Brides of Arizona, page 22
Chapter 7
Waiting for the stage’s arrival, Quinn couldn’t seem to keep his mind on his duty and off of Kathleen. Yesterday, she had moved into her new quarters at Mrs. Monroy’s boardinghouse. For the past two weeks, she had been hard at work helping Glorianna with the babies. Then, when they were napping, she would slip away and go to work on the room that would become her seamstress shop. He couldn’t believe how she’d taken a dingy, cobweb-infested place and made it into an airy, inviting room. Yellow curtains draped across clean windows. Sunlight-brightened walls held swatches of colorful materials.
Although Kathleen continued to discourage his visits, Quinn couldn’t make himself stay away. He’d never wanted to be tied down with a wife and kids, but for some reason, since he’d met Kathleen, that didn’t matter so much. She still didn’t feel comfortable going into town without her hat and veil firmly in place. He accused her of hiding her beauty from the world when, in reality, he only wanted to be able to see her himself. He didn’t care if any of the other men in town could see her. There were so few single women here that those who came were pursued by so many men, they often had trouble choosing one to marry. He didn’t want that to happen with Kathleen. She should be for him alone.
A cloud of dust roiling in the air heralded the arrival of the stage. Quinn checked his pistol, lifting it, then dropping the gun into the holster. His badge shone. Although he didn’t move other than to check his gun, his whole body tensed with readiness. Maybe today the Widow would be arriving on the stage. He still waited for her every day, hoping to catch her before she had the chance to harm one of the citizens under his protection.
The driver eased down off the coach, nodding at Quinn. After placing the small step stool on the ground, he opened the door and reached up to help someone down. Quinn tensed. His hand flexed above the handle of his pistol. A foot encased in a brown boot reached for the step. A woman in a gray dress, her hair upswept and topped with a matching gray hat, stepped down from the stage. She gave the driver a tired smile and moved away before turning around, as if waiting for someone else.
Some of the tension eased out of Quinn. He wondered who the new arrival was and if her husband accompanied her. Once more the driver reached up to help someone from the stage. This time a slender foot extended encased in black. Excitement coursed through Quinn. He gripped the butt of his gun. The woman who stepped down was garbed in black with a hat, but no veil. Dark hair, grayed by the road dust, was drawn up into a high, loose bun. Even from here, he could see a set of lively dark eyes taking in the town. She nodded to the driver and moved to stand beside the first woman. The two waited for bags from the top of the stage.
Neither of these two women was the Widow. Quinn sighed and dug his toe into the dry road. Why didn’t she just show up? He was ready and waiting. The Veiled Widow wouldn’t get past him. He’d been taking care of himself for years and had been a lawman in various cities for the past six years. His hunches always seemed to pay off … and right now, those hunches told him she would show up here in Tucson. When she did, he would be ready.
The huffing of a person in a hurry sounded from behind him. Quinn glanced around to find John Allen approaching at a faster pace than the man generally moved. His partially balding pate glistened with sweat as he removed his hat. He wiped his head with a handkerchief and slapped the hat back on.
“Afternoon, Mayor.”
“Afternoon, Deputy. Sure is a warm one for November.”
“Might be best to slow down.” Quinn grinned. He rarely saw the mayor in such a hurry. “You act like you’re heading for a fire.”
Mayor Allen wiped a drip of sweat that ran down his nose. “I almost missed the stage. Have they arrived?”
“Who?” Quinn followed the mayor’s gaze to the two women now standing next to a pile of trunks and bags at the side of the street. “Are those ladies relatives of yours?”
“What? Who?” Mayor Allen scrubbed at his mouth, looking flustered. “No, they’re not. I’m here to meet them in an official capacity. These are the new schoolteachers the town hired. I sent for a boy to bring round a wagon to take them to their rooms. They’ll be staying at Mrs. Monroy’s boardinghouse.”
Mayor Allen tore his gaze away from the two young women and glanced up at Quinn. A bright flush crept up his cheeks. “I can see we’ll have a number of men interested in meeting these ladies.”
