Cold Gold by Victoria Chatham

Author:Victoria Chatham [Victoria Chatham]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, Mystery, Historical, Romance, Historical Romance, Mystery & Suspense
Amazon: B00F04HD1K
Publisher: Books We Love Ltd.
Published: 2013-09-04T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

She took her time dressing for dinner having decided on wearing a high-necked cream lace blouse and a hunter-green satin skirt. Even though she had her suspicions about King’s intentions, she refused to lower her standards. She piled her hair high on her head, allowing a few ringlets to fall to one side. Ladies were allowed to be late, but how late was something Serena did not want to test.

Douglas King had a short fuse, she was sure. He waited for her in the foyer and she couldn’t fail to notice his clenched jaw and rigid stance as she walked down the stairs to meet him.

“No wonder you took your time.” His annoyance faded as his hungry gaze roamed over her from head to toe. “You look lovely.” He took her hand and kissed her fingers. An unpleasant shiver shimmied down her spine. She nearly snatched her hand away but caught herself and forced a smile instead.

“Shall we?” Serena indicated the entrance to the dining room and extricated her hand from his.

“First I have to collect something from the office,” he informed her. “Will you accompany me? It’s a very mild evening.”

He opened the door for her and Serena stepped outside, surprised to see a buggy pulled close to the boardwalk. He helped her take her seat then reached under it, pulling out a blanket which he spread across her knees.

“This should keep you warm if you do find it chilly.” He climbed up beside her and flicked the reins over the horse’s back. Its hooves pulled out of the mud with a soft, sucking sound and the wheels hissed as they rolled over the wet surface.

What could he possibly need to get from his office that he couldn’t have brought with him? Serena suspected an ulterior motive but could not imagine what that might be so remained silent throughout the short drive.

“I’ll only be a moment.” King halted the horse and hooked the reins into their keeper.

A chill that had nothing to do with the weather seeped into Serena’s bones. The street was dark and there were no lights on inside the mine office. King must know exactly what he wanted and where to find it. Or had he left her alone in the dark street for a purpose? She immediately chided herself for being fearful but then jumped when she heard the hollow reverberation of footsteps on the sidewalk.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone, Lady Buxton.”

Serena relaxed on hearing the sheriff’s voice, thankful that it at least belonged to someone she knew. “I’m not exactly alone, Sheriff Johnson.” She made her voice light with some effort. “I’m waiting for Mr. King, and here he is.”

“A problem, Sheriff?” King asked as he swung up onto the buggy.

“Just doing my rounds, Mr. King, like a good sheriff should.”

He spoke with some irony and Serena had the distinct feeling there was no love lost between the two men. The sheriff tipped his hat to her and walked away.

“Sorry about the detour, my dear, but I think you’ll appreciate the reason for it.

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