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Whiskey River Š 2018 by Theresa Oliver
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any written, electronic, recorded, or photocopied format without the express permission from the author or publisher as allowed under the terms and conditions with which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution, circulation or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author's rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly. Thank you for respecting the work of this author. Whiskey River is a work of fiction. All names, characters, events and places found therein are either from the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to persons alive or dead, actual events, locations, or organizations is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author. For information, contact the publisher, Hot Tree Publishing. www.hottreepublishing.com Editing: Hot Tree Editing Cover Designer: RMGraphX ISBN: 978-1-925655-37-7
For those who seek love‌ may you find it in spades.
Chapter 1 New York City, New York May, 1870
Ella Raines sighed as she sat down at the bar in the Breckenridge Saloon. If she were at home, she would kick off her shoes and rub her feet—something that wouldn’t be a good idea here. Instead, she plastered a fake smile and smoothed her blonde hair away from her face. A man wearing spurs, and a handkerchief around his neck with dirty streaks across his face leered at her, obviously having just arrived from a day of work. She let out a deep breath and shook her head. She hated it when Gunner Nelson came into the saloon. But she plastered on a fake smile in greeting. “Well. Hello,
mister,” Ella said as she stood beside him, ignoring the stabbing pain in her feet. She had danced for nine straight hours, and she was ready to give her feet a good soak. But she still had another hour to go. “Would you like a dance?” He nodded as he tipped his hat. “That’s why I’m here, blue eyes.” He exhaled, his breath smelling of whiskey. “How much?” Ella looked down, glanced back up, and batted her eyelashes. “I charge a dollar a dance.” He let out a deep breath as he took his hat off and scratched his dirty head. “That sounds a bit steep. What do I get for a dollar?” he asked, looking at her with interest. Ella gritted her teeth in an attempt to hold back her temper. “Just a dance,” she said, touching his chest as she walked past. “Nothing else.” Before she could escape, he reached out and caught her hand. “Not so fast, little lady. I didn’t say no.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her close.
She pushed away and held out her hand. “Money first.” He let out a deep breath and fished around in his dirty jeans for the money. The least he could have done was bathe before he came into the saloon, she thought as she waited. “Here you go,” he replied as he handed her a wadded-up dollar bill. “Now, how’s about that dance?” He pulled her abruptly to his chest as he lifted her off her feet. Ella squirmed as she tried to push away, but to no avail. “Sir, you’re hurting me—” “The name’s Gunner.” He whipped her around, almost jerking her arm out of its socket as he pumped it up and down, earning him dirty looks from the other patrons in the saloon. “Gunner Nelson, but you can call me Gunner.” “I know who you are, Mr. Nelson. Now, put me down!” she demanded as he swirled her around, jerking her head back.
Gunner nuzzled his dirty face into her neck. “Oh. I intend to get my money’s worth first, sugar.” “Oh, no. You won’t,” Bryant, the bouncer, warned as he grabbed Gunner’s shoulder. “The ladies here aren’t soiled doves. You just pay for the dance and that’s all.” “Leave us alone,” Gunner grumbled as he looked into Ella’s blue eyes. “The lady and I haven’t finished our dance yet.” He tried to swirl away, but Bryant stopped him. “You’re done, mister.” Bryant grabbed his shoulder firmly. “Time to go.” Gunner dropped Ella, causing one of her ringlets to fall loose from her chignon. Ella rubbed her arms, knowing there would be bruises in the morning. “I said,” Gunner replied as he took a step toward Bryant, “that we haven’t finished our dance yet!” The plinking of the pianoforte stopped, and the room was suddenly silent. Not even the sound of clinking glasses was evident. “Time to go,” Bryant bellowed, clenching his fists at his sides. Ella knew that he was a no-nonsense type of
guy who meant what he said. “Either through the door or the window. It’s your call.” “Oh, no! Not through the window again!” Max, the owner, interrupted as he placed his hand on Bryant’s arm. Then, he turned to face Gunner. “If you’re not out of here in five seconds, I’m throwing you out myself! The girls in here are dancing girls, and they deserve respect. If you can’t dance with a lady respectably, then out you go.” Gunner let out a deep breath. “Oh, come on, Max! You know I’ve just got off work. All’s I want is a dance!” Ella placed her hands on her hips as she squared her shoulders. “You mean, all you wanted to do was to rip my arms out of their sockets!” Gunner pointed his finger at her as he took a step closer. “You’re damned lucky that I paid you to dance with me! A dollar’s a lot of money!” Colton, a local gunslinger who was sitting at the bar, stood. Everyone took a step back. Ella placed a calming hand on his chest. “Colton, I’ve got this.”
