Trailing Home: Liam's Bride (The McKenzie Series #3) Read online

  LYNN COPPERSMITH

  Trailing

  Home

  Liam's Bride

  Trailing Home

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2016 by Lynn Coppersmith

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of excerpts consisting of no more than 2 chapters to be used for review or marketing purposes. To obtain written permission for any other uses, contact the author via email: [email protected].

  For my wonderful family. Thank you all for helping me find my way along the winding trail of life.

  LC

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter One

  St. Louis

  April 14, 1855

  Liam McKenzie took a long sip of ale while he casually wondered how the little wench was managing to fool all the other patrons. He seemed to be the only one who had noticed that she was a fine bit of woman disguised as a run of the mill barmaid.

  On casual inspection, there was nothing about her appearance to give her. Her gown was nondescript grey calico, with no adorning lace or trim, and it was buttoned primly all the way to her throat and wrists. Because the dress appeared to be several sizes too large, it was difficult to determine what manner of figure the garment concealed. She wore a large white apron over the dress that hung from her neck and was tied loosely at the waist, providing further camouflage for any feminine charms she might possess.

  Even her shoes were designed for functionality rather than fashion, and they made a strange clopping noise as she rushed around to serve the patrons their food and drink. Her black hair was pulled into a severe knot at the back of her head, but Liam noticed that several strands had been pulled forward to fall over her brow and cheeks, and they provided a screen for her delicate features.

  He had yet to determine the color or shape of her eyes, because she never looked up. All he had been able to tell from her downcast gaze was that her eyelashes were exceptionally thick, long and sooty black.

  In a subtle way, she made it obvious to the patrons that if they desired a quick romp with a willing woman, they would be well advised to choose the red-headed barmaid. That one displayed her generous bosom and shapely legs for all to enjoy and exchanged bawdy jests with an apparent lack of shame. Liam had been at the saloon less than an hour, but during that time, he had seen the red-head go upstairs with two separate men and return a short while later to drum up further business. It was obvious that the bulk of her income came from her upstairs activities rather than her tips as a waitress.

  It looked as if no one but Liam was interested in the dark-haired one. He gave a wry grin as he noticed that there were rarely any groping hands or ogling stares directed at her. And the few that were came from patrons who were so intoxicated that they likely didn’t know what they were doing.

  The maid had developed the ability to firmly rebuff any advances without drawing unwanted attention, and Liam grinned as he watched her employ the technique to good effect. It was obvious that she didn’t like being pawed.

  Liam might not have noticed her either, if it hadn’t been for the way she smelled. When she had served him his meal, she leaned over to set his food before him, and the most enticing scent of wildflowers, soap and clean, fresh woman had wafted up to Liam’s nostrils.

  She was not the typical, sweaty, dirty barmaid, but a woman who recognized the advantages of good hygiene. Liam was intrigued. Without meeting his eye, she had inquired whether he wanted a second glass of beer, and her voice had been as smooth as warm honey. Liam had accepted a refill just to have the opportunity to observe her at close range for a bit longer.

  As he ate, he watched her movements around the room, and he noticed that her walk was an odd mixture of fluid grace and boyish swagger. She was obviously accustomed to hard work, but she carried herself like a lady. The contrast was fascinating. She moved with understated poise and confidence, smoothly negotiating her way between the crowded tables while managing not to spill a drop of the beer on her tray. Liam straightened in his chair as the she approached his table once again.

  “Could I offer you anything else, sir?” she inquired while she gathered his empty plate and utensils.

  Liam knew she wasn’t referring to herself, but he couldn’t resist the temptation to tease her a bit just to see how she would respond. He hooked an arm around her waist and whisked her onto his lap, nearly causing her to drop the dishes.

  “Well, that is a truly tempting offer, ma’am. I just might accept.” His warm breath feathered the side of her jaw as he leaned close to whisper in her ear, and he was acutely aware of his fingers brushing the outer curve of one soft breast. “I’m sure you would be well worth the price. What do you say?”

  His eyes twinkled with humor as he watched for her reaction, and he was intrigued further when a glimmer of the girl’s spirit showed. She went totally still for a split second before she scrambled off his lap like a scalded cat and stepped back out of his reach.

  “I meant food or drink, sir,” she stated evenly, her eyes piercing his for the briefest moment as twin spots of indignant color appeared in her cheeks. “I certainly wasn’t offering anything else.”

  Liam’s flashed a roguish grin and heaved a regretful sigh. “Now that is a shame, since I’m not likely to meet another girl as pretty as you for some time to come.”

  He realized as he said the words that they were true. He was more than a little disappointed that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to get to know this woman better. She was momentarily flustered by the compliment, but then her shrug indicated her skepticism.

  “I doubt that, mister. There are plenty of ladies who are much prettier than me in this city.” She surreptitiously scanned his features from beneath her brows, carefully concealing her reaction, for although she hated to admit it, he was a magnificent looking man. “I’m sure any number of them would be willing to,” she gestured vaguely with her free hand, “entertain you, if that’s what you’re looking for.”

