The Rancher’s Bride in Disguise (Preview)

Chapter One

~Circa 1865~

Shaking as she ate her porridge, Jane Montgomery could barely meet her father’s gaze as he sat across the table from her. He believed it was an ordinary morning and when he departed for the day, Jane would do chores and begin preparing the dinner meal. Jane knew that things would not go the way Butch Montgomery thought, since she planned to leave for good. She loved her father, but he was a con man, and she wanted to live an honest, up-standing life.

“Good strong coffee this morning,” Butch said. His mustache was damp since it fell over his lip. “Do you expect you’ll be in downtown Mosely today?”

“No, I have enough to do around here,” Jane said. “Do you need my help with something in Mosely?”

“No, I was going to ask for you not to be in town and, if you were, to ignore me. I’m meeting with a gentleman whom I told I have no familial ties.”

“Should I expect you home before dark tonight?” Jane asked.

“The gentleman who is going to line my pockets with gold requires constant surveillance, so I will be gone for two or three days,” Butch said. “Will you be alright on your own?”

“I’ll be fine. No need to worry about me,” Jane said. She was overjoyed inside because it made leaving for Yardley easier if he weren’t home.

Jane didn’t even ask what that was all about. It was, without a doubt, something that had to do with a nefarious scheme he was working on. Butch Montgomery didn’t have a job or a skill, at least not one most would be proud of. He conned, swindled, and stole from unsuspecting men and women. He pick-pocketed and stole women’s purses, but that wasn’t how he made most of his money. Butch ran schemes that would require he ingratiate himself to someone and then skip town with all their money. A lot of times, they were embarrassed that they had been taken advantage of and wouldn’t even go to the sheriff. There were a few lawmen after him, but he had escaped them all so far. The situation caused them to move, mostly to a different state. Life on the run was a tiring one and Jane had finally had enough.

She felt sorry for her father’s unsuspecting victim, but it wasn’t her duty to save everyone from Butch Montgomery’s clutches. When she made it to Yardley, New York, her father would no longer be her business, Jane would be free. At least free from her father’s devious ways. She made a promise to herself never to resort to the malicious tactics she learned from her father.

Elizabeth Heathrow chose Jane’s advertisement. She was offering her services as a personal maid and fibbed that she had a great deal of experience. It was a lie, but that was needed to get away from her father. Elizabeth was sure that Jane was the one for the job and even offered to pay her train fare. On top of that, she promised Jane an entire week of pay if she came straight away. Elizabeth had been left without a maid for weeks, and she was desperate to get someone started immediately.

Elizabeth was a wealthy British heiress who Jane didn’t know much about, except for a few details that she included in her letter. 

Dear Jane,

I had a great deal of women lining up to be my personal maid. You should see the mounds of letters that have accumulated on my writing desk. I selected you for many reasons. We are both twenty-two, and I find a similarity in age very important. There is more of a chance you are aware of current ways of life. I once had an old crone for a maid and she wasn’t suitable at all. She suggested I wear dresses that weren’t even appropriate for my mummy.

I was impressed that you responded to my inquiry quickly. The post can be unreliable but not your letters. Promptness matters. This may not seem important, but we both have long straight brown hair. It makes me think you’re used to arranging it properly. I’ve had fits doing it myself.

As we discussed in previous correspondence, I need you here in Yardley straight away. This is so important that I will give you one week of pay upon your arrival. I will also pay for your travel expenses. A train leaves from Mosely two days per week (Tuesday and Thursday). I would like you on the next Thursday train. Send me a telegram when you are scheduled to arrive. Wear a red scarf so I can identify you at the depot.

You should be sure to bring several jumpers, It gets cool in Yardley as we are on the Hudson River.

A word of caution; my mum is difficult and doesn’t approve of me choosing my own maid. She will say demeaning things but pay her no mind. In the end, my way prevails over hers. You will meet her on the first day, and beyond that, your interaction with her will be limited.

I am looking forward to meeting you finally. My life is disorganized to say the very least. In private you can call me Elizabeth, but when others are present, you must address me as Miss Heathrow.

Very Sincerely,

Miss Elizabeth Heathrow

Jane learned they were the same age and that they both had long dark hair. Jane imagined she wore hers pinned up with pearl-encrusted clips. Jane wore hers in a long braid, and there were no fancy bows or clips. She thought it would be fun to learn her ways and perhaps she would wear her hair up also. Elizabeth mentioned it was chilly on the Hudson, which was no problem as Mosely was on Lake Erie.

Jane found some words in Elizabeth’s letter that seemed out of place, which were the result of their different nationalities. The British spoke English, but they used words like loo for a water closet and jumper for a sweater. It was nothing she couldn’t pick up on quickly.