Colton didn’t budge, never taking his eyes from the cowboy. Ella let out a deep breath as she shook her head. “Gunner, when you come in here, you have to treat me with respect! And take a bath next time!” “Why, you little….” He took a step toward her. But before he could touch her, Colton, Bryant, and Max grabbed him and literally threw him out the door. Ella stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips, flanked by the men. Gunner quickly got to his feet and pointed his finger at Ella. “This isn’t over! Not by a long shot!” Ella laughed. “Oh, yes. It is!” Then, she turned around and walked back inside, shaking from fear and anger as she approached the bar and looked at the bartender. “Give me a beer, Sam.” He gave her a crooked grin. “You got it.” She shook her head as she rubbed her forehead. A moment later, Sam set a beer on the counter in front of her.
“I got this,” Colton said as he stood beside her. When she looked up, he was watching her. “Are you okay, ma’am?” She nodded. “Yes, I’m fine, but you didn’t have to do this,” she answered, gesturing toward the beer. Colton smirked as he smoothed his long brown hair back into a ponytail and let it go as his muscles rippled under his white shirt. His cowboy hat lay on the bar. His manner of Western dress was unfashionable for New York, but she thought he was handsome, exotic. Unlike most of the other men she had met in the city who wore top hats or derbies. “Happy to do it, miss,” he replied as he took a sip of his beer. “He shouldn’t be treating you that way.” Ella chuckled as she took a sip of her beer also. “I wish things were different.” Colton set his glass down on the bar as his piercing brown eyes looked into hers. He had been a patron of the saloon for a while, coming in for a quiet beer. But this was the first time that Ella remembered Colton ever
talking to her, or anyone else in the saloon for that matter. He frequented the saloon when he was in town. But as soon as he started getting friendly, or if people asked too many questions, he disappeared again. She knew that he was from the West, but she wasn’t exactly sure where. “It can be.” Colton shrugged. “You could go somewhere and start over. Live a new life. The life you want.” Ella nodded, understanding. “Maybe that’s what I need. A fresh start where no one knows me.” Without thinking about it, she reached over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks, Colton, for everything.” As she rushed toward the door, Colton stopped her. “Would you mind if I escort you home?” When she narrowed her eyes at him, he added, “Gunner might still be out there, waiting.” Ella shrugged. “I’ll be fine. But thank you kindly, Mr. Hill.” She looked down the bar, and a newspaper was lying on the counter. On it was the logo for a Hearts and
Hands magazine. She picked it up and began to flip through the pages. Then, she looked up excitedly at Max. “Mind if I keep this?” Max smiled. “That mail order bride rag?” He shook his head as he laughed. “Sure! Take it with you… please. One of the girls must’ve brought it in and left it tonight.” Max looked right at her as he leaned on the bar. “Now, what respectable woman in their right mind would ever answer an ad like that, I have no idea!” “Respectable….” Ella scooped the newspaper off the bar and rushed out. “Thanks, Max,” she yelled over her shoulder as she waved goodbye and headed down the dark city streets.
