McKenna, (Sweet Western Historical Romance) (Nevada Brides Series Book 1) (2 page)

“Well, the offer stands. Just think about it first.”

“Mr. Tibins, if you please, I’d like the funds you withdrew from my father’s account.”

“But that money is mine,” her uncle insisted.

“No, it’s not. It belongs to the girls since it was willed to them. It’s not a business account.”  Mr. Tibins turned to McKenna. “If you could sign a few papers before you leave, I’ll process the paperwork to put the house into the name of you and your sisters.”

“That’s my house, I believe,” Uncle Abner insisted.

“You’re insufferable, Uncle. Would you now throw us into the streets?”

“Don’t blame me. Perhaps you should blame your father.”

“I wouldn’t even if I could, but have you no regard for our father’s wishes? He had tried to locate you to buy you out.”

“Well, he didn’t McKenna, now did he?” Uncle Abner replied sarcastically.

“The house was bought five years ago and doesn’t belong to you. Know this: I plan to speak to my grandfather about what you’re doing.”

“Go ahead and much luck to you. The old man is very stubborn. I believe he’s still angry about your father marrying a woman he didn’t approve of, just like us buying the business together.”

McKenna was led from the room. She signed the papers near tears, but she wouldn’t give her uncle the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She didn’t know how she’d ever break the news to her sisters about the plight they were in.
Oh, Father, what have you done to us?
She knew in her heart that he wasn’t to blame, except for going into business with the devil. Her uncle had taken no part of the business, yet every year her father sent his brother his share of the earnings from the store. If only her father had used the money he made to buy another store. Well, at least they had the house. Nobody could ever take that away from them.

* * *

Instead of going home, McKenna marched over to Hays Street where her grandfather Harold lived in an English Tudor in the lap of luxury on the corner of Hayes and Main. She walked past row after row of homes where more of the well-to-do lived.

She slipped through the iron gate, which surrounded the property. Her grandfather was into banking, and had accumulated quite a sum from the looks of this house. The entire first floor was stone, the second floor white with a beam pattern that was classic Tudor style.

Her grandfather had never approved of the marriage between her parents and had no contact with them.
How cold a man could he actually be?
McKenna was soon to find out.

She knocked on the door and a maid answered the door. “Your grandfather has been expecting that you’d drop by. Please, come inside.”

“I had no idea he even knew who I was.”

“Oh, he knows who you are,” the maid replied as she led McKenna to the library. She breathed deeply as she so loved the smell of leather binders. It just never got old to her.

Her grandfather was hunched over a desk, his quill pen in motion. “I suppose you’re here to ask for money?”

“Not exactly,” McKenna said as she eased herself into a chair.

Only then did her grandfather look up. “No? Then why are you here?”

“I wish to discuss with you about how Uncle Abner has stolen off the business right out from under us. He’s inherited the store since it was the agreement when he and Papa became partners.”

“And why didn’t your father pay him off?”

“He was unable to since Uncle Abner was living abroad for twenty-some years,” McKenna explained.

“That doesn’t surprise me, but what do you think I can do about it? I disowned my sons when they entered into that agreement. I knew Abner couldn’t be trusted. From what I heard, he never lifted a hand to run the business and then went to England to live.”

“Oh, I thought you disowned my father for marrying my mother?”

“Your father could have done much better for himself. He had opportunities to marry a woman from a good family of means, not the first pretty girl he fell for. Did you know your mother worked for your father before they married?” her grandfather asked.

“Yes, of course. They fell in love and were madly in love until the day they died.”

“That might be, but that’s also why you find yourself in this predicament.” He paused. “I’d be willing to help you and your sisters find husbands. Men of means who would take care of you.”

“I have no interest in finding a husband.”

“You say that now, but what will you do when you can’t afford the taxes for the house? You have no means of gainful employment now. You’ll be lucky if someone hires you to be a maid.”

“So, that’s it then? You won’t help us outside of what you already suggested?” McKenna stood. “All I wanted was for you to speak with my uncle. I had hopes that you might be able to do so. Perhaps he’d have a change of heart and allow us to keep the business.”

