Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 108382 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108382 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
"A wise choice, Miss Winthrop, but a better choice would be not to go west at all." Zac turned to leave, the night shadows too tempting and inviting for what he had in mind.
"Mr. Stewart?"
Zac cringed at the proper form of address. He turned again, his dark eyes still sensually blatant.
"Are you a gentleman?"
Zac's grin was wicked. "Not by a long shot, honey."
Dawn was another hour away. Prudence looked out her window into the darkness. Everything was going according to plan. Her letters were all written; her bags all packed. She only had to leave.
Her stomach protested with a flutter. She would miss her father terribly. And she would miss all that was familiar to her, but this journey was necessary. Even Zac Stewart's warning of how dangerous the West could be didn't sway her decision, although his kiss last night had troubled her. She had never been kissed like that before. Granger had only offered kisses on the cheek. She had not been aware of how a man, experienced in such matters, could make a woman feel. And Zac Stewart made her feel . . . much too much. It was necessary that she keep her virginal feelings under control. This was no time to lose control over a gunslinger . . . or anyone else for that matter.
And besides, she would probably never lay eyes on Zac Stewart again, which was just fine with her.
Prudence checked her satchel one more time. She had taken only a minimum of clothing, recalling that one should travel light. Sensible skirts and blouses as well as two pairs of ladies' walking boots had been packed. Naturally, her undergarments, her nightgowns, and her linen duster were also included. Her traveling bag contained her personal toiletries as well as her extra pairs of gloves. She had taken three just in case. And of course, there was the money she had withdrawn from her personal account at the bank. It was more than enough to see her through her journey and any emergency that might arise. She was all ready.
Prudence placed her bonnet on her head. It was the only one she was taking and it fit comfortably, turning up at the sides and down in the front and back, with a white silk ribbon tied loosely beneath her chin. She slipped on her gray gloves that matched her gray day suit and hung her traveling bag on her shoulder, checking once more to make certain her train tickets were inside.
She lifted her satchel from the bed and didn't dare glance around the room again, fearing she would dissolve into tears. She quickly walked out. Quietly, she made her way down the steps, realizing the servants would be up and about by now. She left the note for her father on his desk and one for Granger on the hall receiving table.
Prudence opened the front door, glanced back over her shoulder one last time at her home, and then walked out, closing the door softly behind her.
CHAPTER 3
"What do you mean your daughter's gone west?" Zac yelled, jumping out of his seat.
James Winthrop's hand trembled as he held it up, directing Mr. Stewart to take his seat. "Please, sit and let me finish."
Zac wasn't accustomed to taking orders. He walked around the large leather chair and stood behind it, bracing his hands on the top edge. When Winthrop had sent an urgent summons to his hotel room he had come immediately, never expecting this. "Do you realize what you've just told me?"
James ran his still trembling hand through his hair. "Believe me, Mr. Stewart, I realize more than you think. My daughter has gone off, alone, thinking she can bring culture to savages."
"Savages come in all colors, shapes, and sizes," Zac warned, annoyed at Winthrop's ignorance of the West. "People assume that the Indians are their only worry when traveling through the different territories."
"If you think to frighten me, you're doing an excellent job."
Frighten him? Zac was frightened himself, a foreign feeling to him. He had learned to disengage his emotions. It was necessary for a gunslinger. But now thinking of Prudence and her obstinate nature out there alone, he shook his head. "Good. But it's a little late, since Prudence has already left. Is it that difficult keeping her in tow, Mr. Winthrop?"
"Difficult, Mr. Stewart, doesn't begin to describe handling Prudence." Zac couldn't help but smile. So a spitfire did actually lie beneath that proper Bostonian surface. His smile quickly faded. She was bound to get herself into trouble. It was inevitable.
"I need your help."
"What you need is more control over your daughter's actions," Zac argued.
"I agree," James admitted freely. "I have spoiled Prudence terribly. Her mother's death left me numb, and then I found myself lavishing my young daughter with everything. I felt guilty that her mother was gone and —"