A Mail-Order Bride’s Hidden Truth (Preview)

Chapter One

Lila Mitchell clutched her intended’s letter in her fist as angry shouts emanated from the other side of the train. Her fellow passengers muttered amongst themselves, shifting uneasily in their seats.

Suddenly, a gunshot pierced the air, and a few ladies shrieked. Lila swallowed hard and shrank into her seat. What’s happening? This can’t be normal. Are we being robbed?

Up to that point, her foray into the so-called Wild West had been rather peaceful. She’d been charmed by the rugged landscape and snow-capped mountains. The highlight of the trip so far had been when she’d spotted a herd of wild horses, manes billowing behind them, galloping along the plains.

She’d almost allowed herself to believe that her journey would be an uneventful one… at least, until the very last leg of their trip. They were a mere few hours from her destination, Del Norte, Colorado, and only now was she bracing herself the more dangerous side of the West.

“Oh, what have I done?” she murmured, clenching her eyes shut. She clasped her hands together as she rocked back and forth.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Lila’s eyes flew open as a group of filthy men flooded into the train carriage. She shoved her letter in her pocket and slid from her seat, curling up on the floor. It seemed like the best way to make herself smaller so that she might escape notice. Her ears were ringing, and panic made her movements jerky.

“All right, everybody, this is a hold-up,” said one of them, swaggering down the aisle as he looked at each passenger. “Give us all your valuables, and no one gets hurt!” A red kerchief covered the lower half of features, muffling his words slightly.

From her crouch on the carriage floor, Lila dared a glance at the man to see that he was so tall that he needed to hunch slightly to keep his head from hitting the roof. The golden-blonde curls that fell around his face were held back by his stained hat. The black pistol in his hand made it clear that he meant business.

“Stop crying,” he crooned to a young woman sitting a few rows up, across the aisle from Lila. “Surely your pretty baubles ain’t worth your life?”

“My… m… grand… mother gave this… to me…” the girl sobbed, clutching tightly to a golden pendant around her neck.

Lila watched horrified as the outlaw bent down over the woman, as if like he was some affectionate husband comforting his wife. The illusion was shattered a as he undid the clasp of her necklace.

The chain fell around her balled fist. She looked up at him with tears streaming down her face, her lips parting in a silent plea. He stepped back and held the pistol to her forehead, his eyes as hard as flint.

A shiver ran down Lila’s spine as the girl clenched her eyes shut and let go of the pendant.

He snatched it away from her and shoved it into his pocket as if it was a handful of spare change. “Thank you kindly,” he said, winking at her before continuing his slow march. She broke down sobbing, covering her face with her hands.

He came to the end of the aisle where Lila was crouching, and his eyes slid down to her. It was as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her head. She froze, staring up at him.

He did a slow-once over, looking for jewelry she didn’t have. “How d’you do, little lady?” he asked, amusement coloring his tone. “Not too well,” Lila said in a trembling voice as she raised her chin. “Considering that I’m being robbed.”

The outlaw shrugged and bent down on his haunches. “Clever, ain’tcha? That’s exactly right. What are you doing on the floor?” he asked in amusement.

Licking his lips, he pushed his sleeves up his forearms, and Lila saw a tattoo on his skin: a coiled snake staring back at her, its tail upright, forked tongue sticking out of its mouth.

A rattlesnake? Lila’s cheeks burned as she glared at the outlaw. She wasn’t about to explain herself to this devil. She made a show of biting down on her lip and turning her head. The man let out a heavy sigh. Then, before she could blink, he grabbed her by her arm and dragged her to her feet.

“Ow!” she squealed, slapping his hand.  Terror raced through her as he dragged her along. “Unhand me! Let me go!”  Her body shook as she tried to strike him again, but he was forcing her along so awkwardly that her slaps missed him completely. Still, she wasn’t about to go limp and let him simply steal her. “We’re taking this one with us,” he said, gesturing at Lila with his gun as he walked up to the rest of his gang. He clearly wasn’t in a rush – he didn’t seem worried that anyone was coming to stop him.

