But it was also a sin to lie, so she cleared her throat and said softly, “I was also afraid I’d want more.”
Morgan turned to her and gave her the most amazing smile, one filled with happiness, pleasure—an invitation? “So why can’t it happen again?”
Violet gritted her teeth again. “Because this isn’t my world. I don’t belong here. I’m going back to London where there’s civilization, polite society, servants, indoor plumbing, fashionably dressed people . . .” She couldn’t finish because she started to choke up, realizing how much she was going to miss him when she left Montana.
So he finished the list for her. “The fancy parties, the dancing, and all those dukes and earls, and, of course, Elliott. I see.” He nodded as if he understood perfectly now. He smiled at her. “Want to go fishing today?”
Violet jumped at the invitation. “Yes!” Then she smiled shyly. “I was hoping you’d ask.”
Chapter Forty
THE LAST TWO DAYS at the mining camp had been idyllic for Morgan—once he’d put his anger to rest. He was surprised at how easily Violet had managed to defuse it. The truth was, he didn’t like being angry with her. And her reasons for running out on him had been valid. He’d had no intention of taking her back to town for at least another week. His usual two-week mining schedule was the excuse he’d given her, and he’d been glad to have one, because the simple fact was that he liked having her here and hadn’t wanted to give her up yet.
Which was why when he’d had that long talk with Charley about a new partnership, he’d convinced his friend to come to Nashart with him to finish recuperating there. They just hadn’t told Violet yet. Of course, that idea could backfire on him. She might just catch the train in Butte by herself to return to Philadelphia and then sail to England and that damned lord she wanted to marry, instead of staying with her father. Could she be that heartless? No. Thorny, yes, but not heartless. But she might insist on taking Charley straight home with her.
But while his anger was gone, there were still annoyances nagging at him. Violet’s damn dowry, for one, and what it signified. After the intimacy they’d shared, he’d really thought she’d hand him back the money he’d given her for her dowry. Stupid of him to test her like that. But despite what’d they’d done, despite her confession that she’d feared she’d want more—it brought a smile every time he remembered that—she obviously still intended to marry her English lord.
He was also annoyed by how serious she’d sounded when she told him, “What we did can’t happen ever again.” She’d closed the door before he could even try to open it again. But unlike anger, annoyances he could keep to himself, and he did. And she wasn’t gone yet. . . .
They got back to town late because they’d left the mines at noon. He didn’t have much to bring with him, just his personal gear and Bo, since he was leaving all the supplies, including his mules, for her brothers to use. After getting rooms at the hotel, he went to see if the sheriff was back in town yet with news about Sullivan. He wasn’t, so he sent off a telegram to Sheriff Gibson in Helena and another to the Mitchell twins to tell them to meet their father in Nashart.
And he finally picked up his mail. There were three letters from his mother and one from his father. He read Mary’s first, in the order in which they’d arrived, and laughed at the last one. All this time he’d thought his brother was trying to get out of his arranged marriage, only to find out it had happened over a month ago. And Degan Grant had been there to keep the peace. Morgan had even been invited to the wedding in the second letter, although Mary had tried to make it a surprise for him by telling him only, You’ll want to come home for a brief visit by the twenty-third. But that had been last month. His father’s letter wasn’t a surprise, but it also made him laugh. Zachary had been unable to order him home, but now he tried luring him with the news that copper had been found on their property—a great deal of it. What made him laugh was the line If you have to mine, do it at home! His pa would be glad that he was done with mining, but he wouldn’t be happy about his next business venture. And he still wasn’t looking forward to that argument.
The next day dragged by waiting to hear from the sheriff about Sullivan’s sentencing. Violet had tsked about the delay, but Morgan had heard her assure Charley that she agreed with them, they couldn’t leave without learning the outcome of the trial.
Morgan left the two Mitchells alone, hoping Charley would get around to telling Violet he was going to Nashart if they had some time to themselves. And then he heard the rumor raging through town. Degan Grant was getting married right there in Butte. Morgan had to see that for himself, and all he had to do was follow the crowds. It appeared half the town wanted to witness the gunslinger’s wedding.
He’d missed the wedding ceremony, but heard the sounds of merriment behind the church. He spotted the Grants immediately. Degan had that aura about him that screamed gunfighter and had even worn his gun to the altar. The little wife was unusual, too. She had the shortest hair he’d ever seen on a woman, ash-blond in color, and very dark eyes.
As he approached them, he caught Degan’s eye and heard him say, “Well, I’ll be damned.”
The pretty blonde whispered something to her new husband that Morgan didn’t catch, but he extended his hand and introduced himself. “I’m Morgan Callahan.”
“I guessed as much,” Degan replied, shaking his hand.
“Yeah, Hunter and I hear that a lot, how much we look alike. Congratulations on your wedding—but please tell me you’re not here because of me.”
“I’m not, but why would you think so?”
“I heard from some miners here that you were working for my father. I know he hates that I prefer mining to working with my family on the ranch.”
“That’s between you and Zachary—and it’s not why he hired me.”
“So it’s true? You actually brought about my brother’s marriage to the Warren girl?”
“I’d say Hunter managed that on his own,” Degan said.
“I’m surprised. He really hated having that arranged marriage hanging over his head. I figured it wasn’t going to happen unless he was dragged kicking and screaming to the altar.”
“Believe me, nothing would have kept Hunter away from that wedding. You’ll understand why when you meet his wife.”
Morgan smiled. “I’m sorry I missed all the fun, but I struck it rich and will be going home for a visit as soon as I settle a dispute with a rival lady miner. And, no, I’m not asking if I can hire you! But maybe I can kiss this bride, since I missed kissing my brother’s new wife?”
“Not a chance.” Degan put his arm around his wife’s waist.
Morgan laughed, insisting, “I’m not like Hunter, who charms every woman in sight! But I’m not going to argue with the notorious Degan Grant, either. Have a happy marriage, you two.”
He left and made his way back to the telegraph office. Still no reply from the sheriff, but he took the time to send word to his family. He didn’t tell them that he was coming home—he wanted that to be a surprise—but he told them that he’d finally struck it rich. He also mentioned Violet vaguely. She was still a thorn he hadn’t yet figured out how to extract from his life—or if he even wanted to. And he mentioned that Degan Grant had got hitched. They would probably get a kick out of that.