Chapter 2 Colton quickly finished his beer. “Women,” he stated as he shook his head. He straightened his vest and threw a coin on the bar. “Thanks for the drink, Sam.” “Hey. Thanks for the help tonight.” Max shook his hand. “We could use another bouncer around here, if you’re interested.” He shook his head. “Not right now, but thanks for the offer.” Max smiled as he stacked a chair. “If you ever decide to settle down….” “I won’t come to see you,” Colton replied, chuckling as he slid his cowboy hat into place on his head. “Yeah, yeah,” Max replied as he stacked another chair. The saloon was starting to empty. “See you tomorrow.” Colton nodded and walked out. He looked both ways and saw Ella as she turned a corner. He let out a
deep breath. “This should be interesting,” he mused, smiling as he followed. Ahead of him, Ella pulled her shawl around her shoulders as she headed down the street, and then nervously looked over her shoulder, obviously having heard footsteps behind her. Seeing it was Colton, she let out a deep breath. “Oh, you scared me half to death, Colton Hill! What on earth are you doing following me like that? Trying to scare me?” He smirked, amused at her feisty demeanor. “Hell no! If I wanted to scare you, I could have done a lot worse.” She smiled as she held a hand to her chest. “Don’t you even think about it! And go home! I’m going to see someone.” His heart sank. “Who?” he asked as he stopped dead on the cobblestones. She glanced at him but kept walking, pulling the shawl tightly around her. “Now, never you mind that. Just go on home now, ya hear?”
Colton liked the way her mouth turned up at the corners naturally, even when she was fighting mad. She was several inches shorter than him, and petite, and she reminded him of a little bantam rooster when she got her feathers all riled up. He tried to hide his smile. “Miss Raines, please do me the honor of letting me escort you home tonight. After that mess with Gunner, I don’t feel right leaving you defenseless to walk home alone in the city.” She stopped dead in her tracks and let out a heavy sigh. “Since you’re probably going to follow me anyway, come on.” Colton snickered. “Well, since you put it that way….” Ella looked at him for a minute and burst out laughing. “So, where are you headed?” Colton asked as they walked down the street, and then turned another corner.
She clutched the newspaper to her chest as she looked up at him with doe eyes. “Promise you won’t laugh?” Colton bit his lower lip. “Sure. I promise.” Ella let out a deep breath and held out the newspaper. “I’m going to see a matchmaker.” Colton burst out laughing in spite of himself. “You what?” She clenched her fists at her sides, crumpling the paper as she growled. “I knew you would laugh! All men are alike!” He gently grabbed her arm, turning her around. “Not all men are alike. I’m living proof of that.” Ella looked him up and down, and then walked away. “Oh, I can see that.” “All right.” Colton hurried to keep up with her quick pace. “Miss Raines, you don’t need a matchmaker.” She let out a deep breath as she came to a stop. “And why not?” Colton suppressed a smile. “Because a woman as beautiful as you doesn’t need a matchmaker.” He shrugged. “Any man would be glad to marry you.”
She shook her head as she hurried down the street. “Then where is he?” She stopped short as she stared into Colton’s eyes. “As you can see, Prince Charming hasn’t exactly ridden in on his white horse yet.” Colton laughed again. “Well, maybe he will.” Ella stopped short, looked up at a house number, not hearing him. “This is it!” she squealed as she hurried up the steps. Then, she stopped short and looked into his eyes. “Do you think it’s too late to call on her?” Colton bit his upper lip to keep from smiling. “Well, you came all this way….” She opened her fingers and pushed her arms down at her sides. “You’re right.” Then, she screwed up her courage and knocked on the door. “Coming,” a woman’s sultry voice sang as heels clicked against a wooden floor. The door opened slightly and a woman’s head peered out. She had beautiful black hair pulled up into delicate ringlets, and wore a lovely pale blue dress. Despite the late hour, she looked freshly
put together. She looked Ella up and down and smiled. “May I help you?” Ella took a deep breath. “Yes. I’d like to answer one of your ads.” Colton stood behind her, amused, as he took in the scene unfolding before him. The woman’s eyebrows pulled together in concern as she looked quickly at Colton and back at Ella. “It appears that you have a perfectly good suitor here.” Ella laughed. “No. He’s my… my….” Colton raised an eyebrow. “Escort,” she interjected, and then looked at Colton apologetically. “May I present Colton Hill.” Colton’s smile disappeared, but he nodded and turned his attention to the other woman. “’Tis a pleasure.” She nodded politely. “The pleasure is mine.” Ella gave him a grateful look, and then looked back at the woman. “Are you Madame Samantha Chase, the matchmaker?” She held out the ad to the woman. She smiled. “Yes. That is my advertisement. Do come in.” Ella cringed. “Are you sure the hour is not too late?”
