The Reluctant Bride (The Ladies Club of Laramie Book 4) Read online

  Evangeline Delacroix has been raised to be seen and not heard. Always the dutiful daughter of her French aristocratic parents, she has followed their wishes without question, but this time, they have gone too far.

  Leviticus Copper’s father left him quite a colorful legacy. As the orphaned son of a con artist who drank himself to death, Levi vowed to rise above his tainted birthright and make his own mark on the world. But now, this self-made man has a decision to make. Will he make the right one?

  Chapter 1

  Laramie, Wyoming Territory

  February 1888

  Evangeline Delacroix knocked softly on her father's library door, praying he wouldn't answer.

  "Who is it?"

  She closed her eyes in disappointment. Dread stole her breath. The moment her mother had informed her of her father's wish to speak privately with her, she knew whatever he was going to say couldn't be good. The man may be her father, but he had little tolerance for females. He said they were put upon this earth to do as a man said, and as long as he was in charge of this household, she and her mother would do exactly as they were told.

  Eva took a deep breath. "It's me, Father. Mother said you wished to speak with me."

  "Yes, yes. Well, don't just stand outside the door. Come in."

  "Yes, Father." She twisted the doorknob of the massive library door and stepped quietly inside where she found him hunched over his desk. She did her best to make herself invisible hoping to avoid her father’s usual criticism of her. Instead, her attempt just made her even more vulnerable to her father’s attacks.

  "Don't slouch." He snapped.

  "Yes, Father." Eva stiffened her spine against the ribs of her corset and her father’s hypocrisy. She stifled a grimace when they pinched her skin.

  She perched in the leather wingback chair in front of the desk where he sat, careful to keep her posture rigid and straight for fear of more criticism. It wouldn’t set a good tone for the talk she knew was coming.

  Her father’s fingers tented under his chin in thought. She crossed her ankles demurely beneath her expensive brocade silk dress and waited for her father to speak.

  He leaned forward to flip through several papers lying on his desk. The longer he remained silent, the more anxious she grew. Nervous anticipation had her squirming in her chair, the leather creaking under her slight weight.

  "Eva, please be still. You really must work on your social skills. However do you suppose to attract a husband with these boorish behaviors?"

  "I'm sorry, Father." It was all she ever seemed to say to the man across the desk.

  Henri Delacroix peered over his wire-rimmed glasses at her. She didn't wonder what he was thinking because he never missed an opportunity to tell her just how weak-minded he thought she was. His only child.

  He had made it clear more than once how much he’d hoped for a son, but he could use a daughter as leverage to get the son-in-law he wanted. A proper one. One with the right connections to further his ambitions.

  "Evangeline, sit up straight. You seem to lack the most basic of social skills most women are born with. I've watched your mother instruct you time and time again over your social blunders and you never seem to learn from it."

  "I'm sorry, Father," she offered once more. What else could she say? She didn't try to embarrass her parents, but their unreasonable expectations sucked the very life out of her most days.

  "Yes, yes, you've said that before." She watched her father stand and pace behind his desk for a moment before he stopped to look at her again.

  "Evangeline, I've come to the decision it is time for you to marry. Since you have failed to take the initiative yourself and choose your own husband, it falls to me, as your father, to see to the matter for you."

  Stunned, Eva sat motionless soaking in his words. When she didn't respond to his shocking declaration, he kept going.

  "There is to be a ball at the Quincy ranch later tonight and we've all been invited to attend. Governor Moonlite will be there with his family. In particular, his son, August, will be in attendance. I expect you to put your best foot forward in gaining the young man's attention."

  Eva didn't miss the pointed comment or its meaning.

  "Father, I will do my best to make his acquaintance, but I will have to step over a dozen other ladies vying for his attention as well. It's all anyone is talking about and I, for one, could care less about even attending the party."

