The Debutante's Gamble: Western Historical Romance (Debutante's of Durango Book 5) Read online

  Walter stood, knowing this had to be the famous Nellie Trippe, Fannie's mother. Maybe there was a reason Fannie was considered a wild child. And her reputation made him believe she would be perfect for his boys.

  "Mrs. Trippe," he said, stepping in front of her.

  "Yes," she said. "Are you Mr. Hersey?"

  "Yes, please come and take a seat," he said, pulling out her chair for her. "I've taken the liberty to order us tea and crumpets."

  Her eyes warmed and she smiled. "Thank you."

  He poured her a cup and leaned back. The woman sat looking him up and down, and he wasn't certain he met with her approval.

  "Why do you want to speak to me, today," she asked.

  The memory of Fannie flashed before his eyes, and he sighed. "I'm looking for a nanny for my children. My twin boys are rebellious and unruly and need the guidance of a strong woman."

  The lady chuckled. "I don't babysit children."

  How did he approach this without revealing how he knew her daughter? The debutante ball. It suddenly occurred to him that they had met months ago at the ball.

  "No, not you," he said. "What about your daughter, Fannie? Could she become the twins’ nanny?"

  Mrs. Trippe stared at him, her eyes assessing him. "You own the Natalie mine, do you not?"

  "Yes, ma'am," he said.

  "Why don't you just hire one?" she asked.

  While he didn't want to tell her the truth, she needed to understand his desperation. "The boys have run off five nannies and the agency I used refused to send me anymore."

  "What makes you think Fannie could handle them," she asked. "My beautiful daughter is not going to work for someone."

  For some reason, he thought they could work together. "Fannie has a reputation of being a wild child. My sons are running wild and need taming. Who better to make them mind than a woman who herself is boisterous and out of control?"

  "I take exception to you calling my daughter wild. Fannie will never be some man's nanny living in his house as an unmarried woman. You're a widower, correct?"

  Oh, no, this was what he feared would happen. If things were different, Fannie would be someone he would consider, but not after Natalie. Once was enough. Especially when left to raise the children alone.

  "But I'm not looking for a wife."

  "And Fannie is not looking for a job, so it seems we're at an impasse," the coy woman said, gazing at him. "Now, if you married Fannie, you would not only have a nanny, but a mother. Your boys need a mother not a babysitter."

  Pain gripped his chest. The woman was right. They needed someone to love and care for them and turn them into young men he would be proud of.

  "You don't understand. Their mother died," he said. "And I don't plan on ever marrying again."

  The woman's brows raised. "I'm sorry to hear about your wife. But don't you think she would want some woman to do the job she is unable to do, raise your children?"

  The pain of losing Natalie came over him, and he swallowed a groan. No, he would never marry again and take the chance of killing yet another woman. If Natalie hadn't gotten pregnant, she would still be at his side. Sadly, he would never have sex again with a woman he loved, because he didn't want to risk getting her with child and watching her die.

  What woman would want to be in a loveless marriage?

  "No, I'm not getting married again," he said with finality.

  The woman stood and shook her head, a frown on her face as she stared at him.

  "Mr. Trippe will never allow his daughter to live under a man's roof unless she's his wife. I'm afraid, Mr. Hersey, we've reached a stalemate. Right now, I'm searching for a man to marry my Fannie, not be his servant." The woman sighed "Good luck in your search for your boys a new nanny."

  Nellie Trippe walked out the door, and he watched her go, his chest aching with disappointment.

  A servant? Did his twins need a woman who loved them and treated them like their own mother?

  His own father never showered him with affection or was around much and while he tried to show his boys tenderness, it was hard. Walter didn't know the first thing about raising children and his lack of knowledge showed in their troublesome behavior.

  Whatever he was doing with his boys wasn't good enough. They needed a woman's touch and no servant would shower them with the love that a mother would, even a stepmother.

