An Agent For Magdala Read online

  “Let’s hurry before they’re sold out of food.”

  Chapter Four

  Maggie stored their supply of food in the basket. She eyed the bed. Thank goodness there was also a couch in their suite. She went behind the screen and readied for the night.

  After grabbing a pillow, she went to the couch.

  He stared at her, hands braced on his hips. “What are you doing?”

  “I’ll sleep here so you can have the bed.” She spread her long coat on the back so she could pull it over her after she’d lain on the couch.

  “That’s a bad idea. The bed is plenty large enough for both of us. Trust me, I can resist your charms during the night.”

  “You’re too tall and will have to sleep at an angle or your feet will hang off the bed. That means taking up more than half. Go on and make yourself comfortable. I’ll be comfy here.”

  Anger visibly growing, he sat on the couch and pulled off his boots. “I knew having a woman along would be a pain.”

  He lay down—or tried—on the couch. He curled up and pulled the coat over him. “Goodnight, Princess La-te-dah.”

  “If you insist, sleep like a coil of rope.” She stomped to the bed and climbed between the covers. Ahh, stretching out on the mattress was heavenly. Too bad Cloud didn’t have a bed too.

  In spite of his insulting manner, guilt gnawed at her. A bit grumpy at times, he had been a gentleman so far. She heard him shifting positions and muttering under his breath. He’d never be able to get comfortable and no doubt would wake with muscle cramps.

  She couldn’t go to sleep in her comfortable bed while he suffered on the couch. She threw back the cover and tiptoed to stand beside him. Oh, dear, he was contorted in a knot.

  He spotted her. “What now, Princess?”

  “You’re right. If you were to climb on top of the sheet but under the blankets, then we could both sleep on the bed.”

  He untangled himself from her coat. “Not going to argue with you.”

  He stood, grabbed the pillow, and bowed. “After you, Your Highness.”

  “There’s no need to be sarcastic, Your Grace.”

  “I’m way too tired for this.” He crawled on top of the sheet and pulled the blankets over him. By the time she got into bed, he was asleep.

  How could he fall asleep so quickly? Sleep always evaded her for at least half an hour. How surprising—listening to his even breathing soothed her.

  She wondered if this was what being really married would be like. Having him near reassured her, which was silly. There was no threat so why did she need security?

  Recalling the men that had made her uncomfortable on their walk, she wondered if there had been other times when she hadn’t seen the threat. Would he confide in her next time? She hoped she had convinced him she wanted to be his partner, not his dependent.

  She woke to rays of sunshine spilling across the bed.

  He stood at the mirror shaving. “Good morning, Princess Red. Better shake a leg. Our stage leaves in an hour.”

  She reached for the lamp table and checked her lapel watch. “You should have waked me. I don’t usually sleep this late.”

  “Haven’t been awake that long myself. A night in a bed restored me, though.”

  He toweled his face and came to sit down on the corner of the bed. “You wanted to know the facts. Well, the next part of the journey is dangerous. Apache and Comanche roam the land we’ll pass through. I hope we ride lickety split before they notice us.”

  “I’d better get out my gun.”

  He appeared surprised. “Wouldn’t be a bad idea. What kind is it?”

  “Papá had me bring two.” She rose and opened her carpetbag. “One is this Remington Zig Zag pepperbox, which is light enough to carry in my pocket.”

  He took it from her and examined it. “Six barrels. Not bad. Have you practiced with it?”

  “Don’t worry, I’m an excellent marksman. The other firearm I brought is a Colt 1851 Navy revolver with part of the barrel sawed off. I like it best but even modified it’s too heavy for a woman’s dress pocket.”

  “Ordinarily I’d carry a revolver in a shoulder holster. Rather than ruin the picture of being a fancy foreign duke, I’ll keep my revolver in my valise and keep the valise in the stage with me.”

  She returned both guns to her carpetbag. “You haven’t been acting foreign enough. I think it’s best if you pose as an American I met on my journey and fell in love with.”

