems we have an engagement to announce without the betrothed coupletostandandberecognized.”
“Yes.” Higginbotham replied with a hiss. “And a birthday girl absent from her own birthday party.”
Chapter4
Maria Higginbotham rushed into the ballroom, frantically searching for her husband. She, like Jasper’s father, looked undone. Her voice sounded as if she had been screaming and gone hoarse whenshecalledouttohim.“Oliver!”Sheclearedher throatandtriedagain.“Oliver!”
Mr. Higginbotham excused himself from Jasper and his parents, aimed to attend to his wife’s concerns.Weavingaroundsomefolkswhowereengrossedinconversationnear alinen-coveredtable adornedwitha bountiful flower arrangementanddodgingbetweena couple dancingclose tothe edge ofthedesignatedfloor,hemadeadeterminedpathtohiswife.
Jasper,withinstincts for trouble burninginhis gutwhichhadbeenhonedbymanyyears ofdriving herds to market and anticipating problems before they happened, continued to watch the man as Mr. Higginbotham gently took his wife’s hand into his and peered into her reddened, distressed eyes. “Whatisit,Dear?”
He glanced around as if he were embarrassed to be having such an intimate, yet public moment withher. She spoke quicklynear his shoulder. He turned as ifto scanthe crowd. Jasper noticed how the dancers continued to dance and the wallflowers continued to eat and drink. The party continued despitetheobvious,ifoneweretotakenotice,concernsbeingexhibitedbythehosts.Notaoneofthe guestswerebotheredor interruptedfromtheir jovial activities,whiletheHigginbotham’sappearedto befallingapart.
They quickly approached the Weatherbys, apologetically. “I’mso sorry, it seems our daughter is trulymissingfromthehotel,andwemustattendtothismatter immediately.”
“Oh,Dear.”Jasper’smother empathized.“Isthereanythingwecandotohelp?”
Jasper snickered to himself. Leave it to Mother, head of the women’s auxiliary and always gracious and kind, to offer help whenthe girl had, inall reality, insulted his familybynot appearing when she should. He had no idea what she looked like, but if Louise was her sister, then surely he couldfindEmilia.
“I’ll golookfor her,”hevolunteered.
The two sets of parents stared at hima moment. Emilia’s father bobbed his head. “Yes. Yes, you should be the one to… find her and bringher backhere.” He turned to his wife. “Whathas gotteninto her?”
Mariashruggedandshookher head.Emilia’sfather continued,“Ithoughtsurelyafter ” His words faded as Jasper moved throughthe celebratorycrowd toward the doors. “Jasper?” His mother easeduptohim.“Dobecareful.It’sdarkoutandIfear for your safety.”
“Mother.”Jasper claspedher hands againsthis chest.“Ifits unsafefor me,whatchancedoes afair ladysuchasEmiliahave?”
“True.”Mother nodded.Resolvetightenedher mouthintoastraightline.“Gofindher,Dear.” He kissed her cheek and darted fromthe room. How do you find a woman you have never met? Would simplylookingfor a Louise lookalike be good enough? Thenagain, this late at night, surelya well-bredwomanwanderingthestreetswouldn’tbethathardtoidentify.
He rushed downthe stairs and out the front doors. Lookingleft and thenright, he closed his eyes, lettinghisgutinstincts,whichhardlyever werewrong,tell himwhichwayheshouldgo.
Ahigh-pitched screamechoed throughthe darkstreets. Jasper leaptinthatdirectionand ranlike a scalded dog. Whoever the scream came from may not be Emilia, but it was definitely a woman in trouble!Dartinghiseyesaboutthestreets,hehomedhishearingtowherethescreamhadcomefrom.
Another screamredirected him, and he turned toward it. Ahead, aboutthree blocks to the west, he saw a black surrey buggy in the middle of the road. The horse whinnied and pranced uneasily in its breeching. The surrey rocked back and forth as if someone inside was tussling about. Another highpitchedscreamrenttheair,andJasper ranevenfaster togettothebuggy.
