Handpicked Husband (Love Inspired Historical) (5 page)

From the way her hands curled, he’d guess he was lucky she didn’t have a club handy.

My, but the lady did have a temper.

“Mr. Barr.” She enunciated each word clearly. “I have no intention of using
wiles
, feminine or otherwise. I intend to be forthright in my dealings with you and the other gents, and I expect the same in return.”

She impatiently tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and his focus shifted to the soft wisps framing her face. How long had it been since he’d stroked a woman’s hair?

He straightened abruptly and swallowed an oath. There was no room in his life right now for thoughts like that, especially when it came to the judge’s granddaughter.

Pushing away from the rail, he stepped down, wanting to put distance between them. “I’ll get the contract.”

He wondered, not for the first time, why Judge Madison hadn’t considered
him
as a suitor for his granddaughter. Not that Adam wanted to tie himself down with a wife right now—but it stung that he hadn’t been on the list of candidates. What did her grandfather see in the others that was missing in him? Had the time he spent in jail tarnished him in the judge’s eyes as well?

He had to clear his name soon. Only then would he have any chance of living a normal life.

“Grandfather actually expects me to sign a contract agreeing to his addle-pated plan?” The words bristled with outrage, a hint of the banshee they’d encountered earlier coming through.

“All parties to the contract are required to sign.” Adam jerked the packet from his satchel. “The other three signed it, I signed it, even your grandfather signed it. Now it’s your turn.”

She accepted the papers as if he’d handed her smelly rags. “I’ve never heard of the livestock being haggled over signing the bill of sale along with the buyer and seller.”

Her tongue was as sharp as any knife he’d wielded. She’d make a good lawyer. Adam was beginning to believe the judge had decided not to come for reasons other than the ones he’d stated. “If you refuse, then Jack and I board the next train to Philadelphia.”

She snapped the papers with a
humph
and started reading.

If she was looking for loopholes, she’d be disappointed. The judge had drawn up the document and then had Adam review every syllable. Adam would bet the horse he rode in on that it was ironclad.

Adam wondered which of the men would end up escorting the reluctant bride to the altar.

Everett seemed the best equipped to deal with her lethal tongue. The educated cynic would give as good as he got in that department. Then again, he might consider himself too sophisticated for a lady who appeared equally comfortable in overalls as a dress.

Mitchell, on the other hand, wouldn’t mind her provincial ways. He didn’t let much rattle him. Always searching for the middle ground, Mitchell had defused several tense moments during their trip. But did he have the determination required to deal with the overbearing Miss Nash? His size not withstanding, the woman would likely ride roughshod right over him.

If a peaceful life was what Mitchell wanted, he wouldn’t get it hitched to this virago.

That left Chance. The boy was younger than the potential bride, and rebellious enough to stand up to a riled bear, so Adam didn’t think she would intimidate him. Adam suspected, though, in a battle of wills, Miss Nash would come out the winner.

Besides, would it be fair to shackle the kid to a wife before he’d had a taste of the independence he so obviously craved?

Judge Madison had been adamant, though, that one of the men he was sending here was the perfect match for his granddaughter. He also insisted she would realize it herself, as soon as she bowed to the inevitable and got to know them.

Adam watched the emotions flash across her volatile features as she poured over the contract.

He wouldn’t want to be in the position the three others found themselves in, and he certainly wouldn’t want to be the one to have to do the picking.

* * *

Reggie stared at the contract, the words blurring into a meaningless jumble. There had to be a way out of this. Marriage wasn’t an option for her. It hadn’t been for a long time.

If only her grandfather had come himself so she could talk to him, could read his expression, hear the shades of meaning in his voice as they discussed this.

He’d never understood her easy acceptance of maiden aunt status, but she never dreamed he’d take things this far, even if he did believe it was “for her own good.”

Clearing her head from the useless what-ifs, Reggie forced herself to read the contract. It appeared to say the same thing as the letter, but in more formal terms. One thing she did learn, however, was exactly what each of her suitors stood to gain from the arrangement.

Everett Fulton would be set up with his own newspaper press, a first for Turnabout.

Mitchell Parker would be given a house in town and a job as teacher, thanks to the new wing the judge was having built onto the schoolhouse. Ahh, so that was the motive behind Grandfather’s unexpected altruism.