One of the outlaws grimaced and turned to him. “Not this again, boss. She looks like more trouble than she’s worth.”

Lila nodded emphatically. Her hands shook as she clenched them into fists. “That’s exactly right. You’ll see. I’m traveling to meet my husband. He’s a huge, scary man, and he has a gun. It’s bigger than yours. He’ll shoot you.”

The outlaws looked at her incredulously. Her lie hadn’t fooled them at all. She scrunched her nose and tried tugging her arm out of their leader’s grasp. His fingers tightened around the soft flesh of her arm with bruising force. Her desperation increased; her hands were beginning to grow numb.

“I don’t think she has a husband, boss,” one of the other outlaws said, shaking his head slowly.

“Agreed,” the boss said with a smirk. “I think I’ll keep her. It might be fun having a woman around.” His tone was light and airy, as if he was talking about adopting a pet. It sent waves of fear rushing through Lila. “I still don’t think she’s worth it,” the other outlaw said doubtfully.

Please, no … Lila looked around the cabin, desperately hoping that someone might speak up on her behalf. Unfortunately, most of her fellow passengers were women with children. Many of them kept their eyes trained on the ground, some even sobbing their eyes out.

She was completely on her own.

“Just take a look at her lovely clothes,” the outlaw boss said, gesturing down at her. “We might be able to get a decent ransom out of her.”

Lila cursed herself for choosing to wear her best dress that day. It was a deep burgundy satin, with a fitted bodice and lace trimmings, and a rather cumbersome hoopskirt. She’d worn it in anticipation of her wedding day, assuming that she ought to make a good impression on her husband-to-be. Even though the marriage was arranged, and he could hardly back out of it now even if he didn’t find her attractive, a good first impression never hurt.

But it was too formal for train travel … and now it was making her a target.

I wish I’d never worn it at all! The hoop skirt was especially troublesome now, crushed between the outlaw and the row of seats to her left. She winced and tried to pull her skirt toward her. A distant part of her brain told her to protect the expensive satin. But the rest of her was screaming at her to do whatever she could to escape this man, even if it meant ruining her dress in the process.

“My family’s dead!” Lila blurted out, still trying to wrestle her arm away from him. Desperation colored her tone. “And I used the last of my money to buy this dress.”

“What about that big husband of yours?” the gangleader sneered, pulling her closer to him.

She stumbled and fell against him, quickly pushing herself away as she glared at him with all her might.

“If he truly loves you as much as you claim, then surely he wouldn’t mind paying a little ransom?” he pointed out, pushing a strand of hair out of her face.

Lila shuddered and pulled back, but he leered at her and twined his fingers through her ebony curls, a gesture of familiarity that revolted her.

She stomped on his foot with all her might, and he let out a sharp exclamation of pain and pushed her away. “You little witch!” he gasped, massaging his foot with one hand while keeping her moored to him with the other hand. “See?” one of the other men chuckled. “She ain’t worth the trouble.”

His boss snorted and stood upright, turning a cold gaze on Lila. Fear robbed her of breath and her ability to keep fighting, and she stopped struggling for a moment.

“I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of breaking a wild filly,” he growled, pulling her closer to him.

He stank of sweat, dirt, and tobacco smoke. It was enough to make Lila gag. She covered her nose, and one of the other bandits laughed heartily. “It seems you ain’t popular with the ladies, boss,” he chortled, turning away from them as he continued collecting the passengers’ valuables. “She just needs to come around,” the boss muttered, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. The other outlaw waved his pistol dismissively.

The boss turned back to Lila and shook her until her teeth rattled. “How dare you embarrass me like that?”

Likely he meant to terrify her further, but the abrupt motion jarred some will back into her. She glared at him furiously. Wretch! Her fists balled up, and she struck at him blindly, over and over again. Blood roared through her ears as she fought with everything she had.

The outlaw gave another angry snarl, yet he barely seemed to notice Lila’s blows as he dragged her behind him. They made their way out the carriage door, onto the outer platform of the passenger carriage. The train was thundering along the tracks, sending her heart into her throat. Wind whipped around her face, making her skirt billow and thrash around her legs.

