Emma: Bride of Kentucky (American Mail-Order Bride 15) Page 11

  “Cover yourself, Emma,” the woman demanded, her outraged eyes still on Sam.

  Sam didn’t flinch. Standing slightly behind Emma, his view of her was cut off. Not that he wanted to see what David had done to her dress before he’d pulled him away. Renewed anger boiled to the surface.

  “You are correct, Lizette,” Emma said slowly. “Damage control needs to be done in order to protect Sam Hawley from any accusations of wrong-doing.” She raised her eyes to David, whose ogling gaze hadn’t diminished. Sam clenched his fists at his side.

  “What are you talking about, Emma?” Lizette’s voice rose several octaves.

  “I think you know very well what I’m talking about,” Emma shot back without hesitation. “David, your son, did this to me. If not for Mr. Hawley, I would have been violated in the worst possible way last night.”

  Lizette shot a hasty glance at her son, then back to Emma, her lips tight.

  “May we come in?” she asked, her voice sounding less demanding.

  Emma wrapped the coat fully around herself again and nodded. “If it’s all right with Mr. Hawley.”

  Sam stepped out of the way, his unwavering gaze on Mrs. Benton. “It’s your property.” He shrugged. “Gus and I are merely tenants.” He couldn’t keep the contempt out of his voice.

  Lizette sauntered into the main room. Sam glared at David as he passed through the door. His mother wheeled around, looking from both Sam to Emma after Sam closed the door behind him. He stepped up behind Emma, who favored him with a grateful look.

  “All right,” Lizette Benton said, inhaling a dramatic breath. “Here is what is going to happen. Sam Hawley, is it?” She raised her brows to him. “I’ve heard some things about you, and that you’re a good trainer. I understand you’ve got my next Derby hopeful coming along nicely.”

  Sam suppressed a snort. Despite the fact that Emma had said his name several time since her arrival, he was surprised Mrs. Benton had noticed. He nodded.

  “You will retain your position as trainer here, on the condition that not a word will be said about this incident.”

  Sam’s brows rose. He laughed. Emma inhaled a loud breath.

  “Mrs. Benton,” he said slowly. “You’ll protect your son at all cost, no matter who gets hurt. Always have. Always will. This time, he hurt Miss Waterston, and could have hurt her even worse if I hadn’t happened to be making the rounds at the barns. How badly is he going to hurt her next time?” He stared at David, who looked as if he was ready to lunge at him. Sam was ready if he did.

  “I’m not going to sweep this under the rug.”

  Lizette Benton straightened, her eyes widening in disbelief. “You will lose your position here immediately if that is how you want to play,” she spat. “It will be your word against mine, and David’s, and Emma’s. Who do you think will side with you?”

  It was Emma’s turn to stand straighter. “What makes you think I’m going to keep quiet on this matter, Lizette?” she said heatedly. “David assaulted me. He hit me several times and knocked me against the wall, then tore the bodice of my dress. And that was all before Sam showed up to help me.”

  Sam couldn’t help but smile at her, even though she couldn’t see with her back to him. A warm sensation flowed through him, that she was defending him to Lizette Benton.

  “Emma,” Lizette nearly shouted. “You can’t talk like that about the man who is going to be your husband in a few weeks.”

  Emma laughed. “After what he did to me last night, Lizette, I refuse to marry him.”

  A dark, angry cloud drifted over the woman’s face. “You will be out on the street, young lady, just as we discussed, if you refuse my son. You were brought here for one purpose, and I will make sure your family name is dragged through the mud if you don’t uphold our agreement.”

  “My family name holds no merit, Lizette. You’ve done your research on me. You should know that. I think the people in this county, perhaps in the entire state, know what kind of son you have. That’s why you had to go all the way to Boston to find a wife for him.”

  Lizette’s eyes drifted through the room. She looked almost composed, and smug, but her eyes glared like an ice statue. “Very well.” She sighed dramatically. “If that’s how you want it. You will learn not to cross me. Judith will have your belongings packed and set outside the servants’ entrance in one hour.” Her stare intensified and she leaned toward Emma. “The belongings that you brought with you, not the gowns and fineries I have gifted to you. You are making an enormous mistake, young lady.”

