Constance: Bride of Florida (American Mail-Order Bride 27) (8 page)

He nodded to Kimberly. “Breakfast it is.”

Kimberly flung her napkin at him. “You are a moody one, but I can handle that.” She reached over and took his hand. “I’m trained to work with unruly patients.”

He stared at her wishing things were different. Wondering if he could tell Constance it was too late. He forced a grin. “Jenny, we’d like to order and sit at the table in the back.”

Jenny nodded. “When you’re ready, let me know.”

Drake took his coffee and lightly placed his hand on Kimberly’s elbow to guide her to the table. He’d sit where he could watch Constance. He didn’t need to tell her who he was. He could choose which woman appealed to him the most. Right now, it was Kimberly.

He wondered how long it would take Constance to come looking for E. Ferris.

The bell over the door rang again and a neatly dressed man entered. Drake didn’t recognize him.

The stranger flashed a smile and then walked to the table where Constance sat. He said something to her and then sat across from her.

Surprisingly, jealousy slapped Drake. Who was that man and why was she talking to him?

“Drake, yoo hoo. I’m here in front of you.” Kimberly moved into his field of vision.

“Sorry.” He called Jenny over and ordered for them, but his gaze soon returned to the table by the window.

Chapter 9

Constance ordered another cup of coffee, as she might as well be comfortable and dry. She’d wait for the rain to stop. Staring out the window, she startled when the bell over the door rang.

She sipped her coffee and watched as a tall man walked in the café. His hair was dark. He was a powerful man by the way he walked and ordered. No nonsense. Not unfriendly but a man use to giving commands and having them obeyed.

Constance shuddered. He was not the man for her. She wanted a gentle, kind man. She ignored him and continued to stare out the window. She could see the mast of
Journeys end
. Sadness crept into her. She had so enjoyed her time on the ship.

She took another sip and nearly spewed it out when Jenny called the man Mr. Ferris. Can’t be. He can not be E. Ferris. Please, God. She set the cup down and stared outside, her life flashing before her. The courageous part anyway, as the mousy part of her tiptoed back to take over.

Closing her eyes, she remembered what the captain had told her. She was a treasure. She had to hold onto those words. She had to. She opened her eyes and forced her rigid shoulders down. She was not a mouse.

Jenny continued to talk the man, and then she called him Drake.

Her breath went out of her. He wasn’t E. Ferris. He wasn’t the one who’d sent for her. He wasn’t the one she’d thought about on the voyage. Perhaps she should go inquire of him who E. Ferris was?

Constance was about to stand when someone else entered the café. A woman. She watched as this newcomer took Drake Ferris’ attention. Clearly, they were interested in one another. Perhaps even married.

Good. She could cross Drake Ferris off her list. She just hoped E. Ferris was the man of her dreams. Mr. Briggs entered the café as if he owned it. By the new suit he wore, perhaps he did.

“Ah, Miss Penny. What a pleasant surprise. Mind if I join you for lunch?”

Constance wondered if Drake would tell E. Ferris about her meeting with another man, but he’d taken a table in the back with his wife or intended. Why shouldn’t she welcome Mr. Briggs? It wasn’t like she had already married E. Ferris, whoever he was.

“Yes, I mean, no. Please sit down.”

He chuckled. “I didn’t get a chance to know you on the voyage. Between being seasick most of the time and Stubby and Captain Gordon keeping you off limits, I barely saw you.”

“Off limits?”

“Oh, yeah. He told us and his crew to leave you alone. Yes, he did, and the captain was one man I didn’t want to make trouble with. I’m sure he’d have made me walk the plank if he’d caught me talking to you.”

She laughed, but the thought gave her a warm feeling. She had been cared for on that ship. Here on land was proving to be a different matter.

“You don’t need to worry about me. I don’t think we were officially introduced, I’m Phineas Briggs, but I go by Finn.”

He held his hand toward her.

Tentatively, she shook it.

He grasped her by the wrist and gently pulled it toward him. After turning her hand palm up, he traced a finger along the middle.

