Read Online Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) by Carré White - Free Book Online Page B

passionately. “I need a measure of freedom.”
    “Then you should never marry,” he chortled.
    “You don’t know Joseph. You don’t know that family. There are things happening there that border on abuse. I never desired that engagement, but father insisted. He wants to connect himself to the Cardcastles for business reasons, using me to sweeten the pot.”
    “You’d sure do that.”
    “I can’t stay here. I have to go.”
    “What about Percy?” asked Tory. “Maybe he can help you.”
    “No. He’ll have no pull where the law is concerned. They’ve made up things about me, and I’ll be arrested and sent back. That can’t happen.”
    “What do you propose to do then?”
    “You have to help me, Mr. Brittle.”
    “It’s just Chuck.”
    “You have to help me, Chuck.”
    His grin transformed his face. “Is that so?”
    “You offered to work for me.”
    “I did, but now that I know you’re a wanted felon; well, it’s gotten a little tricky.”
    “But that’s not true!”
    “You’re even prettier all upset and desperate-looking.”
    “If you won’t help me, then I’ll have to go on alone.” Tears formed in my eyes. “I won’t be treated like a criminal when I’m not.”
    “Here now, don’t cry, honey.” He handed me a handkerchief. “How good are you on horseback?”
    “Terrible.”
    “Have you ever ridden?”
    “Of course I have.”
    “You’re gonna have to leave town, soon.”
    “I’m well aware of that.”
    “But, we gotta go quick. I mean, we gotta ride fast. You’re gonna need trousers.”
    Tory gasped. “What? What are you planning, sir?”
    “She’s gonna be a man. We’ll need horses and supplies, and we’ll be gone.”
    “Are you out of your mind?” My maid looked horrified. “Miss Warner can’t go around dressed like a man.”
    “It’s the only way of sneaking outta here. It’s the only way to ride fast.” He glanced at me. “If you’d rather wait here until they kick your door down, be my guest.”
    I blew my nose, sniffling. “Oh, gracious. How scandalous.” But what an adventure! What would all the girls back home say, if they knew I wore trousers and galloped across the desert astride a horse? Gazing at Mr. Brittle, I searched his face to ascertain if he meant to swindle or seduce me in some way. “I don’t think I can do this.”
    “Why not?”
    “Who will protect me from you?”
    “Pardon?”
    “You're a cad of the first water. What guarantee do I have that you won’t … that you won’t … behave ungentlemanly?”
    He laughed, “That’s a chance you’ll have to take, honey. It’s your call.”

Chapter 9
    “ T his is possibly the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done, Evelyn.” Tory scowled, standing behind me, as I gazed at myself in the mirror.
    “It’s madness I know, but what choice do I have?”
    “You can’t mean to go gallivanting around the territory dressed like that.”
    Mr. Brittle had bought clothing for a boy, but the trousers were still a size too big. I had to tie them around my waist with a length of rope. “It’s remarkably comfortable,” I giggled. “I might never wear a corset again, to tell you the truth.”
    “I cannot believe this. I watched you graduate with honors from the School of Design, completing the most beautiful sampler I’ve ever seen. Then there was the triumph of your engagement to Joseph Cardcastle. Now you’re going to risk it all by throwing yourself upon the mercy of a complete stranger. Do you know how scandalous it is for you to be alone with this person? I certainly cannot join you, nor would I, even if you asked. This is too much.”
    “I know you disapprove, but I might remind you that you’re working for me. I adore you, Tory, but, this time, I’m going to take matters into my own hands.”
    “That’s what you’re doing anyhow. How is running off with this man going to right the situation? What you should do is either marry Percy or return home.”
    “I cannot marry