“I told you, I won’t—”
“Marry me. Yes, and I have no plans to marry you.” Cora walked to the window. The light shone through the foot of her gown, highlighting the outline of her legs. He swallowed so hard, he was sure she could hear it from across the room.
“Then why would you try to convince me not to send for Mary?”
“I told you why. She won’t survive the trip, let alone handle this world you’ve built around you. Besides, by the time she arrives, there won’t be a house for her to live in because you would have lost it all. I’m offering you a chance. And in helping you, I’ll be helping myself.”
“How?”
“It took me sending all my sisters away and having nothing else to focus on during my journey and ultimately being rejected by my intended to know what I really want. No, it wasn’t that. It was my conversation with Mr. Miller that showed me.”
“And what is it that you want, Cora?” Ed dared a glance at her, and when she turned and the sun poured through, cascading her in light, he thought he’d forget himself and take her to the alter that moment.
“I want to run a house like this one. It’s been years since I knew true happiness. Mr. Miller reminded me of what life could be like. The way it was before the war and so much loss. Perhaps it’s frivolous of me, but I want balls and parties and people around me to share joy. I sound selfish, but I’m being honest.”
“Then you want to marry.”
“Yes. I want a family more than anything, but I want one born into hope and love and security. Not of war and poverty.”
“That’s the most sane thing you’ve said since you arrived. No one should have children they can’t afford to care for.” Ed thought about her words, but he didn’t trust her. Any good businessman would bend the truth to secure the deal. “No.”
She blinked at him and sauntered over to his desk, only proving she’d resort to anything to get what she wanted. “Why?”
“Because I’ve handled my business, and I will continue to handle my business. The Folsoms will send me the money they owe me. I’ll use it to host the party, and I will reinvest and rebuild my empire.”
Cora snickered. “Good luck.” She sauntered from the room into the hallway and then turned. “I’ll be waiting for you once you’ve received your rejection from the Folsoms.”
He fisted his hands but refused to show anger in front of a woman, not even the one who turned him around and scrambled his brain. “Make sure to be dressed appropriately next time.”
The aroma of her remained behind, so he focused on gathering his papers and organizing them until the sun shone bright and Ghost appeared.
“What you need, sir?”
Ed scribbled on a piece of paper. “Send this telegram. And be discrete.”
Ghost took it but didn’t leave. “How’s Miss McKinnie?”
“Not you, too. Does she capture every man’s attention?” Ed shook his head and collapsed into his chair. “She’s fine.”
Ghost backed out of the door, leaving Ed to his work.
And work he did. For hours, he combed over every list of investors and created a master list organized into probability and amounts. Then he studied his businesses and what his debtors owed him. Not enough to host a grand party and cover his existing debts.
Ghost entered the room, handed him a piece of paper, and took a step back. “Sir, I got a response.”
Ed scanned the short missive.
Mary ill. Unable to travel. Find new bride.
He slammed the paper down and dropped his head to his hands.
“Response, sir?”
“No.” Ed rested his elbows on his desk and looked up at Ghost. “Darn if that woman wasn’t right. They won’t honor the marriage contract. And if I push too hard, I can alienate a man that could provide a link to expanding my import and export business. Not to mention, I can’t anger a Folsom.”
“Who’s right?” Ghost asked.
“Cora McKinnie. That woman warned me Mary Folsom would never make the trip here.”