“Did you hit your head, girl? What would be in it for him?”

“We could give him his share, just like he received from my father.”

“He’d make much more if he sold the business. It wouldn’t surprise me if he hasn’t already put it up for sale.”

McKenna shoulders slumped. “So, you’re so full of hate that you’d turn away your own granddaughter?”

“I’m sorry, but you shouldn’t have come. I won’t support the offspring of my son and his—”

When McKenna raised a brow, her grandfather quit talking.

“Desperate times are ahead, McKenna. Find yourself a husband. It will be your only chance.”

“So, I should marry someone I don’t even love?”

“Love sometimes will come,” he countered.

“Oh, and did you ever love my grandmother before she died?”

“She was a soft woman and I provided for her well.”

“Just not well enough not to have mistresses.”

“I’m sure your father had plenty to say about me, but I had no idea he even knew about that.”

“You’ll die one day a very lonely old man,” McKenna said as she whirled out the door, hearing her grandfather say, “Perhaps, but a rich one.”

“You can’t possibly be thinking of looking that poor woman up?” Bret said. “You do realize she only lost her parents a week ago, right?”

“I know, Bret, but you heard what that man said. He’s taken the business out from under her.”

“And to what end would you even want to speak to her?”

“I’ve wanted to go west. The gold rush is happening in Nevada, and there’s a need for mercantile stores. All that lady has to do is partner up with me. I dare say, she needs to do something to support herself.”

“Look, Cole. I know you’ve been hurting since Sally died, but you’ve been living with me for two years and you’ve never had an interest to leave before. So, why now?”

“I’ve wanted to do it for the last year. If the lady’s father left her any cash, she might be willing to become my partner. I can send her money monthly. There’s money to be made. Most prospectors come to Nevada with the clothes on their backs. Store owners stand to make a real killing,” Cole explained.

“And you think the lady would trust you to send her the money?”

“I won’t know unless I speak to her about it.”

“How do you plan to convince her?” Bret asked.

“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll find a way.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason you want to speak to her? I’ve seen how you look at her, Cole. You can’t make me believe you’re not interested in the lady.”

Cole grinned. “I can’t slip anything past you, can I?”

“No, brother, you can’t. I know how you are. Actually, it’s encouraging to see you interested in anyone. Sally’s death hit you hard. I had wondered if you’d survive it.”

“It’s been hard, but it’s been two years and time to move on. I first have to convince the lady to a business deal that just might help us both out.”

* * *

McKenna and her sisters were sitting in the parlor as she told them what had happened earlier that day.

Abigail shook her head empathetically. “This can’t be happening. Why wouldn’t Father tell us?”

“I’m not sure, but I wish he had just bought another store. What really kills me is that our uncle will profit from a business we all took part in building. Neiman’s is the most popular store in town.”

“Whatever will we do for money?” Cadence asked.

“We could always find employment,” Penelope volunteered. “I’m good with numbers.”

“Penelope is right,” Kayla, the youngest at eighteen, said. “Or we could take in boarders, but only women. We have two spare rooms.”

“One of the rooms was Mama and Papa’s,” Abigail hissed. “How could you even suggest such a thing?”

Kayla’s cheeks turned pink. “I’m just trying to help.”

“Everyone seems to think we should all find husbands,” McKenna stated. “Grandfather told me he could help us out with that, but that’s all he’d do.”

“I’m not ready to get married,” Abigail cried. “We can make a go of it if we stick together.”

“Father did have fifty dollars in the bank, and he mentioned to check his closet. He might just have enough money in the house that we could buy another store with perhaps,” McKenna said hopefully.

They went upstairs and entered the room, which nobody had dared to enter since their parents had died. McKenna looked over to the rose comforter and fingered it, inhaling the fragrance of jasmine and cigar smoke. A tear came to her eye. She still couldn’t believe her parents were gone.

Abigail threw her arm over McKenna’s shoulder. “It will be just fine. We’ll get through this.”

McKenna went into the closet and began the painstaking task of looking through boxes. On the top shelf was a small box, which had cash stuffed inside it.

“Finally,” Kayla exclaimed.

