Valentine's Rose Read Online Free Page A

out.”
    At last, he blinked. “Coves?”
    “Gents.”
    “Ah...” He pressed his lips together. She might’ve thought he was trying not to smile, if he’d shown a hint of humor. “You’ve missed your calling, Miss Muldoon. As a diplomat.”
    She assumed he meant it as a compliment, although that was no guarantee he would relent. “You’re agreeable, then?”
    Susannah heaved a sigh. “I’m relieved to hear it. We’ll need some time to settle in and get our bearings. Tomorrow, or better yet, in a few days, we could meet our suitors in an acceptable situation. A social would be a proper venue.”
    The railroad agent crossed his arms over his chest. What Susannah suggested didn’t sound offensive to Rose, but there was something about the Boston widow that rubbed Mr. Hardt the wrong way. “The last time we arranged a social, the Land League used the distraction to wreak havoc. No socials.”
    “We can manage without,” Rose broke in, “if we might have a look at those men on that list you mentioned.” The way her luck had been going, the handsome gentleman wouldn’t be involved, but if he was, she wanted to meet him again.
    “Yes, that would be much better than forcing us to take part in a game of chance.”
    Rose groaned at her friend’s remark. Susannah meant well, but Mr. Hardt wouldn’t be calling her a diplomat.
    The oncoming storm started in his eyes. Rose had seen her father lose his temper, and that’s what he looked like, right before the gales struck.
    “This isn’t a game, Mrs. Braddock. You all came out here to be married, and so you shall be, as soon as possible. I’m willing to allow you to remain here one night, at the expense of the railroad, but you better be ready first thing in the morning. We’ll hold the drawing at ten.”
    “What makes you think we’ll agree to a lottery?” Susannah braced her hands on her hips, challenging him. “There’s no rush.”
    “Yes, there is. We must put an end these disputes, which means assigning claims, and our policy states the first assignments go to married men.”
    Disputes, claims, it all sounded like nonsense to Rose. What did make sense, though, and what she should’ve expected, was the motive. These marriages were just transactions to the railroad...business...and in the end, money. Things were no different out here than at home.
    After the initial stab of disappointment, she stated the obvious. “Daub their palms, you mean. Only, we’re to be the grease, and you need to apply it quick.”
    “Grease?” Susannah’s frown turned perplexed.
    “So he can get whatever it is he wants from these men.”
    Confusion turned to shock. “We’re to be bribes?”
    “ Brides ,” the railroad agent said firmly. “Miss Muldoon misunderstood.” He held Rose’s gaze, challenging her to contradict him.
    He could deny it all he wanted, but she’d lived in Five Points where bribery was a way of life, and she wasn’t as ignorant as he thought. However, nothing would be gained by arguing with him about it. For the moment, she’d hold her tongue. 
    Susannah tipped her head to look up at the railroad agent, studying him in a way that implied puzzlement more than anger. “Is this true, Mr. Hardt? Is the reason you’re in a hurry because you have to pay someone off?”
    His face went taut.
    Rose sent her friend a warning look. Susannah had a way of asking questions that made them sound like insults.
    He replied in a tight voice. “The longer we linger and allow you and the other ladies to become a distraction, the more likely there will be trouble. Suffice to say, tempers are short. These men are restless. The sooner you’re wed, the better.”
    Rose searched the agent’s stiff expression, trying to interpret what was behind his guarded words. “Are you saying we’re in danger?”
    His features softened just the slightest bit, she wouldn’t have noticed if she hadn’t been watching him closely. “No, Miss Muldoon. I wouldn’t allow harm