  Jumping up, he rushed out the door, racing after Mrs. Trippe. When he reached the street, she stood waiting.

  "Mrs. Trippe," he called.

  She turned and gave him a smile. "Why don't you come to dinner tomorrow night. Let's see if you and my Fannie are compatible. Don't bring the twins. This time will be just our family. Later if you and Fannie are meant to court, you can introduce her to the boys."

  The woman had obviously been waiting for him. Somehow she understood he would acquiesce. For a moment, he considered her proposal. One dinner wouldn't be a commitment, but rather a chance to see if Fannie was the right woman for the job. Because, that's all their union would be. The job of being a wife and mother.

  "What time?" he asked and she smiled.

  Chapter Eight

  Something was going on and a bad premonition kept skittering up her spine. The servants worked to make the house spotless while cook prepared a feast. And her mother told her to dress in her finest gown and be downstairs at six.

  "Why?" Fannie asked. "Is someone coming to dinner?"

  For the last week, she had not gone to the gambling hall, trying to stay out of trouble. After being caught coming in so late, her mother's temper was short with her. Usually, she came home from her ladies’ club meeting all a twitter with the latest gossip, but this time, she'd been mean.

  Downright cold and Fannie realized she better behave or find herself being shipped to the nearest convent.

  "Do what I say and be down here at six looking like a proper young lady," she said as she whirled around to leave.

  "What about me?" Daisy said, calling to the back of her mother.

  She said over her shoulder as she went into the kitchen. "Yes, six in your finest."

  Oh, no, this could not be good. Why would her mother be going to such a great effort? Unless a man was coming to dinner. And he could only be here for Fannie.

  Daisy grinned and taunted her. "Someone is meeting a man tonight."

  A trickle of fear gripped her stomach. This was her biggest concern that her mother finally found someone suitable for her.

  "After she sets me up, you will be the next in line to receive her attention. Is that what you want?"

  "Depends on the man. I'll consider him if he's wealthy and I can continue doing what I want."

  That might be one way to run the man off. Give him a long list of requirements for marrying her. Insist he let her carry on with her wild romps.

  After tonight, she would not only be going back to the gambling hall, but she would try drinking and smoking and all the other things forbidden. Why not?

  If she was going to be forced to marry, then she would sow all her wild oats now.

  "Tell me, do you know what happens in the marriage bed?" Fannie asked. "The man puts his tallywhacker in you. Is that what you want?"

  It was both her greatest fear and intrigue. What would sex feel like with the man she loved? There was a certain curiosity.

  "No," Daisy said. "But that's how you get pregnant and I want children."

  "So do I, but the thought of him pushing into me is kind of gross."

  The two girls giggled. "But I would like for him to kiss me. Maybe that should be part of my wanting to try new experiences. A man has never kissed me."

  "Me either," Daisy said. "Since you're the oldest here, kiss someone and come back and tell me about your experience."

  A frown furrowed Fannie's brow as she remembered the men at the gambling hall who flirted for her attention. Their pushiness gave her the willies. Would she let one of them kiss her? No, they were far too aggressive, and they would think she
offered more than a simple smooch. What they wanted would never happen.

  "Come on, we better get dressed. You don't want to be on Mother's bad side. Since I'm already there, I need to behave," Fannie said as they walked into their bedrooms.

  An hour later, her mother came up and gazed at her dress and the way she curled her hair in a soft chignon on top of her head, leaving her neck and back exposed. The sheer sleeves of the blue gown felt like a whisper against her skin.

  "Gorgeous," her mother said. "You look like a fairy princess in that gown. I'm so glad you wore that one."

  Knowing her mother would be pleased, she chose this dress. For the last few days, she had not done anything the woman liked and there was a tension in the air that usually meant trouble.

  "I brought you my pearls for you to wear tonight. They will be the perfect complement to that gown," her mother said as she stood behind her and hooked the clasp. Her mother whirled her around and gazed at her.