Quinn chuckled and straightened from the wall. “Don’t count me among them. I’d better be off on my rounds. Good day.”
Striding down the street in the opposite direction of the jail, Quinn couldn’t help wondering how Kathleen would take to the new arrivals. Would she hide her face from them, too? A couple of times, he’d caught her working on the room without the veil, but she still wore the contraption around the house. Quinn gritted his teeth as a wave of anger swept through him. What he wouldn’t give to have the chance to trounce the kids who’d taunted Kathleen when she was young. Whoever did this to her had done a thorough job. Parting her from her veil would be a major undertaking—one he considered a challenge.
A half-hour later, the low rumble of his stomach alerted Quinn that evening had crept up on him. Turning in the direction of Señora Arvizu’s eatery, he quickened his pace. When he arrived, several tables were already taken. The buzz of conversation carried a hint of excitement.
“Quinn, join us.” Ed Fish waved an arm in the air. Quinn threaded his way through the crowd to the table occupied by Ed and John Wasson, owner of the Citizen newspaper.
“Evening.” Quinn sank into a chair next to Ed and signaled to Señora Arvizu. She would bring his usual. “What’s all the excitement?” Ed and John looked at him as if he’d grown an extra head.
“Haven’t you heard?” Astonishment crossed Ed’s face. “The new schoolteachers are here. We’ve seen them. I went with John to ask about interviewing them for the Citizen.”
Quinn’s lips twitched. “I didn’t know you did articles for the paper, Ed.”
Ed flushed. “I don’t. John asked me to go along and meet the teachers. As a business owner, I wanted to make them feel welcome.”
“It didn’t hurt to see that they were pretty, either.” John chuckled at his friend’s obvious discomfort. “We didn’t actually get the interview today. They were just moving in, but we did set up an appointment to talk with them tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait to read the article.” Quinn picked up a fork as the señora placed a plate loaded with steaming food in front of him. “Did you happen to meet Glorianna Sullivan’s cousin while you were there?” He tried to sound casual, hoping his friends wouldn’t suspect where his interests lie.
Ed pushed his empty plate away. “Is she the one who always wears the veil?” At Quinn’s nod, his brow furrowed. “I can’t figure out why she does that. Any ideas?”
Shoveling a forkful of beans into his mouth, Quinn hoped to avoid the question. He’d brought this on himself by inquiring, but now he didn’t want to answer. He shrugged.
“I haven’t seen her,” John said. “I’ve heard talk, though. Most people think she’s a little standoffish. Maybe she’s so ugly, she doesn’t want anyone to see what she looks like.”
Quinn choked. Ed pounded him on the back. Quinn took a deep breath, then a long swig of coffee.
“Have to be careful with that hot chili.” Ed spoke with the conviction of one who knew. “I breathed in one of those chilies last week and thought I was gonna die.” John nodded his agreement.
Pushing his plate to one side, Quinn stood. “I better be off again. ’Bout time to start my evening rounds.”
“Hey, you goin’ to the fandango next week?” John asked.
Quinn shrugged again.
“I’m going.” Ed grinned. “I imagine every bachelor around will be there. Those new schoolteachers will have their feet worn off by the end of the night. I plan to try to get in my share of dances.”
John rubbed his chin. “You know, Ed, I imagine those ladies will step around the floor more with the men they already know. What do you say to wandering over to the boardinghouse and getting better acquainted?”
Ed stood so fast he knocked over the bench he and Quinn had been seated on. His face reddened, and with Quinn’s help, he straightened the bench. The three walked out into the fading light together.
“Why don’t you come along with us, Quinn? Maybe one of these ladies will take a shine to you.” Ed clapped him on the shoulder.
“Nope, I’ve got work to do. You boys go on ahead. Besides, if I were to show up, you two wouldn’t have a chance with the ladies.” They all laughed as they headed off in opposite directions.