  He shook his head and sent her a mutinous glare. “No, that’s not what our instructions from Archie are. He intends me to be from Bayergrovenia and I’ve located Montpelier on the map. Where in the country did you live?”

  She stepped behind the screen to change into her travel clothes. “The princess lives in the palace in Greunberg. My parents and I lived about two miles away from the palace. Now we live in Virginia barely outside Washington D.C.”

  “And the king is Augustus Claud II, is that correct?”

  “Yes. He’s a nice man who is well respected by the people. You would like him, I’m sure. Pronounce his name as Ow-goose-tuss Clowd.”

  “What a mouthful. Won’t the real Princess Magdala be angry you’ve pretended to be her?”

  “No, she won’t mind.”

  “You about ready?”

  “Ten minutes. I’m hurrying. My hair is the delay.”

  “Another reason—”

  “Don’t you dare tell me why women shouldn’t be allowed as Pinkertons,” she snapped. “You and I are linked on this case so make the best of our situation. Stop grumbling and muttering under your breath like a petulant child. I know you’re angry you’re paired with me. I didn’t choose you either, Cloud Ryan.”

  Her voice was sharper than she intended but she was tired of being told women shouldn’t be agents. By now he should be over his resentment. At least he should have learned to deal with their partnership by now.

  “Don’t hold back, Maggie. Say what you think.”

  “Would you prefer I mutter under my breath and send you hateful glares as you do me?”

  “I don’t glare hatefully at you.”

  “Ha. Then someone who looks like you has been following me.”

  She emerged from behind the screen and pushed a last hairpin in place. “I’m ready as soon as I find my hat.”

  “Now don’t get mad again but that’s a heck of a hat.”

  Before she donned it, she showed him the inside. “See this? I have cash here and a knife. Not a huge blade, but enough to be helpful. In addition, the steel hatpins can be lethal.” She secured the chapeau with hatpins.

  “I bow in defeat.” He dipped a low bow.

  “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go.” She picked up the basket and her carpetbag then smiled sweetly at her husband, the Duke of Montpelier.

  Cloud gestured to their ride. “This time we’ll be in a wider celerity stage, sometimes called a mud wagon. Supposedly this is sturdier although the seats are not padded.”

  He checked his pocket watch. “Let me leave our bags here and I’ll hurry back.” He dashed to the people selling wares in front of the governor’s palace.

  He returned with a couple of blankets. “These will pad the seats at least a little.”

  Johnny Rucker strode up. “Say, that’s a good idea.” He rushed to purchase one.

  Mr. Stanton ambled toward them. “I gather we’re ready to get on with our travels. Oh, you’ve brought blankets?”

  Maggie nodded. “To pad the seats of the celerity stage.”

  “Good heavens, one of those? I’d better do the same.” He rushed to purchase one before time to leave.

  Maggie glanced at Cloud. “You started a trend. I’m glad we’ll all have blankets and won’t need to share.”

  “I’m not sharing. Everyone has an equal chance to bring one.” He sounded definite.

  She wondered if he meant what he’d said. Perhaps he was as selfish as he’d appeared so far on their trip.

 
A very pregnant young woman carrying a toddler joined the line.

  Maggie smiled at the child. “Your baby is precious.”

  The woman cuddled her little girl and looked down. “No hablo ingles.”

  Cloud whispered, “She doesn’t understand English.”

  “Got that.” Maggie caressed the child’s cheek. “Tu niña es preciosa.”

  The woman looked up and her eyes radiated her pleasure. “Gracias.”

  Cloud darted to the woman selling blankets and purchased two more before he jogged back to where Maggie waited.

  She managed to keep a straight face. “Hardhearted as ever I see. Definitely not sharing.”

  He smiled sheepishly and whispered, “I didn’t know there’d be a child along or a woman… um, in her advanced condition. I’m surprised the stage company is letting her travel. She looks ready to give birth any minute. I hope she knows the ride will be rough.”

  “I imagine she’s used to difficulties. Let’s hope she doesn’t give birth on the stage. I know nothing about delivering a child and would prefer to keep it that way.”

  “Reckon you’re right.”

