Read Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel for Free Online

behind him. His manners weren’t always what Beth would have desired, but in this case he was acting appropriately. “Your father requested that I accompany you during your travels—see you safely through to Coal Valley,” he explained.
    His explanation only left Beth more bewildered. “My father? He asked you to accompany me? Whatever for?”
    “I also have been posted in the West,” he hurried to explain, “and was traveling at this time. As a favor to your family, I agreed to see to your needs and safety.”
    Beth’s thoughts rushed back over the day—the thorough soaking while she struggled with her own suitcase and nearly missed her connection. “But—” she labored to find expression for her dismay—“then where have you been?” Immediately she wished she could take back the question. That was not the point. She did not want nor need his help.
    Sounding aloof and defensive, Edward replied, “I boarded this train at the last stop. My company already had other travel arrangements. But at the suggestion of your father, I received special permission to travel with you instead. I have gone to considerable trouble to be of assistance, I assure you.”
    Beth refused to soften her tone. “And I assure you, Mr. Montclair, that it was entirely unnecessary. I have been managing just fine.” Beth knew her words sounded weak and pathetic and, worst of all, were far from the truth. Just at that moment she remembered the soggy pile of discarded clothing still stacked in the far corner of the cabin. She shifted slightly to shield the sorry mess from Edward.
    Her conscience brought to mind the two helpful porters.What would she have done without them? But this ? — this was too much. How could her father—
    “Nevertheless,” Edward was saying, “I intend to keep my word to your father.” He cleared his throat again. “I shall return in the morning at eight o’clock to escort you to breakfast. Is that acceptable to you?”
    “I need a police escort for breakfast?” she shot back, further incensed at his callous presumption.
    He didn’t budge. “So should I come at eight?” Then Beth could see his eyes actually crinkle ever so slightly at the corners. “Of course,” he said, “I would be more than happy to come at six—or at five. As you wish, Elizabeth.”
    Beth knew the impudent expression well enough to know he would be very pleased to awaken her far earlier than she was ready to rise. She had been bested—and by him , of all people. She could feel her face burning with anger. “Fine. Fine. But not before eight. Or I shall call the porter and . . .” She let the threat hang. What could she do? How could she complain to a porter about the conduct of a police officer ? One who had been sent by her father? Edward had won.
    Bowing once more, he retreated and closed the door behind him. Beth stood in the center of the room, trembling. Aloud she muttered, “Only the devil at the door would be worse than Edward Montclair!” Immediately she rebuked herself for such a dreadful pronouncement. But the truth was, she wanted to hide from him—to lock herself away or . . . or jump from the train. And even as she knew she was being childish and nonsensical, she could only pace out her frustrations during the short steps between door and window. This is absolutely unacceptable—that he has found a way to intrude on my plans even here . I thought . . . I thought I was well rid of him!
    Edward had been a nuisance back as long as Beth couldremember. And because his family was intrinsically connected with Father’s shipping business, there had been far more obligations requiring her to cross paths with him than she would have preferred.
    The Montclairs had their roots in old England, and Beth had often heard that nobility was included in Mrs. Montclair’s family line, though specifics were left conspicuous by their absence. Edward frequently found a way to work his “stately lineage” into conversation. But