The bandit yanked at her arms roughly and pulled her across the train couplings, barely keeping her from toppling off the train. Her heart was beating faster than she’d ever felt it. He’s leading me back to the cargo hold.

The man shoved her to the side and threw open the door to the cargo carriage. Then he pushed her forward.

She stumbled over the doorway and fell hard against a few trunks, but quickly pulled herself to her feet. “You won’t get away with this!” she cried in frustration and fear.

“It seems we’ve got a problem then, don’t we?” he said in amusement as he aimed the pistol at her. “Because I have the upper hand, and I think I certainly will be getting away with this.”

Lila stared up at him in fear.

“Start digging through these bags and trunks,” he ordered, gesturing at her to move. “I’m right over your shoulder, so don’t even dream about hiding anything from me, ya hear?”

Lila swallowed hard and looked at the bags. Cooperating with this man made her an accomplice in his crime. All these people’s things – all the belongings important enough to start their new lives… Her fists clenched tight.

“Do it!” he shouted.

She jumped as a cold metal muzzle pressed to the back of her head. “Okay…” she stammered, pulling the nearest bag toward her.

Then the pistol withdrew, giving her a chance to gather her wits. She picked her words carefully, slowing her hands as she talked. “This seems like an inefficient way to get your job done. Wouldn’t it be easier if you simply robbed these people and went about your day?” She was moving as slowly as she dared, glancing around the cargo hold, searching for something that might help her escape. “Then I wouldn’t be able to get to know you better,” he pointed out. Once again, the gun nosed along the back of Lila’s neck, lifting up a section of her hair.

Terror slithered down her back like a serpent and she shuddered. “Why?” she managed, opening the first carpet bag to reveal several starched shirts and a pair of leather shoes.  “Look inside the shoes,” he commanded roughly.

Lila wrinkled her nose and stuck her hand inside one of the shoes. She felt around inside, then removed her hand, turned the shoe upside down, and shook it.

“The other shoe.”

The gun was still twitching in her hair. She obeyed. To her surprise, a pair of silver cufflinks fell out.

The outlaw stooped beside her, snatching them off the floor, and he placed them in his pocket. Then he turned, narrowing his eyes at her like a cat studying its prey. “What’s your name, lovely?”

Lila glowered at him and pressed her lips into a thin line.

“Now, now, don’t forget the rules of our little game,” he said, waving the gun at her.

“If you shoot me, you won’t be getting any answers to your questions,” Lila snapped.

“Huh…” The gang boss leaned back and regarded her in amusement. “You’ve got me all figured out, don’tcha?”

She chose not to answer and began opening the second bag.

“Tell you what,” he said slyly. “I’m having a good day today. So, how about we take turns answering each other’s questions, eh?”

The gun was still in his hand, a stark reminder that his offer wasn’t really a suggestion that could be turned down.

Despite her pounding heart, Lila made an effort to scoff and roll her eyes. “I wasn’t born yesterday. You expect me to believe that you’ll honor your part of the bargain?”

He tilted his head at her. Then, to her shock, he pulled down his mask to reveal his face.

Lila gave a choked gasp. She’d been expecting the mask to conceal a horribly scarred face, but …

“Am I really that handsome?” he asked, a cunning smile curving his lips.

He was handsome – handsome in a cruel way. He had a jawline that could cut through glass and full lips that looked as though they’d been stained by berries. Some women would kill for such natural coloring. Yet somehow, his looks made him all the more horrifying.

He leaned toward Lila. “Look closely, girl. This is the face of a man who always keeps his word … no matter what it costs.”

His eyes glittered wickedly, and Lila shuddered. He’s telling the truth.

“You’re not planning on letting me go, are you?” she demanded. Her heart was beating frantically in her chest.

She would have to rely on her own wits to escape. Maybe there’s a pistol in one of these bags. Perhaps she could find one and use it to shoot her way to freedom.

Unfortunately, the second trunk she’d chosen appeared to be full of children’s clothes.

“No, I ain’t,” he said, winking at her. “Now, what’s your name?”