And, oddly enough, Chance Dawson was being given the burned out Blue Bottle Saloon and money to renovate it.

Plump carrots indeed. No wonder the men had agreed to take part in this backward marriage lottery. Not only were they being given fresh starts, but they would come into the community as men of consequence.

She glanced up to see Adam leading his horse to the shade of a nearby tree. At least he’d quit watching her with that unnerving stare.

He stretched and corded muscles strained against the confines of his shirt, muscles he’d no doubt acquired while in prison. A powerful reminder that this was not the same man she’d known all those years ago. This man was both powerful and dangerous.

Abruptly, Reggie turned her focus back to the contract. She had no reason to fear Adam—Grandfather would never have sent him here if he hadn’t trusted him completely.

Quickly finding her place, Reggie skimmed over the next few paragraphs. What it all boiled down to was that, in exchange for her grandfather’s generosity, the trio agreed to “court” her, to truthfully answer any questions about their past and their aspirations, and ultimately, each of them agreed to abide by her final selection without hesitation.

Reggie paused and reread that part. Now here was something she could use. She was no prize catch to start with. The fact that her grandfather had offered such extravagant bribes showed he thought so, too.

Best not to dwell on the sting of that right now.

Instead, she explored how she might take advantage of the small chink in the contract’s armor. If she could hone in on which of her would-be suitors was least enthusiastic about marrying her, and play up whatever would most intensify his reluctance, she might manage to get out of this yet. She just had to make sure, when she made her choice, the man in question would decide he was better off without the judge’s bribe than hitched to her.

Tricky, but she
could
pull it off. She had to.

Surely the judge wouldn’t follow through with his threat if she’d done her part? If nothing else, it would serve as a delaying tactic while she planned a countermove.

There was an interesting catch to the agreement—exactly the sort of stipulation her deviously-minded grandfather loved to impose. If the man she picked balked at the idea of marrying her, the deal was off for all of them. The trio were in this together.

If her plan worked, she would squash the dreams of not one but three men.

Reggie refused to feel even a smidgeon of guilt. If they truly wanted to start a new life in Turnabout, they didn’t need her grandfather’s backing to make it. They’d just have to do it with the sweat of their own brows rather than with handouts.

From what she’d seen, a stretch of hard work and diet of humble pie wouldn’t hurt any of them.

If they chose to turn tail and head back to Philadelphia rather than dig in and try to make a go of it on their own, well then, they deserved just what they got.

Reggie read the section that addressed Adam’s duties with returning indignation. She glanced up and caught him watching her, an admit-you’re-beaten expression on his face.

The earlier attraction she’d felt was extinguished as if it never existed. What had Grandfather been thinking to entrust this heart-of-stone man with so much power over her and Jack’s future? If the arrogant Mr. Barr thought he held all the cards, let him. She had no intention of showing her own hand just yet.

Feeling better now that she had a plan, Reggie lowered the contract and faced Grandfather’s henchman.

“Do I need to explain any of the legal terms to you?” he asked.

She shook her head. She’d changed her mind about hiring a lawyer. Given her options, she’d have no choice but to sign anyway. And there was no point risking having this humiliating situation made public. “I believe I understand the terms. Given my choices, I will, of course, sign the document.”

Seeing his satisfied smile, she couldn’t stop herself from adding, “But I must say, it proved interesting reading.”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. Let him wonder what she had up her sleeve. It would work to her advantage if she could keep him off balance.

He nodded. “There are copies for each of us. Everyone has signed them but you.”

She would sign the contracts, all right. But Adam was sadly mistaken if he thought she would give in without a fight. Her take-no-prisoners campaign was just beginning.

* * *

Adam didn’t like the battle-ready expression Regina wore as she signed the papers. She’d seen something in the contract to raise her spirits, and that didn’t bode well for the judge’s plans. But what had she seen?

He’d have to take a closer look when he had a moment.

She handed the packet to him, holding one copy back for herself. Her fingers brushed against his—not drawing-room-smooth skin but feminine nonetheless.

“I imagine your friends have had enough time to stretch their legs.” She slid her copy into her dress pocket. “Shall I call them back?”

“Call them?” Surely they’d traveled too far for a simple hail?

With a schoolgirl grin, she placed two fingers between her lips and let out a piercing whistle, immediately followed by a second blast.

