Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

Author:Karen Witemeyer
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Christian, ebook, General, Romance, book, Historical, Governesses, Ranches, Fiction, Texas
ISBN: 9780764207563
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: 2010-10-01T04:55:23+00:00

Chapter 20

That same morning, two hundred miles northeast of Westcott Cottage, Reginald Petchey sat tapping his cane against the floor of the Fort Worth Land Office, waiting for Farnsworth to stop blabbing with the squinty-eyed clerk and bring him the documents he’d requested.

The letter Lady Westcott’s maid had so kindly supplied them was addressed to General Delivery, Menardville, Texas. It would have been easy enough to ask for directions to Westcott’s residence from the people in that small town, but he preferred to keep his presence— and purpose—hidden. A British gentleman would stand out like a Thoroughbred among mules in a backward little mudhole like Menardville. And if Westcott should happen to suffer a fatal accident following the esteemed Mr. Edward Church’s arrival, it could generate unwelcome suspicion.

Reginald preferred to hedge his bets. With access to the deed and property surveys, he could plot his own course while maintaining a low profile.

“Farnsworth,” he called out through clenched teeth, “I’m waiting.”

“Coming, sir.” His assistant turned, a smattering of documents in his hand and a long paper roll tucked under his arm. As he scurried across the floor, a bell sounded above the door. A well-dressed gentleman entered the office, satchel in hand.

“I have another lien for you to file, Dan.”

The clerk waved him forward. “Bring it in, James.”

The man nodded to Farnsworth as he passed, then headed to the counter. Reginald ignored him after that, concentrating instead on the survey map his assistant unrolled upon the tabletop. He pushed to his feet for a better view.

“The deed indicates that the Westcott ranch lies 9.65 miles west of Menardville, along the San Saba River,” Farnsworth said. “So that would place it about …”

“Here.” Reginald thumped his cane over the spot. “Make a sketch, Farnsworth.”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance?”

Reginald jerked his head around to find the newcomer standing behind him. He bit back an oath and twisted his mouth into a smile. “Thank you, sir. But that won’t be necessary. We have all we need.”

The man smiled back yet made no move to depart. He had a steady gaze. Friendly, but there was something behind it that bothered Reginald, something firm that indicated this man would not be easily duped or deterred.

“Dan told me you were looking for information on a piece of property owned by Gideon Westcott. I brokered that particular sale and thought I might be able to aid you in your search. James Bevin at your service.”

The man extended his hand, leaving Reginald no choice but to shake it. “Edward Church.” Bevin looked past him to the table, a question in his eyes. “Oh, and my assistant, Mr. Farnsworth.”

“A pleasure.” Bevin stared at Farnsworth for a moment, a thoughtful look on his face, then stepped up to the table to examine the map. “So, how do you know Mr. Westcott?”

Reginald mentally scrambled. Refusing to be open would only breed distrust. He had to tell the fellow something. Something reasonable yet neutral enough to discourage further questions.

The letter!

“Westcott’s mother is a friend to mine,” Reginald said, lacing his voice with an appropriate level of resignation.

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