  "Yes, I spoke with your mother first and she said you preferred to stay home, but you will be attending the party and you will do as I say and make Mr. August Moonlite's acquaintance. This is very important to me, Evangeline. I trust you will not let me down."

  Eva's panic pushed what little courage she possessed forward. "Father, I will make Mr. Moonlite’s acquaintance, but I hope you are not planning to marry me off to the man.” She half joked. It wouldn’t be the first time her father had tried that tactic.

  “Well, of course, I plan for you to marry him. How else will I get his father’s support for the territory’s congressional seat? Seriously, Eva, you can be so slow sometimes.”

  Eva’s pulse raced as she realized her father was serious. “I know you think I’m not interested in marriage, Father, but I can assure you I am. I just haven’t found the right match, that’s all. If you will just give me a little more time, I promise to try much harder to find a suitable husband. Just a few more months, and—"

  "Evangeline Josephine Delacroix, your time to find a husband is past. I have made my decision. You are going to marry the governor's son if I have to spend every dime I have to see it done."

  Eva's heart pounded in her chest. "Why must I, Father? Why this man?" She knew pleading with her father would never gain her ground. She just hoped reasoning would.

  "Because I have my eye on the delegate seat to the Territorial Congress and the governor’s support could guarantee me that position."

  "You would use me as a pawn? Force me into a loveless marriage with a complete stranger? Father, how could you even consider doing this to me, your only child?"

  "Oh, Eva, don't be so naive. Or so dramatic. You knew this day would come. Besides, I've allowed your mother to coddle you for the past twenty-two years and you've done nothing but take, take, take. Who do you think has been paying for all the fripperies you consume? I do, and now it's time to do your duty to this family and give a little something back, don't you agree?"

  She knew he wasn't waiting on her to agree with him. He never did, but she was desperate, so she dared to try again to persuade him not to do this.

  "Father, I simply cannot agree to this arrangement. Please try to understand my position. The idea that I should marry a total stranger is a horrifying thought."

  There. She had said what was on her mind. She knew her father’s retributions would commence, but if she won this battle it would be worth the cost.

  "Is that right? You can't agree? Eva, my dear, misguided daughter. What makes you think you have any say in the matter? You will do as I say, and you will do it with gratitude in your heart." His voice rose in anger.

  "Gratitude? Why on earth should I be grateful you are pawning me off to a total stranger for political gain? You are my father and you should—"

  "Enough! I've heard enough. It is not your place to tell me what I should be doing, young lady. Lila, get in here this instant."

  The door opened immediately, and her mother entered the room. "Yes, Henri. I suppose this means you have told her the news?" Her mother's superficial smile told Eva her mother wasn't pleased by this news either, but she wouldn't dare cross her husband.

 
; "Yes, I've told her. And she says she can't agree. Now, get her upstairs and get her ready for tonight's party. And spare no expense. I want her to stand out among any young miss there who might have designs on my prize."

  Tears burned Eva's eyes and she didn't bother to hide them. Her father cut a look to her and practically rolled his eyes.

  "And Lila, please impress upon our daughter that should she fail in her duties to this family, she will be disowned and disinherited. Do I make myself clear to everyone?" Her father cut a pointed look to her mother.

  Her mother helped her to stand because Eva struggled to stand on her trembling legs.

  "Disinherited? Henri, you can't be serious. That's a bit extreme, don't you think?" Her mother tried to cajole her father into relenting his harsh declarations.

  Her father stood and slammed his fist on his desk. "I mean it, Lila. She is getting married to someone who can elevate this family and she will do it sooner rather than on her own terms. The citizens of Laramie do not give me the proper respect my title affords me. These Americans don’t appreciate my importance or my lineage, so I’ll find something, or rather someone, they do appreciate and form an alliance with them. Then we’ll see who looks down their noses at whom." Her father declared at the top of his lungs.

  "Henri. There's no need to shout. I understand." Her mother pushed Eva’s numb body toward the door. "I will see that your wishes are obeyed."

