Whispers of the Trick Rider (Preview)

Chapter One

“Josephine, you must come down, darling. You have a gentleman caller.”

Josephine Clark was brushing her hair in front of her mirror when her mother came through her bedroom door. Her mother’s voice was breathless, and she was trying to suppress a wide grin, surprising as her mother always preached the value of keeping a tight rein on one’s emotions.

Since Josephine turned nineteen, she’d received gentleman callers at least once a month. That made six offers of courtship in total. Josephine knew she should be grateful; instead, it tied her stomach in knots. Everyone was looking at her expectantly to make a decision.

“I’ll be right down, Mama.”

Josephine hoped it would be the end of the conversation, but her mother strode forward and took the brush from her hand. She began brushing Josephine’s hair gently.

“Let’s tie your hair with your pretty sapphire ribbon we got in town the other day. Take care not to tie all your hair back, perhaps just the top half. You’ve got such beautiful hair, and we want him to see you in your full glory,” her mother said as she pulled the brush through Josephine’s hair.

Josephine had inherited her hair from her mother. It was a deep chestnut color with lighter streaks running through it. Her hair had a natural wave to it and fell halfway down her back.

“Mama …” Josephine murmured, her cheeks turning red.

She tried to hide her feet under the dresser, but the movement caused her mother to look downward.

“Heavens, Josephine! What did you do to your feet?”

Josephine’s face turned a brighter shade of red as she turned to look at her mother. “I went for a ride earlier and had no idea someone would be calling this morning.”

“This simply won’t do,” her mother said, making a clicking sound with her tongue. “There must be something else to wear.”

Josephine grimaced as her mother began digging through her closet. Her hem was spattered with mud, but she didn’t mind. It had been worth the morning ride, especially since she’d have to endure meeting another potential suitor.

“Honestly, Josephine,” her mother chided as she looked through the closet. “You’re beautiful to be sure, but that doesn’t mean you get to act like a savage. Beauty will only carry you so far, you know!”

Josephine sighed. The rant was supposed to scare her into submission.

“Do you think your future husband will put up with your wild behavior?”

“I hope my husband will love me for who I am, Mama,” Josephine said simply.

“Yes, well I doubt you’ll get a better offer than the one waiting for you downstairs,” her mother said, taking out a light blue dress.

It was Josephine’s best dress and complemented her eyes perfectly. Like her father, she had bright blue eyes the color of Blue Jay eggs. As soon as she finished dressing, she changed her boots as her mother tied the ribbon into her hair.

“Alright, Mama, shall we go down to meet our visitor?”

“One moment,” her mother said. She pinched Josephine’s cheeks for a little color then stood back and beamed at her daughter.

“Goodness, who is this man? The King of England?”

“Close,” her mother said with a laugh, “come down and see for yourself.”

Josephine chuckled to herself as she followed her mother out of her room. Her heart constricted with nerves, and she took a series of deep breaths to calm herself. Was this the man who would win her heart?

When she made it down the stairs, she heard a deep booming voice emanating from the living room. The sound made her slow down slightly. She knew people in town accused her of being picky, especially when she rejected her third potential suitor, a good-looking rancher. But Josephine was conscious that she was making one of the most important decisions of her life. Was it so terrible that she wanted to be careful?

Her mother picked up on her reluctance and looped an arm through hers.

They stepped into the living room and Josephine saw her kind, gentle father scowling at the man sitting on the adjacent couch.

Josephine scrunched her nose slightly and her father looked up at her. He shook his head almost imperceptibly, and she raised her guard. What kind of man was he if he couldn’t get along with someone as sweet as her father?

Her father cleared his throat and stood up. “Wyatt, I believe you know my daughter, Josephine.”

Wyatt stood up, and Josephine’s heart sank. She knew all about Wyatt Bolton. He turned to her and gave her a charming smile.

He was a tall man with golden blond hair and a square jaw. His hair hung in ringlets down to his neck. Wyatt was the most handsome man in town by far and the richest, too. That probably explained why her mother was wearing a smug smile.

“How do you do, Miss Clark?” Wyatt walked over to her and extended his hand.

She hesitated for a moment before reaching out and taking his hand. He lifted it to his mouth and kissed it. Her stomach roiled as he kept his eyes on her the entire time.

“I’m doing well, thank you, Mr. Bolton.”

He wore polished leather boots and a light grey suit that looked good against his tanned skin. A silver pocket watch peeked out of his waistcoat, and he had a bright red handkerchief in his top pocket. Josephine believed he had put more thought into his outfit than she had.

“Please, you can all call me Wyatt.”

Her mother beamed at him before brushing a strand of hair from Josephine’s face.

“We’re so glad you made the trip, Wyatt,” her mother said.

