“I should think it will be,” Opal said cheerfully. “Why don’t you take a long, hot bath?”
“I need a three-day-long one,” Houston muttered, rising.
* * *
Kane stood before the tall windows in his office, a cigar clamped between his teeth.
“Are you planning to work or daydream?” Edan asked from behind him.
Kane didn’t turn around. “They’re all just kids,” he said.
“Who are?”
“Houston and all her friends. They’ve never had to grow up, to worry about where their next meal’s comin’ from. Houston thinks food comes out of the kitchen, clothes from her dressmaker’s and money from the bank.”
“I’m not sure you’re right. Houston seems pretty sensible to me, and I think her being jilted by Westfield made her grow up some. Those things mean a lot to a woman.”
Kane turned back to face his friend. “She’s consoled herself well enough,” he said, his gesture encompassing the house.
“I’m not so sure she’s after just your money,” Edan said thoughtfully.
Kane snorted. “No doubt it’s the delicate way I handle a teacup. I want you to watch her.”
“You mean spy on her?”
“She’s engaged to a man with money. I’d hate to have her kidnapped.”
Edan raised an eyebrow. “Is that it, or are you worried she might be seeing Fenton again?”
“She spends most of every Wednesday inside that church of hers, and I want to know what she’s doin’.”
“So it’s the handsome Reverend Thomas you’re worried about.”
“I’m damn well not worried about anybody!” Kane shouted. “Just do what I say and watch her.”
With a look of disgust, Edan stood. “I wonder if Houston has any idea what she’s getting herself into.”
Kane turned back to the window. “A woman’ll do a lot to get her hands on millions.”
Edan didn’t respond before he left the room.
* * *
Houston, dressed in the hot, padded suit of Sadie, handled her team of horses with ease as she made her way to the Little Pamela mine. She’d discussed it with Reverend Thomas and decided it was all right to talk to Jean about the forthcoming wedding. Houston still liked to think Jean was safe in her ignorance of Sadie’s identity, but Reverend Thomas had, in a patronizing way, again told Houston the secrecy was long gone.
Now, as Houston travelled to the mine, she began to feel an almost overwhelming urge to talk to Jean. Jean always seemed so quiet and sensible, and even though she’d never met Kane, she was his cousin.
Houston got through the guarded gate with no trouble or challenge and went straight to the Taggart house.
Jean was waiting for her. “No problems?” she asked, then stopped and stared at Houston. “I’m glad you finally know,” she said softly.
“Let’s get the food distributed and we can talk,” Houston said.
Hours later they were back at Jean’s little house. Houston pulled a packet of tea from her pocket. “For you.”
They were silent as Jean prepared the tea, then when they were both seated, Jean spoke. “So, we’re to be related by marriage.”
Houston held the chipped mug in her hands. “In five days. You will be there, won’t you?”