“The man she is planning to wed is Terrance – a do-gooder who uses his family money to transport the poor and needy around the countryside. She has only corresponded with him, never met him face to face. Appears to be growing fond of his child. Nick has told her of his feelings but she is not interested in marrying a farmer. I find her rather gullible and immature.”
“You don’t believe her story?”
“I am quite certain she believes her story. It just isn’t sitting well with me. And I suspect, with Nick either, otherwise he would never have agreed to escort the woman he loves to meet her new husband. My brother has chosen a bad time to show loyalty to a lost cause – it’s downright annoying.”
“First time I heard such a fine quality labeled as annoying,” said Trace.
“You didn’t live with him for twenty-three years.”
“Is that how old you are?” asked Trace. “How on earth did you remain single this long?”
Gen frowned at him. “I told you – obligations to the family. No man wanted that much baggage included in the marriage contract. Not to worry – I don’t give them a second thought.” Her voice became wistful. “When we became orphaned, I felt it my duty to dedicate myself to raising my sisters and feeding my hard-working brothers. And I promised my father.”
“A very noble sacrifice.”
“Not at all. One does what’s needed,” Gen said.
“And do I fall into that bracket? You needed to escape and I was the first offer?”
“I suppose that is the way it happened,” said Gen, squirming under his observant eye. “But we are managing our agreement well, don’t you think?”
His silence pierced her heart. He hit the backs of the horses with the lines and they picked up the pace. For supper that night, she warmed beans over the fire and Trace returned with a bowl of meat that the hunter cooked for everyone. They ate in silence and finally when darkness overcame the day, she broached the subject neither of them spoke of, but one that divided them like a wall.
“How will we manage our sleeping arrangements?” she whispered.
“I’ll sleep on the ground under the wagon. Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“But what will people think? We are on our honeymoon.”
“Is that an invitation to share your bed?”
“Of course not,” she said. “I’m just trying to play the role you created by saying this was our honeymoon trip.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make it work and you can save your honor.”
Gen sighed, not knowing whether she wanted it saved or not. Trace was such a complex person. Just when she thought she had him figured, he’d shut her out. “Well, goodnight then.” She headed for the wagon and prepared for bed. As she started to crawl under her blankets on the straw mattress Trace had found for her, she heard voices. She strained to listen.
“Surprised to see you sitting out here alone. Having a spat with the wife?” Nick asked.
“Not used to going to bed so early, that’s all,” said Trace.
A long silence followed and Gen could feel the tension building outside. Perhaps Nick had moved on and decided not to create trouble. Her ears perked. No such luck.
“Don’t think you’re fooling me, mister. And don’t think I’ll not be on your back until you prove yourself worthy of my sister.”
“Let’s get it out in the open. Just what do you think you know about me that makes me an unworthy husband?”
“Does Cheyenne ring a bell?”
Silence again and Gen found herself holding her breath and so wishing she could see Trace’s expression right now.
“Were you there, or is this a here-say report?”
“I was making a deal in the next town over and read it in the paper. The case made front page.”
“So, you know I am a Pinkerton agent,” Trace said. “Still not sure how that makes me unworthy for a brother-in-law.”
“Your female partner was also a detective. Isn’t that the way it works in the agency?”
A pause then Trace answered. “Usually, but I surpassed the system and took Gen as my wife because I love her.”
“The same way you loved the first one whom you watched the bank robber gun down in cold blood? Or maybe number two, who couldn’t bear to be with you another day and ended your marriage?”
The nagging fear of her partner not being able to protect her against the villains of their world resurfaced. She wanted to believe she was strong enough to combat evil when it came her time to face it, but she’d lived such a sheltered life at the farm. Gen doubted her bravery, and when it attempted to overtake her peace of mind, she cast it away with the determination of a single-minded agent in training, sworn to stand by her partner. She’d stand firm in her decision.
Gen called out. “I’m ready, Trace. You can come to bed now.”
She heard the sizzle of the fire being put out and Trace’s reply. “Be there in a minute, sweetheart. Just saying goodnight to your brother.”
No further words passed between the two men and soon she watched as the back flap on the wagon opened. Trace stepped in and stared at Gen; the covers pulled up to her chin.
“Thought you needed rescuing from the verbal attack,” she simply said.
“Appreciate it. Don’t think your brother needs to know my business.” He grabbed a blanket and stretched it out by the door. She tossed him a straw pillow he’d made for her comfort. “Take this.”
“Thanks.”
“Trace, do you consider it none of my business as well? Should I know about the circumstances surrounding the fate of your first two wives?”
“I’ve told you everything you need to know.” His voice was curt and he turned his back
