Cheryl St.John - Her Wyoming Man

Im aware that our marriage is unconventional, Nathan began.

She had no experience with marriage, conventional or otherwise. I intend to be a good wife, Nathan.

I appreciate that, he replied. Everything is new to you. The territory. This marriage. Because of the circumstances, we were forced to make decisions quickly, and thats not an ideal condition. Courting gives a couple time to learn about each other, time to grow comfortable and at ease.

I dont feel cheated, she said. Im prepared to be your wife.

Her Wyoming Man
Harlequin Historical #1047July 2011

Author Note

Summer is my favorite time of year. Theres nothing like a lazy summer day spent with a sweating glass of iced tea and a good book. Whether youre vacationing or at home, at the beach or inside with your air-conditioning, I hope Ella and Nathans story sweeps you away and gives you hours of reading enjoyment.

Id love to share one of my favorite summer recipes with you. Several years back I bought a fistful of handwritten recipe cards at a flea market, all of which were obviously quite old.

RHUBARB COBBLER

From the kitchen of Gladys

Place 4 to 6 cups of cleaned and chopped rhubarb in 9-by-13-inch pan (lightly sprayed or not). Sprinkle with cup (or less) sugar.

Cream together all at once:

cup (or less) sugar

1 cup flour

3 tbsp melted oleo (margarine)

cup milk

1 tsp baking powder

salt

Pour batter over rhubarb.

Mix 1 cup (or less) sugar with 1 tbsp cornstarch. Sprinkle over batter.

Pour 1 cup boiling water over all. Grind cinnamon over the top. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

CHERYL ST. JOHN

Her Wyoming Man

Available from Harlequin Historical and

Cheryl St. John

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A Western Winter Wonderland #867

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Other works include:
Silhouette Special Edition

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* Marry MeAgain #1558

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Million-Dollar Makeover #1688

Love Inspired Historical

Marrying the Preachers Daughter

This story is dedicated to Kristin
with appreciation for everything from getting up with me during
the night to making me eat and doing my laundry
oh, and for always keeping the teapot full.
I couldnt have been bionic without you.

Contents

Chapter One

Dodge City, Kansas, April 1873

T he maid guided Ellas familiar gentleman caller into the dining room. Ella offered him her gloved hand and he held her fingers briefly, his smile unusually stiff, before pulling out her chair. His demeanor signaled a warning; but she didnt allow her curiosity or concern to show.

She seated herself at the table elegantly set with gold-trimmed dishes and sparkling silver, where five other couples were already absorbed in their own conversations and flirtation.

The sky was especially pretty today, Ella said, her flawless French accent as natural as drawing breath. It was a lovely afternoon for reading on my balcony.

Its a nice evening, as well, he replied.

Hed called twice a week for the past three years, and still their dinner conversation centered on the weather and other trivial topics. She understood that he was married, though hed never mentioned his wifes name or anything about his family. Ansel Murdock was probably in his middle to late forties, held a stockholders position at the livestock exchange and belonged to a gentlemans club as well as the local Episcopal Church.

But on Monday and Friday evenings, he visited Ellaor Gabrielle Dubois, as shed been known by and referred to since she was ten years old.

They ate their roasted duck and steamed asparagus, but when the mousse was served, she sipped coffee while he enjoyed his delicious-looking confection. She had never been served a dessert, though shed managed to sneak a taste or two when no one was looking.

At last the meal was over and a maid served sherry in tiny crystal goblets. Ella most often carried hers upstairs to enjoy later. He accompanied her now, his unfamiliar impatience unnerving. He was always a gentleman and never in a hurry.

She locked them inside her room and set her glass on the inlaid table that sat beside a plush fainting couch. Would you like me to wind the phonograph? I have a new Edison cylinder.

Gabrielle, I have some difficult news.

She posed on the deep blue velvet upholstery, artfully arranging the folds of her yellow tulle gown.

What is it, Ansel? Are you ill? She masked her concern before a frown could crease her brow.

My health is excellent. But the fact is, I am relocating. I have an opportunity I cant pass on, and well, my wife wants to move back East now that our boys are off to university.

Her heart sank at his news, but she kept her expression pleasant. Oh, I see.

Mr. Murdock retained her exclusive attentions. Because of his generous monetary hold, no other revenue was expected of her. Once he was gone, she would be assigned a new gentleman. And if the new man wasnt rich enough or willing to retain her exclusively, more than one caller would be required.

As though he sensed her thoughts, he said, Youre young, Gabrielle. You are by far the most beautiful woman in all of Dodge City and most likely Kansas, for that matter. You wont lack for attention.

How well she knew. There had been many inquiries, but Mr. Murdocks retention kept those other companions at bay. Youre right of course. I do hope your move is beneficial for all concerned.

Cordial, never defensive, always congenial and favoring male opinions and desires, those were her ingrained behaviors. Neither the dozen concerns flashing through her mind or her precarious future were reflected on her face or in her body language.

Ansel stepped close and cupped her cheek, an unusually demonstrative gesture. You are a rare treasure, Gabrielle. I shall miss our evenings.

As shall I, she returned. Ma vie changera. My life will change. Je crains demain autant que je regrette hier. I fear tomorrow as much as I regret yesterday.

Such sweet words of love, my pet, he said with a smile. I have something for you.

He often brought her perfume or jewelry, but he hadnt arrived with a package in view. Now he slid a hand inside his suit jacket and extricated a slim leather folder. Opening it revealed a ledger. He turned his hand so she could read a deposit report. The balance took her breath away.

Its a bank account. I considered cash, because its more prudent, but in the long run, this is secure. Your money is safe, and no one can steal it.

Ella looked from the bankbook to his face. No money had ever been exchanged between them. His paying discreetly kept the veneer of their relationship as lovers in place. Madame Fairchild paid Ella as she did all the other girls, after an allowance for food and clothing was deducted. Granted the gentlemens fees were exorbitant, but champagne was costly, and Ellas seamstress truly was a Frenchwoman. Ella lived in splendor and ate in elegance, but had very little money to show for four years in the parlor house.