Jane assumed that Elizabeth lived an upstanding life. There was likely no deception as she was living with her father, and Jane planned to live the same way. Not being able to tell the difference between the truth and falsehood was frustrating. Butch often told Jane how much he loved her, and she never knew if that was how he really felt, although she assumed that was honest.

 She was hoping their relationship would eventually turn into a sisterly bond. Jane already knew that Elizabeth was generous, and she hoped everything else about her would be equally delightful. 

Many changes awaited, Jane and she was filled with anticipation. There was fear mixed in, but that was to be expected. She only knew life with her father by her side. It wasn’t a perfect life with Butch, but Jane knew what was coming.

***

Jane went to the train station in Mosley that day, bought her ticket, and then crossed the road to send Elizabeth a telegram that she would be there on Saturday. Jane’s hand shook as she took the money from her pocket for the ticket. She scolded herself inside for acting like a frightened child. Elizabeth would have to check with the station master in Yardley since trains were notoriously later than expected. The trip was like going from Buffalo to New York City. 

Jane stepped from the train platform onto the train, and she was tempted to jump back. It was the unknown she was uneasy about. Jane knew it had to be better than living a life of crime and dishonesty, but she still hesitated.

The train offered a different experience than Jane was used to on a locomotive. She and Butch usually jumped onto cargo trains as they were moving. She had her own seat that had been paid for and didn’t have to be worried about getting kicked off. A pleasant gentleman sat next to her and offered her a cookie his wife had made. It was better than eating an apple stolen from a vendor.

Jane arrived in Yardley, New York, expecting to see someone to collect her and bring her to Miss Heathrow. Her train was surprisingly on time. Jane thought it best not to call her Elizabeth until they were better acquainted since she thought it would be respectful. Jane wore a red scarf so she could be picked out of the crowd as Elizabeth had instructed. The weather wasn’t too different than it had been in Mosely, with a snap of chill in the air.

She ended up taking a carriage ride offered by Jerald, the train master, who took pity on her. The Heathrow home was like nothing Jane had ever seen. There were large white columns and a porch that wrapped around the entire structure. It was early spring, so all of the buds hadn’t bloomed yet, but the bushes were perfectly manicured. There was a pond in front of the home, and Jane guessed it had been formed by human hands.

Jane thought of her father for a fleeting moment. Butch would be salivating over the show of wealth and already thinking about how he could get his hands on some.

“The Heathrow family is one of the wealthiest in the state of New York,” the man said. “You say you’re going to work for the daughter, good luck.”

“You say that as if you know something that I may not,” Jane said.

“I’ve never met Miss Elizabeth, but when someone is raised with that kind of wealth, they tend to expect things a certain way. If they don’t get their way then you best move out of the way.”

“Now you’re making me nervous.” Jane tugged at her braid, which she did when she was ill at ease. “I’ll be sure to tell you how it goes if I see you when I’m out and about in Yardley.”

“I’ll be there with a shoulder to cry on if needed. I imagine life in a house like that is cold and lonely.”

She sighed.

Jane carried her single bag to the front door as she lifted the large, heavy knocker and let it fall. A butler answered, and she told him she was Miss Elizabeth Heathrow’s new maid. Jane. He looked her up and down with suspicion before leading her to the parlor and asked her to wait. Jane thought the staff, at least, would be friendly since she was one of them. The butler hadn’t seemed pleased at all to see her. He didn’t take her coat or offer her a drink of water.

Time passed as she looked around the opulent room. She had never been inside a home like the Heathrow mansion, and it was grander than she had imagined. The pillows on the couch were embroidered in gold, and the furniture was all finely carved.

A finely dressed woman charged into the room.

“You are the maid who my daughter Elizabeth hired without my consent. She said that she knew better than me what kind of maid she required. If that wasn’t bad enough, I found this note when I awoke this morning. Read for yourself.” She tossed the note at Jane.

Dear Mother and Father,

I have fallen in love and I am eloping tonight. I did not want to put him in front of you for your judgment. All you need to know is that I am happy, and I will be in touch when I see fit to do so.

With the utmost respect and deep love,

Lizzie

Jane read it and was shocked as she handed it back to Mrs. Heathrow. She didn’t know what to say, so she said nothing.

“Elizabeth hadn’t shown this type of behavior until you came along. She could be impetuous at times, but never anything like this. We moved here from London and her outbursts became a thing of the past until you entered her life,” she bellowed the words. “I’ve never called her anything but Elizabeth. Lizzie is a name for a peasant who is far below our station.”

