My Bad Boy's Secret: A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance (93 page)

Chapter Three

The letter had finally arrived. Melissa could hardly believe that he would have chosen her. He had even included the rail ticket for her to join him in Stephenville, Texas immediately. She was so relieved that she would finally be able to leave this house and the oppressive life Colonel Grantchester imposed upon her, that she barely read anything more than that Bartlett Greive wanted her to be his wife.

She ran to her room, packed her trunk hurriedly, not caring if things would wrinkle. She was determined to be on the next train to Texas. She could hardly wait to see the look on the Colonel’s florid features as she told him that he was alone, and that there would be nobody to care for him. He had done his best to ensure she never met any young men, and had politely rebuffed the invites that had come in for her after her Mama’s passing. Eventually they had stopped coming altogether, and she had felt more and more alone as they had dwindled to a complete halt.

She picked up her own trunk and bundled it down the three flights of stairs. A year of hard work had toughened her muscles, and there was little she could not do for herself. She dragged it through to the grand entrance hall, and left it in the middle of the floor. She burst into the library; the Colonel’s private domain, a place that was never to be breached under any circumstances. She took a deep breath, and then spoke loudly and clearly, before he even had a chance to bellow some nonsense syllables at her for intruding on his peace. “Colonel Grantchester, I would like to thank you for giving me a home, and a position. However, I am over the moon to tell you that I shall be leaving today, to take the train to marry my future husband!”

He jolted from his position of repose he had taken up, reclining on one of the plush velvet couches as if he were reading the newspaper – but Melissa knew that all he did was nap. She was triumphant in her newfound freedom, and it would matter not one bit to her any longer that he did or didn’t approve of her choice, or her methods. He had left her no alternative. “Melissa, you do need my permission to marry. You are my ward,” he blustered.

“Don’t be so silly,” she chastised him as if he were a small child. She had never dared to speak to anyone in such a condescending manner before. “You shall be glad to be rid of me. You will no longer have to provide for me. You never wanted me here anyway, even when my Mama was alive.” She knew that this wasn’t strictly true. He certainly hadn’t wanted her around when she had been a child, but he had enjoyed leering at her once her womanly body had begun to emerge. However, she was thankful that he had never taken it any further than that – even once they were alone in the house he had shown remarkable restraint, had barely so much as touched her arm since.

“So what do you know of this man? Is he of a good family? Will you be living nearby?” he asked her, feigning interest where he had none, clearly trying to think of what he would do without her.

“That is none of your concern. I take responsibility of my happiness from your shoulders, Sir. I wish you the very best.” Melissa turned and flounced from the room, shutting the double doors behind her and doubling over with the giggles as she did so. Oh, just to see the look on the old goat’s face. He had so clearly believed that he had a slave for life, that he had cut off her every escape route. It felt more than wonderful to be able to take the rug out from under his feet. She took a look around at what had never really been her home, and marched out into the street to hail a carriage to take her and her things to the station to begin her new life.

The station was very busy. People seemed to be rushing here and there in such a hurry. Melissa stood at the top of the grand stairwell and gazed down. She could see families on excursions; young men and women, who like her were clearly heading off somewhere for a longer stay, porters scurrying behind them with trolleys full of luggage; business men and their wives. She was surprised that so many people could all be in one place, hurrying across the concourse to meet the trains that waited, huffing and puffing billows of dirty black smoke.

“Miss, your train is on the platform. It leaves in just a few moments. We should already be down there,” her own porter chided her gently. He was only a boy, with a freckled face and a ready grin.

“Of course, I most definitely do not want to miss my train,” she assured him and began to take the stairs quickly. He picked up her trunk and carried it on his shoulder, as if it weighed nothing at all, and followed closely behind her.

“Right here, Miss.” He pointed at the first train. It was a beast of black and red painted iron, the name on its engine was
The Comet,
and Melissa smiled as she read the brass plaque. She needed just such a thing to propel her into her new life. “This is your carriage.” The young lad offered her his hand, and she took it, stepping up into the doorway of the wood panelled compartment. It felt warm and cozy and the comfortable looking seats were clean and covered with soft, but hardwearing velvet. She settled herself in as he put her trunk up into the shelves overhead. “Have a safe journey Miss.” Melissa didn’t have much money, but she pulled out a few coins and pressed them into his hand.

“Thank you, you have been most kind to me,” she said warmly. He flushed, his freckles standing out like little islands in a sea of beet red. Young lads truly were such funny creatures, she thought. See them amongst a group of their peers and they can be brash and uncouth, but alone and at the simplest touch of a woman’s hand and they melted into puddles of insecurity. She watched as he disappeared into the crowds, off to find his next customer to assist. He was certainly not afraid of hard work.