“Well, there’s no use wasting a trip.” She stood back and held the door open. “Do come in.” “Thank you, Madame Chase,” Ella replied cautiously as she stepped into the lovely modern home and Colton followed. Intricately carved oval tables were scattered around the room, a red velvet chaise lounge set against the far wall near a large set of windows with sheers and heavy red drapes. The room looked decadent but tasteful, reminding Colton of an upscale brothel. Not that he frequented them often. Madame Chase stopped in the center of the room and gestured to two floral chairs. “Please, sit down,” she purred, perching on a black settee, her back perfectly straight. “Which advertisement are you interested in?” “This one,” Ella stated as she held out the paper to the woman. Colton considered stopping this nonsense, thinking it had gone far enough, but he was too intrigued.
“The advertisement for the banker in Whiskey River, Wyoming?” Madame Chase asked. “Marvelous!” “What?” Colton asked as he grabbed the paper and quickly scanned it. “This is in the middle of nowhere!” Madame Chase recoiled slightly, but quickly recovered herself. “Yes, but Whiskey River is an up-andcoming town located at the base of a beautiful mountain range.” Colton
leaned
forward
and
gave
her
the
advertisement. “And what about him?” “Colton!” Ella scolded. He looked at Madame Chase expectantly, ignoring Ella. “Yes, well,” Madame Chase continued, “Dallas King is a rich gentleman, a banker, and a respectable member of society. From what I know of him, he’s the pillar of the community.” “From what you know?” Colton rolled his eyes. Ella’s mouth fell open. “Colton!” Madame Chase’s eyebrows pulled together in concern when she asked cautiously, “What made you want to answer this advertisement, miss?”
Ella thought for a moment. “I want to be respectable again.” She bit her lower lip as tears brimmed her eyes. “Madame Chase, I’ve been a dance hall girl in a saloon for a few years now and I want something different. I want to be respected; a member of society.” Madame Chase nodded, looked over at Colton, who rolled his eyes, and then back at Ella. “I’ll see what I can do,” she reassured as she rose to her feet. “Well, if you’ll excuse me. The hour is getting late.” “Oh! Of course,” Ella agreed as she rose to her feet. Madame Chase linked her arm with Ella’s as they walked together toward the door and Colton followed. “I’ll send word in a few days to go over the final details. Will that be agreeable to you?” Ella beamed. “Most definitely!” Madame Chase smiled. “Good. In the meantime, I’ll send Mr. King a wire to let him know you’re coming and when you’ll arrive. When I hear back from him, I will let you know.” She indicated a writing desk by the door and
slid a sheet of paper toward her. “Kindly write down your name and address so I might get in touch with you.” Ella sat at the desk, picked up the quill, and began writing in elegant script. Colton waited silently by the door, thinking that this whole mess was silly. But if it was what Ella wanted, then who was he to stand in her way? She handed the matchmaker the paper, beaming from ear to ear. “Thank you so much! I look forward to hearing from you soon.” “Oh, and Ella.” Madame Chase stopped her after looking down at the piece of paper. “I’m going to tell Mr. King that you come from a prominent family here in New York. This way, you will have a chance at an entirely new life.” She glanced over at Colton and then said to Ella, “Also, you can always change your mind, just to let you know. This is not a form of slavery.” Ella nodded as she took her hands. “I understand. Thank you, Madame Chase. I shall see you soon.” She smiled. “Until then.”
“Ma’am,” Colton stated as he tipped his hat at Madame Chase and opened the door for Ella, and then closed it behind them. “Mr. King!” Ella prattled on as they walked. “He sounds promising, indeed! And a banker at that!” “Miss Raines, are you sure that you want to do this?” Colton asked as he pulled her to a stop. “Whiskey River is out in the middle of nowhere! And for all we know, this Mr. King could be a murderer… or something else entirely!” She looked up at him, and her eyes became serious. “Mr. Hill, don’t you see? This could be the start of a new life for me. I want to settle down and live a respectable life. Who better to do that with than a gentleman who is a prominent figure in society?” “In the mountains?” Colton argued. “For all we know, he could be some kind of mountain man worse than Gunner.” She huffed as she walked away. “Well then, that is a chance I’m going to have to take.”
