How Miss West Was Won (7 page)

What dress would she wear for the party? She had two that she had packed to bring with her that would do for a party, one was red satin with a large bustle. The other was blue with a large, high bustle.

But before she selected which dress to wear, she would ask Mrs. Dunlap to tell her what she thought the other women would be wearing. She wanted people to notice her, true, but she did not want to stand out and look like she was putting on airs.

“Cordelia, are you listening to us?”

Cordelia turned her attention to Eli. He was grinning, as if she’d just told a very funny joke.

“Forgive me, I have been… daydreaming.”

She could tell by the look on Eli’s face that he was surprised. So was she. Daydreaming was not the type of thing she did.

“Mrs. Dunlap is asking about serving chocolate at the event. I think it would go over very well, don’t you?”

“Most definitely.” Cordelia nodded. “But will it be very expensive?”

“A little, but it will be worth it.”

Eli laughed. “Mrs. Dunlap, you and Cordelia set things up tomorrow. Right now, Mrs. Bannister and I have a chess match to start.”

“Of course.” Cordelia noticed Mrs. Dunlap looked very happy about tonight’s turn of events. “I will speak with you tomorrow, Cordelia. Eli, this is wonderful. We haven’t had a party here since your parents passed. Things will come back to life around here, I hope.”

She left before anyone could answer her. Cordelia looked over to where Eli was setting up the chess game.

“Have I overstepped my bounds?” She wanted to make sure this was a good idea. If not, she would cancel it tomorrow when she saw Mrs. Dunlap.

“Not at all.” He placed the white queen in the center of the board. “As my wife, you have my permission to do things like this as you see fit. If you did not, people would wonder. In fact, I’m thrilled that you suggested the party. I think it is high time the people in town met the new Mrs. Bannister.”

Cordelia picked up the white queen. “We will have to be… oh, what is the word I am searching for… romantic—no, that’s not right. We will have to act like we are in love.”

“So we will.”

“We will have to hug, and hold hands, and possibly even kiss.”

The smile on his face made Cordelia’s insides heat up. “We should practice,” Eli said. “We have a little more than a week. Tell me, Cordelia, did you like it when I kissed you upstairs?”

The urge to lie was on the tip of her tongue, but she knew that was not a good idea. “Yes.”

“And when I touched you?”

Her heart was beating much too quickly. “Yes.” She needed to nip this in the bud. “But that does not mean I will be intimate with you. We know each other’s pasts—somewhat—and that makes us more comfortable around each other. I think, in preparation for the party, we should kiss, and hug, but nothing more.” It was her fervent hope that her voice was even, and she did not sound like a prude when she said those words.

“Shall we schedule the hugs and kisses, Cordelia?” Eli laughed, and she wanted to join in, because when she thought about what she had said, she knew it was ridiculous.

“One kiss in the morning, two at lunch, three at dinner, and four, or more, at bedtime?” Eli was moving the white king from space to space on the board. “What about hugs? I can hug you at noon, but not at nighttime? Or I can touch your breast after dinner, but not before?”

She wanted to tell him he could not touch her breast, but she felt as if her mouth would not work.

“Come and sit on my lap, Cordelia.”

“Why?” If her heart beat any faster, she feared it might explode.

“Because I want you to, it’s that simple.”

Cordelia shook her head very slowly. “I am not… no.”

Eli tilted his head. “You’re not ready for that, is that what you were going to say?” When she didn’t answer, he continued. “We’ll work up to it, then. Come and let’s play some chess and you can tell me about growing up in New York, and I will tell you about growing up in Colorado. I’m sure there are many differences.”

“You are right, I am sure.” Cordelia sat down in her chair. “You start, and I will join in when something you say stirs a memory. Is that not how people learn about each other?”

“It is.” Eli moved a pawn. “I am looking forward to hearing your stories.”

Cordelia smiled. She moved one of her pawns. “And I yours, as long as they don’t involve any more bordellos.”

Eli’s laugh was hearty, and it made her smile widen. “I can’t make any promises,” he said as he moved another pawn. “But I’ll try to behave. Maybe.”

I do not believe I have ever laughed as much as I have in the last two days. Eli is a much warmer person that I ever thought he was. During our chess matches on the last two evenings, he has told me about his brother, the only one who survived into adulthood, and the trouble they got into as teenagers.

From the sounds of things, the two of them spent quite a few afternoons in the woodshed, being spanked by their father for breaking the rules, or for missing their chores. The way he smiles when he talks about them makes me wish I had met them. Of course, there is also sadness there, when he talks about how they are all gone, and it is up to him to keep the family holdings in good financial order, and in family hands.

