Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) by Carré White

myself. Dropping the curtain, I stepped away from the spectacle, although it thrilled me that I had been seen.
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    E arly the next day , once I had eaten breakfast, I intended to take a walk and explore Boot Creek before meeting Percy for lunch. Tory would stay and see to my laundry, while I grasped a parasol, anticipating a nice, peaceful stroll through town.
    The lobby bustled with new arrivals, and numerous bags of luggage were propped against the wall. People left as well, loading their things onto wagons and coaches. Once outside, I inhaled the freshness of the air, although it held hints of manure from the animals tethered nearby. Opening the parasol, I began to walk, intending to stroll down one end of the street, cross and then inspect the other on the way back. Shops had just opened, as welcome signs hung in the windows. I seemed to have caught the attention of several men, who stared at me from a distance. The women were friendly and smiled in greeting. After the livery and stables, I came upon the mercantile. There were several customers inside, with wagons out front. I closed the parasol, entering the building. Not needing anything, I loitered, gazing at the items for sale, including crockery and utensils. These were of a practical nature, with little embellishment. Everything was rather plain-looking and functional. The simplicity of the store was a far cry from Wanamakers on Market Street in Philadelphia.
    After I left, I continued down the boardwalk, my booted feet clunking on the wood. People passed, and I nodded to everyone as they greeted me. I neared the Meat Market, when a strange prickle ran down my backbone. Glancing over my shoulder, I spied a man in a dark frock coat who seemed to be following me. I had perceived him after the Billiard Hall, but I hadn’t thought anything of it. After crossing the street, I felt certain he would not follow, but he did. I hadn’t been in town one day yet, but the possibility existed that Joseph’s men had found me. Continuing on my way, I walked faster, intending to enter Vanguard Grocers to see Percy. The family lived above their business in a series of private apartments.
    The store smelled of onions and coffee, the walls lined with shelves, including the aisles. There were several shoppers holding baskets, while gathering the things they needed. I ventured past the canned goods and vinegar bottles, towards the counter, where Percy stood attending a customer.
    He noticed me, grinning. “Hello there.”
    “Hello.” I waited until he had finished with the customer, saying, “It’s a lovely day. I’ve been taking a stroll.”
    “You look fetching in that outfit.”
    I had worn a cream-colored bodice with a dark blue, bustled skirt. “Thank you.” A yellow brocade bonnet with blue lace adorned my head. “I had hoped to see your apartment.”
    “Now?” His eyed widened, as another customer approached.
    “No, whenever you’re able. I can see you’re busy. We’ll meet for lunch.”
    His smile lessened. “That’s a shame. I should have Harold mind the shop, and I could join you on your excursion.”
    I stood before an aisle of baking goods. “Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll see you soon enough.” As I turned, the man in the dark frock coat stood before the store, but upon seeing me, he continued on. Oh, who are you? Unease settled upon me. The feeling that something was off had sent my nerves into a heightened state of distress and suspicion.
    Once outside, I searched for the man, not seeing him on the boardwalk. As I approached the saloon, boisterous piano music spilled out into the street, as men skulked, laughing and talking.
    “Hey there, purdy lady,” said a nearly toothless man.
    “Can I buy you a drink, honey?” asked another.
    I lowered my head, not wanting to look at them. “No, thank you.”
    “Don’t see too many fancy ladies around these parts, do we Gus?”
    “Nope. Sure don’t. That’s one fine little doxy there.”
    Being