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"It is my duty—"
"You've performed your duty most amicably. Thank you for your help," Prudence said, backing away and ready to take flight.
"But—"
"I walk with the Lord, Preacher Jacob. Praise be to you!" she sang, turning and hurrying off. She was grateful the horses needed tending, or he probably would have followed her.
She walked sure in step and stride toward the town's end building, stopping just before the boardwalk that ran in front of the stores. She placed her cases at her feet and dusted herself off, coughing as the dry dirt particles wafted about her. Prudence had not worn her tan duster, the late spring weather being unusually warm. Even the gray day suit she wore felt sticky against her warm skin.
She had noticed the women in various towns she had passed through wore lighter cotton dresses or skirts and blouses. Prudence thought about removing her suit jacket, but she was about to travel by train and it didn't seem appropriate to do so half clothed. She would wait, and perhaps if there was time before the train left, she could see about purchasing some of the lighter, more comfortable dresses.
Prudence lifted her cases and, in her usual proper stride, walked toward the other end of town. She had seen the train station as they had entered Alexandria.
She hurried along, her chin up, her shoulders back, receiving a nod or a smile here and there from the respectable women of the town. She wore her proper breeding like a mantle for all to see and admire. Her looks might be plain, but her manner was impeccable, and of that she was proud.
Two portly gentlemen tipped their beaver-skin hats and stepped back so she could precede them to the train ticket window. She nodded with a curt smile, not wishing to encourage their acquaintance.
"When is the next train for Hastings?" Prudence inquired of the gentleman behind the barred window.
"She arrives in two hours, ma'am, and departs fifteen minutes later," the man informed her cordially.
"I'd like to purchase a ticket."
"Just one?"
Prudence took a quick peek around her. For a moment, his question and the way his eyes scanned beyond her had made her fear she had company. Panic had nearly set in, but to her relief the two gentlemen, busy in chatter, were the only ones about.
"Yes, just one," she answered, taking the money from her purse to pay for the ticket. "Is there a store nearby where I might purchase ready-made dresses?"
The man slipped the ticket beneath the bars. "Harry's Dry Goods, middle of the street, this side. You can leave your traveling cases in here with me if you'd like. Just set them by the door."
"Thank you," she said, taking the ticket and moving her cases to the door. There was plenty of time to spare. She could pick up the few things she needed before the train's arrival.
She clutched the ticket in her hand and to her breast, not realizing the desperation of her actions, as she stepped off the steps of the train station.
"Going somewhere, Prudence?"
Her feet froze, her legs buckled, and her heart beat wildly. She turned and her breath caught in her throat. Zac stood before her and looked exactly like a notorious gunslinger should. He wore black trousers, waistcoat, and vest over a white shirt, with silver six-shooters resting in a black leather holster that hugged his hips. His black hat with a circling silver band sat far enough up to allow her to see his eyes. Satisfaction and victory was evident in them.
She finally found her voice. "Mr. Stewart!"
Zac shook his head and grinned. "I warned you about that, honey." His mouth swooped down over hers before she could object.
She was shocked at the gentle and teasing way his lips touched hers. His hands hugged her shoulders as his lips pressured hers, feeling supple, warm, and tempting.
The tip of his tongue traced the junction of her tightly clamped lips. Slow and steady, his tongue roamed back and forth, gently prodding for admittance.
Her body reacted most noticeably… with a shiver. She thought she heard a chuckle deep in his throat, or perhaps it was a groan. His lips pressured hers while his tongue continued to play against her defenses. Her temperature climbed, the warmth flushing her cheeks to a soft pink.
His mouth slipped from hers with a bit of hesitation.
He kissed her cheek near her ear, stopping to whisper, "I’ll take that."
The ticket was snatched from her hand before she could protest.
"You have no right," Prudence demanded, her common sense rushing back.
"I have every right," he corrected. There was an air of warning in his stern words. "You're returning to Boston with me."
Prudence pulled away from him. "I'm not going back until I'm ready."
Zac grabbed her arm. "You're ready."
Prudence attempted to twist free, but his grasp was tight and firm. She only managed to irritate her skin.