I reminded him that would mean he needed to marry and have children. Why then, I asked, was he not willing to marry Constance when it was something his father had arranged? Why would he not allow her to come into the household?

His answer was straightforward. He would not marry anyone for any reason but love. His words still ring in my ears. “My parents loved each other, and I remember the way they looked into each other’s eyes, every day of their lives. I want that, and when I find it, and only when I find it, that is when I will marry.”

That night, as I lay in my bed unable to sleep, I have to admit that his words replayed in my mind. I loved William, but I do not think I loved him the way Eli’s parents loved each other. Is it possible there are different degrees of love? It is something I would like to explore.

But that is not what this journal is supposed to be about. For the past two days, Mrs. Dunlap and I have planned the party. We will roast two hogs, and she will make various potato dishes to go with them. Several of the hands’ wives are going to work with her, making pies and cobblers to serve to the guests.

We will write out invitations on Monday, and those workers who have children have volunteered them as delivery people.

I am very excited about this party, even though I am a fake Mrs. Eli Bannister. It will cement our life together in the eyes of the town and, hopefully, send Constance on her way back to England.

I should not stay up much longer. Our shopping trip into Boulder starts tomorrow morning. I am looking forward to seeing the town and what it has to offer. We will shop in the morning, and then in the afternoon, Eli and I will go to the hotel where Constance is staying and speak with her.

I am nervous about it, but Eli is thrilled with the opportunity. He thinks one talk with end his problem. I hope he is right.

… I pause here as I consider if I should add the fact that Eli has been kissing me good night these past few nights. At first, I told him no when he asked, but then I thought that maybe it would be nice to have some more experience with him under my belt. I should say those are his words, and not mine.

The kisses have been nice and sweet, but I must say they have aroused me in ways I did not think I would be aroused again.

It is something I need to think about. Of course, if all goes well with Constance and she goes back home, I will be doing the same thing in a few weeks.

I wonder if Eli will want to keep in touch after I am gone, or if this will be our only contact. I must ask him that tomorrow evening, when we are back from Boulder and playing our nightly games.

The boards on the wooden sidewalks were uneven, and Cordelia grabbed Eli’s arm as they made their way down Pearl Street, their list in hand. They had two shops to visit, one a general store where Mrs. Dunlap would buy the things she needed for the party; the other a butcher shop that sold some sort of salted pork that Eli loved.

The housekeeper had rattled off the list on their trip from the Four Fours to Boulder, but truthfully, and with more than a little shame, Cordelia had tuned her out. She had been too busy looking at the scenery around her. When she had arrived in Colorado, she had been nervous, and focused on one thing: meeting Eli.

But today, she noticed the incredible beauty around her, the high, majestic mountains, which already had a covering of snow and the beautiful meadows they passed through, with the incredible smell of trees and grass. This place truly was magnificent.

There was a nip in the air that made her feel invigorated, as if they could face anything that came their way. And that anything came the minute Eli had dropped the ladies off at the corner while he took the wagon to a livery stable

Cordelia had been busy examining every thing she could set her gaze on, too busy to notice the people staring and pointing at her. It was not until she heard a “That’s her, Eli’s new wife,” that reality had slapped her in the face.

The woman had been standing near her, and Cordelia had stiffened. The woman continued to talk, as if she wanted Cordelia to hear what she had to say. “You know, with what happened in that family a few years ago, I wouldn’t stay here. I would be turning tail and running back to wherever I came from.”

Cordelia had turned to ask her exactly what she meant, but the woman only stared, and then turned to walk in the other direction.

“Who was that woman?” she had asked Mrs. Dunlap. The older woman had denied knowing who she was, and turned her attention to the store behind them.

When Eli had arrived, Cordelia had wanted to ask him, but he had been in a hurry, taking her hand and leading her down the sidewalk. She had convinced herself that now was not the time to talk. They should do it in the privacy of their home.

They stepped into the general store, and all activity seemed to stop as people turned to study them. Before long, the storekeeper was heading their way, his hand outstretched. “Eli,” he said in a loud booming voice. “So good to see you.” He dropped Eli’s hand and bowed slightly in Cordelia’s direction. “You must be the new Mrs. Bannister; so good to meet you. Reese Malina. At your service. Anything you need, Mrs. Bannister, you just let me know. If we don’t have it, I can get it for you.”

“I’m sure you can, Mr. Malina. Thank you for the welcome.”

“Reese, please,” he said, holding his hand to his chest. “I hope we’ll see you in here often.”

