Mrs. Manfred did not respond well to her mother’s words. Her frown increased, and her chin came up a notch. “Of course, she’s your daughter. However, I’m concerned for Clarence having to come up here by train to visit Heidi. He’s so worried about her being here.”
Heidi turned to Clarence. “It’s not necessary for you to visit. As Mother said, she and Papa are close by.”
“Nonsense. I have the duty as your betrothed to see to your safety. I’m more than happy to visit with you. I may not be able to come during the week, but we can spend our weekends together.”
Sweat beaded her forehead. She could handle Mother and Papa dragging her off to dinner or lunch several times during the week, but the thought of Clarence following her around all weekend scared her to death. As unpleasant as it would be, she needed to break off her engagement with Clarence. After kissing Michael twice now, the thought of Clarence touching her in any way caused shivers to run down her spine.
She may end up an old maid, but after the feelings Michael kindled in her, marriage to Clarence would never do. She’d felt the stirrings of desire, and if she couldn’t have passion in her marriage, she would have no marriage at all.
“Heidi, I would like to walk with you for a bit before I catch my train.” Clarence took her hand.
There wasn’t much point in putting him off any longer. Her parents would certainly think it odd if she refused to spend even a little bit of time with her fiancé.
She smiled in his direction. “Certainly.”
He took her arm and they left the hotel. The air had turned distinctly colder since church that morning. She arranged her scarf around her nose and mouth, and pulled the collar of her coat up.
They walked in silence for a block before Clarence cleared his throat. “H
eidi, where is your engagement ring?”
How brave did she feel? Lie, or break the engagement now? “I…I wanted to talk to you about that.”
His eyes were hard and filled with dislike. “My dear, it’s perfectly all right if you’ve forgotten to wear your ring. I understand such a thing happens. Not to worry. Let’s enjoy our walk in the beautiful afternoon air.”
“Clarence, it’s freezing out.”
He pulled her closer. “I’ll keep you warm.”
Where Michael’s arms around her felt warm and secure, Clarence’s embrace made her uncomfortable. Almost painful, as if he intended to punish her in some way.
After a moment, he added, “I want to speak to you again about my concern with you working all day with that man.”
“Michael? I mean, Mr. Henderson?”
Clarence sighed and squeezed her shoulder. “Yes. I’m afraid his morals aren’t what they should be.”
She turned to him. “What are you talking about? Mr. Henderson is the most upright, moral person I’ve ever met.”
“Did you notice the bruises on my face?”
She nodded.
“How do you suppose I received them?”
When she shrugged, he continued. “Your Mr. Henderson involved himself in a brawl at The Blue Belle Saloon Friday evening, and I was forced to step in to save the poor man he beat up.” He looked down at her, and waved to his face. “You can see my thanks for getting in the middle.”
Heidi’s mouth dried up, and she shook her head. “No. I don’t believe it.” She did see bruises on Michael’s face he refused to discuss. Could Clarence’s story possibly be true?”
Clarence turned them and headed back to the hotel. “I’m afraid the fight is not the worst of it, my dear.”
Her heart fluttered at his solemn expression. “What else?”
“You understand, I would never speak of such things to a lady, but I must impress upon you how dangerous to your virtue an association with Mr. Henderson can be.”
She stopped walking and stared at him. “This conversation is ridiculous. I’m heading back to the hotel.” When she turned to move away, he grasped her upper arm to stop her.
“Your Mr. Henderson paid one of the whores in The Blue Belle Saloon to leave town.”