  “I don’t think so,” Emma said softly, shaking her head. “For once, I know exactly what I’m doing.”

  “Don’t think you can take anything that I’ve paid for,” Mrs. Benton said quickly. Apparently her only weapon against Emma was money and material possessions.

  Emma shook her head. “I don’t plan to, Lizette,” she answered calmly. “All I need are the things I brought with me. And someday, I will repay you for the train ticket you purchased to bring me out here. In a way, I have to thank you. I would not have met a man like Sam Hawley otherwise.”

  Mrs. Benton stared at Sam. “As for you, I want you gone from here by nightfall, as well. You won't receive a reference from me, and will not find decent work in this state, if I can help it.”

  Sam nodded quietly. Her threats didn’t bother him. This might be his chance to pick up and move on. His only regret was breaking the news to Gus. He’d always told the old man he’d never leave him.

  “Take Miss Waterston’s train fare out of my final wages, Mrs. Benton.” Sam met the woman’s icy stare.

  “Come along, David.” Lizette raised her chin and sauntered to the door.

  “You’d better watch your back, Hawley,” David said in a low tone as he passed him.

  “I’ve beaten you in every fight we’ve had. I’m not worried,” Sam said. He followed them to the door and closed it the minute David Benton stepped outside.

  He stood for a second, then turned to see Emma standing in the middle of the room, looking at him with worried eyes. He took a slow step toward her, then another. His heart sped up.

  “Where are you going to go?” she asked when he stopped in front of her. “I’m so sorry,” she added, and her eyes began to glisten. “I didn’t want you to lose your position here because of me.”

  Sam shrugged. He lifted his hands to her arms. “I’ve got friends in the area. I’m sure someone will give me a place to stay until I figure out what to do. Lizette Benton can make all the threats she wants, but she knows she’s not going to win.” He hesitated, then his hands slid up and down her arms along the fabric of his bulky coat. She nearly drowned inside it.

  “What about you, Emma?” He stepped closer. Tears pooled in her eyes.

  “I don’t know,” she whispered. “I’ll look for work so I can buy a ticket back to Boston, I suppose. I don’t want you to pay for my ticket.”

  His hand reached up. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, then he slid his fingers along her chin, under her hair to the back of her head, and curved around her slender neck. When he took another step closer her dress grazed his pants. He stared down at her for what seemed like an eternity.

  Emma matched his stare. She swallowed visibly. Sam leaned forward. He hesitated again, then his lips touched hers. Heat coursed through him the instant his mouth came in contact with the feminine softness of her lips. She reached up, her arms curling around his neck, and she drew him closer. Sam eased back, looking for permission in the warmth of her gaze. Staring into her eyes, he communicated the promise of a future. Together.

  “Emma Waterston,” he murmured. “I know this is sudden, but I’ve offered to pay your way from Boston to Kentucky for a reason. Will you do me the honor and be my mail order bride?”

  He touched his lips to hers again without waiting for an answer. Emma’s body swayed against him, melting to him as if she’d always been meant to be in his embrace. Sam snaked his arm around her waist and drew her
even closer, deepening the kiss. His fingers weaved through her hair, holding her to him, savoring every delicious second as her own mouth shifted beneath his, and he had his answer.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Well, now. Maybe I need to be gone overnight more often.”

  Emma tensed at the voice coming from the front door, and pulled out of Sam’s arms. She stumbled backward, but he caught and steadied her. A wide grin spread across his face. Emma darted a mortified glance to where Gus stood, his face beaming like a ray of sunshine.

  “Or perhaps I needed to stay gone longer.”

  “You’re home early.” Sam turned to face the old man, his arm still tightly wrapped around Emma’s waist.

  Her cheeks heated at the smug look on the old caretaker’s face.

  “Saw it right from the start,” Gus announced, nodding vigorously. He apparently chose to ignore Sam’s comment. “Didn’t know how long it would take for the two of you to realize it, too. Some things are just stronger than social boundaries.”

  “I wasn’t going to wait as long as you, old man.” Sam’s eyes returned to Emma and he winked, then tugged her up against him for another kiss.