A whistle blew and the train began to slowly move. Melissa could hardly contain her excitement. As a child she had delighted in the tales of the West that her Papa had told her when he was at home on leave, he had brought photographs and watercolors of the lands he had served in to show her. She had fallen in love with its rugged charms, and the possibilities of adventure. Now, here she was about to take on her own, its outcome far from certain of a happy ending. She settled in to the seat by the window and watched avidly as the stunning scenery passed her by.

Each territory, and State seemed to be different as the train sped through mile after mile. From deeply green, wooded beauty; to stark and arid plains; winding rivers with crashing waterfalls; to gentle, rolling hills and deep lakes. She was constantly in wonder and awe and her anticipation of what Texas would bring heightened with each new landscape she passed through. The stops along the way, the changing of trains, allowing for her to get her to her precise destination, happened smoothly; porters bustling in to remove luggage and escort passengers to the next carriage. She found that the sleeping and restaurant cars were far better than she could ever have anticipated. The journey was undoubtedly an adventure, but one she was more than happy to undertake in extreme comfort.

Finally she reached her destination. Texas had been everything she could have ever dreamed of. From its deep, iron-red soil plains, to the lush green farmland that surrounded her now - it was perfect. Mountains, plateaus and scenery that simply took your breath away could be seen in every direction. The train pulled to a halt at the pretty station in Stephenville at just past three in the afternoon. Melissa stepped down carefully from the train, and gazed around her. She was the only person to disembark here, and there was only one person standing on the platform. A man in a cowboy hat, his head down as if he was scrutinizing his boots. She could only assume that he must be Bartlett Greive, her future husband. She walked slowly towards him, and felt her breath catch in her throat as the smoke cleared and she could make out his features more clearly.

He was simply perfect. He was tall, around six feet she thought, like her Papa had been. He wore a pair of new blue denim trousers that Mr. Levi Strauss, a clothing designer had developed. The Colonel had been entirely disparaging of them, but seeing the way this gentleman looked in them she would have to disagree with him. They flattered him in every way. He had broad shoulders and a lean muscular torso that tapered to slim hips, snugly encased in the form fitting pants. He wore a broad leather belt, with a shining oval buckle. His simple flannel shirt was unbuttoned at the neck and she could see a tiny curl of dark hair. But when he lifted his head and tilted back the brim of his hat she was almost lost. He had intelligent eyes, the color of sparkling emeralds; a chiselled jaw and the cutest smile.

“Miss Melissa Haldane?” he enquired politely. She nodded, unable to utter a word. His voice was rich, like chocolate. He took off his hat and gave her a small bow. He had the softest looking black, curly hair that she had ever seen. She longed to run her fingers through it. In fact, she caught herself just in time to stop herself from reaching out to do just that. She clasped her hands tightly, clutching hard at her reticule. “I’m sorry Miss Haldane, but Bartlett was unable to greet you today. He asked me if I would do so. He has had word from his sister, who lives about thirty miles from here, she was most unwell. He sends his deepest apologies for not being here to meet you himself, but…”

“I would expect nothing less, would run to my unwell sister’s side in a moment were the tables turned,” Melissa said, her voice choked as she tried to hide the hurt in her chest that this beautiful man was not her husband to be, after all. “I’m sorry, but you didn’t give me your name Mr…?”

“Sorry, I am terrible at all this sort of stuff,” he admitted with a wry smile. “My name is Caleb Green. I will be your neighbor. I’m sure we will see a lot of each other once you get yourself settled in.” All at once her heart soared and crashed; he lived close by, she would see him often – and yet he would be out of reach. Lucky would be the woman who got to marry this man, she only wished it could be her. “Bartlett has arranged for you to stay in the boarding house in Stephenville until he can return and arrange your nuptials, Miss Haldane, I hope they will be suitable for you.”

“I am sure they will be more than adequate. Did Mr. Greive say how long he expected to be gone?” she asked, anxiously. She wasn’t sure if she could take the suspense much longer, praying he would come home in a day or two. She was also suddenly scared that people would not want to get to know her, that she would be all alone until he did.

“I’m sorry,” Caleb shook his head. “Bartlett just said that the message was quite worrying, and that she has come down with a fever. The doctor was afraid it may be fatal. It could be a few days, maybe even a few weeks or months before he comes back. He has asked me to run his herd along with my own while he is gone.”