He winced at the shrill sound. “Are you in the habit of calling your people as if they were dogs?”

In the blink of an eye the schoolgirl transformed into an indignant woman. The heat in her cheeks complimented her dragon’s eyes.

“I do
not
treat people like animals.” She waved a hand. “We tend to scatter when we’re out here. The whistles are signals we’ve worked out to get each other’s attention.”

She took a deep breath and her expression lost its high emotion. “Mrs. Peavy knows two whistles means she’s wanted back at the cabin, and Mr. Peavy and Jack know they can ignore the call.”

As if to support her words, two answering blasts came from the distance.

“There,” she said, “that’s Mrs. Peavy signaling she heard me.” Dusting her skirt, she flounced down the steps. And promptly tripped on her hem.

Adam reacted on instinct, catching her before she could land at his feet. With his arms around her, their gazes locked. Her eyes widened and she gave a breathy little gasp that shot through him. Suddenly the world shrank around them as if they were figures in a water globe, the very air swirling around them.

He’d almost forgotten what it was like to hold a woman—to feel her softness, to breathe in her subtle fragrance, to watch the rosy flush of emotion bathe her cheeks.

An unexpected urge to tighten his embrace, to protect her, to kiss her, took hold of him. Not that he would do so—that would be madness.

But what would she do if he tried?

Chapter Four

S
harp barking shattered the glass of their water globe, bringing Adam back to earth with a crash.

Regina started and the color in her cheeks deepened.

He turned away, as much to regain his own composure as to allow her to regain hers.

What was wrong with him? She was the judge’s granddaughter and he was supposed to be looking out for her interests, not taking advantage of her. Even if he’d been interested in pursuing her—which he wasn’t—his whole reason for being here was to make sure she married one of the other men.

“Are you going to signal for Jack and Mr. Peavy also?” The question came out more sharply than he’d intended and he moderated his tone. “I’m sure the men would like to get to know the boy as well. After all, the one who wins your favor won’t just be gaining you as a wife, but also a son.”

“Not yet.” The steel was back in her voice. “I need to reach an understanding with you all on a few things before I bring Jack into this.”

Adam didn’t care for her tone. Did she think she was running this show?

Then he gave a mental shrug. She was probably as disconcerted by what had just happened as he was. Besides, he was merely an observer and enforcer. The three suitors would be the ones required to deal with her bossy ways.

And regardless of her posturing, she couldn’t get around the judge’s terms. She could toy with them all she wanted, he wouldn’t stop her. But in the end she’d have to submit to her grandfather’s dictates.

It would be interesting, though, to see what she meant when she said they needed to “reach an understanding.”

A few moments later, the hikers came into sight. Adam hid a grin as he got a good look at them. While Mrs. Peavy seemed totally composed, the trio trailing behind her did not.

Chance’s step lacked its usual bounce. Not surprising, given that his left leg, from the tip of his boot, to about six inches up his trouser leg, was damp and muddy.

Everett was red-faced and breathing heavily, as if unused to whatever exertions he’d just been through.

Mitchell had his sleeves rolled up and was vigorously scratching his left arm. Even from here Adam could see the angry red welts forming. Insect bites? Stinging nettles?

In any case, if it had been the housekeeper’s intent to take the visitors down a notch, she’d certainly succeeded.

Behind him he heard a softly uttered, “Oh, dear.” When he glanced back, he saw as much sympathy as amusement in Regina’s expression.

She stepped forward. “I hope you gentlemen enjoyed your walk.”

“Oh, we had a grand time,” Mrs. Peavy answered for them. “Did run into a bit of unpleasantness, though.” As she reached the porch, the housekeeper turned back to her entourage. “You gents have another glass of cider while I get something for Mr. Parker’s rash. Mr. Dawson, if you’ll slip off your boot, I’ll get it cleaned up.”

As Mrs. Peavy disappeared inside, the three men trudged onto the porch.

The judge’s granddaughter waved her hand in a lady-of-the-manor gesture. “Please be seated. There’s no need to stand on ceremony out here.”

Without further prompting, the men plopped down onto various benches and chairs. The wind had definitely been taken out of their sails.

But when Regina joined them on the porch, Adam was amused to note they all came to wary attention.

“Well, gentlemen,” she began, “now that I’ve read my grandfather’s letter and accompanying contract, it’s time we talked.”