Colton grabbed her arm and turned her around to look her in the eyes. “If this means so much to you, then I’m going, too.” She jerked her arm away. “Oh, no. You most certainly are not!” “Oh, yes. I am,” he said, enjoying her feisty attitude. “I will not allow you to travel so far unaccompanied.” “Allow?” Ella asked as her voice rose several octaves. “I doubt you have any say in the matter.” “Besides,” Colton continued as if he hadn’t heard her, “it’s been a while since I’ve been out West. Whiskey River sounds like as good a place as any to settle down.” Ella rolled her eyes and walked ahead, but Colton hurried to stand close to her as they neared a lamppost. Several men were standing on the corner, and appeared to have been drinking. “Ma’am,” two men said, tipping their hats as she and Colton walked past. The others leered until Colton gave them a dirty look. “This is what I’m talking about,” Colton said as he indicated the men behind them. “You are not going to
some godforsaken place alone!” Colton grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop. “And if we’ll be traveling together, I want you to call me by my given name.” She let out a deep breath as she pulled her shawl tightly around her shoulders. “I can’t change your mind, can I?” He smiled. “No more than I can change yours.” She thought about it for a moment and then thrust her hand out to him. “Then you must call me Ella.” But instead of shaking it, he raised it to his lips and kissed it gently, never taking his eyes from hers. “Enchanted.” She quickly pulled her hand away and walked on. “Now, don’t you dare get that started.” Colton laughed as he followed. Never before had he met a woman with such fire. If nothing else, he was going to enjoy spending time with this enchanting lady. “So, where is your home?” Ella nodded to a tall brownstone. “There. I live in a tenement on the seventh floor. I can tell you that I won’t miss it at all.” “Do you live alone?”
She sighed. “I live with my best friend, Mia Flynn.” Colton laughed. “So, she’s Italian and Irish?” Ella couldn’t help but giggle. “Neither. She’s American.” Colton nodded. “Which tenement?” She stopped and glared at him. “Why?” He laughed. “Because I’ll need to know where to meet you.” “Meet me at the train station. I’ll let you know when.” She stopped before the brownstone and looked up at Colton. “Thank you so much, Mr. Hill, for escorting me tonight.” He tipped his hat slightly. “It was my pleasure,” he said. “And the name’s Colton.” She nodded and smiled as she hurried into the brownstone, leaving Colton behind. He sighed as he watched her disappear into the building, wondering what he had just gotten himself into. He chuckled as he walked away. One thing was certain: traveling with Ella Raines was going to be an adventure.
Chapter 3 Ella walked up the seven flights of stairs to her twobedroom tenement. The lights were out when she walked in, except for the reflection of a flickering candle dancing on the walls of the small parlor. “There you are!” Mia exclaimed, her blonde waves framing her face. “Do you know what time it is? I’ve been so worried!” Ella set her reticule down on the nearest table, hung her shawl up on the coat rack in the corner, and plopped down on the nearest chair in a very unladylike manner. Mia stood over her with her hands on her hips. “Where have you been? I was worried about you!” Ella opened her eyes as she let out a deep breath. “I’m moving.” “What? When? What happened?” Mia asked as tears sprang to her eyes. She sank down into the high-backed chair kitty-corner from Ella’s.