  “Sam,” she whispered in protest. “This isn’t proper.”

  His brows rose, while Gus chuckled and moved further into the room.

  “Now you’re worried about propriety, Miss Waterston? I thought you were reformed.”

  Emma couldn’t help but smile back at Sam, but shot him a disapproving look for good measure. Her heart filled with an emotion she hadn’t thought would come alive in her. She loved Sam. There was no defining moment when it had happened.

  The way he’d greeted her at the train station in Lexington replayed in her mind; his smile, her name on his lips, and the confident air around him had drawn her to him instantly. Last night, however, had solidified the feeling in her. It was like Gus had said. Some forces were simply too strong and defied logic. She’d come to Kentucky with the promise of material riches. She’d found so much more.

  Emma returned Sam’s smile and relaxed against him. There was nothing improper about openly showing her affection for this man. In his eyes was the promise of a future filled with love, and someone who would always take care of her. She would have a marriage filled with more wealth than she could have ever hoped.

  Sam finally eased his hold around her and guided her back to the kitchen chair. He adjusted his coat around her shoulders, which had come loose and exposed too much of her torn bodice at the moment.

  “I’ll fetch your bag so you can change your dress,” he murmured against her cheek.

  Gus’ keen eyes darted from her to Sam. There were untold questions in the old man’s gaze. Sam poured a mug of coffee for him, and the two stared at each other.

  “I’m no longer employed at the Three Elms,” Sam said before Gus had a chance to speak.

  The old man nodded, tossing a hasty glance at Emma. “Wouldn’t expect you to be.”

  The caretaker listened patiently while Sam told his mentor what had occurred since he’d been gone.

  “David Benton will get what’s coming to him,” Gus grumbled, when Sam concluded with telling Gus that he and Emma were going to get married. Sam had stepped up behind her, placing his hand on her shoulder. Emma tilted her head to smile up at him.

  “I’ll be giving Mrs. Benton a piece of my mind,” the old man added. “You’re the best trainer this place could hope for, and she knows it. One of these days she’s going to have to wake up. And if she thinks she can just get rid of you for doing what’s right, she’s sorely mistaken. I won’t stand for this. I will get your job back, or many of us will leave.”

  Emma’s eyes widened at Gus’ strong words.

  “Don’t do anything foolish,” Sam said, shaking his head. “Everyone here needs their jobs. And this is your home. Once I’m settled somewhere with Emma, I’ll come and get you, if you want. You’ll always have a place with me, just like you’ve given me a place to live.”

  Gus placed his hand on Sam’s arm. “You’ve been like a son to me, Sam. I know you’ve told me you’ve only stayed on because of me.” He glanced at Emma. “It’s time you thought about your own future. That doesn’t mean, however, that I’ll just sit by and watch as injustice is done.”

  Sam smiled at the old man. “Like you said, Benton will get what’s coming to him, eventually. At least I won’t have to see him ruin this place. Take care of Queen and Dusty for me, will you? Make sure Lonnie doesn’t ruin that colt.”

  Gus shook his head and frowned. “Plum shame what’s going to happen to those young horses, with you gone.”

  Sam nodded. Emma quietly shook her head. Sam and Gus cared about the horses, more than their owners cared for them.

  “I’m going to fetch Emma’s bags and pack my own gear. I’ll only take what I need for now. I’ll send for the rest later.” He leaned down and kissed Emma’s cheek, then told her he’d be back shortly.

  Gus walked him to the door. He draped his hand along Sam’s shoulder. He leaned toward him, but spoke loud enough for Emma to hear.

  “Take the two-seater buggy. Miz Benton won’t miss it. If I didn’t clean it every week, the wheels would be rusted together by now. You can return it when you’re settled.” He glanced toward Emma. “Go and get yourself married over in Richmond at the courthouse, then head on over to Ansel Warner’s place.”

  “Ansel Warner?” Sam’s brows rose.

  “He’s got that small farm just a few miles from town. Yesterday, when Millie and I were visiting with the Hobermanns, Ansel mentioned that his trainer was laid up with a kick to the head. He’s in Louisville, staying with his sister. Ansel’s not sure if he’ll ever recover to come back to train. Tell him I sent you.”