Mrs. Peavy opened the door just then and hesitated. “Should I step back inside until you’re finished?”

To Adam’s surprise, Regina shook her head.

Not that it really mattered. With no panes on the window, the housekeeper would still be able to hear every word.

“I think it best you know what’s going on,” the soon-to-be bride said. “It seems these three were sent by my grandfather to start a new life in Turnabout. He’s generously providing each of them the means to join our little community as men of influence. All they have to do in return is participate in a marriage lottery, with
me
as the prize.”

Her tone was pleasant enough, but Adam watched each man shift uneasily under her stare. At the moment it was hard to believe she wasn’t Judge Madison’s blood kinswoman.

“For my part,” the self-proclaimed lottery prize continued, “all I have to do is select a groom and marry him within three weeks. Otherwise, Mr. Barr will take Jack to Philadelphia so Grandfather can ship him off to a boarding school.”

Mrs. Peavy’s reaction was an indrawn breath and a glare directed toward Adam.

“Did I sum the situation up correctly, gentlemen?” Regina crossed her arms across her chest and stared them down.

“I believe you covered the relevant facts,” Everett answered. The dandy had apparently recovered his aplomb.

“Thank you, Mr. Fulton. From a reporter, I’ll accept that as a compliment.”

Mrs. Peavy approached Mitchell and motioned for him to hold out his arm. She slathered her ointment on the rash with perhaps more vigor than was necessary, but the man bore it without flinching.

The judge’s granddaughter ignored this bit of by-play. “First off, to put things baldly, you should know I’m not happy with this situation. I’m not interested in getting married to anyone, much less a stranger who’s been bribed to offer for me.”

Her tone remained pleasant. Her expressive eyes, however, carried a different message.

“Grandfather couched his letter in polite terms, assuring me any one of you would happily step into the role of my husband. However, I have the distinct impression that the only vying you’ll do over the next few days is to see how best to avoid drawing the short straw.”

She met each of their gazes in turn. “Would any of you care to dispute that?”

When no one spoke up, she nodded and her tone hardened. “Well, it seems our wishes in this matter don’t amount to a hill of beans. My grandfather wants me hitched, and since he knows I’d do anything to keep Jack with me, it looks like wedding bells are in my future. But I want to make it plain from the get-go that I intend to call the shots in how we run this farce.”

Adam watched the men’s reactions.

Chance glared with sullen belligerence.

Mitchell, his forearm still an angry red, twisted his hat uneasily.

Everett, surprisingly, met her gaze with a condescending smile. “My dear Miss Nash,” he said with exaggerated deference, “there’s no need for such dramatic posturing. We are all agreed that the selection lies squarely with you, and we are firmly committed to abide by your decision. In fact, you can make the selection right here and now if you like.”

Everett shrugged. “Or you can keep us all guessing by drawing it out the full two weeks.” He half rose and executed a mocking bow. “We are entirely at your disposal.”

“Yes, you are.” Her expression conveyed quite clearly that she had something specific and very likely unpalatable in mind.

Adam tried not to grin. The lady had obviously learned a thing or two from the judge. If she had her way, these three would pay a steep price for their part in this scheme.

“Now that we’ve agreed who’s in charge,” she continued, “let’s get down to business. First and most importantly, under no circumstances is Jack or anyone else outside of this group to learn about our arrangement. As far as everyone in Turnabout is concerned, you are here as friends of my grandfather.”

She nodded as if making up the story as she went along. “I will, quite naturally, wish to see you comfortably settled, and you’ll return my neighborly attention with courtesy calls. My subsequent engagement to one of you will appear as a delightfully unexpected result of those calls.”

She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Did her finger tremble slightly or was that his imagination?

“I read the contract,” she continued, “and it clearly states that you are to court me, and I intend to see that you do it properly. I want it all, gentlemen—attention, pretty words, love tokens, flowers and gewgaws.”

Her gaze sharpened. “And I expect a good faith effort from you. No just going through the motions, no begrudging attentions. You have to actually
vie
for my favors.”

Her color heightened, but her tone never faltered. “It has to look and feel real to everyone who sees us. And I’ll not have a reluctant martyr for a husband. If I get even a hint that any of you are holding back, I’ll cry foul, and Mr. Barr here will have no choice but to tell my grandfather you failed to abide by the terms of the contract.”

