Western Kisses – Old West Christmas Romances (Boxed Set) (36 page)

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By AnnMarie Oakes

Rosalie Weld's fiancé has a mistress, and he doesn't intend to give her up just for marriage. After breaking her engagement, Rosalie flees Boston for her cousin's homestead in the Colorado Territory and it might just be the perfect refuge, if she can learn to accept the hard work and solitude of frontier life.

Even on her journey, she can't avoid womanizers like Garrett Ballinger, who stumbles out of a brothel and straight onto the stagecoach. But Rosalie will be safe when she arrives in Cascade Creek; the local marshal will escort her to Audra's homestead.

Trouble is, Garrett is the marshal and he's plenty interested in the pretty Easterner. He may not be the man she thinks he is, but she can't trust him--until she's forced to. Can a Christmas miracle warm up Rosalie's frozen heart?

Rosalie winced as she stepped into the parlor. Her corset bit into her in places, rubbing her skin raw. Annie, her maid, always pulled it too snug. Rosalie’s mother took a keen interest in fashion and that meant wearing the latest styles with no regard to comfort. Her mother didn’t care for the looser dresses that some ladies were wearing. She deemed them inappropriate and forbade Rosalie from wearing one. After she married, Rosalie planned to take a greater hand in her own wardrobe. It was one of many benefits she anticipated would accrue to her after marriage to her fiancé, Winslow Dudley, in January.

Laughter rang out across the room and Rosalie made her way to the conversation group. As she approached, talking stopped and everyone avoided her gaze. Her closest friend, Katherine, immediately launched into a description of new hats she’d seen the previous day at Jordan Marsh, and soon conversation resumed.

Rosalie couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d been the topic of discussion and the surreptitious glances she intercepted cemented her opinion. There was no reason for anyone to be gossiping about her that she knew of. She was always very conscious of her comportment. Her mother never would have allowed it to be otherwise. Rosalie didn't care to risk a week’s worth of lectures for a momentary lapse.

Tea was served and Rosalie took a place on a settee next to Katherine. “Did you purchase a new hat yesterday?”

Katherine didn’t meet her eye and her words came out in a rush. “Why no I didn’t, though they were lovely. I have so many hats already. I’m having a few new dresses made for Christmas. We’re doing so much entertaining after all, and I thought I’d see what I needed.”

“Is something amiss?” Rosalie and Katherine had always had a special kinship. Katherine’s mother was as domineering as Rosalie’s and they often took solace in one another’s company. Out of their common experience, true friendship had blossomed.

Katherine wrung her hands. “Of course not. Everything is quite fine with me. And yourself?”

“Everything is in place for the wedding, of course. I just hope the weather won’t be too harsh come January.” Cold and a dusting of snow wouldn’t interrupt the plans, but a full-blown snowstorm would be a disaster. Rosalie would have preferred to wait until spring or even summer, but she hadn’t been given the choice.

Katherine jerked at the mention of the wedding. Her fingers fiddled with the brooch pinned to her dress.

Rosalie placed her hand over Katherine’s. “I know something is bothering you. Is it your mother?” Rosalie spied the sheen of tears in Katherine’s eyes.

Katherine shook her head. “Perhaps you could offer me a ride home after tea in your carriage.”

Rosalie hid her surprise. “I’d be glad to.” Katherine’s suggestion was unusual, and though she was glad to grant the request, it made her uneasy. Rosalie’s discomfort grew until she suggested they take their leave early.

Katherine was more than happy to oblige and soon they found themselves tucked into the carriage, making their way through the streets of Boston. The coachman drove with care as the packed snow made the streets slick.

Only a moment passed before Katherine grabbed Rosalie’s hands in her own. “I’m so sorry. I … I guess everyone knows. Don’t worry though, it will blow over.”

Rosalie frowned. “Katherine, what are you talking about?”

“Winslow’s … situation.” Katherine released Rosalie and began twisting the ribbons that decorated her reticule.