Jane hadn’t come into Elizabeth’s life until just now. The woman with the blue high-collared dress was speaking as if she and her daughter were close friends. Her recent reactions were a complete surprise to Jane. She wanted to get her week of pay that Elizabeth promised her and then Jane could move on. The way the woman was speaking didn’t bode well for her getting paid.

Her British accent made it hard to understand everything she was saying, but it wasn’t nice. She pointed her finger in Jane’s face.

“There is no reason for you to be here now. If Elizabeth comes back, I will be selecting her a proper maid and not someone who encourages her to run away. I can’t imagine her not coming back since living under this roof is a privilege that she won’t find anywhere else.” Mrs. Heathrow crossed her arms and looked at the door. 

“May I speak on my behalf?” Jane asked. She wanted to raise her voice, but she knew that manners were important in this case.

“If you must.”

“I didn’t know Elizabeth was planning to elope, and she didn’t share any personal information with me. She did promise me one week of wages when I arrived for the trouble of coming so quickly. I am hoping you plan to honor that promise. I need the wages to move to another town so I can find work,” Jane explained.

Mrs. Heathrow was stone-faced. “Out of my house. You will not be receiving one penny.”

Jane walked out the door. She didn’t like the fancy house as much leaving as she had coming. She knew she’d be back, but it wouldn’t be with the permission of Mrs. Heathrow. Jane would have to sneak back in and take her wages, which wouldn’t be stealing. The money was owed to her, and she was merely taking what had been promised to her. Returning to the mansion covertly was something she would have done with her father. She was nervous doing so alone and doubted her abilities.

Later that evening, Jane walked in the front door and up the stairs. She was going to use the servant’s entrance, but they were likely to be present and still working. Mr. and Mrs. Heathrow would have been retired to their quarters. She tip-toed down the corridor and peeked in rooms where the doors were ajar. Jane hoped she’d come across something that would identify it as Elizabeth’s room. She knew she was the only daughter in the family, which would make it easier.

She looked in the corner room, and Jane knew she was in the right place. The room had dresses on every surface, and beautiful hair combs and pendants were scattered about. It was no wonder Elizabeth needed a personal maid. The room was a mess, and she wondered if all wealthy people lived with no regard for their belongings. A satin pouch was lying on the window seat with paper currency poking out of the top. It was bulky, so she’d only take what she needed.

Jane was about to grab the pouch when she heard footsteps. The door handle began to move, so she lunged for the pouch and planned to hide. The butler from earlier saw her with the pouch. Jane had no choice but to run, so she barreled past the butler before he started to alert the others in the house. She took two stairs at a time and made it outside before anyone could stop her.

“Thief, thief,” the butler screamed. “It’s the maid, and she has Miss Elizabeth’s silk pouch.”

Jane ran to the only place in Yardley that she knew, which was the train station. She figured if the station manager came back at night, he wouldn’t throw her out. Jane counted out the money she was owed and kept the small amount of extra since she didn’t know what else to do with it. Stealing money and hiding away made her feel as bad as her father, and that wasn’t what she wanted to be. Jane knew, though, that she had no choice.

There was a stack of letters in the pouch. They were tied together with a satin ribbon. Jane was curious so she started to read them with great interest. They were from Liam in Haley, Montana, and he sounded like a nice man who owned a ranch. It was clear Elizabeth had never met him but intended to travel to Haley and be his mail-order bride. She wouldn’t be doing that since she eloped with another man.

Jane was already at the train station and could stow away until she arrived in Montana. She had to do something to get out of Yardley because she didn’t want to think of what the Heathrows would do once they caught her. They seemed mean and were wealthy, so she would disappear and never be heard from again.

Jane could face the Heathrows or use the skills that her father taught her. She could con her way into marrying Liam, a rancher in the West.

It was life or death. Jane chose to be her father’s daughter and jumped onto the next train heading out West.

 

Chapter Two

Liam brushed the dirt off his shirt sleeves and threw water on his face so he’d look presentable. He had to ride the wagon into Haley to pick up his nephew, Robert, from school. The boy was seven years old, and he wasn’t his blood relative, but he felt like he was. His parents, Jenny and Claude Tucker, were recently in a tragic accident, and they died, leaving their son an orphan. Seeing as they were his closest friends, and Claude was his business partner, Liam agreed to raise the boy. They spoke about it one night over whiskey, and it was a good thing they did. Two days later, Claude and Jenny were taking a turn in their wagon and fell into a ravine.

It hurt Liam’s heart, but it was a financial blow as well. Claude was his partner, and he not only contributed half the money to the ranch but also had the mind for business. There were so many projects they had started on the ranch that Liam had no idea how to pay for them.