The urge for Quinn to go by and see Kathleen was tempered by the knowledge that Ed and John would be there visiting the new schoolteachers. Quinn didn’t want them to realize his interest lie in the mystery woman, not in the two unattached teachers who had just come to town. Tomorrow morning, he would go by and see how her shop opening had gone. He’d check to see if she’d gotten any sewing assignments, and if not, he would try to spread the word. Then again, Mrs. Monroy would be her best customer for awhile, and she knew everyone in town. News would get around.
Kathleen’s muscles ached from sitting so rigidly. For the last hour, she’d been trapped in the parlor. She’d been visiting with Mrs. Monroy and the two new schoolteachers, Maria Wakefield and Harriet Bolton, when the callers began to arrive. First, two of the town’s prominent men came: John, the owner of the paper, and Ed, who owned the flour mill. She couldn’t remember their last names.
A knock rattled the front door. Mrs. Monroy left the room.
Ed stood, his hat in his hands. “It’s sure been a pleasure meeting you ladies. We’d best be on our way.”
John jumped up. He followed Ed in lifting Maria’s hand to his lips for a quick kiss. He turned to Harriet, lingering a little over her fingers. Kathleen nearly groaned aloud at his obvious infatuation with a woman he’d only known for an hour. Maria and Harriet stood to walk their admirers to the door, chatting easily. Kathleen relaxed her tense muscles and prepared to escape to her room. Confusion reigned in the hallway, keeping her inside the parlor until it was too late.
“Here you go, gentlemen.” Mrs. Monroy gestured to the two chairs recently vacated by Ed and John. Maria and Harriet slipped into the room and resumed their seats.
“Kathleen, these are Thomas McKaye and Robert Beldon. They’ve come by to meet the new ladies in town.” Mrs. Monroy beamed as if having all these men stop by had been her idea.
Thomas, a tall, lanky man with a droopy mustache, nodded his greeting. Robert, as short and rotund as Thomas was tall, gave a grin that showed all eight of his teeth. They seemed to be waiting for Kathleen to say something. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Just as with Ed and John, she could think of nothing to say. She’d never had experience with small talk like this. Her mind went blank.
“Are you ladies planning to go to the fandango?” Robert gave another grin.
Maria smiled. “The last two gentlemen mentioned a fandango, but I’m afraid we easterners have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Thomas tapped the toe of his boot on the floor. He twisted his long mustache with a finger and thumb, giving himself a lopsided look. “Why, a fandango is just a dance. The Mexicans here are fond of having them. All the soldiers like to attend, and we want as many of the single gals as we can get. There’s usually quite a crowd.”
“If you ladies would like, we could escort you to the dance.” Robert looked hopeful as he stared at Maria and Harriet and pointedly ignored Kathleen.
Maria and Harriet exchanged glances. “I believe we’ll be attending with Mrs. Monroy. Perhaps we’ll see you gentlemen there,” Harriet said.
The conversation continued as Kathleen sat still as a stone. She hoped no one would remember her presence if she didn’t move or speak. Sitting in a parlor with men was a nightmare. She could only imagine how much worse attending a dance would be. Please, help me find a way to stay home from this, Lord. You know how Glorianna likes to socialize. She’ll expect me to go with her. I simply can’t do that.
She closed her eyes and pictured the horror of trying to learn dance steps that everyone else was good at, when she’d never done such a thing in her life. Other people didn’t realize how hard a simple thing like walking was when you were wearing a veil. Of course, Glory’s answer would be to leave the veil at home. How could she? Didn’t Glorianna know how everyone stared at her with the veil? How much worse would it be when they could see the ugly mark disfiguring her cheek?
Before the next round of visitors could intrude, Kathleen escaped to her room. She stood in the dark, relief making her tired. A soft, rattling sound came from the room next door. Her heart began to pound. Someone was coming into her dress shop. Picking up a candlestick in one hand and a lamp in the other, she crept toward the door separating her room from her shop.
The figure of a man stood outlined against the window. As she moved the lamp to shine through the door, the gleam of a badge caught her eye.
“What are you doing here?” She hissed the words at Quinn, hoping everyone in the parlor wouldn’t hear.
“I’m supposed to check on businesses and see that they’re locked up for the night. I’m just doing my job.” Quinn didn’t look as certain as he sounded.