He rounded the backside, clingingto the surrey’s frame, to slow his momentum, and spuninto the woman’s side. She jerked toward him, wild eyed, gasping for air, and screamed in his face. “Help me!”
Inthatinstantherealizeditwasthemischievoustrickster fromtheparty!“Louise?”Hestammered.
Glaring at the filthy, dirty scoundrel clinging to Louise’s arms still wrestling her about in the buggy, Jasper barked,“Letgoofher!”
Anger roiled inJasper’s gut. Grabbingthe driver’s wrist, he squeezed hard enoughto breakbones andcausedthemantoreleaseher arms.
She leapt into Jasper’s arms, and he pulled her fromthe buggy, standing her on her feet. Looking back at the driver, he ordered. “I don’t know what you thought you were doing, but you made a big mistake with this one.” Jasper took one step, rising on the step of the buggy, cocking this right arm back, he swung his fist into the man’s jaw! The would-be rogue crumpled like a rag doll across the seat.
Springingbacktotheground,heturnedtoLouise.“Areyoualright?”
Tears stained her prettyface. “Yes. Ihired himto take me home, butIdon’tthinkhe reallyworked for thelivery.”
Jasper glancedbackatthelimpformlyingunconsciousinthebuggy.“Well,then,hedoesn’tbelong in this buggy.” He pulled the man’s arm and flopped him in the dirt beside the vehicle. He never stirred.
“Come on,we’ll take this andgetyoubacktoyour sister’s party.Your parents are worriedenough withher missing. Whendid youleave? Do youknow where your sister went? Did youknow she was missing,too?”
Louise,staredathim.“What?Whatsister?”
Jasper spun around to look into her golden-brown eyes. He considered her odd question. Slowly realizationdawnonhim.“You’reEmilia?”
She jerked, as ifthe excitement ofbeingaccosted wore offand awareness that he had her ina lie sunk in. Her eyes darted about quickly. “No. No, I’m not.” She paused. “Th-that girl you met, who pickedupthecoin,she…she’sEmilia.”
Jasper tucked his chin close to his chest and squinted his eyes. “No.” He spoke slowly, decipheringthesituationashespoke.“Sheisn’t.She’stheonewhoalertedyour parentsthatyouwere feeling ill and had left the party. Your mother went looking for you and was distraught when she couldn’tfindyouinyour room.”
Awaveofguilt,or concern,flashedinthegirl’seyes.“Oh,dear.”
“You’vebeenlyingtomethiswholetime?”
“I-I, it was just a sweet white lie, really. I didn’t do any harm.” She lifted her chin a notch. “Besides,youliedtome,too.”
Hedroppedhisjaw indismay.“WhendidIev ”
“Yousaid your name was Richard.” She crossed her arms over her chest. Her wide-opensleeves, likealilyblossom,traileddowninfrontofher bodice. Heglaredather.“Well,inmydefense ”
“Inyour defense,youliedtome!”shesnapped.
“Notreally.Richardismymiddlename.Whataboutyou?Yousaidyour namewasLouise!” “Louiseismy” sheyelled,thensoftenedher voice “middlename!” “So,webothlied.”Heconcluded.
“Iguessso.But ”Shetiltedher head.“Whyareyououthere?
“Itoldyou,your parentsarefrantic.Theydon’tknow whereyouwent,soIagreedtofindyou.” “EventhoughyouthoughtIwasmysister?”
He glared at her. “Well, it wasn’t like you had made it very clear who you were. I had to figure somethingout whenIwas dragged over to your parents bymyparents to meet myfuture in-laws and realized itwas the same people youhad justdenounced your engagementto “ He stiffened!“Waita minute! You picked me out of the crowd, a randomcowboy, and lied to your parents about us being secretlyengaged!Whoa!Youaresomethingelse.”Heshookhishead.
“Well.Ihadnoideawhotheyhadmadethisbusinessdeal with.Iwasterrifiedyouwouldbesome