“You have a nice hand. Good lines.”

Constance couldn’t deny the tingles his touch sent through her, but she didn’t like it. Gently, she pulled her hand away.

“What do you do, Phineas Briggs?”

He sat back and stared at her. “Finn. I’m a salesman. Looking into the sponge business. I see a lot of potential for this town.” He smiled at her. “And you?”

“Me?”

“Your business. What brings you here to Apalachicola?”

She stared at him. “Like I said before, I’m meeting someone here.”

He looked around, feigning innocence. “Do they know you’re here?”

“Mr. Briggs, I can take care of myself.”

“I am sure of that. If you need my help, I’m at the hotel. But first, let’s have breakfast. The locals told me this was the best place.”

Hunger pelted Constance’ middle as she did need to eat. “I agree. If it’s as good as their coffee, it will be a delight.”

Jenny took their order, and Finn entertained her with stories of all the cities where he’d visited and done business. He really wasn’t a bad sort. He wasn’t overpowering like Drake, and he did tell a good story.

She was almost finished when Drake and the woman with him left the café. Constance caught his eye and for a brief moment, their gazes locked. Flustered, she looked away. There had been some sort of connection like lightning traveling between them.

Unnerved by the incident, she felt like running away. But where to? This was her chance at life. That’s what she’d told herself on the ship. Well, he was Drake Ferris and not E. Ferris. Wiping her mouth, she looked at Finn.

He grinned wryly. “You know him?”

“No. I have no idea who he is.”

Finn nodded, but his eyes said different. “Well, I have business with his father. Ferris and Sons is the biggest store in town and for miles, I’d say. I can introduce you to him if you’re interested?’

“Why would I be interested in Drake Ferris?”

“Oh, I don’t know, but I have a hunch there was more to that look that passed between you two than you’re telling me. Not that you need to. I’d like to be your friend is all.”

Constance glanced at Finn. That was not
all
, she could see it in his eyes. But then, right now she could use a friend. “I accept. Since we are both new to town, it can’t hurt to have a friend.”

His gaze softened. “No, it can’t. Where will you be staying?”

She drew in a breath. “Since the sun is now shining, that is my order of business for the day.”

“So you’re thinking of staying here?”

“Yes. It seems like a good town. Although so far, the café is the only place I have been.” She laughed. It almost slid to her mouse squeaks, but with effort, she kept her voice strong.

Finn stood. “I do hope you find what you’re looking for here. You can find me at the hotel. If you’d like to have company for dinner, you know where to find me. It’ll be my treat, as is this meal.”

She dug in her small reticule, but he stopped her.

“Please. You gave me hope while I was on that ship that I might actually be able to keep something down. I look forward to seeing you tonight.” He tipped his hat and left her.

Alone, she fought the familiar fear she’d battled most of her life. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. Opened them and stared out the window. The sun had broken free and spread golden light over the harbor.

Constance drew in a breath and sat up straight. She was no longer a mouse but a treasure and a jewel. Not a beggar asking a man to give her security. She had value. Standing, she headed for the door.

Her future awaited her.

###

Drake walked Kimberly to his house and then turned to go to the store. Halfway there he stopped. She was here. Constance Penny. The woman he’d agreed to marry if she came. By all appearances, she’d made the voyage in fine shape.

He walked to the Trinity Episcopal Church. The white building had been cut out of white pine in New York, assembled there, and then taken apart and shipped to Apalachicola by schooner. He sat and stared at the dark-stained wooden door.

What was he to do? He lowered his head. “Lord, I need help. Constance has come, but Kimberly makes me happy. What do I do?”

He waited. Wanted an answer he liked. Instead, the only thing he thought he heard was a resounding, “You know what to do.” He frowned.

Not ready to face the confining walls of the store, he walked across the street to the park. Kimberly toyed with his heart. Yet, he did have a hard time determining if she was serious or only one for games.

