Then why wasn’t she excited to find a man to marry her?
ChapterEight
Ed workedin the warehouse alongside his men for hours, trying to shift inventory around and bribe the men he trusted most to move the shipment tomorrow without anyone noticing. His body ached from damp air and tension, but his hands welcomed the job to keep them busy. It wasn’t until Ghost appeared with Cora by his side that Ed realized how long he’d left her in his office. “I’m gonna escort Miss McKinnie home.”
She looked tired and irritated. He thought to apologize, but what was the point? “I’ll take her.”
“It isn’t necessary. I know my purpose and place in all of this. No need to pretend this is anything else.” Cora marched away with her head held high, and for the briefest of moments, he thought to run after her. It didn’t matter if she was happy with him or not, though, since she wasn’t really his betrothed.
“Stay with her, Ghost.”
“Yes, sir.” He paused, his hat spinning in his hands.
“What is it?” Ed asked, but his attention remained on the workers.
“Mr. Grous is sniffin’ ’round. Startin’ rumors about how Mr. Connor ran off with more than his girl.”
Ed tossed the inventory list on top of a crate and put his full attention to Ghost. “What else did Grous say?”
“He says that Miss McKinnie isn’t your intended. That you were betrothed to Mary Folsom and you were turned down when you asked about the dowry.”
“That’s a lie.”
“Lies, truths… Do people care?”
Ed looked to Ghost. “What do I do?”
“Prove him wrong.” Ghost spun his hat faster. “You best court Miss McKinnie, sir. Tell the truth ’bout what happened. Spin it so as you two chose each other.”
“Rejection? That’ll make me look weak.” Agitation wormed into his nerves.
“No. Brings you up. Shows you don’t have to marry no rich girl for money. You got it all for yourself and don’t have to prove nothin’ to nobody.”
Ed closed his eyes and inhaled the dust, sweat, and salty air. “I don’t know.”
Ghost plopped his hat on his head. “Then I best escort Miss McKinnie home.”
They both looked to the door, but she wasn’t there. His gut knotted. He didn’t wait for Ghost. Ed took off at full speed out the door and found Cora on the docks speaking with some men.
His skin burned at the sight of her flirting with them. He marched over. “You said you wouldn’t leave my sight.”
The men closed in around him. “Is this gentleman bothering you?”
Ed snarled at the man who dared question his authority. “I’m the owner of Neal Shipping. Do you wish to challenge me?”
“Wish to make sure Miss McKinnie’s safe.” The man pushed up his sleeves.
“She’s not your concern since she’s my fiancée,” Ed announced for all on the docks to hear.
The men backed away, but when Cora turned to face him, he thought he’d rather face the four dock workers with his hands bound behind his back than her wrath. “I’m not your possession.” She spun, her dress flailing about, and climbed into the carriage.
Ghost passed Ed his coat and hat. He’d been so worried about Cora, he’d run out looking like one of his workers instead of the owner. He slapped his hat on his head and slid his arms into his jacket then marched to the carriage.
They rode back in silence, bouncing and shifting on opposite seats. Her lips tight and gaze fixed on the outside world. Her shoulders were stiff, and he could feel her temper simmering with such intensity that he wanted to escape the carriage before she made a scene.
When they arrived home, she threw the door open and stumbled out into Ghost’s awaiting arms. He put her upright, but she didn’t wait. Instead, she stormed into the house.
Ghost followed Ed inside to the foyer. “What you gonna do? She’s awful mad.”