  Sam nodded. He held out his hand to Gus, who shook it. The two embraced. Emma swiped at the tears in her eyes at the scene.

  Sam glanced at her one final time, then left the cottage with the promise to be back in a few minutes with her belongings. In the meantime, Gus would hitch up the buggy for them to leave the Three Elms.

  Emma paced the floor in the small kitchen. This cottage was a bit larger than the apartment she’d left behind in Lawrence, but it had a warmth to it as if she could feel the years of love and laughter contained within its walls. The large Benton estate with its vast rooms and spacious corridors seemed cold in comparison.

  Sam returned with her bag and she changed into the dress she’d worn the day she’d arrived in Lexington. She laughed out loud, standing in Sam’s small bedroom, buttoning up the last of the bodice. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined this would be her wedding dress someday. She glanced at the torn, expensive gown she’d tossed onto the bed, then strode from the room.

  Sam waited for her, his eyes meeting hers the instant she walked into the kitchen. Something warm wrapped itself around her heart. Emma took his hand when he held it out to her.

  “Ready for your new life, Miss Waterston?” He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips.

  She nodded. “As long as it’s with you, Mr. Hawley, I’m ready.”

  He led her to the door, but it burst open before he could open it himself. Millie swept into the room like a blast of air, her eyes roaming frantically around the space. Spotting Emma, she pulled her into a tight embrace, knocking the wind from Emma’s lungs.

  “I’m gonna kill that evil man myself,” she cried, still clutching Emma tightly to her bosom. “Maybe I’ll poison his stew. And for Miz Benton, to do something as foolish as letting Sam go.” She held Emma at arm’s length away from her, giving Emma a chance to finally take a breath, and frowned with disapproval. “Her horses will never run the same again, mark my word.” She nodded, reaffirming her conviction.

  “Emma and I are getting married,” Sam announced, his voice filled with pride.

  No doubt he wanted to steer Millie’s anger away from the unpleasant subject of the Bentons. The cook’s face instantly shifted from an angry frown to a bright smil
e. She clasped her hands together, then advanced on Sam and Emma, spreading out her arms. She hugged them both at the same time before finally letting go. Emma took a quick step back. It would take some time for her to get used to this kind of affection.

  “And that’s the best news I’ve heard in ages,” Millie exclaimed. “Gus already told me. He also said that you’re leaving. As soon as you two are settled, we’re coming and we’re gonna celebrate properly. I’ll bake the best wedding cake Fayette County has ever seen.”

  “That will be lovely.” Emma clasped Millie’s hand.

  The cook beamed at her, then wiped at her eyes. “You two best get going. Gus is waiting with the buggy. We’re sure gonna miss you, Sam, but wherever you go, you’ll do well. Any owner’s gonna be lucky to have you come work for him and train his horses. Benton’s going to be sorry soon, you mark my words.”

  Sam ushered Emma from the cottage before Millie went into another of her tirades. He took the bag from her like he’d done the day he’d met her at the train station. This time, when he helped her into the rig, his hands lingered at her waist, sending a ripple of warmth through Emma at his touch. He smiled up at her when she settled on the seat, adjusting her skirt around her legs. He and Gus embraced a final time, then he hopped onto the seat next to her.

  Ollie the groom came rushing up the path, a wide-eyed look of disbelief on his face. Standing in front of one of the barns were at least a dozen grooms.

  “Take care of Dusty.” Sam reached down from the buggy and shook Ollie’s hand. The groom nodded wordlessly. The reality of Sam leaving had apparently not sunk in.

  Sam clucked to the horse and snapped the reins over its back. Emma turned to wave at Gus and Millie. The two of them stood together, and Millie leaned into the old man. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and handed her a handkerchief.

  Sam kept the horse at a brisk trot heading down the long lane of the Three Elms. He reached for Emma’s hand and squeezed it. They sat in comfortable silence as the buggy took them farther away from the farm and toward their new life together. Emma’s heart pounded in her chest. She was getting married today. She’d come to Kentucky as a mail order bride, and today she was going to say her vows to the man of her dreams. Her new dreams.