“Of course, Mrs. Clark,” Wyatt said, still looking at Josephine. “I was just telling your husband here that when I heard Miss Clark was on the market, I knew I had to do something about it.”

On the market? It took everything inside of Josephine not to recoil.

“I must confess that I’m surprised by your visit, Mr. Bolton. I had heard you were courting a young woman further up the county. What was her name? Miss Howard?”

Wyatt shook his head dismissively. “I’m sure you must have heard wrong. I am completely unattached.”

Josephine raised a single eyebrow at him. She had heard the news straight from her cousin, Jim, who was an exceedingly trustworthy man. He wasn’t given to gossip, so she was certain Jim hadn’t gotten it wrong.

“Perhaps,” Josephine conceded.

“I was wondering if you would like to accompany me for a walk through your gardens?” Wyatt asked, extending his arm to her as he spoke.

Josephine hesitated, but her mother nodded eagerly and pushed her forward. She had no choice but to take his arm. His arm felt like steel under his soft jacket. He pulled her along as he marched toward the door.

“It’s a beautiful day,” Josephine commented as they stepped outside.

The sun shone up ahead, and it promised to be a balmy summer. Their farm was situated a few miles outside town, nestled between acres of farmland. The cornfields stretched out ahead of them. It was still about a month before the corn would need to be harvested, so the fields were mostly green and only reached Josephine’s waist.

“Only because you’re out here,” Wyatt said, looking down at her with a smile. “Do you know that you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid eyes on?”

Josephine gave him a small smile in return.

Their garden was her mother’s passion. She’d spent hours outside planting various flowers and tending to her plants. People usually remarked on her efforts, but Wyatt kept his eyes planted firmly on her face.

Josephine knew it was meant to be flattering, but it made her skin prickle uncomfortably.

“I’ve heard that you have rejected every man who attempts to court you. Is that true?”

Josephine let out a little sigh. “I suppose it is, but I never meant to be capricious, you see …”

“Who could ever accuse a little thing like you of being capricious?” Wyatt asked, shaking his head slowly.

Josephine felt a stab of annoyance.

“You’re a selective woman, and I think that’s a quality to be admired. In fact, it’s the reason I chose to come here today. As you know, I have a vast estate in dire need of a mistress. I will take you through to look at it next week. I wouldn’t want folks around here to think we’re moving too quickly.”

“Too quickly?” Josephine echoed. “Excuse me, Mr. Bolton, but I had no idea that we were moving at all.”

“My dear,” Wyatt said, his tone suggesting that he was a parent talking to a difficult child, “why do you suppose a man like me calls on a woman like you?”

“I had no doubts about your intentions, but usually a man asks if a courtship is something I’d like to pursue.”

She pulled away from him and gave him the most scathing look she could muster. He seemed amused by her efforts, and that only made her blood boil. Wyatt took a step forward so that he was towering over her.

“Why must we indulge in this charade, my dear? You and I both know how this will end.”

“I’m afraid that you’re mistaken.” Josephine clenched her fists at her sides. She looked around to see if she could spot her father or one of the farmhands. It was clear that Wyatt wasn’t used to being rejected, but she wouldn’t let him bully her.

Wyatt scoffed and ran a hand through his hair. He clenched his jaw briefly, then relaxed his shoulders and smiled at her. “Alright, I see you’re the type of woman who enjoys the game. I assumed that we could be adults about this, but I should have known that women rely on flattery and persuasion.”

“I beg your pardon?” Josephine asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

“No need to beg, my dear,” Wyatt said, straightening his jacket. “I’m happy to play your little game. I do plan on making you happier than any other woman in the West. So, what does it matter if I have to pretend to chase you? It will all end in the same outcome.”

“I don’t want to be chased, Mr. Bolton, I’d prefer …”

“Miss Josephine Clark,” Wyatt grabbed her hand and covered it with his own. It was huge, and her hand immediately began to sweat. “Will you allow me to court you?”

Chapter Two

Josephine jerked backward and pulled her hand away. Her face scrunched in disgust, and she felt the urge to run away as fast as her legs could carry her.

“Mr. Bolton,” she said coldly, “I do not want to court you.”

Wyatt’s face became an impassive mask, and he clenched his jaw. She stood her ground as he took a step closer.

“I am not a patient man, Miss Clark. I won’t let you keep playing these games much longer. You must be aware that I am the most eligible bachelor in town.”

“That may be the case, but I am not interested. I’m sure many women in town would be flattered by your attention. Go, find them.”

She turned on her heel and walked away from him.

“Don’t you walk away from me!” Wyatt snapped, following her. “Who do you suppose is a better match for you? No one in town would make a better offer!”

“It’s not about that,” Josephine said, keeping her eyes on the house as she walked. “I don’t want to court you because I don’t think I could come to love you.”

Wyatt scoffed. “You’ll come to love me. I shouldn’t imagine that it would take very long.”