  "Stunning. A man is coming to dinner who is very eligible to marry you. I expect you to be on your best behavior. Do you understand me?"

  "Yes, ma'am," Fannie said, wondering how she could shake things up at dinner.

  What could she do to keep this man from being interested in her? Should she pick her nose or spit or even the most disgusting, fart. With a sigh, she knew that would cause her all kinds of trouble, but somehow she needed to discourage this man.

  So many things left for her to experience before she was tied down and started having babies.

  "He should be here any moment. You will know when you hear us come down the stairs. Remember, you are a catch, dear Fannie, and this man needs to understand he's getting the finest young woman. Please be on your best behavior tonight," her mother said, her green eyes narrowing in that threatening way.

  "Yes, ma'am," she said dutifully knowing if given the chance, she would discourage him from ever looking her way again.

  "I'll see you downstairs soon," her mother said as she hurried out the door.

  Why wasn't she born a male? If she were a man, she would do whatever she wanted. Most of all, her mother would not be trying to sell her to the highest bidder. All her life, she lived under rules for women while the boys ran wild and were expected to cause misconduct.

  When Fannie got into trouble, it was a major ordeal, and she would be scolded for not behaving like a proper young woman. Her daughters would never have to live by these ridiculous principles of behavior.

  In fact, she would do her best to make certain they experienced life before being tied down.

  The door opened, and she heard her mother and father welcoming their visitor. With a groan, she considered not going down, but her mother would come looking for her. Still, there was no sense in rushing things.

  Standing, she walked to the mirror on her dresser and checked her appearance. The urge to do something wicked overcame her, and she snipped the bodice of her beautiful gown until she removed the thin gauze that covered her chest. Exposing a daring décolletage where the swells of her breasts were exposed.

  Now, she was ready. Opening the door, her sister Daisy stood waiting, "Come on, Mother is getting upset."

  She gasped. "What did you do to your gown?"

  A smile crossed her face. "If I'm on the marriage auction block, I want him to see the goods."

  "Fannie, you are going to be in so much trouble," Daisy said. "Why can't you behave."

  It was something she often questioned herself, and yet she didn't think she was being that outlandish.

  "Only boring women behave," she said and walked past her sister and out the door. The evening would certainly be interesting.

  Chapter Nine

  Walter stood chatting with her mother and father while they waited for Fannie. Her mother strategically steered him to where he would see her on the stairs. And when she came down, she was stunning.

  The woman looked regal, her blue gown flowing around her, sapphire eyes sparkling and all that gorgeous auburn hair she had somehow curled on top of her head. The other night in the gambling hall she was beautiful, but tonight, her stunning looks gave him second thoughts about being here.

  No, he didn't want a wife, only a nanny, and she would be a temptation to face every day.

  For a moment, her mouth fell open at the sight of him, and he smiled. Oh, yes, she remembered taking his money at the gambling hall, dancing with him at the debutante ball.

  Her mother greeted her at the stairs and turned to him. "Mr. Walter Hersey, our daughter, Fannie."

  "Please call me Walter. Nice to meet you, Miss Trippe," he said, bending over her hand and kissing the back.

  "Have we met before?" she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

  There was no way he would say anything in front of the woman's mother or she would be mortified. "Not that I know of," he said. "Perhaps we passed each other on Main Street. Durango is not a huge town."

  "Cook has prepared us a lovely meal tonight. Let's all go into dinner," Mrs. Trippe said. As he turned, he saw the mother pinch Fannie and whisper something in her ear.

  The girl grinned and shrugged her shoulders before he whirled back around. The mother didn't approve of something she'd done, and he bet it had to do with the bodice of her gown. Creamy white breasts surged above the material, and he rather enjoyed the sight.

  Once they were all seated, the servants brought in the platters of food.

  "Mr. Trippe," the wife said. "Please say the blessing."