“Could we talk about this tomorrow?” “No.” “I didn’t think so.” Ella sat up. “I think you should sit down.” “I am.” “So you are.” “Stop wasting time.” Mia had been her roommate for three years, since she first moved to New York. “Where are you going?” Ella let out a deep breath. She and Mia had become fast friends after Mia arrived in New York. They met at the Breckenridge Saloon when Mia was hired, and had been best friends since. She had no idea how she could tell her. Ella leaned forward and took Mia’s hands into her own. “I’m moving to Wyoming to become a mailorder bride.” “You what?” she asked, her voice rising several octaves. “What in the world ever possessed you to do such a thing?” “Mia, I need to make a change—”
“Then marry someone here! Or open a dress shop! Anything!” Tears welled up in Mia’s eyes. “But don’t move away.” “Try to understand,” Ella cooed as tears rimmed her eyes. “I want to live a respectable life. I’m tired of the way a lot of men treat me.” Mia’s eyes filled with sympathy. “Ella, what happened?” Ella dropped her hands and walked across the room. “Gunner came into the saloon tonight and made a fool of himself.” Since they worked together, Mia knew all of the same people. “He’s harmless.” “He’s dangerous!” Ella countered. “You should have seen him! He was twirling me around like a rag doll!” Mia sat back on her chair. “Ella, in our line of work —” “I know, Mia,” she replied. “That’s why I want to get out.” She sat back, taking a moment to calm herself. “Mia, I want to get married and have children one day, and I can’t do that being a dance hall girl.” Mia forced a smile. “I’m going to miss you.”
Ella pulled her in for a hug. “I’m going to miss you, too.” She pulled back when a thought occurred to her. “Hey! Why don’t you come with me?” Mia forced a smile. “No. I don’t think so. I wouldn’t want
to
interfere
with
your
marriage…
or
respectability.” “Now, wait a minute.” Ella pulled Mia out of her chair. “You are very respectable.” She pulled her in for a hug. “I just wish that you could come with me.” Mia smiled as she returned the hug. “I’m going to miss you, too.” Ella pulled back. “Well, I’m not gone yet so you’ll still have to put up with me for another week, at least.” Mia’s lips curved down into a pout. “So soon?” “Come with me,” Ella begged as she took her hands. “I don’t want to leave you here alone.” Since they’d met, Ella had felt protective of her best friend. She was really too shy to be a dance hall girl, but she did it for the money. “You can do anything with your life. Anything at all, Mia.”
But Mia just shook her head as tears rimmed her eyes. “You’ll write to me, won’t you?” Ella pulled her in for another quick hug. “Of course I will.” When she pulled back, there were tears on both their cheeks. “Okay. Let’s save the goodbyes for another day. It’s getting late. We have a lot to do in the morning.” “You mean, you have a lot to do,” Mia corrected. Ella gave her friend a pleading look. “But you’ll help me, won’t you?” Mia nodded, forcing a smile through her tears. “Of course.” *** Ella spent the rest of the week preparing for the trip. And, true to her word, Mia helped her as much as she could. Soon, Ella had her trousseau filled with a bridal gown and new dresses. Over the years working as a dance hall girl, she had saved plenty of money. She felt a bit nervous about having to dip into it, but making a good impression was necessary, and the money she spent hardly made a scratch in her savings. She was enjoying it. It had been a
while since Ella had gone shopping for anything new. It felt good to be embarking on a new life, a new adventure in the West. Madame Chase sent word for her to visit. When the day arrived, Ella did her hair, dressed in her finest new gown and hat, donned a parasol, and pinched her cheeks to make them rosy. As she walked through the cobblestone city streets of New York, past the brownstones and tall buildings, headed toward Madame Chase’s house, men tipped their derby hats to her as she passed. For the first time in a very long time, Ella felt respectable. Soon, she came to the familiar brownstone building that was Madame Chase’s. She walked up the stone stairs and knocked on the door. The door opened, and a maid stood on the other side. “My name is Ella Raines. Madame Chase is expecting me,” she said, already feeling a part of society.
The maid stepped back. “Come in, miss. You can wait in the parlor. Madame Chase will be with you momentarily.” Ella nodded. “Thank you.” She pulled down her parasol and walked into the salon. She perched on the edge of a straight-back chair, careful not to let her back touch it. “My, my! Don’t you look fine,” Madame Chase gushed as she entered the room a moment later. She squeezed Ella’s hands as she stood. “You are a respectable lady, indeed!” She stood back at arms’ length and looked her up and down. “I love the dress! You must tell me who your seamstress is before you leave.” “Thank you, Madame Chase,” Ella said as pride filled her heart. “Did you receive word from Mr. King?” “Please, sit down,” Madame Chase encouraged as she perched on the edge of the chair kitty-corner from where Ella sat. “Shall I call for some tea?”
