Dear Mr. Stone (Mail-Order Bride Ink Book 11) Read online

  “Is something wrong?” Katie asked.

  Beryl smiled at her. “No, nothing’s wrong. You have a lovely home.”

  Katie blushed. “I know it’s nothing like what I had in Denver. And it can’t come close to what you have.”

  Dr. Stone glanced at Beryl before she could answer. He had no idea who she was, and she didn’t want to tell him yet. They’d already established she didn’t want to marry him even if he had sent for a bride, and didn’t want her family’s riches to make him wish he had. “It’s very cozy, Katie,” she said. “Are you … happy?”

  Katie grinned. “More than I’ve ever been in my life. I can’t wait for you to meet Jace. You’ll stay for dinner, won’t you?”

  Beryl’s eyes popped wide. “You cook?”

  Katie laughed. “Believe it or not, I do now. Shocking, isn’t it?” She stepped away, heading for the dining room. “I just made coffee – would you like some? I know it’s frightfully hot out, but I wanted a cup.”

  “I’ll take some if you don’t mind,” the doctor said.

  “Are you sure you don’t want something stronger?” Beryl asked quietly.

  He grinned at her. “I’m surprised you don’t.”

  “I’ve never imbibed in my life, sir. But today the thought has merit.”

  He shook with silent laughter as Katie retreated into the kitchen.

  Beryl followed her as far as the dining room and sat at the table, motioning Doc Stone to do the same. “When did you get married?” she called.

  “Barely a week ago,” Katie said as she brought cups and saucers to the table. “Isn’t that right, Doc?”

  “It is,” he confirmed. “I was a witness.”

  Katie returned with a cup and saucer for herself and the coffee pot. She poured them each a cup, then waved at the creamer and sugar bowl. “Help yourself. Would you like some cookies?”

  “I’d love some,” Beryl said. “I’m hungry enough to eat a horse, as the saying goes.”

  “Oh,” Katie said with concern. “Did you just arrive?”

  “Maybe an hour ago. Um … with your parents.”

  Katie dropped the coffee pot. Thankfully, it was only an inch above the table and didn’t spill.

  Doc Stone jumped to his feet. “Are you all right?”

  Katie swallowed hard. “Here?” she whimpered. “In Independence?”

  Beryl stood and took her in her arms. “It’s a long story, but I wanted to get here first so I could warn you.” She glanced at the doctor, who was picking up the coffee pot. “They’re not happy that you married Mr. Diamond. In fact, they’re hopping mad.”

  Katie wiped tears from her eyes. “I knew they would be. It’s my fault for leaving the way I did. But can you blame me?”

  Beryl hugged her again. “Of course not. Besides, I’m the one that talked you into it. The thought of you marrying that horrid Ronald Finch was too much.”

  Doc Stone nodded. “The unwanted suitor.”

  “I’m not sure anyone will want him.” Katie shuddered. “But what makes them think they can break up …?”

  There was a banging on the door.

  “There they are,” Beryl said. “Are you up to this?”

  “I wish Jace was here,” Katie glanced at the door. “Oh boy, do I wish Jace was here.”

  Rap, rap, rap!

  She closed her eyes and clasped her hands in front of her. “Oh Lord, help me.”

  “Don’t worry, Mrs. Diamond,” Doc Stone said. “I have no problem showing them out if you wish it.”

  “Oh, Ephraim, why are you calling me Mrs. Diamond? You always call me Katie.”

  “Given your father’s … ire, I thought it wise to stress your married name.”

  BAM, BAM, BAM! “Katie Haverdash! You open this door right now, young lady!”

  “For obvious reasons,” Doc Stone added.

  Katie cringed and hugged Beryl. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too.” She stepped out of Katie’s embrace and put her hands on her shoulders. “You can do this. Dr. Stone and I will help you.”

  Katie nodded, took a deep breath and headed for the door.

  “It’s about time!” her father barked when she opened it. “Where is he? Where’s that cad of a sheriff?”

  “Hello, Papa,” Katie said dourly.

  “Katie, dear!” came Petunia’s voice. She maneuvered around Katie’s father and took her in her arms. “We were so worried about you!”