She swung around and met Adam’s gaze. “Isn’t that so?”

Adam had labored over that contract to get exactly the nuances Judge Madison wanted, and he had it all but memorized by the time they were both satisfied. He mulled it over in his mind now, and slowly nodded his head. “One could interpret the terms that way.”

Was that her plan? Well, she’d have to come up with some pretty convincing proof to get him to disqualify anyone, unless that suitor out-and-out refused her selection.

Besides, the judge had done a thorough job of interviewing candidates before settling on these three. They all knew what was expected. Adam would be more than a little surprised if anyone backed down at this point.

But he was an observer, not a confidante. If they couldn’t figure out she was all bluster, that was their problem.

She clearly intended to extract her pound of flesh in terms of their pride. And she wanted pretty words and showy trinkets, even if they were insincerely offered.

A typical woman.

Well, he’d be watching her. With the power the judge had given him, he wouldn’t hesitate to whisk Jack away to Philadelphia if she gave him reason to. But the judge had made it clear that wasn’t the outcome he desired.

Regina nodded. “Okay gentlemen, then let’s open the curtain on my grandfather’s ridiculous play. I’ll call Jack, and I expect you to honor your word. You’re friends of my grandfather visiting from Philadelphia and are here paying your respects.”

At some point, Mrs. Peavy had slipped into the cabin to put away her ointment. Now she stepped back outside and set Chance’s freshly cleaned boot next to the door.

Regina gave her housekeeper a quick nod, then turned back to the men. “It’s too late for you to return to Turnabout today, so you’ll be spending the night here. We’ll head back together in the morning.”

She lifted her chin. “We’re not set up for visitors, though. Mrs. Peavy and Ira sleep in the alcove off the kitchen and Jack and I share the loft. That means you can either spend the night on the cabin floor or here on the porch.

Adam failed to detect any sympathy in her tone. It seemed she intended to make sure the hapless trio jumped through some unpleasant hoops over the next few weeks.

He had to hand it to her, she wasn’t one to wring her hands and bemoan her fate when faced with unpleasantness. Instead, she showed amazing determination.

If he wasn’t in such a hurry to get back to Philadelphia he could find himself amused by her performance.

* * *

Reggie paused, reluctant to take the next step. But she’d put it off long enough. “I suppose it’s time for you to meet the rest of my household.”

She stepped off the porch. Taking a deep breath, she blasted out a long, drawn-out whistle, followed by two shorter ones.

The answering whistles confirmed Ira and Jack were headed their way. Reggie forcibly relaxed her hands at her sides, but she didn’t turn back to her visitors.

She had to fight the urge to tense again when Buck stood, his tail wagging in anticipation. For Jack’s sake, she must pretend nothing was wrong, that these men were welcome guests. But if they did anything to upset Jack...

Grandfather, you’re going to have a lot to answer for next time we meet
.

Ira and Jack appeared a moment later, and the dog bounded forward to greet them. Jack danced around with Buck for a minute, trying to keep the string of fish he carried out of harm’s way. Not an easy task for a slender six-year-old. “Look at all the fish we caught, Aunt Reggie,” he said rushing forward, his brown eyes sparkling with excitement.

“My goodness!” Reggie smiled down at the light of her life. “It looks like we’re going to have some mighty good eating tonight.”

“I caught more’n half of them myself.”

Ira, hunting rifle slung over his shoulder, hefted the two cane poles he carried in his other hand. “Our boy is turning into quite a fisherman, all right.” His words were addressed to Reggie but his gaze was fixed on the men behind her.

Mrs. Peavy joined them and reached for the string of fish. “Here, let me have those. I’ll get them cleaned and ready to cook.” She bobbed the string, as if gauging the weight. “Yes, sir, add a few potatoes and that cobbler I baked this morning and we’ll have more than enough to feed everybody.”

Jack seemed to notice the visitors for the first time. “Hello.”

Adam stepped forward. “You must be Jack.”

“Yes sir.” Jack seemed more curious than concerned.

Reggie stepped behind Jack, pulling him against her skirts with a hand on each shoulder. “Jack, these men have come all the way from Philadelphia for a visit.” She managed to keep her voice friendly enough. “This one is Mr. Barr. The others are Mr. Fulton, Mr. Parker and Mr. Dawson.”