  She grinned at him and whispered, “Dukes don’t reckon, they surmise.”

  He took a deep breath. “Forgot for a minute. I’ll sure be glad when we get to San Antonio. At the speed we’re traveling, any problems will have been resolved by the time we arrive.”

  She saw the driver loading the stage. “What a relief. There goes our luggage onto the stage. I couldn’t help worrying about our things.”

  “Admit I worried some, too. I cleaned out Archie’s men’s closet. Guess you did the same with the women’s. I’d hate to lose his best things. He’s grumpy enough as it is.”

  She merely frowned. “I don’t know what you mean. Archie wasn’t grumpy to me.”

  “You were sitting right there and heard him bellow at me. Snapped my head off and threatened to fire me.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Well, that’s your interpretation.”

  “Oh, yeah, and what’s yours?”

  “I thought he demanded you follow instructions, which is his right as an employer. You were the one who questioned his decision. That’s never popular with a boss.”

  “Should have known you’d take his side instead of mine. I don’t understand why. I know you didn’t want this arrangement either.”

  “Don’t pout and frown, Cloud. I wanted very badly to be an agent. I’m grateful for the chance to prove myself.”

  He looked around as if checking to see who might overhear their conversation.

  She had forgotten for a moment too. No more would that happen. She had to play her part to perfection.

  The driver yelled, “All aboard that’s going to El Paso.”

  Maggie picked up her carpetbag, the basket, and a blanket. She wore her coat so she wouldn’t have to carry the heavy garment.

  Cloud carried his valise and three blankets. “Seems we’re acquiring more possessions than we can easily carry. You need help?”

  “When I step into the coach I may. At this rate, we’ll soon need a private coach.” She set the food on the floorboard beside her carpetbag. Then, with Cloud’s help, she stepped up into the celerity stage and padded the seat with her blanket before sitting.

  Cloud padded the facing seat for the mother and child. The young woman thanked him again and again. Next, he laid a blanket on his seat and climbed in beside Maggie. Tom Stanton and cowboy Johnny used their blankets in the same way.

  Even with the makeshift padding on the seat, the hard wooden back was no comfort. As soon as they were underway, the cowboy dozed. Mr. Stanton’s eyes soon closed as well.

  Except for the lack of cushioned seats, Maggie decided this coach was more comfortable. At least there was more foot room. She turned to Cloud. “Will we ride all night again?”

  “That’s what I was told. We might as well doze while we can.” He wriggled and closed his eyes.

  Chapter Five

  As they approached San Antonio’s plaza, Maggie read the words Menger Hotel across the upper face of an impressive building’s Romanesque-style architecture. The carriage stopped in front of the two-story hotel’s broad steps. She climbed down from the carriage that had brought them from the stage depot.

  “I wish we could have freshened up before arriving at the hotel. I hope we have an opportunity to do so before we meet with the Mengers.”

  Cloud flexed his shoulders. “Yeah, I want to check in and go to our suite before we talk with them. I feel as if my backside has been bruised by our ride. At least you have all those skirts and petticoats to offer padding.”

  “They didn’t help as much as you’d expect.” In spite of her crushing fatigue, Maggie straightened her spine. “Remember you’re a duke and must stand straight and act accordingly.”

  He assumed a military posture. “I’m not likely to forget, Princess.” He offered his arm.

  She laid her hand on his sleeve. “Shall we begin our charade?”

  They climbed the steps and entered the lobby. Behind them, a wagon driver and his helper brought in their luggage. At the reception desk, Cloud paused.

  The young clerk smiled and gestured to the register with a pot of ink and a pen beside it. “Do you have a reservation?”

  Cloud’s expression turned imperious as he signed with a flourish. “As you’ll see from your register, my wife is Princess Magdala of Bayergrovenia and I am the Duke of Montpelier. I believe you have your largest suite reserved for us.”

  The clerk’s eyes grew round and he dipped a nod. “Y-Yes… Your Highness and Your Grace. Your maid and valet are waiting in your suite.” He grabbed a key from behind him and signaled the bell captain.