  Beryl noted the look Katie was giving her father. Are you going to hug me too? He didn’t, and it made Beryl’s blood boil. “Mr. and Mrs. Haverdash. What a lovely surprise.”

  “You stay out of this, you troublemaker,” Mr. Haverdash said with his usual finger-pointing.

  Beryl folded her arms. “As you can see, Katie is alive and well and living in this lovely home. Now leave her alone.”

  His eyes bulged as he pointed at the door. “Out!”

  Beryl planted her feet. “No.”

  Mr. Haverdash shook with rage. “See here, Miss Branson, I’ve had all I can put up with from you. You’ve disrupted our lives enough. This is a private conversation we’re having with our daughter, and we don’t want you to be a part of it.”

  “It’s all right, Beryl,” Katie stated. “Please, just go.”

  Beryl looked at her in shock. “What? Are you sure?”

  Katie pulled her aside. “Maybe it’s best if I handle this by myself. I know they’re angry. They have every right to be.”

  “You’re positive?”

  Katie nodded. “But my invitation for dinner still stands. Please come.” She looked at the floor and back. “I’m sure I’ll need you then.”

  Beryl’s heart went out to her friend. She knew she’d need a shoulder to cry on later, whether from her father’s blustering or that this was the result of her decision to become a mail-order bride. It didn’t matter – she’d be there for her friend.

  “Mrs. Diamond?” the doctor said.

  “I think you’d better go too, Dr. Stone,” Katie said softly.

  He glanced at Beryl and back. Both were there to protect Katie, and thus hesitant to leave her.

  “Please,” Katie said. “I’ll be all right.”

  Doc Stone reluctantly nodded, then motioned Beryl toward the door.

  “Don’t think I’m finished with you, Miss Branson,” Mr. Haverdash said. “Or you, Doctor.”

  Doc Stone stopped, turned and put himself nose-to-nose with Katie’s father. “Nor I you, sir. And keep in mind that she is the wife of a law enforcement official who will hunt you down if you do anything to her against her wishes.” He abruptly pulled away and walked out.

  Beryl gasped. Did Mr. Haverdash realize he was dangerously close to getting assaulted or arrested? The doctor was clearly a gentleman, or he would have done the former. She doubted Katie’s husband would hesitate to do the latter.

  “That man,” Dr. Stone said quietly as Beryl closed the door behind them. “Who does he think he is?”

  Beryl sighed. “The Haverdashes are part of Denver high society. They think they can walk on water.”

  “Oh, that type. I admit I haven’t had much experience with his ilk. Where I come from, everybody was equal socially, no high or low classes.” He paused before adding, “But only one person in town would’ve dared act like that.”

  She glanced at Katie’s door, expecting to hear shouts. She didn’t. So far, so good. “Where are you from?”

  “A little town in the eastern part of the state – Clear Creek. It’s smaller than Independence.”

  Voices could be heard through the door now, but at least no one was shouting. Beryl stepped off the porch and turned to him. “Smaller than this?” She could barely believe that was possible.

  He joined her. “Oh, yes – born and raised there.” He glanced at the door. “You don’t mind standing here a few minutes, do you?”

  “Not at all. It’s a fine afternoon for it.” She shaded her eyes against the sun. “Thou
gh I do think we’ll both need an iced tea after this.”

  “Or something stronger?” he teased.

  “Perhaps for you,” she said with a smile. “I’ll stick with the iced tea.”

  He nodded. “You’re very protective of your friend.”

  “I always have been. Katie is sweet, kind, gentle, but she’s also indecisive and still learning how to stand up for herself.” She pulled at the collar of her dress. It was indeed hot. “You don’t know how hard it was for me to leave. But I’m glad to see that she wanted to take them on by herself.”

  “And it is their private business,” he pointed out. “But no one needs to put up with a bully.”

  She smiled at him. “Thank you – that’s exactly what he is. I don’t know how Mrs. Haverdash puts up with him.”

  He smiled. “Years of practice?”

  Beryl laughed. “And she’s had a lot of them.” She sighed and glanced at the door. “I don’t hear anything.”

  “Jace should be home soon. Why don’t we check on Katie in an hour or so?”