  "And if you don't, you will be joining your daughter in Boston."

  Her mother closed the massive library door behind them. Without one word, she pulled Eva down the hall and up the massive carved mahogany staircase her father had ordered from their family's ancestral home near the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon, near the southernmost border of France.

  Eva was in a fog of swirling fears and thoughts as her mother ushered her into her bedroom.

  "Eva. Get a hold of your emotions. This is not the time to allow your insecurities to rule your good sense. You can and you will do as your father has declared. It's for the best. Besides, you may find you are fond of Mr. Moonlite. Now, let's see which of these dresses will go best with your light-colored hair. The green or the blue?"

  Her mother held the dresses up to her face and studied her for a moment. "Ah, definitely the green one. I wish your eyes were a more exquisite color than just plain brown, but you got those from my side of the family so we will just have to work with what we have. Now, stand up and let's see if the alterations were successful."

  Eva stood as her mother instructed. What did she care if the dress fit or not?

  "Eva, darling. Do stand up straight. It's too bad you have also inherited my family's curvy stature. This dress would have fit better if you were tall and willowy, like your cousins Arielle and Arianne."

  "Yes, Mother." Eva said her words by rote. It did her no good to express her opinions to either of her parents. They never listened.

  "Well, we will work with what the Good Lord gave you. Now, undress and I will call the servants to bring your bath. I'm so excited about this party, aren't you dear?"

  "Yes, Mother," she answered again. What was she going to do? She could run away. Maybe she could make it to her aunt's house in Boston. No, that wouldn’t work. Her father would track her down and who knows what he would do then. He might decide to find her a husband there or even Europe, then she would never see Laramie again. And Laramie was the only home she knew.

  The thought of marrying a stranger made her nauseated, but how was she going to thwart her father's plans? The only way she could avoid a marriage of his choosing was to—

  Eva stopped short.

  A brilliant thought punched its way into her befuddled mind. Eva couldn't fathom the thought of marrying a total stranger, but she would consider marriage to someone she knew. Someone she considered a trusted friend. A very dear friend, in fact. Someone she had known for most of her life. Levi Copper. And the best part of her idea was that her father hated Levi.

  "Did you hear what I said, Eva? Aren't you excited about tonight's party? Think about all the possibilities it holds for your future, my dear." Her mother's voice droned on and on.

  Eva finally smiled and agreed in truth this time. "Yes, Mother. I must confess I am suddenly quite focused on the possibilities."

  * * *

  Leviticus Copper held a royal flush in his hands. He eyed his friend, William E. Baker, Wyoming Territory Circuit Judge, who sat across the table from him. The man was an open book of emotions. He really should work on his poker face if he hoped to win at cards.

  "Better stick to hangings, Will. If the look on your face is any indication of that hand you are holdin', might as well fold now."

  “Damn it, Levi. If I didn't know you were a better man, I'd swear you were cheating. You have the damnedest luck." The man threw his cards face up and sat back in his chair. "Let's see that hand of yours, Levi."

  Levi smiled and shook his head. "You folded, Will. You know the rules. I don't have to show my hand."

  Levi turned his cards up anyway so his friend could see them. He grinned and reached across the table for the mound of poker chips sitting in the center.

  "Damn. A royal flush?” Will said. “The best I can do is two of a kind. How much do I owe you this time around?"

  "Don't worry about it. I don't need your money, but I will put it on your tab. Never know when I might need a favor from a judge."

  Levi motioned for one of his servers to come over.

  "Good evening, Mr. Copper. What can I get for you?" she asked.

  "Mary, would you bring me a bottle of my best scotch whiskey, please?"

  "Yes, Sir, Mr. Copper. Right away." The woman hurried off to do his bidding.

  "The hotel business must be doing pretty good by the looks of things. I noticed you don't offer the usual, shall I say, female entertainment like most of the gambling halls I've visited," Will said.