Worse, was the tug on his conscience that said he owed Miss Penny. She hadn’t looked at him in a very friendly manner, yet she had looked all too friendly with that salesman. What kind of woman was she?

He went down the garden path, not really seeing the flowers or bushes. He stopped and stared across the bay. And froze. Miss Penny was walking on the same path toward him. She must have suddenly seen him because she stopped.

Panic shown on her face.

“Miss Penny, is it?”

She nodded.

“I overheard your name at the café. I’m Drake Ferris.”

She swallowed hard but raised her head. “Pleased to meet you.”

He plucked a rose from the bush next to him and walked to her. “For you. Our newest citizen of Apalachicola.”

A faint blush colored her cheeks. He appraised her. Slight build. Pale red hair and the most beautiful sea-green eyes.

She took the flower from him. “Are—” She cleared her throat. “Are you in the habit of dealing out roses to all of the city’s newcomers?”

He grinned. She had grit. Her voice had squeaked, but she stopped and made a correction before continuing. “Only the pretty ones.”

She gazed past him. “I was on my way to the boarding house to see about a room.”

“Allow me to escort you.”

For a second, fear shown in her eyes. Again, she recovered. “I see it’s just down the street. Jenny from the café gives excellent directions.”

“Yes, she does.” He stood in her way to make her decide. He wanted to see what this Constance Penny was made of, as she wasn’t at all what he’d imagined.

She swept around him, then stopped, and looked over her shoulder. “Thank you for the rose, Drake Ferris.”

He sent her a salute. “My pleasure.” He wanted to say more, but what? I’m the man you agreed to marry? No, he’d give her a chance and see if she met his approval. So far, he’d not crossed her off his list.

He watched her walk to the McCreedy house. He’d given her enough money for a month. Now that he saw her at a distance, he noted her clothes, while not shabby, were well worn. Well, he’d have to see about her.

Obviously, she’d not come from a family of money, but she hadn’t come as a beggar either. She knew his last name was Ferris, but she’d not enquired on who E. Ferris might be. A dark thought clouded his mind. She could have asked Jenny.

Jenny would have told her there was a houseful of E. Ferris’s. Maybe even that Drake Ferris was actually Ethan Ferris. He hoped not. Yet, the way she responded to him, led him to believe she didn’t know.

Thoughts of Kimberly tugged on his mind, but he had to admit, there was more to Constance than he’d bargained for.

Chapter 10

Constance walked past Drake and concentrated on keeping her footing sure. His powerful presence unnerved her. At a safe distance, she stopped and looked over her shoulder to thank him for the rose.

Her courage depleted, she continued on the walk to the boarding house. She could feel him watching her. She waited for his laughter. Surely, E. Ferris had told of his order for a bride. Drake was no gentleman. He could have told her where his brother was. Or that he’d let his brother know that she had arrived.

She stepped across the road to the house. How rude that E. hadn’t even chosen to meet her at the dock. Between Drake’s overbearing presence and E.’s failure to take care of her needs, she was beginning to feel a growing resentment toward the Ferris clan.

Clearing her throat, she climbed the steps to the boarding house. The porch was huge and sported several rocking chairs. She was pleased to see that the building was well kept with clean white paint and light blue trim.

She knocked.

An older woman opened the door. “Yes?”

“I was wondering if you had a room I could rent.”

With a finger to the dimple in her wrinkled chin, the woman nodded. “Yes, I believe I do. Won’t you come in?” She held the door open. “And go on in and sit on the divan in the parlor. I’ll be in, in just a moment.”

Constance found a gold divan, set her satchel down, and sat. The inside was as impeccable and quaint as the outside. Decorated in golds and greens everything was tastefully done. She hoped she had enough money to afford a room.

“There you are dear. I have a room on the second floor. It is rather small but has a wonderful view of the bay. How long are you planning on staying?”

“I would like to rent it for a month to start.”

“Oh, excuse me. I am Mrs. McCreedy.”

Constance dug through her purse. “I’m Constance Penny.” She blushed, hoping the entire town didn’t know that E. Ferris had ordered her.