“If it isn’t any trouble,” Ella replied, already feeling like a lady. Madame Chase smiled. “’Tis no trouble at all.” She then called down the hallway, “Betsey! Would you come in here, please?” The maid appeared in the doorway a moment later. “Would you be so kind as to bring us a pot of tea, dear?” Betsey curtseyed. “Right away, ma’am.” After the maid left, Madame Chase turned to Ella. “Now, I have good news.” “Please, tell me,” Ella begged as her heart fluttered. Madame Chase folded her hands on her lap, clasping them together. “I sent a telegram to Mr. King the day after we spoke, telling him about you. I said that you were from a prominent family here in New York and were seeking adventure in the West.” She leaned forward for effect. “I received word from him yesterday, and he is eager to meet you. From what he said, there aren’t many women in the West, especially women of society.” Madame Chase took her hands. “Miss Raines,
Mr. King cannot know about your past. If he were to find out, he would surely break off the engagement.” A pang of guilt pulled at her chest for the lie, one that would affect the rest of her life. But she knew it was the only way to overcome her past. She pushed the thought aside as she nodded, understanding all too well that reputation was everything. It was the story of her life. When men discovered her profession, they fled as fast as their feet could carry them. “You will leave this Saturday,” Madame Chase continued. “I have arranged for you and your escort to travel by train to Wyoming. Mr. King will meet you at the station.” “Is it wise for me to bring an escort?” Ella asked, a bit concerned. “My dear,” Madame Chase replied, “not only is it wise, it is expected. No self-respecting young lady of society would ever dare travel unaccompanied through the wilds of the West. But fear not. Mr. King knows of your escort.”
Ella nodded as an image of Colton Hill flashed through her mind. But she quickly pushed the thought aside. “What does Mr. King look like?” Ella asked as Colton’s words ran through her mind. Society or not, somehow she couldn’t see herself married to a mountain man with a big, bushy beard. Madame Chase shook her head. “I don’t have a photograph, but he said that he has blond hair and blue eyes, just like yourself. Also, he is young, in his late twenties.” Ella nodded as she smiled. “How could he be so young….” “And still be a banker?” Madame Chase finished. Ella nodded. Madame Chase shrugged. “Hard work. From what I understand, he journeyed to Whiskey River several years ago and started the bank there. He quickly made a name for himself and is now a respected member of society.” Ella beamed. “He sounds perfect.”
Madame Chase paused, studying Ella for a moment. “I am so sorry, but I must ask. Are you sure that Colton Hill isn’t a good fit for you instead?” Ella’s eyes opened wide in surprise as she shook her head. “For one thing, the man is infuriating. Then again, if I were to marry him, nothing would change. I would still be who I am now.” Madame Chase smiled. “And is that a bad thing?” Ella inhaled as she pondered the question. “Madame Chase, I want a different life. A respectable life. And I do not think that will be possible with someone like Colton Hill.” Madame Chase’s eyebrows pulled together in concern. “Why not?” Ella let out a deep breath. “He has a reputation as a gunslinger, for one thing.” Madame Chase narrowed her eyes. “Are you certain of that?” When she didn’t answer, Madame Chase reached over and took Ella’s hands into her own, forcing her to look into her eyes. “When men—and women, for
that matter—acquire a bad reputation, it’s most difficult to overcome.” Ella knew the feeling well. “That is precisely the reason why I want to go to Whiskey River… for a fresh start.” Madame Chase smiled as she gave Ella’s hand a gentle pat. “And you shall have it.” She rose to her feet as Ella did the same. “Are you prepared?” Ella nodded as her heart fluttered. “I’m all packed and have my trousseau ready.” Madame Chase smiled. “Good.” She placed her arm around Ella, guiding her subtly toward the door. “Then, it’s all settled. I shall meet you and Mr. Hill at the train station Saturday.” A broad smile spread across Ella’s face. She couldn’t remember a time when she had been so excited. “I’ll see you there.” As Ella walked down the street, she couldn’t help but think that this was it… her last chance at a new life. She just hoped that Colton Hill still wanted to be her escort. As she headed home, she felt another pang of
guilt grab her chest for the lie of her being from a prominent New York society family, but it was the only way.
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