Cattle roamed the one-hundred and fifty acres, and Liam could handle that much. It was the seventy-five acres that they had committed to buying. It was going to be a place for horses, which Liam knew little about compared to cattle. 

“Heading out to get the boy, Boss?” Nick asked. He was a ranch hand who had been with him for years.

“I am. It’s not easy cheering up the boy when I’m grieving the Tuckers, too,” Liam said as he raked his hands through his thick, sandy hair. “It’s been two years, and it seems as though Robert hasn’t progressed since the day it happened. He’s just as sad today as he was then.”

“You’re doing right by that boy, Mr. Harridan. Everyone reacts to a tragedy differently. Robert is an extra sensitive boy.”

“I’m trying to help him all I can, and that’s all I can do. I’m hoping not to do this by myself for much longer,” Liam said. Not everyone knew he was expecting a mail-order bride, but Nick was the exception. He had to confide in someone.

“She’ll show up. Elizabeth is probably on her way, which is why you haven’t heard from her in a bit.”

After chatting with Nick, Liam rode the wagon about a mile until he arrived at Robert’s school. He hoped to have a word with Miriam Marty, his school teacher. She had been teaching at the school since she was eighteen, and now she was Liam’s age, twenty-nine. Their mothers had been good friends, and they had played together as children. Miriam was the closest thing Liam had to a sister. 

Liam walked towards the schoolhouse, which was a different building from the one he remembered. Back then, there were only four students, so they used the parlor of a guest house. Now, they shared a building with the church, and Miss Marty had as many as a dozen children. He probably would have had Robert work at the ranch, but Claude and Jenny insisted their son get an education. They had insisted that he have more options in life than they did. Liam couldn’t imagine Robert not wanting to be a rancher and follow in his father’s footsteps.

Robert and Liam were tangled in their grief. The boy had a blank stare on his face that didn’t change under any circumstances. Liam lacked the energy to draw him out, and there were days he didn’t care as much as he knew he should. If Robert would try a little harder, so would he.

The children rushed out when Miss Marty dismissed them. Robert saw Liam and nodded before heading to the schoolyard with the rest of the boys. There was a large silver oak tree in the back that they climbed. There was a contest to see who could make it the furthest up the tree. Liam winced when he saw Robert climb the tree. Despite not bonding with him, Liam loved the boy and hoped someday they could find their way to each other.

“Don’t worry, they all ignore their parents when there’s playing to be done,” Miriam said as she came up alongside Liam.

“I know. I’m young enough to remember being that age. I’m just not used to being responsible for another person. I need your advice,” Liam said. 

“I’ve never had you come to me for advice. I’m usually the one with the unsolvable problem. How can I help?” she asked.

“I’m not reaching Robert no matter how hard I try. I miss Claude and Jenny, but that appears to be the only thing we have in common. He isn’t interested in any of the barn animals or the cattle. Do you think those things remind him too much of his mother?”

“No. I don’t think Robert is interested in anything. What he wants most is to have his parents alive. Someday, there will be a breakthrough, so I suggest you keep trying.”

“There’s a problem with that, I’m running low on patience,” Liam said. “You must think I’m a horrible person for losing patience with an innocent seven-year-old.”

“You’re talking to a person who spends all day with children. Most of them are sullen, and they’d rather be anywhere but here. I run out of patience plenty. You said yourself that you’re young enough to remember what it was like when you were Robert’s age. You have to force yourself to think like a seven-year-old, and don’t hesitate to be silly now and then. It might make you feel good as well. I’ve known you a long time, and it’s clear you’re worried about something.”

Liam smiled. “I knew you’d come through with advice. I’m worried about keeping the ranch afloat, and I think that’s been occupying my mind when I should be thinking about Robert.”

“It sure would be easier if you had a wife.” Miriam must have realized that it sounded like she was volunteering since she grew silent. “Oh goodness, I wasn’t offering myself for the position.” She turned red.

Liam laughed, too, and he realized that he hadn’t done that in a while. “I know that. We’re wonderful friends, and I actually have a woman who will soon be my wife.”

“Who is it?” Miriam asked with pleasant surprise.

“I got myself a mail-order bride. Her name is Elizabeth Heathrow from New York, although she’s originally from London. She’s educated and wealthy, both qualities I need to help me recover from the loss of Claude. She’s funny and clever the way she goes on about helping me run the ranch. She has never ridden a horse solo, so I’ll teach her that straight away.”

“That’s wonderful, Liam, and it will solve your money problems and the issues with Robert as well,” she said. “You deserve it after all you’ve been through. Do you think the fire has anything to do with your relationship with Robert?”