  She pulled at her collar again. Sweat was beginning to trickle down her back. “Well … I don’t know …”

  “I don’t want the heat getting to you, Miss Branson,” the doctor said. “Why don’t we go to Gruber’s and I’ll …” He grinned. “… buy you a drink?”

  She laughed again. “Tea?”

  “What else?” Dr. Stone offered her his arm. “Shall we?”

  Beryl gave the door one last look, then wrapped her arm through his. “Very well, then. Let’s go.”

  Ephraim stole little glances at the beauty he was escorting to Gruber’s Café. She was magnificent. She stood her ground for her friend, told Katie’s father what was what and that she was prepared to do battle to protect her, despite Mr. Haverdash not backing down.

  The situation was a difficult one. Katie hadn’t told her parents she was becoming a mail-order bride. They must have been sick with worry, not knowing where she’d gone or if she’d been abducted. Katie by rights owed them an apology, and probably so did Miss Branson, her co-conspirator. But at the same time, if they were forcing her to marry someone unsuitable, Katie had every justification for doing what she did.

  “Ah, here we are again,” she said when they reached the café.

  “Afternoon, Doc,” Professor Hamilton said as he stepped out of the bookshop. He spotted Beryl and smiled. “Are you going to introduce me to your friend?”

  “Good afternoon, Professor.” Ephraim winked at Miss Branson as they approached him. “This is the man I mentioned to you earlier, the owner of the bookshop – and Katie’s employer. A good man to know. Beryl Branson, Professor Hamilton. Professor, Miss Beryl Branson – a friend of Katie Diamond’s from Denver.”

  The professor bowed. “So you’ve been talking about me?”

  “Only in passing. I haven’t yet shared with Miss Branson any of your exploits and adventures.”

  “The only adventures I’ve ever had have been of the literary kind,” the professor said. “It’s you and Sheriff Diamond that have all the fun.” He looked at Miss Branson. “I’m sure by now you’ve heard of what happened to your friend?”

  “Only that she got married,” Miss Branson hedged.

  Ephraim cleared his throat. “I’m afraid I haven’t told her the rest yet, Professor. She just got here.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know. Forgive me, it’s not my place to say anything.”

  “It’s all right, Professor,” Ephraim assured.

  “What’s he talking about?” Miss Branson asked.

  Ephraim motioned her toward the café. “Let’s go inside and I’ll explain. I’ll see you later, Professor,” he said over his shoulder.

  “Sure, Doc.”

  She nodded slowly and let the doctor steer her away.

  Once inside they sat at a table and Darcy came right over. “Hello again, Doc, ma’am.” She set two glasses of water on the table, smiled at Miss Branson, then glanced nervously at the door. “Will your, um, other friends be joining you?”

  “No,” they quickly said in unison, then laughed.

  “Iced tea?”

  “Please,” Ephraim said.

  “And I’d like the lunch special if it’s not too late.” Miss Branson looked at Ephraim. “I’m sorry, but I’m starving. I can’t wait until dinner.”

  “Of course – I am, too come to think. Darcy, I’ll have the same.”

  “Sure, Dr. Stone.” Her eyes darted to the door again. “Will … Mr. Markhel be joining you?”

  Ephraim smiled. “Not at present.”

  “Oh, well, I thought I’d ask.” Darcy slowly turned toward the kitchen.

  Ephraim smiled to himself.

  “What is it?” Miss Branson wondered.

  “You’re very observant,” he commented. “I don’t know if you noticed the tall gentleman who was in here earlier when you and your traveling partners were engaged in verbal combat.”

  “Oh, him. Yes, how could anyone not notice?”

  “Indeed. Well, our Darcy is rather infatuated with him. But then, Darcy is infatuated with a lot of men.”

  She smiled. “I see. Was Sheriff Diamond one of them?”

  He nodded. “Until your friend Katie married him.”

  She glanced toward the kitchen. “How old is she?”

  “Seventeen. She’ll be eighteen in autumn, if I remember right.”

  The topic of their conversation brought their iced tea. “Here you go. Your orders will be ready soon.” She turned and left.

  “She is pretty,” Miss Branson commented.