  Levi stacked his chips in order of value and eyed his friend. "I don't make money on other people's backs, Will. It's not my style. I pay these girls to sell whiskey and talk to my customers. Maybe a dance or two if they are willing. If they want to do more than that, that's their decision. They have to live with the consequences. Besides, I have a strict policy about fraternizing with customers or co-workers. It’s a distraction I don’t need in a public service business such as this hotel."

  Will nodded his understanding and shuffled the deck of cards. "Any more talk from Governor Moonlite about you running for the Wyoming Territory’s Congressional delegate seat?"

  Levi leaned back against the wooden bow back chair and studied his friend. "Yes, in fact, that's one of the reasons why I'm going to the party at the Quincy ranch tonight. You should come with me."

  "No, thanks. I've had my belly full of conniving mothers and giggling debutantes. And the other reason?”

  Levi shrugged. “The other reason? I didn’t say—”

  Will grinned. “You said that was one of the reasons. Could the other reason be a certain young miss who might be in attendance?"

  His friend was much more perceptive than Levi liked, but he had worked hard to keep his personal life and his emotions under control. That was one of the reasons the governor called him a friend, because Levi didn't have the usual baggage in tow that most of Moonlite’s political cronies tried to hide from the people of Wyoming Territory. Levi attempted to redirect his friend's attention from the one person he'd rather not talk about.

  "I hear the governor's son is up on the matrimonial chopping block tonight. Governor Moonlite’s made no secret of that fact. Perhaps I'll take advantage of the trail of broken hearts August Moonlite leaves behind."

  Will shook his head and grinned. "Play coy all you want, my friend, but I know you have feelings for that Delacroix woman. What was her name? Evelynn or some such?”

  “Evangeline,” Levi stated simply.

  “Ah, well, if I remember correctly, the last time I heard, she's still not married. One of the ladies in The Ladies
Club of Laramie even pressed me to call on her myself.”

  Levi clenched his jaws shut, but jealousy made him grind his teeth together.

  “Don’t worry,” Will said, letting out a chuckle. “I’m not interested in getting hitched any time soon, but I will admit that Delacroix woman is a looker.”

  Levi schooled his features to act unaffected and hoped his words gave his friend the impression Levi could not care less.

  "When did you start believing women's gossip around a tea cup?" When Will didn't answer, he covered his reluctance with nonchalance. "I'll admit Eva Delacroix is a very beautiful woman, but the world is full of—"

  "You might be able to bluff me in poker, my friend, but we have history. I know you, remember?"

  Mary walked up and placed the crystal decanter of whiskey on the table along with two cut crystal glasses. "Here you are, Mr. Copper. Is there anything else I can get you, sir?"

  "No, Mary. Thank you." Mary nodded and left them to their conversation.

  Levi ignored his friend's comment until he had poured them both a healthy portion of the good stuff and re-corked the glass stopper.

  He raised his glass, and his eyes, to his friend's. "How about a toast to unrequited love and just leave it at that, shall we?" Levi tossed the whiskey down his throat, relishing the taste and the burn.

  Will nodded in agreement and did the same.

  Levi stood and motioned for his cashier. "Jake, take my chips and cash them out, then take the money down to the bank before it closes."

  "Yes, sir. I'll take care of it myself, Mr. Copper." The skinny, stooped balding man scraped the chips into the royal blue velvet bag in his hands and nodded his goodbye.

  Levi turned to Will. "And now, my dear friend, if you will excuse me, I have to dress for a very important party. And should you change your mind about going with me, I'll be in my suite until around six o'clock."

  "I'll think about it, but don't be disappointed if you don't hear from me, although I might go just to see how hard you try to ignore a certain young miss while mooning over her from a distance."

  "Go to hell." He shook his head in exasperated amusement and turned toward the door of the poker parlor occupying a room off the first floor of Levi's hotel. He heard Will's good-natured laugh echo around the room.