Mrs. Dunlap huffed, and Cordelia hid a smile.

“Of course, you’ll be with her, Mrs. Dunlap,” Reese said. “Everyone’s very excited about the party, of course. What can I get you to help with it?”

The shopkeeper took Mrs. Dunlap by the arm and led her to the center of the store, leaving Eli and Cordelia standing near the door, alone. She had thought people would come and greet them, but no one came over. She felt like an animal at the circus that people stared at during the performances.

“Goodness,” she said to Eli. “I wonder if we should say something to these women.”

As if they had heard her, the ladies turned back to their shopping.

“Boulder is a small town,” Eli whispered near her ear. “Most of the people who arrive are here to work the mines in the mountains, and they don’t come with wives. You’re something very new.”

Cordelia thought about taking a moment to ask him about what the woman on the sidewalk had said, but decided it was not the proper time. She would do it after dinner tonight, while they were in the library together.

“Look around and see if there is anything you want,” Eli said. “There is a clothing store a little ways down. They have some ready made clothes, and some good bolts of cloth. Can you sew?”

“Of course,” she said with a smile. “If I could not, you should send me back to the mail order company.” She loved the smile that spread across his face, a mixture of amusement and shock.

He leaned toward her, the heat from his body making her feel warm and excited. “Maybe I should send you back because you haven’t come to my bed yet,” he whispered in her ear.

Cordelia’s nipples tightened, and that sweet spot between her legs tingled in what she knew was anticipation. Heat made her feel flush and she coughed into her hand. “Perhaps you should send me back, then, because I will never go to your bed,” she said as softly as possible. She kept a sweet smile on her face, and when Eli glanced down at her, she saw the most wickedly sensual grin she had ever seen in her life.

“Such confidence,” he said. “It seems as if you are issuing me a challenge.”

Before she could answer, Reese came up to them. “I want to contribute to the party,” he said. “I received a shipment of chocolate bars. How about I give them to you at a discount?”

Eli laughed. “Contributing would be giving them, Reese. But since I know you’re a businessman, I’ll take the discount.”

The two men walked toward the counter, and Cordelia smiled at a woman standing nearby. The woman was about Cordelia’s age, and despite Cordelia’s smile, she continued to stare as if she were seeing a unicorn.

“How are you?” Cordelia asked. “Cordelia West… I mean, Bannister. Sorry, it is all so new to me.”

The woman nodded. “I’ve only been here a few weeks myself,” she said, her Irish accent sounded melodic, and Cordelia smiled.

“Did your family just move here?”

“I’m the same as you,” the woman responded. “But my husband is not as grand as yours. He’s a miner, and I don’t get to see him a lot.”

Cordelia did not know much about the mining in this area, other than that it was done in the mountains and there were smaller towns that dotted the area up there.

“Have you made many friends?” Cordelia asked her.

“No,” the woman said, and Cordelia realized she had not supplied her name.

“What is your name?”

“Melody,” the girl said. “Melody Smith.”

Cordelia suddenly had an idea for this woman who seemed so sad. “Do you sew, Melody?”

“Aye,” the woman said, her face brightening.

“I need a new dress for the party. Can you do one before this weekend?”

“Oh aye,” the woman said. “I’ll rush down to the clothing store and have a look around and meet you there soon.”

She rushed out before Cordelia could say anything, but that was all right. Cordelia felt as if she had given her something to look forward to, and that was wonderful to her.

But as soon as Melody left, another woman entered. She wore a costume that Cordelia knew she would see on the streets of New York, and Cordelia’s stomach lurched. Something told her this was not going to be good.

“Eli Bannister?” the woman called out. “One of the ladies on the street said I would find you in here. Where are you?”

Eli turned from the counter and said, “I’m Eli. Who are you?”

“Constance, darling!” Her English accent seemed overdone to Cordelia, who was about to open her mouth and tell the woman that Eli was not her darling. Before she could say anything, though, the woman hurried across the room and wrapped her arms around Eli. “I knew you would be handsome.”

The heat Cordelia had felt earlier from Eli’s sexy words was replaced by one fueled by anger. She crossed the room and tugged on the woman’s arm. “Get your hands off my husband.”

Constance took a step back before she raked her gaze over Cordelia. “You must be the one he had to order by mail. I am sure there is room for you on the next stagecoach out of town. Or, we can take you down to Denver, where you can catch a train.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Cordelia said. She cringed slightly when she realized she had used a contraction, a form of words that she disliked immensely.

“I have a contract,” Constance said. “I will speak with a lawyer about how I can enforce my rights, and have you removed.”