“Lila.” Her hands shook as she dug through the clothes. Fear made her movements quick and jerky.

“Don’t waste your time on this one,” he said, waving her off. “All right, Lila, where are you from?”

She shook her head. “It’s my turn to ask a question.”

He raised his eyebrows at her but gestured for her to continue.

“What’s your name?”

He smirked. “Boone. Boone McGraw. You’ve heard of me, I expect?”

Lila nodded absently even though the name meant nothing to her. Boone McGraw. When she escaped his clutches, she’d make sure that the authorities got a good description of his face as well as his name. She watched him carefully out of the corner of her eye. He’ll be arrested for this; I’ll see to it myself.

“Doesn’t look to me like you have,” McGraw observed with a chuckle. “You ain’t from around here, are you?”

“How do you know?” LIila asked, risking a glance at him.

He stood too close and never took his eyes off her. If only he would step back so she could catch her breath—!

“Because you’d be a lot more terrified if you did,” he retorted. “Everyone around here knows Boone McGraw!” He pounded his chest with a fist. “I’m a wanted man, lovely. It’s your lucky day. A lot of young women would die to be in your position.”

“Did they have a choice in the matter, or did you decide for them?” Lila spat. She grabbed the next bag, opened it and spilled its contents onto the floor.

McGraw’s eyes flashed as he knelt in front of her. “Careful how you speak to me, girl. I ain’t playing with you. Life will be a whole lot easier if you learn to co-operate.” He grabbed a golden watch from the pile and shoved it into his pockets.

Lila’s mouth went dry. She could only imagine what would happen if he got her off the train. Tears prickled at the back of her eyes. I’ll never see home again. No one would know where she was. Poor Aunt Haddie… and her sister.

She swallowed hard. She’ll never find out what happens to me now… They’d been attached at the hip since birth, and this was the longest they’d ever been separated. If she went missing without a word, her sister would follow her out here and sacrifice everything to find her, and then all of this would have been for nothing.

“There we go,” McGraw crooned, pushing a piece of hair away from Lila’s face with his pistol. “You’re so much prettier when your mouth is shut.”

That was enough to get her blood boiling. She recoiled from him, preparing to spit, and then the far door of the cargo carriage flung open. Outlaws poured inside, looking panicked. “The marshal is here!” one of them roared. Relief flooded through Lila. She launched herself aside, falling against the luggage. Pain struck at her body, but she didn’t stop. She pushed loose luggage toward McGraw as she scrambled toward the door that led back to the passenger carriages.

He snarled in rage and lunged after her, but an outlaw caught his arm, hissing, “She ain’t worth the jail time, boss!” Boone swore loudly before turning on his heel and rushing down the cargo carriage toward the caboose. Lila didn’t waste a second. She turned away and barreled back through the cargo door toward the passenger carriage. Outside on the platform, the train rattled and shook, and she barely caught the handle to keep herself from plummeting headfirst off the train.

She was about to slam the door behind her when McGraw shouted from behind her. “I’ll be back, lovely! You can count on it!” She whirled around to see him still standing on the far end of the cargo carriage. His eyes locked with hers – a cold, dead gaze that turned her blood to ice.

And then he was gone.

Then Lila slammed the cargo door closed, shutting herself in the wind. She squinted against the rushing air, keeping her eyes fixed on the passenger carriage door just a few feet in front of her.

Don’t look down. If she did, she’d see the track whipping past beneath the deadly iron wheels. She couldn’t risk freezing up now – not after she’d escaped McGraw.

Legs trembling, she stepped over the carriage coupling as fast as she could. She hung onto the door handle of the passenger carriage, wrenched it open, and threw herself inside. She stumbled down the center aisle and collapsed against her seat.

The carriage was still full of terrified passengers. The sound of crying and whimpering reached her ears, but she shook her head and clenched her eyes shut. Her hands were trembling violently, and she took several deep breaths. “It could’ve been worse,” she muttered. “You’re safe.” When she finally opened her eyes, she spotted a town outside the window. It was a small place, lying among a few low slopes among the plains. It appeared dusty and shabby, certainly nothing like Boston – a pretty poor welcome after the terror she’d just experienced.