“Are you close?” Melissa asked him, he certainly seemed well informed as to her future husband’s family, and even the personal details that she wouldn’t have thought many men would share with a neighbor.

“I wouldn’t say that, but out here we all help one another out if we can. It’s a tough life, so kindness goes a long way. Come, let’s get you settled in the boarding house. You must be exhausted after your journey,” he said kindly, as he picked up her trunk and ushered her towards a small wagon, pulled by a handsome grey pony.

The boarding house was clean and bright, and Melissa was quickly made to feel very welcome by her new landlady, Mrs. Suttle. She was a homely lady, with a waistline that clearly reflected her love of sweet things. Melissa had barely put a foot across the threshold before she held a delicate china plate with a thick slice of home baked cake, and a warm cup of tea in her hands. “Well, I can see you are in good hands,” Caleb said with a smile that made a single dimple appear in his right cheek. “I had better be off, two herds of cattle will be wondering where I am.” He winked and tipped his hat. Melissa watched him drive away, sadly.

“He’s a handsome one,” Mrs. Suttle said as she encouraged Melissa to take a seat. “If I were only ten years younger. A good worker too, his ranch is the best kept in the Territory.” Melissa tried to look as if this information meant nothing to her, but she couldn’t help but feel that the kindly woman was holding something back, and maybe even something about her husband-to be.

“Mrs. Suttle, Caleb was not too forthcoming about Mr. Greive himself – though he told me the reason why he was not here to meet me, maybe you could tell me a little about him?”

“Well, Bartlett. My! Bartlett is one of a kind,” the older woman said, diplomatically. “Now, you must be tired my dear, why don’t you go upstairs to your room. I’ll have Betty bring up the tin bath and some hot water, so you can have a nice long soak. Get all the smut from those dirty old trains off of you.” She said quickly, changing the subject. Melissa couldn’t help but be concerned. True, Bartlett was off assisting his sister, and that had to show he had a kind heart, but nobody seemed willing to tell her much else. She began to wonder if maybe she had been just a tiny bit too reckless after all.

Chapter Four

Caleb drove away from the boarding house as fast as Harry’s legs could take them. God damn! He had fallen half in love with Melissa Haldane from only a single letter, seeing her in the flesh had made his misery complete. She was either stupid, or even more desperate than he could possibly have imagined. How had she missed his warnings in that letter? Or had she just seen that a man was willing to marry her so she could escape the hell she had been living in?

She had the most perfectly upturned nose, a smile that made his entire being come alive, and the bluest eyes he had ever seen. When she dipped her lashes, they touched onto her cheeks; they were so long and full. She wore no makeup, had a rosy glow on her pale cheeks that made her look better than any amount of makeup could ever achieve. Her blonde hair had looked lustrous and full under the little bonnet she wore. Her dress had been plain, but he had still found himself imagining using his hands to measure that tiny waist of hers, and the sway as she walked spoke to parts of him that no gentleman would ever discuss. Quite simply, she was captivating – and far too wonderful to be wasted on an oaf like Bartlett Greive.

As he unhitched Harry from the wagon and brushed him down in his stall, he racked his brains trying to think of what he could do about his current situation. He simply couldn’t let such a gentle and sweet woman be bullied for the rest of her life. He had to find a way to make her change her mind, even if it meant that she returned to Chicago and he would never see her again. He simply couldn’t let that marriage happen. Even if she was a fool, she deserved better. And if she was truly that desperate to escape her past that she had run out here so quickly, then it was his duty to make sure she did not end up in a hell worse than the one she had left. Yet, he had promised Bartlett to take care of her until he returned. He could hardly go about bad-mouthing the man, or try to snaffle his girl while he wasn’t here to defend himself or his fiancée.

No, he would have to be more careful, more subtle. There had to be a way. At the very least maybe he could convince her to make Bartlett court her a little before the wedding. She had to have time to get to know him. Caleb was sure that if she took a bit of time she would realize that Bartlett was no marriage prospect for her, or any good woman. He wondered if Mrs. Suttle might be inclined to help him too. She would be able to get close to Melissa, maybe even become a confidante, and bolster the poor girl’s confidence somehow so she knew she didn’t have to accept the first man to ask her. Reassured by his plan, he headed into the stall next door and quickly put a bridle and saddle on Sam. He had work to do, but there would definitely be a trip into town for him to make come tomorrow.

Caleb whistled happily as he and Sam sauntered into Stephenville the next morning. The sun was shining, birds were chirping happily, and he would see Melissa again. He had reconciled that she may only ever be his friend, but as her only friend in town right now he had to look out for her, and he had no clue how much time he had. He tied Sam to the hitching post outside the boarding house and gave his neck a gentle slap. “Wish me luck fella, I have a damsel in distress to save!”