“You little…” Cordelia searched for the proper word. Finally, she finished, “Witch.”

The ladies in the room gasped.

“Cordelia,” Eli said. “This is not the place.”

“You are right,” Constance said. “Perhaps we should go to the Four Fours. I am looking forward to seeing it. I always dreamed of what it would look like.”

The way she batted her eyes at Eli infuriated Cordelia. She stepped between the two of them. “I believe my husband has tried to let you down softly. You are the one who needs to be on the next stage, and then the next train. You’re not wanted here.”

Had she just used another contraction? What was happening to her? Was anger making her forget her command of the English language?

“Cordelia.” Eli’s voice was a soft warning. He leaned over and placed his lips next to her ear. “Not another word, or you’ll come across my lap when we return home.”

She ignored his warning. He had hired her to do a job, and if that included getting into a fight with this woman, then so be it. “Do you have problems with your hearing, Constance?” Cordelia’s voice rose in volume. “Perhaps you should go to the hotel and pack. Eli, dear, when does the next train leave? We want to make sure Constance is aboard.”

“I do not take orders from you,” Constance said. “As far as I am concerned, you are nothing more than a fly that needs to be swatted away.”

Cordelia, who had never had a fight with anyone in her life, lifted her hand and slapped Constance across the face. Gasps issued from those watching. Before Constance could respond, Eli stepped between them. He faced Cordelia, and the look of absolute rage on his face made Cordelia cringe.

“What are you doing?” he said, his voice low but full of anger.

“She said I was a fly to be swatted, so I swatted her instead, to let her know who is being the pest. She is not wanted here.”

Constance’s soft sobs drifted through the room; Cordelia felt a little remorse for what she had done, but not enough to apologize, to either Eli or the woman whose sobs had turned up in volume.

“Eli, I cannot believe…” Constance sobbed out. “I… I…”

“Stop calling him by his Christian name like you are acquainted,” Cordelia said to her. “You are not welcome here. Go back to England.”

“Cordelia, behave,” Eli said. “Look around you.”

She had been so focused on the woman who was still sobbing, that Cordelia had not realized more people had come into the store. Quite a few more people. They stood near the entrance, watching, with obvious fascination, as events unfolded. That meant they would be the subject of discussion in most of the houses in Boulder this evening.

Cordelia looked at Eli, who shook his head in warning. She kept her mouth shut and watched as he turned to Constance.

“I am not going to apologize for my wife, because, truthfully, you baited her. It’s time for you to go to the hotel, and go back to England as soon as possible. We have no business to discuss.”

Cordelia looked at the audience. The ladies were whispering amongst themselves, and she knew this was not what Eli had wanted. But she did not care. Perhaps Constance would take the hint and leave, although Cordelia was pretty sure that was not going to happen.

The English woman seemed to have what Mr. Tuttle called “fortitude.” In other words, she was stubborn. Still, Cordelia thought it was somewhat strange that she was here, when Eli had written her to tell her not to come.

Eli had turned his back on Cordelia, and was saying something to Constance that Cordelia could not hear. The other woman nodded, and without a glance in Cordelia’s direction, she turned and walked out the door.

“Reese, I am sorry for the scene,” Eli said as he extended his hand to the shopkeeper. Cordelia knew he was apologizing for her, and she wanted to tell him that he did not need to do that; it was something she could do herself.

“Forgive me, Reese,” she said. “I lost my temper.”

“So you did,” he said with a grin. “I’m sure there is some story behind this, and I’d love to hear it, Eli.”

The whole store was quiet, and Cordelia was sure that Eli was not going to give any information to Reese, or anyone else in the room, about what just happened.”

Before Eli could say anything, though, Reese said, “Who is that woman?”

“That woman is a mistake my father made years ago,” Eli said. Cordelia could tell by the Reese’s raised eyebrows that he had taken the statement wrong.

“She is not Mr. Bannister’s child,” Cordelia said. “She is… um… well…” Cordelia was digging a deeper hole. She closed her mouth and took a step back like a good, submissive wife.

“I don’t want to say too much right now, Reese,” Eli said. “Please, just deliver the things we need to the house tomorrow.”

Reese nodded before he said that he would. He told Cordelia it had been nice to meet her, and then Eli, Mrs. Dunlap and Cordelia left the store. She was almost shocked to see Mrs. Dunlap there, because the housekeeper had been so quiet during the troubles.

“Mrs. Dunlap, please go to the butcher and order what we need,” Eli said. “My wife and I will go to the clothing store to talk with the young lady about the dress Cordelia wants. Meet us at the carriage in an hour.”