Rosalie’s eyes widened in confusion. “I beg your pardon?” Winslow was a successful businessman. He hadn’t mentioned a concern of any kind in his business or otherwise.

“Oh dear, you don’t know?” A ribbon on Katherine’s reticule detached from her rough treatment and she stuffed it inside.

Rosalie could no longer hide her growing irritation and spoke more sharply than she would have wished. “Don’t know what? Katherine …”

Katherine’s hands flailed about as if seeking something new to grab on to. “About Winslow’s mistress.”

“Mistress? What are you talking about?” Rosalie took a calming breath as her agitation grew.

“His mistress.” Katherine shifted on the seat.

“Winslow doesn’t keep a mistress.”

Sadness settled onto Katherine’s face. “Yes, he does and she is … increasing.”

Rosalie jerked away. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“I’m sorry, Rosalie, but I think it might be true. Margaret’s maid is a cousin to the woman’s housekeeper.”

Rosalie flushed with indignation. “I don’t know why Margaret would be so hateful but she is mistaken about my fiancé.”

Katherine sighed. “I hope so. I truly do. But Rosalie, perhaps you’d better ask him. Or maybe bring it up to your mother.”

Rosalie stiffened. “I don't think that’s necessary.”

“I understand it’s a shock, but it’s better to know, isn’t it? People will find something else to gossip about soon enough and it will all fade away.” Katherine tried to catch Rosalie’s hand, but she pulled away.

The carriage came to a stop and the driver jumped down, came around, and opened the door.

“I’ll speak with you soon, Rosalie.” Katherine turned and stepped out of the carriage.

Rosalie nodded, her mind jumbled. Katherine was a good friend. Her
best
friend. Rosalie didn’t suspect her of lying. However, there were others who found entertainment in the sport of gossip. Apparently, they found it amusing to make her the target of their lies and innuendo.

~*~

Rosalie turned home and retreated to her room after telling her mother she wanted to read. In reality, she dithered and wrung her hands.
Why would Margaret make up such a lie?
Rosalie was at a loss. She wasn’t close with Margaret, but they’d always been cordial. She could think of no reason for Margaret to want to hurt her by spreading falsehoods. Margaret wasn’t part of the crowd that gossiped for sport.

Rosalie’s first urge was to confront her. She could have a carriage brought around and go to her home. She dismissed that idea immediately. A confrontation would just add fuel to the fire. Overreacting would just add another amusing anecdote to the tale.

Despite her domineering ways, Rosalie’s mother suffered from poor nerves and confiding in her would no doubt bring on an attack. Mrs. Weld would likely castigate Rosalie and then take to her bed. Rosalie hoped no one would take it upon themselves to inform her of the rumors, but she had no confidence in that prospect. Some people delighted in such things, and her mother attended many social events. It was only a matter of time before the rumor reached her ears.

Rosalie felt duty bound to inform Winslow though, and desperately wanted to speak with him. They were attending a charity event that very evening. Embarrassment burned her just at the thought of the subject, but she preferred he hear the unpleasantness from her. Such rumors, even unfounded, might hurt him in his business dealings. Perhaps he would even have an idea how to address it.

~*~

That evening, Rosalie took care with her appearance, donning a new silk gown for the event. Her maid dressed her hair and she met her parents in the front parlor.

Her mother’s expression turned to concern when she saw Rosalie. “You look a bit pale, dear, are you unwell?”

“I’m perfectly fine. It’s been a busy day.” Rosalie tried harder to hide her emotional state. She marked the minutes until she could speak with Winslow. She was sure she could weather the storm with him at her side.

Mrs. Weld looked ready to argue, but her husband took her arm. “We need to go. We don’t want to arrive late.”

“No. Of course not,” Rosalie agreed.

Mr. Weld smiled. “You look lovely, Rosalie. That gown is most becoming.”