“Follow me, and I’ll show you the room.”

Still not knowing the amount she’d have to pay, Constance followed her up the stairs and all the way to the end of the hall.

Mrs. McCreedy fished in her pocket for a key and opened the door.

Constance immediately fell in love with the room. It was decorated in pinks and blues, her favorite colors. And the two windows brought so much light into the room.

“You can see the town’s biggest store. Ferris and Sons out the east window, but out the south window is a beautiful view of the bay.”

Constance gazed at the rolling waves. “It’s not a far walk to the shore then?”

“No, not at all. Perfect place for picnics. You might want to take some before the weather turns too chilly.”

“I’ll do that. What do I owe you?”

Mrs. McCreedy grinned. “Let’s say ten dollars. I have a niece staying with me, and I hope you two will become friends. I would love for her to stay. She’s recently become engaged to Edgar Ferris, but she wants to go to Jacksonville to live.”

Constance gulped. Edgar Ferris. Perhaps aka E. Ferris. Is that why he hadn’t been at the dock? Her heart sank as the dogs of fear and doubt nipped at her. Mentally, she commanded them to stop and called on her courage to rise. “I would like to meet her. Is he one of the Ferris and Sons?”

“Yes, he is a fine young man and youngest of the brothers.”

Constance started to ask about his brothers when a young woman entered the room. “Aunt Alice, I finished with the dusting. I promised Edgar I’d rescue him from that mean brother of his and take him to dinner. All right if I go?”

Mrs. McCreedy took her niece’s arm. “Constance Penny, may I introduce you to Tess Sherman.”

They exchanged pleasantries.

“Tess, I want you home at a decent hour. I know you’re engaged, but you need to retain your respectability.”

After a peck on her Aunt’s cheek, Tess scooted to the door. “I look forward to talking with you Constance.”

Shaking her head, Mrs. McCreedy clucked. “That girl. Love her as if she were my own, but she rarely stays home. I do hope she’ll stay in Apalachicola though.” Mrs. McCreedy sat on the edge of the bed and stared out at the bay.

“I sometimes find myself looking for my husband’s ship. A sudden squall sunk her. That was forty years ago this October.”

Constance sat on the bed. “I’m sorry.”

Turning to gaze at her, Mrs. McCreedy smiled amidst her sorrow. “I don’t mean to drag you into my hard time. I’ve lived a good life and have good friends who have seen me through.” She again faced the window. “It’s just that on a day like this, I see the same clouds and roiling waves that I witnessed so long ago. The sea can be jealous for the men who love her.” After a moment of silence, Mrs. McCreedy stood. “I have soup brewing in the kitchen if you are staying in for supper.”

“I’m not sure. I may go out.”

“You can call me Alice. Make yourself at home.” She left the room.

Constance stared at the window and the white-capped waves. She’d lived through a storm at sea. She shivered. She could have drowned. The ship lost. Why had E. Ferris sent her by boat? Did he despise her?

She drummed her fingers on the windowsill. “Well, Finn, perhaps I’ll meet you for dinner after all.”

###

Drake couldn’t keep his mind on the store and spent most of his time pacing back and forth. He couldn’t wait to get home to see Kimberly and at the same time dreaded facing her. What would or should he say?

Things were a lot easier when he was the old moody Drake that didn’t care about anyone. He couldn’t really tell anyone about what he’d done. Father would be sorely displeased. Mother, well, with her weak heart, he’d not risk telling her.

His brothers would laugh.

Kimberly would be angry.

Finally, the clock on his desk dinged. The day was over. Well, fine. He’d not go home for dinner. There’d been plenty of days in the past when he’d eaten at the hotel. At least he could dine in peace and not have to worry about women.

He grabbed his coat and hat and left. Ahead, he grimaced when he saw Edgar and Edwin. He thought of turning down Front Street, but Edgar had spotted him.