  “Perhaps,” he replied, as he counted out coins for the meal and added a generous tip. “But I will likely never know, since I’m leaving in the morning.”

  The girl scooped up the money and dropped it in her pocket. Reluctant curiosity imbued her tone as she inquired, “So you are just passing through?”

  “Yes, I’m heading for Oregon.”

  He was surprised when her gaze met his fully for the first time, keen interest in her eyes. His curiosity was finally appeased when he saw that her eyes were the deepest, clearest blue.

  “You’re getting ready to cross the Oregon Trail?” At his nod, her face turned thoughtful, obviously weighing what she would say next. “Will you be traveling with your family then?”

  Liam noticed her knuckles turning white as she gripped the dirty plate she still held. “No, I’ll be traveling alone,” he stated carefully, wondering what had piqu
ed her interest enough to make her so inquisitive. “Why do you ask?”

  The girl bit her bottom lip between small white teeth and glanced around furtively before slipping into the chair opposite him. She remained mute for several moments before taking a deep steadying breath and meeting his eyes once more. When she spoke, her voice was even but held an undercurrent of excitement.

  “Would you be interested in letting me travel with you?” She didn’t wait for his reaction before rushing on. “I could cook and clean during the trip, and I’m handy with a rifle. I wouldn’t be a burden.”

  Liam’s amazement was evident. “Ma’am, do you have any idea what you are asking?” As he voiced the question, he imagined the two of them traveling alone across two thousand miles of prairie and mountain and his astonishment grew. “You can’t seriously be suggesting such a thing. You don’t even know me!”

  The girl’s jaw was set at an obstinate angle. “I assure you I am quite serious, sir.”

  Liam’s grin vanished as he leaned back in his chair and subjected her to a thorough inspection. “Ma’am, don’t you know that by your request, you are inviting danger?” He ignored her frown and continued. “By all appearances this evening, you are not some hussy who sells herself casually to men, so why would you proposition a total stranger?”

  “I am not propositioning you, mister!” She took a calming breath, obviously trying to keep her temper in check. “Let me make myself abundantly clear on that point, I am not offering to warm your bed. I simply need to travel to Oregon, and I cannot get there entirely on my own.” She assessed him through narrowed eyes. “Besides, I have excellent instincts about people, and I can tell you aren’t the sort of man who would take advantage of a woman.”

  Liam briefly chuckled. “Then you have either underestimated your appeal or overestimated my ability to resist you. It would be nearly impossible for any man to travel alone for five or six months with a woman he finds attractive and not attempt to seduce her.”

  The girl gritted her teeth to keep from venting an exasperated screech. “Why do all men have such a limited train of thought? I have absolutely no intention of being seduced, by you or anyone else. I assure you, I would have no difficulty dissuading you from any interest you might develop along those lines. So, unless you were willing to resort to rape, I would be perfectly safe.” She fiddled nervously with the edge of the soiled napkin. “Can’t you see the advantages of traveling with another person rather than entirely on your own? Why, anything could happen to you alone on the trail!”

  “I’ve not been bothered by traveling alone,” he said with a shrug. “This will be my third crossing between Oregon and Kentucky, and I have no doubt it will be just as tolerable as the previous ones.”

  He failed to mention that his brother, Brian, had broken an arm on their first crossing, and if he had been on his own, he would have been in real trouble. Liam also neglected to tell her that he had made his most recent crossing by himself, and he had suffered from bouts of loneliness, with no one to talk with during the trip.

  The girl frowned, obviously weighing her options to convince him. “I could pay you. I have some money saved up, and I could make it worth your while.”

  Liam had no need for the girl’s money, but he was interested to see just how important this was to her. “How much are you willing to pay?”

  As soon as he voiced the question, he regretted it, for he saw hope flare in the blue depths of her eyes. She cast a cautious glance around to ensure no other nearby patrons were listening, and lowered her voice to an anxious whisper.

  “I could pay you one hundred dollars. That should more than compensate for the extra supplies you would need for me. I’ve already told you that I can help. I’m a good cook, so I could see that you enjoyed more than just beans and burned bread during the trip. I’m also strong and a hard worker. I can chop firewood, help pitch and pack up camp, wash your clothes, whatever is needed. Just please say you’ll let me come along.” Her eyes pleaded desperately for him to agree.

  The amount she had offered was more than generous. He could only imagine how long she had worked and scrimped to save that amount of money. “Why are you so anxious to get to Oregon?” he asked.

  The girl shrugged her shoulders and looked down at her hands. “There’s nothing for me here. My sister went to Oregon with her husband a few years ago, and she has written several times telling me how happy she is there. They have a farm, and they’re doing very well. She asked me to come and live with them.”

  Liam frowned and looked away to avoid her gaze. How had one flirtatious remark landed him in such a sticky situation?