“Yes, but we need to live off the money for a year, at least. Taxes need to be paid and food bought,” McKenna reminded them.

The sisters put the money back on the shelf and congregated in the living room, discussing their possibilities. “Even with a few people as boarders, we’ll barely be able to make ends meet,” McKenna said. “I just wish we could figure out a way to survive without having to go without.”

They were startled by a knock at the door. McKenna answered it, and there stood the men she had seen in the store earlier. One of them was six foot tall and quite handsome.

“Can I help you, sir?”

“The name is Cole Winters, and I was hoping I could help you.”

“Let him in, McKenna,” Abigail whispered from behind her.

“I’m not sure if it’s proper to entertain a man we don’t even know,” McKenna responded. “Our parents would roll over in their grave at the thought.”

“Please,” a man said from behind Cole. When the equally attractive man appeared, he introduced himself as Bret. “I assure you, ladies, that my brother and I are not here for any other reason than to discuss a matter of great importance with you.”

“Let them inside. The neighbors might talk if they keep standing out there,” Kayla suggested, patting her blonde hair.

The men were led inside quickly and McKenna took a quick look to assure herself that they hadn’t drawn the attention of any of her neighbors. She then led the way into the dining room where they sat.

Cole swallowed hard, glancing at her sisters. “I’d rather speak to McKenna alone, if you don’t mind.”

“That would be just fine,” Kayla said, taking ahold of Bret’s arm. “Come along, Bret. We’ll leave these two alone to have their discussion in private.”

Her sisters left, trailing after Kayla, but from the look in Abigail’s eye, McKenna knew she wasn’t happy about leaving her alone with Cole.

McKenna tried not to fidget as she sat directly across from Cole and she asked, “How is it that you know my name?”

“I asked around. It wasn’t that hard.”

“And you found out where I live how?”

“The same way. Folks in town sure seemed quite willing to tell me where you lived.”

McKenna raised a shapely brow. “What is so important that you needed to speak to me about?”

“I have a business proposition for you.” Before McKenna could even respond, he continued, “You see, I’ve been saving money for the last few years, and I need someone who could go half-in on a business venture in Nevada.”

“Nevada? What’s happening there?”

“I’m sure you might have read in the papers that the gold rush is happening in many areas, and Silver is one of the new towns which have sprouted up. With your help, we could open a mercantile store. Most miners come into town with the clothes on their backs, but no supplies to speak of. We could make a fortune.”

“I see. And you expect me to pack up and go to Nevada with you?”

“No, you can just give me your half and I’ll pay you your profits on a regular basis.”

McKenna laughed. “That won’t do. If I go in, I’ll need to be in Nevada to open the store.”

Cole frowned. “I’m not sure that would be appropriate. Prospectors are a rough bunch.”

“I assure you, Mr. Winters, that we Jameson’s are quite capable of handling whatever comes our way. I’ll have to speak to my sisters about this first. You understand.”

“Great and we can get married right before we leave. That way, there won’t be any talk in town about your departure.”

“Married?” McKenna gasped. “You didn’t say anything about that.”

“I was only thinking about your reputation.”

“I’m not sure that’s all you were thinking about, Mr. Winters.”

He smiled. “That’s where you’re wrong. We’ll marry in name only. I’d never force myself on you, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Today, all I’ve heard was how I should find a husband. First, my uncle wanted me to marry some lord in London, and my grandfather insisted I marry a man of means. I have no interest in getting married, Mr. Winters.”

Cole nodded as he stood. “As I said, it would be in name only; a business proposition like any other.”

“And I won’t have to share a bed with you?”

“Not if you don’t want to. I’ll respect your wishes.”

McKenna’s head was reeling. She couldn’t think straight. She wasn’t sure if it was being in the same room with the very handsome Cole, or if it was his proposal. She certainly didn’t want to marry the man, or
any
man, but starting over in Nevada might just be the thing. She could send for her sisters once she got settled, or send money home. It could just be the way of saving her sisters from marriages of convenience. He did say that she didn’t have to sleep with him if she didn’t want to. She’d have to speak with her sisters before she made her decision, though.