  When the man approached, the clerk handed him the key. “Show Princess Magdala and the Duke to their suite. They’re in 214.”

  The bell captain bowed and gestured ahead. “Perhaps you’ll pardon me while I step ahead of you. Please follow me. Everything is ready for your arrival.”

  With a nod, Cloud escorted Maggie through the lobby. Her half boots clicked on the black and white marble tiles until they reached the burgundy carpeted stairs. She was hungry and beyond tired. All she wanted was to crawl in bed and sleep for ten or twelve hours. She couldn’t give up, not now.

  They reached their room and found a young woman in a maid’s black uniform and white apron and a young man in livery.

  The young woman curtsied and her organdy cap bobbed. “I am Geneva Dubois, ready to serve you, Your Highness.”

  The young man clicked his heels together. “I’m Alec Gray, Your Grace.”

  Cloud nodded to each. “We’re happy to have your services.”

  Maggie removed her long coat. Before it was off of her arms, Geneva was rushing to help her. Geneva hung the coat in the armoire. How lovely to have a maid assist her, especially when she was this tired.

  The arrival of their luggage turned the lovely room into a disaster. With their trunks and bags stacked inside the parlor, Maggie realized how much she had brought. How else could she play her part? Besides, she had nowhere else to leave her possessions.

  The weather here was milder than anywhere she’d been to date. Now that the stage ride was over, at least they could get to work. Perhaps they might even see the city.

  Their time here was sure to be awkward. She doubted Cloud had ever had a valet. With servants underfoot, they would have to watch their conversation even in their suite. Being on her guard all the time was tiresome.

  Geneva and Alec moved the luggage into the bedroom.

  Cloud stretched out on the couch, his head on the arm while his feet dangled off the couch’s other end. “You might as well make yourself comfortable. We won’t be able to change for a while.”

  She wanted to comment on his lack of propriety.

  As if he read her thoughts, he sent her a glare. “Don’t tell me dukes don’t lounge like this. I’m tired and I need a bath.”

  She walked to the windows. �
��Oh, Cloud, we have a balcony that overlooks the city. How lovely.”

  He scrubbed a hand across his face. “Right now, that doesn’t interest me enough to make me move. I’m hungry enough to eat my boot.”

  She turned to examine the room. “Look at this, there’s a basket on the table.” She inspected the contents. “Oh, cheese and crackers, fruit, and chocolates. And, a bottle of wine with two glasses.”

  Several hours later, Maggie smoothed a wrinkle from her skirt. “After a bath and clean clothes, I feel human again.”

  “Let’s go talk to the Mengers.” He escorted her down the stairs.

  At the reception desk, he nodded to the young clerk. “We’d like to speak with Mrs. Menger and her son.”

  The young man appeared concerned. “Is everything all right with your suite?”

  “Very pleasant, thank you.”

  With a relieved expression, the clerk turned. “I’ll let them know you wish to talk to them.” He disappeared through a door.

  He was soon back. “This way, please. They’re eager to speak with you.”

  Maggie and Cloud were shown into the main office. A handsome man who looked to be in his early twenties stood to greet them. “Please come in and take a seat. I’ve sent someone to let Mama know you’re here. Would you like coffee or tea?”

  Cloud looked at her and she shook her head slightly. He directed his gaze to Louis William. “Thank you but we sampled the wine and food from the basket you provided.”

  Maggie smiled as regally as she could manage. “We’ve heard so much about the food here that I want nothing to spoil my appetite before dinner.”

  Louis beamed. “Yes, we’re famous for Mama’s food. I wish I could convince her to retire. She’s getting on and has to have more helpers now, but using her recipes assures the food is always delicious.”

  Mary Menger hurried in while patting her hair in place. “I’m so glad you’re here. We had another incident last night. We’re going to lose all our regular customers if the thieves aren’t caught soon.”

  She paused and her eyes widened. “My goodness, you look as if you really are a princess and a duke.”

  Maggie chuckled. “That’s the idea, Mrs. Menger. May I call you Mary? We’ve given others the impression that you and your son are friends of ours.”