She shuddered, rubbing her eyes. Her hands were still shaking. She doubted they’d ever stop. Fear left a nasty, iron-like taste in her mouth. After everything she’d been through, her future husband had better be more than tolerable.

Chapter Two

Judson Carter paced along the length of the Del Norte train platform, holding a bouquet of wildflowers in his hands. The blooms drooped as if they were in mourning. Although he’d picked them just a few hours ago, they hadn’t survived the journey to the train station. He grimaced as he turned them in his hands.

It wouldn’t be kind to give his new bride a wilted bouquet, but that was better than showing up empty-handed. Especially not after what she must have just been through. Just a few minutes ago, the station master had informed everyone waiting on the platform that the train would be delayed due to a robbery onboard. The man assured them all that the marshals were taking care of the situation, but that didn’t bring Judson much comfort.

Why today? Curse them! The bandits could’ve chosen any other day, but of course they had robbed the train that Lila had taken on her way to meet him.

He let out a huff as he ran his hand through his hair and began pacing again. The poor girl was surely used to a comfortable home in a big Eastern city. She was from a respectable Boston family and had probably enjoyed a life of ease. Now, she was getting a rude introduction to the worst aspects of life on the frontier, and she hadn’t even arrived at her new home yet.

Doubtless her guardian – Mrs. Mitchell, was it? – would have much to say about that. Judson was already bracing himself for displeasure. People bustled past him, walking in pairs or small groups as they discussed the events of the day. As they walked, he caught snippets of their conversations.

“Ridiculous…”

“What is this world coming to?”

“I’m just grateful the marshals got there so quickly.”

Judson took the tintype from his pocket and gazed at Lila’s face. Although he couldn’t make out the exact shade of her hair and eyes, he was just as taken by her sweet expression as he’d been the day the tintype arrived. Her dark hair framed her face in long, neat curls, and she stared just past the photographer, as if she was looking at someone in the room. Her lips curled into the slightest of smiles, as if she’d just heard a joke.

Judson traced a finger over her face, and his heart clenched. Once, not so long ago, the idea of getting married to a woman like Lila Mitchell would’ve been unimaginable to him. Any woman in her position wouldn’t have given him a second glance. Now, he could offer her a home, a thriving business, and hopefully, a good life.

At least I can offer her some level of comfort. It had taken him years, but he’d made it this far, and now he’d be able to give her one of the best situations possible for a mail-order bride. I hope it’s good enough for her…

A train whistle shattered his reverie, and he looked up to see the train chugging along the tracks, its brakes shrieking against the metal. He cleared his throat and stood a little taller, straightening his necktie, which neatly matched the vest of his sack-suit jacket.

He’d taken great pains to dress appropriately that morning. His leather boots gleamed, and the chain of his pocket watch hung slightly over his waistcoat. The gold announced to the world that he was a man of some means. Perhaps when others saw him walking alongside a Bostonian lady such as Lila, they’d think the pair suited each other.

But a large part of him feared that people might think he’d tried too hard. Surely, they’d see right through his façade and find out what he truly was.

A group of children ran past, laughing and calling out jokes to one another. Their clothes were worn and patched, and most of their faces were smudged with dirt. Judson cleared his throat and looked away, touching the material of his jacket. It had cost him a pretty penny, and he had to remind himself that it was still there.

Without it, all they’d see is another patch-coat child…

The train finally came to a halt. Almost immediately, passengers poured out like a torrential rain, chattering loudly. Their eyes were darting wildly around, almost as if they expected the gang to be waiting for them on the tracks.

Judson looked down at the flowers. Last chance. Would he present them to her? Or toss them aside?

No. He shook his head and held onto the flowers. At least she’d know he cared enough to pick them for her.

People rushed all around, hugging their loved ones and talking about the difficulties of the journey. Judson stood at least a head taller than most, so he was able to study the milling crowd easily, searching for Lila’s face. He half-expected her to be standing on her tiptoes, searching for him as she fought through the crowd.