“Mr. Bolton!” Josephine said, rounding on him. “Do you know what kind of life I want for myself? You don’t know a thing about me. I suppose you want a wife who would serve you hand and foot for the rest of your days. If that’s the case, then I most certainly am not the woman for you.”

“I am richer than any other man in town. You would never want for anything. I’d keep you safe, and our boys would go to all the best schools. Besides, we’d get to know each other during our courtship. I’m warning you not to throw away the best offer you’ll ever get.”

“I don’t want your money, and I certainly don’t want to bear your children!” Josephine glared at him in disgust.

Once again, he seemed unaffected by her outburst and merely blinked at her reaction. “A temper is not attractive in a woman. I expect you to unlearn that beastly habit at once.”

Josephine threw her hands in the air in frustration. If she were a man, she would have physically thrown Wyatt out on his ear. Of course, if she were a man, she wouldn’t have had to deal with him in the first place.

“I don’t know how to be any clearer, Mr. Bolton. I will not court you.”

Wyatt’s face darkened. He loomed over her and sneered. “I see now that your parents have spoiled you beyond measure. You should be begging on your knees for this opportunity. I don’t enjoy this coy game of yours.”

“Is everything alright, Josephine?”

Josephine looked backward to see her father standing on the porch, watching them with a wary expression. The relief she felt threatened to overwhelm her. She could always count on her father.

“Everything is fine,” Wyatt said. “We’re just having a little chat.”

“Actually, I think we’re done talking. I have nothing left to say.” Josephine turned on her heel and walked over to her father. When she got close enough, she put her hand on his arm, and he gave her a comforting look.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Wyatt said, gritting his teeth. “I’ll see you all tomorrow. Hopefully, Miss Clark will have come to her senses.”

With that, he walked toward the hitching post where his horse was waiting. It was a huge beast of an animal and looked like it would be more suitable on the battlefield than waiting outside a farmhouse.

“I take it that you didn’t accept his offer of courtship?” her father said, looking down at her in amusement.

“He didn’t offer, Papa, he demanded.” Josephine shuddered as she spoke.

“Oh no, that simply won’t do. Shall I greet him with a shotgun tomorrow?” The corners of his mouth turned upward, and Josephine bumped his shoulder with her own.

“Now isn’t the time to be joking. I fear that Wyatt won’t leave me alone until he gets what he wants,” Josephine said with a frown.

“No one can force you to do anything you don’t want to,” her father said, putting an arm around her and holding her close.

“Where did Wyatt go?” her mother asked, walking onto the porch with a frown.

“I don’t think Mama feels the same as you do,” Josephine whispered, causing her father to smile.

“He’s gone, Grace,” her father said simply. “Poor fellow didn’t pass muster with our daughter.”

“What?” Her mother’s mouth fell open with shock as she stared at her daughter. “What on earth were you thinking, Josephine? Call him back this instant.”

“I will do no such thing,” Josephine said, pulling away from her father and crossing her arms over her chest. “That man is a brute, and I will never marry him.”

“Ben!” Her mother cried, looking over at him. “Please, talk some sense into your daughter. She simply cannot be rude to Wyatt.”

He looked between the two women. Josephine raised an eyebrow at him, and he sighed. “Grace, darling, this is Josephine’s decision. We must support her.”

“She’s rejected every suitable man in town! The only people left are farmhands and shopkeepers. Is that what you want for your daughter?”

Ben hesitated, then shook his head. “I want whatever Josephine wants.”

“Josephine,” Grace said with a frown. “I need you to be careful. You’re a good girl from a fine family, and you’re beautiful. You might feel invincible right now, but that won’t always be the case.”

“What do you mean?” Josephine asked with a frown.

“It’s not only love that you’re after, is it?” Grace asked, looking Josephine right in the eyes.

Josephine pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. Ben looked away uncomfortably and scratched the back of his head. He muttered something about needing to feed the cows and then hurried away.

Josephine wished she could have asked him to stay, but she knew her mother wanted to speak with her alone.

“I’m afraid that you’ve set your sights too high, and that’s blinding you to the wealth of good options right in front of you.” Grace studied Josephine’s face, and when Josephine didn’t answer, she sighed. “This is a good life, my darling. Most girls would kill to have the kind of life you’re throwing away.”

“I’m not throwing anything away,” Josephine protested.

“But you’re not content,” Grace said, shaking her head slowly.

“What’s wrong with that, Mama?” Josephine asked gently. “I want a life of adventure. There’s more to life than farming and family, Mama. There’s a whole word out there begging to be explored.”

“Oh, darling,” Grace looked at Josephine as if the girl had blasphemed. Her expression was horrified, and Josephine shrank backward. “Those things aren’t available to us. If you refuse to see the good that’s here, you’re going to end up in a terrible position. Please, listen to me. I want you to promise that you’ll at least treat Wyatt better if he comes back.”