  “Ma’am . . .” he stopped short and looked at her, “by the way, do you have a name?”

  “Selena Darcy,” she stated quietly.

  “I assume that’s Miss Darcy?” he asked.

  Selena nodded her head. “That’s right. I've never been married.”

  That made the situation even stickier. Liam cleared his throat and frowned at her.

  “Miss Darcy, surely you know that, as an unmarried woman, if you were to travel alone with a man your reputation would be ruined forever. Everyone would assume the very worst about you. You would no longer be received in decent society.”

  Selena heaved an impatient sigh and met his eyes without flinching. “In case it has escaped your notice sir, I am working as a barmaid in a saloon. Every night, I have to avoid advances from men who assume I am a cheap little harlot. You yourself tried to proposition me.”

  She raised an accusing brow and was gratified to see him flush uncomfortably before she continued. “I don’t have much of a reputation to protect anymore. And besides, if I stay around here much longer, I’ll likely lose more than just my reputation.”

  Liam didn’t miss the fearful glance she stole at the owner of the saloon or the small shiver of fear she gave, and he scowled his displeasure. Was the man trying to pressure her into doing more than waiting tables? The thought angered him, and Liam’s frown deepened.

  “Damn!” he swore under his breath.

  He had always had a soft spot for anyone or anything that needed protection, and he somehow knew that this girl was in a dangerous position. The very last thing he needed was to be saddled with an attractive female. She would be nothing but a source of frustration for him, but at least he knew that with him, she would be safe from rape. She had been right in her assumption that he had never forced a woman, and he wasn’t about to start with her.

  Sensing that he was beginning to waver, Selena leaned eagerly forward. “Please, sir. Perhaps I could travel as your sister. No one would have to know. When we get to Oregon, we can simply go our separate ways, and no one would be the wiser.”

  The owner of the saloon chose that moment to roar with annoyance, causing Selena to jump like a frightened hare. “Selena! Get over here and serve these drinks! I’m not paying you to socialize.”

  Casting Liam a pleading look, she quickly rose. “Please don’t go. I’ll be right back.” She paused long enough to see Liam give a reluctant nod before she scooped up his dirty dishes and rushed back to her duties.

  Liam sipped his ale and watched with heightened interest as Selena hurried to carry trays of drinks and plates of food to the other customers. The owner didn’t seem to care that the red-head spent most of her time sitting on men’s laps, flaunting her wares. The harlot no doubt gave a share of her earnings to pacify the owner, so he didn’t mind that she barely lifted a finger to help Selena serve the tables. As a result, Selena was nearly run off her feet.

  With a grim frown, Liam noted that each time Selena came within reach of the owner, that lout was inclined to handle her lewdly. His beefy hand was forever landing on her bottom or brushing the side of her breast as he handed her a plate, and Liam seethed as he watched her trying her best to dodge the man’s unwanted advances. It was painfully obvious that she hadn’t been lying when she implied that her virtue was in danger.

  “Damn!” he swore a
gain, feeling the jaws of an unforeseen trap closing on him.

  He didn’t want to take her with him, but he couldn’t in good conscious leave her in this place after she had begged for his help. Try as he might, he couldn’t think of any other way of helping her other than taking her along.

  Liam didn’t know a soul in St. Louis, and he doubted that the girl would accept money from him to help her travel somewhere else. She seemed too proud for that. No one who worked as hard as she did would want to be a charity case.

  After several minutes, Selena was caught up with her work, and she returned to Liam’s table with a large steaming serving of peach cobbler. She set the plate before him and gave him a tentative smile.

  “Thanks for waiting. I brought you some dessert. It’s on the house.”

  The smell of cinnamon and peaches wafted up to assail Liam’s senses, and he took a deep breath of the steam before giving Selena a boyish grin. “Now how did you know that I have a sweet tooth?”

  Selena shrugged and gave him a tiny smile. “I didn’t. I just thought you might want some dessert after your meal. Try it.”

  Liam lifted a spoonful to his mouth. Selena watched as his eyes registered surprise and then closed to savor the rich, gooey sweetness of the treat as he rolled it around in his mouth with obvious enjoyment.

  “Ummm,” he moaned. “This cobbler is delicious. I haven’t had any this good since my dear mother passed away.” He made short work of polishing off the last of it, scraping his bowl clean.

  Selena smiled with pleasure. “I’m glad you liked it. I made it.” She grinned at his surprised look. “I told you I’m a good cook, and I could cook you lots of other things if you take me with you.” Her grin disappeared to be replaced by a pleading look. "Please."

  Liam grimaced and rubbed his forehead as if a persistent ache had developed there. “Miss Darcy, I’m not sure how you’ve managed it, but I find myself seriously considering your request.” He shook his head in self-disgust and refused to meet her excited gaze. “I’m planning to leave tomorrow afternoon. Would you be able to have your things ready by then? I really don’t want to be delayed.”