But he couldn’t see anyone who looked like her. He made his way to the train, his heart beating a mile a minute in his chest. What if she’d missed the train? What if she never showed up? What if she’d changed her mind at the last minute?

He pushed past people on the platform, his skin burning with every new “What if?” People back in Durango knew that he was going to meet his new bride today. They’d be expecting him to arrive with a refined wife in tow. What would they say if he showed up alone? Embarrassment gnawed at his gut as he looked around hurriedly.

Just as he got to the nearest passenger carriage, the flood of people died down. He glanced up through the open carriage door – and time slowed.

Standing there was a beautiful woman in burgundy satin, clutching a small travel case. A hat was perched over her gleaming mass of ebony curls. Her skin was clear and smooth as an alabaster sculpture.

Lila. The tintype hardly did her justice.

Judson’s breath caught in his throat as his feet froze in place. Even though he’d imagined this scenario over and over for the past few weeks, he could hardly formulate a coherent thought. Lila… Even her name was beautiful.

She began descending the carriage steps with her shoulders squared, as if she’d made the journey a million times before. Only, he knew she hadn’t, because she wouldn’t have come out West except to meet him. Unlike the crowds who came before her, she moved slowly, with purpose. Her eyes, the color of sapphires, swept over the crowd as if it was a welcoming committee arranged specially to greet her.

Judson cursed under his breath. A welcoming committee? Would that have been too much? He made his way to her, wishing that the flowers hadn’t wilted so quickly. She deserves far better. He took the bouquet in one hand and wiped his other sweaty palm down the front of his trousers.

As he approached, her gaze rested on him, and she alighted from the train.

“Miss Lila Mitchell?” he called. “I’m⎯”

“Mister Judson Carter, of course.” She held out a gloved hand to him. “I’m ever so pleased to meet you.”

He nodded as his mouth went dry.

“The rest of my luggage is in the other cart,” she explained, shaking his hand firmly. “Thankfully, those brutes didn’t reach my bags when they were turning everything upside down,” she added with a scowl.

Heart thundering, Judson clasped her hand. It was so small…

“Are those for me?” Lila nodded to the drooping flowers in his hand. Her brisk tone snapped Judson out of his dream-like state, and he shook his head. Stop acting like a fool. She’d just been through a nightmare, and here he was, fixating on how small her hands were.

“I’m so sorry that the train was robbed,” he said, shaking his head. “Of all the days… I hope you weren’t frightened too badly.”

“It’s all right,” Lila said with a small sigh.

Her demeanor surprised him, and he stared at her thoughtfully. What kind of refined Eastern woman was so calm in the face of bandits?

“So … are those for me?” she repeated, with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes as she gestured again at the wilted bouquet.

“They sure are… I’m sorry they’re wilted,” Judson said with a grimace. “They couldn’t survive the heat.”

Her eyes softened and she inclined her head to him. “That’s quite all right. Thank you for bringing them; that was awfully kind of you.”

He offered her a smile. “I’d like to start off on the right foot. Say, where’s your aunt? I’m sure the outlaws must’ve given her a terrible fright too.”

“My aunt?” Lila asked, looking alarmed.

“Mrs. Mitchell,” he said, glancing over her shoulder for an older woman. “I was under the impression that she’d be escorting you.”

“Uh…” Lila rubbed the back of her neck. “Yes. Of course. Well, that’s… she was going to, of course… but, uh, she fell ill shortly before we left. I insisted that I go along without her. She’s getting older, and I didn’t want her to risk her health.”

She seemed uncomfortable at the mention of her aunt.

Is Mrs. Mitchell suffering from an embarrassing illness? Judson nodded slowly. “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope she recovers soon. Perhaps I should send her a letter offering my sympathies.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t,” Lila said quickly. “My aunt is a very private person. But thank you for your kindness. I’ll be sure to inform her that I arrived safely.” She raised her eyebrows slightly. “Is your carriage nearby? I brought quite a few things, you see. It’s difficult to pack up your entire life in a few suitcases.”