“Thank you, Father.” Mr. Weld always worked long hours and Rosalie never spent much time in his company besides dinner. Now that she was older, he often accompanied her mother and herself to social events. When she became engaged, her father had been as proud as anyone, and he’d taken care to treat her more like an adult instead of a child.

Inside the carriage, soft blankets draped over their laps. It was a wintry evening and dress coats were not warm enough. Rosalie was glad when they reached their destination, and she hurried into the warmth. She looked for Winslow immediately, but it didn’t appear he had arrived as yet.

Rosalie avoided being drawn into conversation by skirting the edges of the dance floor at a brisk pace as if she had an important destination. She didn’t care to speak to anyone except Winslow.

After twenty minutes of dodging inquiring glances, Rosalie spied Winslow. He glanced around the room as he passed through the entry and Rosalie caught his eye. He smiled warmly and Rosalie followed his progress to her side.

Winslow stopped in front of her and took her hand. “You are a breath of spring on a cold evening.”

Usually Winslow’s flowery compliments set her heart fluttering, but not today. “Winslow …”

“I find myself in the mood for a dance. Shall we?” Without waiting for a response, Winslow led her onto the dance floor and turned her to the music.

Rosalie didn’t protest, unsure how to proceed. “Winslow, I have something I must speak to you about.”

“Of course, my dear,” Winslow answered in a superior voice.

Why had she never noticed his arrogance before?
“It’s difficult to say while dancing.”

“Shall we take a stroll around the room? I believe I saw some enticing pastries.”

“Yes. Perhaps that would be best.” Rosalie didn’t want anyone to overhear them. The last thing she wanted was more gossip.

Winslow eased them out of the path of dancing and toward the refreshments.

Rosalie’s hands itched inside her gloves. “I don’t know how to start.”

Winslow smiled indulgently. “Is it about the wedding? A problem with your dress, perhaps?”

Rosalie wished her concerns were so frivolous. “No. Oh dear. I don’t know how to say this.”

“Please, Rosalie, continue.” Winslow wasn’t even looking at her. His eyes scanned the room, likely hoping to spot someone of importance.

Rosalie’s stomach bubbled with dread. “I went to tea with some of my friends today. I learned there is a disturbing rumor going around.”

Winslow inclined his head as they passed near an acquaintance. “Oh? About what?”

“You.”

“Me?” Winslow appeared genuinely shocked.

Rosalie coughed. “Yes.”

Winslow pulled her to the side. “What have you heard?”

Rosalie took a deep breath. “That you have a mistress and she is … with child.”

Winslow was silent for a moment. “That’s unfortunate. I’m sorry, Rosalie. I didn’t intend for you to know. It’s not a situation one would share with a fiancée.”

Rosalie’s eyes widened with dawning horror. “Are you saying it’s true?”

Winslow looked as if he’d swallowed a bite of bad fish. “It is, unfortunately, true. I am very dismayed to hear the information is spreading. I certainly told no one.”

Rosalie’s heart shattered inside her chest. “But we’re engaged. We’re to be married. How can you be having a child with another woman?”

Winslow frowned. “Rosalie, she has nothing to do with us.”

“Nothing to do with us! How can you say that?” Rosalie was drowning in a sea of disbelief.

“Lower your voice,” Winslow hissed.

Rosalie clamped her lips together.

“I’ve very sorry that you heard this news. I’m sure it was rather embarrassing for you. I’m not pleased myself this is being bandied about. It’s a rather private matter. However, I’m confident that people’s attention will move onto something else soon.”

“A private matter? You don’t seem to be grasping the essential point, Winslow.” Rosalie swallowed hard. She wanted to scream.
How could something so perfect go so wrong? Had she been blind?

“And just what is the point?” he said coolly.

“The point is not that people are talking about us. The point is what they are saying is
true
!” The idea of Winslow with another woman devastated her. And a child. There was a
child
.

Winslow shrugged. “Rosalie, you’re young. Many men, particularly unmarried ones, keep a mistress.”

“You are about to be married. Do you plan to give her up?”