Josephine cringed inwardly and shook her head.

“Listen to me,” Grace said firmly, catching Josephine off-guard. “You’re underestimating the kind of power that man has on your life.”

Josephine frowned. She had rejected Wyatt. In fact, she would do everything in her power to ensure she didn’t put him in a position where he could influence her life. “Mama, he can’t do anything to me. I rejected him. I will not consent to becoming his wife.”

“And how will he retaliate if you humiliate him?” Grace asked.

Josephine shrugged. She hadn’t given it much thought, but it seemed more like his problem than hers.

“Darling, he could blacken your reputation. If you’re not careful, you’ll get a bad name around here.”

“People can believe what they want,” Josephine said with a shrug, “surely they won’t be stupid enough to listen to that brute.”

Grace shook her head sadly. “Do not take a threat on your reputation lightly. At the end of the day, a reputation is all that a woman has. If that’s taken away, your life will change forever as you know it.”

***

Gabe Blake was busy packing up everything he owned. The circus was alive with the sounds of folks calling to each other and companions laughing. For the past few weeks, the Barton and Ringer Circus had been camped out in a place called Hope’s Creek. Their time in the town had ended, and they were all set to move on to the next.

“Where’s Gabe?” Beau Ringer called in a gruff voice.

Gabe heard his boss calling him from outside and rolled his eyes. A few seconds later, the door to his caravan burst open as Beau stood there with his hands on his hips. As the circus ringmaster, Beau lived his life as if it were a performance. It became a little tiresome after a while.

“Hi, boss,” Gabe said, turning away from Beau as he folded his clothes neatly. “How can I help you?”

“Last night was a disaster,” Beau said simply. He looked warily at Gabe as if the young performer was about to attack him.

Beau always kept his beard long to conceal a few facial scars. Word around the circus was that Beau had been attacked by a bear when he was a kid. That was why he had a suspicious nature. Of course, Gabe knew better, as he had known Beau for most of his life. The truth was that Beau had had a nasty case of Smallpox when he was younger that left the bottom half of his face pockmarked.

“It’s bound to be different now that I’m performing solo,” Gabe said with a shrug.

“I knew there were going to be growing pains for the first few weeks, but that was worse than I expected,” Beau said, raising an eyebrow. “Is this going to be a problem? Do we need to find you a partner?”

Gabe rolled his eyes and turned to his boss. “Come on, Beau, cut me some slack. I did all the tricks right, and the crowd loved it.”

“That’s because the crowd didn’t know any better,” Beau said, wagging his finger at Gabe. “I know better! We have a standard to maintain. I hate to pressure you, but you need to get your act together. Or else.”

“You can’t fire me,” Gabe said, leaning against the side of his caravan as he looked at Beau.

Up until a week ago, Gabe had shared the caravan with his brother and fellow performer. Now, his brother was gone, and Gabe was trying to get used to the extra space.

“No, I can’t,” Beau grumbled, “you trick riders are hard to replace. No, I won’t fire you, but I’ll make you take a partner. Come on, a pretty girl should liven up your act.”

“Yeah, let’s just look around and find a pretty girl to leave her whole life behind and join the circus,” Gabe said, shaking his head slowly. “You know it’s not that simple. Besides, that situation usually gets messy. Someone’s bound to fall in love, and I don’t have time for that kind of distraction.”

“Fine, fine,” Beau said, raising his hands in surrender. “Are you ready to leave? Remember, I asked you to go ahead and check that the next place is ready for us.”

Gabe perked up; he loved going ahead because it meant he had some time to himself. He desperately needed some time to find a way to improve his act. He’d never admit it, but Beau was right. His performance the previous night had been lackluster.

“Sure, I remember; I’ll head out right now,” Gabe said, grabbing his pack and hurrying toward the door.

Beau stepped out of the way as Gabe made his way outside. Within minutes, he saddled his horse, Khan, and was heading north.

“It’s just you and me, boy,” Gabe said, patting Khan’s powerful neck.

They set off into the woods and followed the main road. Gabe rode for a few hours, and eventually, he spotted the small town over the horizon. It was a beautiful afternoon, and hills, forests, and farmlands surrounded him, but as he crested the last hill before town, he spotted something alarming.

About a mile away, he saw a young woman with long brown hair running toward a nearby patch of woods with all her might. She made a beautiful picture with her hair billowing behind her. He spotted a bright blue ribbon in her hair.

Gabe didn’t have much time to focus on her because he spotted a tall man running behind her. The look of alarm on her face alerted him to the fact that the two weren’t playing a game. She looked terrified.

“Let’s go, Khan,” Gabe said, urging his horse toward the woods. A sense of urgency dogged him as he raced toward her.

---

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