“Well hello Caleb, and how are you this fine morning?” Mrs. Suttle said with a knowing smile. “I don’t normally get a visit from you for morning tea.”

“Is Melissa here?” he asked, looking around nervously and fidgeting with his hat.

“No, she decided to take a little walk around, to get to know the town. We’re all alone,” she teased him. “Have a seat. Something is clearly bothering you, so out with it.”

“Well, I’m worried…”

“Me too my love, but we can’t interfere,” Mrs. Suttle interrupted him. “What goes on in other people’s business is other people’s business. They have come to an agreement, for whatever reasons.”

“But that is just it, I don’t think they did. Not really,” Caleb said frustrated. “I read him her letter, and I’m the one who wrote the letter he sent to her in reply, but it wasn’t what he thinks he said. I couldn’t bear the thought of the girl in that letter having to spend her life with Bartlett. You know as well as I do that the man is no good. I would be sentencing her to a life most likely to end in poverty. His herd are sick and he has even fewer cattle now than when I was last left to take care of them, when he headed off to his ‘sister’s’ place.”

“You mean that you suspect that his sister is a figment of all our imaginations?”

“I have no proof, but I think he goes off to Austin to gamble and seek out prostitutes. Nobody will play cards with him here anymore, and even the saloon won’t admit him, he is such a mean drunk. I think he may have gone off for what he believes is a final spree before he marries her. But he will never give up. Gamblers and drinkers never do.”

“No they don’t, but I still don’t see what we can do?” she said thoughtfully.

“Melissa had a hard life in Chicago. I don’t think she even read his letter properly.”

“You mean your letter, my lovely,” Mrs. Suttle pointed out.

“Yes. The letter I wrote had so many downright obvious hints that Bartlett was no good that no sensible woman would ever agree to his proposal unless she believed she was living a worse life already. Her letter said she wanted to escape, that her stepfather was cruel.”

“Well, she certainly isn’t stupid Caleb, she is a bright, warm woman. I like her a lot.”

“And I know that takes some doing, as you dislike almost everybody,” Caleb joked. Mrs. Suttle smiled at him in agreement. She could be a little prickly, especially with other women, and there was nothing she despised more than stupidity. If she liked Melissa then it was even more imperative that they make sure she didn’t end up in Bartlett’s arms.

“So we are left quite desperate. We cannot leave her to marry him. Help me please?”

“But what can we do?” Mrs. Suttle asked shrugging her shoulders so dramatically that her capacious bosom threatened to escape the confines of her low cut bodice.

“I don’t know exactly, but we have to help her to see that there are other options. She isn’t married until the Minister pronounces them man and wife. Somehow we need to help her see that out here, she need not ever marry if she doesn’t want to, and that she doesn’t need to live by some kind of crazy set of rules.”

“I could introduce her to young Mariette. If anyone is a true embodiment of what a young woman can achieve out here alone it is her. You leave it to me, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt if you dropped by from time to time. Offer to take her out walking yourself. She might learn what a real gentleman is then, and might just be able to spot a wrong’un more easily.” Caleb wanted to do nothing else, he would gladly spend every waking minute with Melissa, but there was something in the feisty landlady’s eyes that made him wonder what she was up to. Had Melissa maybe said something about him? Did he dare hope that there may be some kind of future for him and Melissa after all? No, that would be foolish, and anyway his ranch house wasn’t yet built. He couldn’t possibly think of marriage. Not yet, and by the time he was ready he was certain that Melissa would have already found someone else.

The front door opened, and a bright voice called out, “Mrs. Suttle, what a wonderful morning!” Melissa burst into the tiny parlor and on seeing Caleb, suddenly dipped her head shyly. “Good morning Mr. Green. I hope you are well.”

“Perfectly Miss Haldane. I trust you slept well.”

“Better than I can ever remember,” she looked up at him and smiled and his heart flip-flopped in his chest. “Do you have time to stay for lunch? I bought us some wonderful rolls from the baker. He is such a jolly man. I made some soup before I went out, it isn’t anything much, but I would very much like to be able to say thank you to you for meeting me yesterday.”

Mrs. Suttle grinned at him and got up to leave the room. “I am sure Caleb hasn’t had such an offer in years, Melissa. Plus I know he is no fool, and only a fool would say no to your delicious soup. I had a little taste myself. I shall go and set the table in the dining room, and leave you two young people to get better acquainted.”