“Thanks for your, er, offer. Come back tomorrow and I’ll give you my decision then. How much money are we talking here?”

“Five hundred would be good. I have the same amount saved up.”

McKenna led the way back into the parlor where Kayla had ahold of the nervous-looking Bret, who managed to wiggle away from Kayla when they entered the room.

“McKenna wants to discuss this with her sisters. We’ll be back tomorrow for her decision.”

The men left, much to the disappointment of her sisters, especially Kayla.

McKenna raised a brow at Kayla. “Have you taken leave of your senses? You simply can’t fall all over the first handsome man you meet.”

Kayla pouted. “But, McKenna, how else will I find a husband?”

“For all you know, Bret already has a wife, and you’re much too young to get married,” McKenna scolded Kayla.

“But I’m eighteen. Just because you’re all resigned to the fact that you’re a spinster doesn’t mean that I have to be.”

Abigail just shook her head. “You have a bright future ahead of you, Kayla, to get an education and a career. You don’t have to live your life on the whims of any man.”

Kayla frowned. “That’s not very realistic! And I want to get married and have a huge family.”

McKenna laughed. “Seriously, Kayla? With your free spirit, you’d not last a single week of being married.”

“Like you’re the marriage expert, McKenna. Just because you’re the oldest doesn’t mean you know everything.”

McKenna sighed and sank into a chair near the fireplace. “You know, you’re right, but please give yourself time to be young. The years pile up quicker than you’d think. Look, I’m twenty-two, and I certainly can’t remember how I am. I’ve devoted my life to working in our store since I was of age.”

“You were always too busy working with father at the store,” Abigail said. “Whatever will you do now?”

“Please sit, sisters. I have to talk to you about something of great importance.” When her sisters were seated and looking at her expectedly, McKenna said, “It seems the man who came here, Cole…well, he has a business proposition for me that I’m just not sure of, since it would require me to take some of the money Papa kept here at the house. Five hundred, to be exact.”

Abigail shook her head, surprised. “He’s some kind of crook then. He has some nerve to come here asking for money.”

Cadence leaned forward and asked, “Is it possible this man has learned our parents died recently?”

“It’s hardly a secret, and he was there, at the store, when Uncle Abner came in today, demanding I clear out. He even told me he was about ready to punch our uncle in the nose.” McKenna laughed. “The thing is how would he assume that we have any money at our disposal?”

“Obviously, he did,” Abigail stated, always the most practical of her sisters. “I hope you set him straight.”

McKenna rubbed her brow as it really pained her. “He’s offered me a business proposition that sounds very promising. He’s also putting up an equal amount, so we’d be partners.”

Penelope smiled, tucking her dark hair behind her ears. “That doesn’t sound all that bad. What sort of business is he suggesting you partner up for?”

“If I decide to go into business with this man, it will require me to leave Ohio and move to Nevada.”

Her sisters gasped. “No,” Abigail said. “You’ll simply have to tell the man no.”

“If only it were that simple. Even if we take boarders in the house, we’ll be out of money to support ourselves before the end of the year.”

“We could all get a job,” Cadence suggested. “I’m good at sewing. I would be a good seamstress.”

“You won’t make any money doing that,” Abigail told her. “I’d like to see you girls go to the university. There certainly is a need for teachers.”

“How can I go to school and work at the same time?” Penelope asked.

“Abigail is right. I won’t see you girls taking low-paying jobs in the service area. Chamber maids, seamstresses, cooks, and nannies are not a fitting job for any of you. I won’t allow any of you to do that.”

“But, McKenna. You just can’t go to Nevada with a man you don’t even know. There’s no telling what would happen when you’re on the journey, and it’s quite improper for an unmarried woman to do so,” Abigail countered. “You haven’t even told us what kind of business this Cole wants you to be involved in. I’ve heard some dreadful stories about the west. It’s simply not safe for you, McKenna.”

“Well, in Nevada there is a gold rush going on, and Cole has proposed we open a mercantile store there. We stand to make a fortune since miners come into town with only the clothes on their backs. Once the business is successful, I’d send for you, all of you.”