“Drake, we’re having dinner at the hotel tonight. Want to join us. Tess said there’s a new boarder at the boarding house. Thought she and Edwin might enjoy one another’s company. You have time, why don’t you run home and see if Kimberly can come.” Edgar grinned mischievously.

Drake shook his head. “I thought I’d dine alone and sort out some of my thoughts.”

Edwin ran back and grabbed his arm. “Ah, come on. At least eat with us. Then you can go and brood over the ocean.”

His brothers linked arms with his and towed him to the hotel. Tess sat on the porch with Constance Penny.

Drake removed his arms from his brothers. “Miss Penny delighted to see you. Are you here for dinner?”

She stood. “Yes, I’m meeting someone. He asked me earlier.”

Drake wasn’t sure, but he thought he detected a bit of regret in her tone.

Edwin shoved him. “Why don’t you introduce me? Not fair to keep all the good-looking women for yourself.”

Drake kept his gaze locked with hers. “This is my brother, Edwin. The one wrapped around Tess is Edgar.”

She looked away and curtseyed slightly. “Pleased to know you, Edgar.” She faced Edwin. “I’m sorry I already have a dinner appointment, Edwin.”

Edwin grinned. “My loss. Maybe I’ll see you again.” He grabbed Edgar and Tess and shoved them toward the door.

Drake hadn’t moved. He waited to see what she’d do. She stared longingly at Edwin. When she turned back to face him, he hurt for her.

Constance stood as if she belonged nowhere and to no one. He’d seen her hope rise at hearing Edwin’s name, and just as quickly be doused by his brother’s noncommittal response.

Tired of the façade he’d erected, Drake started toward her when the man he’d seen her with at the café strode toward her.

“Constance, what a delight. I seriously doubted you’d show up for dinner.” He held out his arm for her. “Come, I have the best table. We’ll eat the finest food in Apalachicola and watch the sun set.”

She glanced back at him, her gaze lingering for a moment. Then she turned and took the man’s arm.

Drake hesitated calling him a gentleman. He knew his kind. Salesmen on the road and looking to make fast company until the next stop.

He’d been all set to leave the hotel. Not now. It was his responsibility to protect her. He followed them in, seated himself at a table just across from theirs, and sat where he could watch her.

Laughter from another table near the front let Drake know where his brothers were. Edgar and Edwin had always been ready for fun and company. They had none of the moodiness he’d inherited.

He ordered dinner and sat back in his chair. From where he sat, he had a commanding view of all the goings-on in the dining room. Tess sat near Edgar, her hand never far from his. Edwin was showing off. More than likely telling stories of his boyhood exploits.

After a quick glance at Constance, his eyes locked with hers.

She nodded courteously to what must be the salesman’s jokes and stories, but her gaze consistently slid back to him.

A chink of the hardened wall fell from his heart. Sitting across from that salesman made her look so vulnerable. Her face appeared drained contrasting with her red hair. And when she looked at him, his breath caught.

She was his for the asking but did he want her? What of Kimberly? Thinking of the woman at his house, Drake turned his gaze to the window. He felt as if was being unfaithful. But to which woman?

He owed Kimberly nothing. He was attracted to her and thought she liked him. But they’d never talked about anything more than his mother and trifling things. The sun hovered over the water as if trying to survive.

Kimberly.
He silently said her name trying to keep his heart from sinking. He attempted to picture her smiling face, but the image blurred and a vision of Constance came into focus.

He didn’t know Constance. Didn’t want to know her. Not now. Why did she have to come just when he was enjoying time with Kimberly? He continued to stare at the bay. What about
The Sea Wind
? His dreams?

His idea of buying the ship rested on his marriage to Constance. He could leave her, pay her off, and she could wait for his return. If he wanted to return. That was his plan. Had been. Now seeing her, he wasn’t so sure.

Tired of his mental torture, Drake finished his food and stood. A quick glance at her and he saw that her eyes were on him. He nodded, threw his napkin on the table, and left. The sooner he got home, the better.

He waved at his brothers and walked outside. The night was cool and darkness was falling. He needed to see Kimberly.