“You could get me kicked out if Mrs. Monroy caught you sneaking in here.”
“I’m not sneaking; I’m checking.”
“Well, everything’s fine, so leave before you get caught.”
Quinn’s thumb rubbed across his badge, and he grinned. “I’ll leave just as soon as you promise to go to the fandango with me. It’s next week.”
“I know when it is.” Kathleen’s voice began to rise above a whisper, and she glanced over her shoulder. “I can’t go to a dance. I’ve never done such a thing, and I don’t intend to start now.”
“Have you ever heard me sing?” Quinn’s question caught her off guard. He opened his mouth.
“Don’t you dare. My reputation will be ruined. Now, leave quietly.”
He grinned. “Just give me your word.” She remained silent. “Okay, here’s my favorite cowpoke song. I learned it not long after I left home.” He opened his mouth again.
“No.” Kathleen’s teeth clicked together over the word. “All right, I’ll go. But this is blackmail, and I believe it’s illegal, Mr. Deputy Sheriff.”
He chuckled and tipped his hat as he backed out the door. “I guess you’ll have to tell the sheriff the whole story or arrest me yourself.”
Chapter 8
Glory, I can’t do this.” Kathleen tugged at her skirt, straightening it again. The green taffeta dress was the latest fashion. Beside her on the writing desk lay a matching green hat complete with a dark green veil.
Glorianna picked it up, stretched, and pinned the stylish hat in place. “You will be just fine, Kathleen. You’ve never seen anything like this fandango. The music is different. The dancing is fast and fun. Relax and enjoy the evening.”
“But I told you what Quinn did. He blackmailed me into going. I can’t go with him.”
Glorianna placed her hands on her hips. “Why can’t you go with him? The man is crazy about you. He asks Conlon questions every day.”
“He doesn’t believe in Jesus Christ, Glory. You know what the Bible says about being yoked to unbelievers. We’re not to do that. Besides, someone like me can’t marry.”
“Aha.” Glorianna crossed her arms and tapped her foot on the floor. “Now the truth is coming out. Are you still listening to what your mother told you about never having children?”
Kathleen could feel the heat in her cheeks. She bit her lip, trying to think of a quick answer that would satisfy her cousin and still not be a lie.
“I thought so.” Glorianna took a step closer. “Now you listen to me. I know you remember my mother talking to you about your cheek. There is no reason for you to be ashamed.”
Her tone softened, and Glory placed her fingertips over Kathleen’s mark. “My mother told you this is as if God took a star from heaven and touched it to your cheek before you were born. I always loved that thought. In fact, for a long time, I was jealous that God never did anything so special for me.”
Tears glistened in her cousin’s eyes, and Kathleen swallowed hard around the lump in her throat. She could still remember the day her aunt made that comment. She’d treasured the thought for years, even though she knew the rest of the world didn’t view her deformity the same way.
“Kathleen, you were denied the fun most young women experience. You’ve let your mother’s fears become your own. Give the people here a chance to know you. They aren’t the children you grew up with.”
“But I can’t go with Quinn.” Kathleen’s voice sounded gritty from emotion.
“He’s not asking you to marry him. You need to get out and meet the townspeople. Quinn knows everyone. He’ll make sure you’re introduced around.” Glory smiled and stepped away. She tapped a finger on her lower lip. Kathleen wanted to cringe under the scrutiny of a cousin who knew her too well.
“Are you afraid of your feelings for him?”
Cold fingers of dread wormed their way through Kathleen. Did she have feelings for Quinn? She knew without thinking that her answer had to be yes. Over the last few weeks, she’d come to look forward to having him around. He had seen what she looked like and never made fun or acted as if she was different from any other woman on the street. When he stopped in at the boardinghouse, he was polite to Maria and Harriet but paid special attention to her. For the first time in her life, Kathleen was being courted by a man—one she found thoroughly attractive, no less. Somehow she had to deny these feelings before they carried too far. There were too many reasons she couldn’t have a relationship with the handsome deputy.