  While Walter bowed his head, a tiny foot traveled up his pant leg. With a jerk, he glanced at Fannie, and the woman had the audacity to smile. At the gambling hall, she had not seemed so forward. In fact, he'd watched her simply give the men a don't even think of touching me look that sent them on their way.

  So why was she suddenly so impertinent?

  After the prayer, they began to pass the food around the table. "Mr. Hersey owns the Natalie mine," Mrs. Trippe said, "and has two twin boys.”

  "Are you married?" Fannie asked.

  "Widowed," he said. "Just me and my sons."

  "Oh," she said disappointed and he smiled. The woman was a challenge like he knew she would be.

  "Walter, do you like to gamble?"

  The woman was playing with fire. Because he was certain her mother didn't know about her gambling and would never approve.

  "On occassion. It's a good way to spend the evening," he said. "What about you?"

  "My grandfather taught me how to play. Occasionally, Papa and I play," she said, her sapphire eyes twinkling with mischief, almost daring him to say something. Which he understood would cause the night to end in disaster and her mother to be upset. Is that what she wanted?

  "They let you win," he said, taunting her back. Why did he enjoy this woman? Why did he feel like they were dancing around one another, and she was leading him on a merry chase?

  "Papa, do you let me win?"

  "No way," her father responded. "Her grandfather, the tightest man alive with his money, would never concede. No, if you play poker in this house, you're on your own."

  How could the woman be such a temptation?

  "Since my father passed, we do not play that sinful game here in our home," Mrs. Trippe informed him.

  A grin spread across Fannie's face. "Shame, we used to have a lot of fun playing against one another."

  The remainder of the dinner was quieter, though her small foot occasionally rubbed his leg beneath the table. He glanced at her and raised his brows. Was she trying to scare him off?

  When they were finished with dessert, they went into the parlor where they sat around talking about the oldest daughter who married Martin Scott, a railroad tycoon’s son.

  He remembered all too well, the night that Meg and Martin met at the debutante ball. That was the night that he met, Fannie. The night they danced.

  "What a wonderful night. Why don't you young people take a walk. Don't wander too far. Let me grab you a shawl," her mother said.

  Her sa
pphire eyes narrowed, and he couldn't tell if it was interest or boredom.

  "Don't need one mother," she said.

  "Oh, yes, you do," her mother said.

  Mrs. Trippe took a lace shawl and wrapped the garment around Fannie's shoulders. "Don't want you to catch a chill in that dress."

  A look of frustration crossed Fannie's face, but Walter realized the mother was covering up her chest. She didn't want Walter to be tempted by Fannie's luscious curves that were on display in the light.

  "Come on," he said as they walked out the door. Now would be the time learn a little more about her.

  The door closed and she faced him. "What are you doing here?"

  With a grin, he took her arm and placed her hand on the crook of his elbow. “Red, come now, you need to at least show your mother you're making an effort at letting me court you. Right now, your mother, father, and sister are all staring out the windows, witnessing how you're doing."

  Stepping off the porch, she asked, "How were you chosen to court me?"

  He thought about telling her the truth and then decided that wouldn't bode well. "Your mother and I had tea where we discussed she was searching for a husband for you and I need a wife."

  Walter hated saying those words, because he really didn't want a spouse, but his sons needed a mother. Whatever he could do to help his boys, he would do, even marrying someone. Somehow they had to become less of little hellions and more like all the other children.

  Strolling across the yard, Fannie gazed at him in the moonlight. "But I'm not searching for a husband."

  "Why not?"

  "Because..." she stared up at the sky filled with stars. "Because there are so many things I want to do yet. How can I explain to you I want to live life on the edge for a little while? No, I don't want to do anything bad, but why can't I gamble, drink liquor, go dancing and even smoke. Why do girls have to exist with all these prim and proper rules while you men have all the fun? I want to experience living."

  The woman really was a little rebel. "Is that why you kept rubbing your feet up my leg?"