“I tell myself it doesn’t. I don’t want the tragedy of losing my wife and daughter to affect every part of my life. Reliving the pain over and over again has prevented me from moving on. I feel like Elizabeth is bringing me the opportunity to start over again. I don’t want her to see me as a broken man, which is why I haven’t said anything to her. Elizabeth knows nothing about what happened seven years ago, and I’m going to keep it that way for as long as possible.”

“I understand that. You have the right to handle the past however you see fit,” Miriam said.

Liam noticed Miriam continually craning her neck to look behind him. “Are you expecting someone, Miriam?” 

“Oh, no. I’m just keeping an eye on the children. They look like monkeys, and no one has fallen out of the tree.”

“That’s a good thing,” Liam said. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t spread the word about Elizabeth. I haven’t heard from her in a bit, and I hope that means she’s on her way. The last thing I want is for her to jilt me and the whole town of Haley knowing about it.”

“Mum’s the word.” Miriam made the slightest gasp. “I have to slip back inside and tidy things up for tomorrow.” She disappeared back into the classroom. 

Liam thought it was an odd thing for her to say as the next day was Saturday. Liam turned to find Robert and head home but he saw a familiar face.

“Wilson, do you have a child in school that I didn’t know about?” Liam asked jokingly. Sheriff Wilson O’Malley was a close friend of Liam’s, and he was unmarried.

“Nah, I have no secrets. My patrol deputy couldn’t perform his duties today, so I’m filling in for him and it brought me down here. Were you talking to Miss Marty?” Wilson asked. Liam noticed him craning his neck just as Miriam had.

“I was, but she had work to finish up in the classroom. She is generous with her advice, and it’s always what I need to hear. You have sisters, so you get how nice it is to have a woman friend in your life.”

“Yup. I’ve got four of them, so if I don’t like what one of them has to say, I go on to the next,” he said jokingly.

“Mrs. Adler was cooking up something that smelled awfully good when I left. Join us for dinner. It’s not like you have a wife waiting for you at home. I’ll understand if you have work left for the day.”

“Only you can get away with commenting on the fact that I have no wife. If you’re willing to set an extra space at the table, then I’ll come. My deputy is at the jail, and I deserve an early day. It’s been quiet in Haley, which means it’s about to get really busy.”

Liam called Robert down from the tree.

The three of them were in the wagon heading back to the ranch. Liam would take him back to his horse later. Robert was sullen as he was earlier in the day. Liam had always held out hope that something at school would have happened to cheer him up. If it did, he never shared it with Liam. 

When they arrived back on the ranch, Liam went into the kitchen to tell Mrs. Adler there would be one more for dinner.

“Mr. Harridan, I was looking for you, and Nick told me you went to pick up Robert. The postmaster made a trip out here to deliver a telegram to you. Of course, I didn’t read it, but you should open it immediately,” she said.

Liam was amused by her excitement about a telegram. He’d have to send her one for her birthday, although she might keel over from excitement. She handed it to him, and it was from Elizabeth. She was on her way to Haley. Liam let out a sigh of relief that Nick was right. In a week, he would be married.

With Elizabeth’s money, the expansion of the ranch would become a reality. It had been weighing heavily on his mind and already he felt the burden being lifted. He had already asked her if she would use some of her money to pay for the expansion of the ranch, and she said yes. After they were married he wouldn’t have to ask since the law said what was hers became his. It would have been rude to assume he could use her money, so Liam asked. 

He was delighted that he had a second chance at happiness. Elizabeth seemed more relaxed and fun than Liam, and that would help with Robert. Liam’s promise to Claude and Jenny had to be honored, so he was glad Elizabeth would help make that happen.

“I have a surprise coming in a week’s time,” Liam said when Robert and Wilson came up from the barn.

He saw Robert’s eyes widen for the first time since he had come to live with him. He didn’t smile, but his attention had been captured.

“What is it?” Robert asked.

“I cannot tell since then it will no longer be a surprise. I’ll give you one clue per day, and you can have one guess. It’s smaller than a horse,” Liam said.

“A new pig,” Robert guessed.

Liam chuckled. “No, it’s not a new pig.”

They sat down to dinner, and for the first time in a long time, Liam had hope for the future.

---

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Lauren Parker lost everything when her husband died, including her reputation. Determined to leave her painful past behind, she heads out west, with her heart hardened and suspicious. Yet, when a violent storm leaves her homestead in need of repairs, she reluctantly accepts a newcomer’s help, in exchange for reading lessons and a few home-cooked meals. Despite her best efforts to keep her distance, Lauren soon finds herself drawn to the handsome stranger and her heart slowly thaws in his presence.

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