Then Frances understood. She’d assumed he’d gotten it from a fight, but she’d never considered it might have come from a parent.
“You tried to defend her?”
“I did. That was when I was sent off to school.”
“Is she still with him?”
“She died the following year.” Edgar’s eyes went a little shiny, and he wouldn’t meet Frances’s gaze. “She was expecting a baby and fell down the stairs.”
“I’m sorry.” Frances touched his hand for a second, pushing down the anger she felt at the powerlessness he must have experienced.
“Perhaps now you can understand a little of why I’m determined to stop your uncle, especially if you’re right and he’s responsible for your father’s death. The situation you and your sisters have found yourselves in—and I admit my own participation in some of it—has created in me a desire to help people who cannot help themselves. That’s why I’ve decided to open a law office here.”
“Well, good for you.” Frances had been furious with Edgar last fall when she’d discovered his duplicity. The more she was learning about him, though, the more she was beginning to see a good man behind the shallow façade. “What’s your plan for feeding false information to my uncle?”
“If you can bear my company,” he said his tone tentative, “I suppose we should attend a few functions together. The mayor is talking about hosting a ball to honor the viscount during his stay. Perhaps you would allow me to escort you.”
“Well, you and I will both be there anyway as part of the wedding party. I hate fancy balls and those horrible dresses they make women wear. That’s one thing I love about being out West—things aren’t so rigid. I love to square dance. It feels livelier and freer than country dances.”
“Don’t think formal clothing worn by gentlemen is any more comfortable.” Edgar ran a finger along the inside of his shirt’s neckband. “These starched collars are enough to choke a man to death.”
“Ha! Try being cinched into a corset, my friend. That was another thing I gave up when we moved here. I don’t think those things are healthy.” France’s thoughts drifted back to the ball, and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “This viscount would be the ultimate dude, wouldn’t he?”
“What do you have in mind?” Edgar asked, leaning forward too.
“Well, think about it. Judith’s brother, Marshall, and therefore the viscount’s step-grandson, owns a dude ranch. She’s marrying the owner of another dude ranch. What’s better for visiting foreigners than to have a taste of life on a ranch? I think Marshall should treat them just like he does his summer guests.”
“Including one of our monthly dances rather than a formal ball?” Edgar nodded, looking thoughtful. “I think you might be right. If he returns to England with grand stories of the adventures he had here, it could lead to an increase in clientele for both ranches. You’re brilliant.” He covered her hand with his.
An unexpected sense of connection with the man flooded through her, and she frowned. Edgar Lowell had a way with women. Frances had seen plenty of the waitresses sending him goo-goo eyes. She slid her hand free, and leaned back in her chair, choosing to pretend he hadn’t touched her.
“We should talk to the mayor about this. I’ll mention it to Luke, and you bring it up to Marshall.” She glanced at her new wristwatch, a Christmas gift from Marshall and Doris. “I should be getting back to the Lucky L.”
“Maybe you should wait,” Edgar said, his gaze on the hotel entrance. “They look as though they might have some news.”
Frances shifted in her chair. Maude and Charles were hurrying inside. Frances stood and waved them over. Edgar was right. From their expressions, they must have news.
“You’re not going to believe it,” Maude cried as she embraced Frances.
“Perhaps we should have this discussion in a private room,” Charles suggested, glancing around the room and the people openly watching them.
Edgar slipped away, probably to arrange it. She was dying to find out what they were talking about, but her brother-in-law exchanged glances with his wife. Maude gave a little sigh.
“We do have some good news about our wedding trip,” she said.
“I was beginning to wonder if you two were ever going to take one. Will you get to go to San Francisco?” Frances asked.
“My friend James just confirmed the dates in April. He’s arranged time off,” Charles said.
“We can’t go any later,” Maude said, lowering her voice, “or I’ll be too large.”
“In here,” Edgar called from the doorway of the room where the meetings of the Ladies’ Improvement Society were held.
“I know Charles wants coffee,” Frances said. “Do you want hot chocolate, Maude?”
“That would be wonderful. I’m glad for the snow to make travel easier, but it’s so cold again.”
Charles put a hand on his wife’s back, and they went into the room. Frances gave the order to the waitress and followed them in. As soon as she shut the door, Maude spoke.
