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that. You tried rather hard to be as sociable as possible. I wish this mail order business would go off without a hitch. It seems all the women who come here have something rather big to hide.” She looked sheepish. “Not that I’m accusing you of deception, I just wonder why a woman of your stature, with your name and connections, would agree to be a mail order bride in the first place. All the other ladies were badly off, I’m afraid. They were destitute and desperate, and one was even with child.”
    I sensed I could speak with her and not be censored. “Your instincts about me are right. I do have a secret. There’s a reason I ran away.”
    “Oh, not another runaway.” She frowned. “Oh, dear.”
    “My parents are forcing me to marry someone I don’t care for. He’s rich and terrible. He’s overbearing and far worse than my father, if you can imagine that. I’d not have a life at all. He’d want me to stay at his stodgy estate and bear his children, while he does whatever it is men do when they’re not with their wives.”
    “My dear. You’ve just described marriage. Now I’m confused.”
    “Let me clarify. I would have no freedom. I wouldn’t be able to leave the house. I’d have no friends. Joseph Cardcastle is a possessive, domineering sort of person. I’d live the life of a prisoner, although the cell would be fancier.”
    “How do you know that? Has he been married before?”
    “His father is the same. I’ve seen the mother. The poor woman never speaks. She has no opinion about anything and only speaks when she’s spoken to. She’s a shell of a person. She sits home and reads and knits and does not go out, ever. He allows her to attend church, but that’s all. It’s like her spirit has been broken.”
    “Because the father is such a man, doesn't mean the son will be the same.”
    “I’ve no desire to find out.”
    “Well, it’s neither here nor there anyhow, because you’re in Boot Creek now. What do you plan to do?”
    “I will court Percy, like I told you earlier. I’ll see him tonight. I’ll try my best to find something about him that appeals to me.”
    She seemed troubled. “But what about your family? What about Mr. Cardcastle? What if they find you here? Are you not worried about that?”
    “I am.”
    “Does anyone know where you are?”
    “They’ve discovered me as far as Lamy, unfortunately. I can only hope they don’t come any further.”
    “That’s rather close.”
    “I had hoped to be married and under my husband’s protection.”
    “But you won’t marry Percy.”
    “I know … not yet. It’s a big muddle.”
    “Lola Kelly ran away from her family, and her father tracked her down. He kidnapped her after she married. Her husband managed to find her, but it was dreadfully upsetting for everyone. I should introduce you tonight. Will you be dining in the restaurant?”
    “Yes, at eight.”
    “I’ll be there as well.” She smiled kindly. “I just worry about your family.”
    “So do I.”
    “Have you considered hiring someone to watch over you?”
    “I’ve a maid.”
    “No, that won’t do. A man with a gun is better. Someone who can act as a sort of personal guard.”
    “I hadn’t thought of that.” I took a sip of tea. “I can certainly afford it.”
    “If you want, I’ll speak to my husband. He’s mayor of this town. He would know more about such things.”
    I saw an opening to ask the question that had been needling me all afternoon. “Do you know Chuck Brittle?”
    “Yes, of course. He’s lived here for a few years. He’s just bought some land. He was once employed at the Kelly Ranch.”
    “I see.”
    “Are you thinking of hiring him as your personal guard?”
    The dainty teacup slipped from my fingers, splashing its contents down the front of my skirt. “Oh, no!”
    “Oh, what a shame, but all is not lost.” She sprang to her feet. “Victoria!”
    “Yes, ma’am?” She peeked her head around the corner, and I was sure she