  Not as pretty as you, he thought but didn’t dare say. If he had sent for a mail-order bride, he wouldn’t be disappointed with Miss Branson, that was for sure. “So how long do you plan on staying?”

  She sipped her tea. “I don’t know. I don’t want Katie’s parents meddling in her affairs. Mark my words, her father will try.”

  “I wish him luck,” he said. “Jace won’t put up with that.”

  “Even so, Mr. Haverdash is almost as stubborn as I am. He’ll keep trying.”

  Ephraim smiled at her. “Almost?”

  She blushed and smiled back. “He’s proved himself a formidable opponent.”

  He laughed. She was utterly delightful! “You’ve won awards?”

  “If they gave them out for such a thing, then yes, I’d be a national champion.”

  He laughed again, louder this time. It was a good thing there were the only customers or people would be wondering if she really was his mail-order bride. Speaking of which … “You know, aside from you being here to support Katie and Jace, there’s another matter to attend to. Though I don’t expect you to trouble yourself with it.”

  She took another sip of tea. “Your ‘mad matchmaker’?”

  He pushed her water glass closer to her. “Drink some of this too, please.”

  She stared at him. “Why?”

  “Because your body needs fluids on a hot day, and water is best. Remember, I am a doctor.”

  She rolled her eyes and smiled. “Yes, Dr. Stone.” She picked up her water and took a sip. “So, the matchmaker.”

  “I can handle that. I’ll have to tell Jace about it.” He stared at the table. “I’ll let Katie tell you the bulk of what she’s been through recently, but we had some trouble a while back. A woman came to town, a mail-order bride, and no sooner did she step off the train than her betrothed was murdered.”

  She gasped. “I had no idea!”

  “I believe Katie mentioned she’d write and tell you about it.”

  “She wrote, but didn’t tell me that. Though that reminds me – I wrote you a letter too,” she added sheepishly.

  He looked up from his glass. “You wouldn’t happen to have the letter Mrs. Pettigrew gave you, would you?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do, but it’s in my satchel back at the hotel.”

  “I’d like to see it, if you don’t mind. Jace will want to as well – in his law-enforcement
capacity.”

  “Of course.”

  “Here you go,” Darcy said as she set their plates on the table. “Will there be anything else?”

  “No, thank you, Darcy,” he told her. They watched her go and he bowed his head. “Thank you, Lord, for this food and for this day of … discovery. Amen.” He picked up his sandwich.

  Miss Branson stared at him. “That was an interesting blessing.”

  “I’m sure there will be more in the days to come, Miss Branson.” He took a bite.

  She sighed. “Amen to that.” She started on her own sandwich.

  Chewing gave him time to think. Was she looking forward to more verbal battles with Katie’s father? He wasn’t fond of such encounters, especially since they usually ended with a fist to someone’s mouth. He’d been good at keeping his temper in check since coming to Independence. He was the town doctor, after all – he’d taken an oath to “do no harm.” But when dealing with an obnoxious idiot, his patience wore thin very fast.

  Jace had even less patience than he did, and he’d arrive home soon. Perhaps after lunch they should head straight back to the Diamonds’, in case Mr. Haverdash needed some doctoring.

  But for now, Ephraim planned to enjoy the company of the lovely Miss Branson, who was devouring her sandwich like she hadn’t eaten in a week. He’d make sure she had a piece of pie or two before they left.

  Chapter Five

  Beryl had had a busy day, and it was far from over. In the hours since she arrived in Independence, she’d gone several verbal rounds with Mr. Haverdash (not to mention almost having a physical one – if she wasn’t a lady, she would have), been reunited with her best friend Katie and was now enjoying a slice of pie with the town doctor, her “groom.”

  He wasn’t her groom, not anymore. Maybe she should’ve kept her mouth shut and told him she wanted to get married. He was handsome, with a boyish charm. His dark blond hair and dark blue eyes were a flattering combination. He was tall with a nice build. Despite all the trouble brewing with the Haverdashes, she still wanted to take some time to get to know this man. “This pie is a good thank-you gesture for what I’ve done for you,” she teased.

  He stopped, his fork halfway to his mouth. “I beg your pardon?”