Violet: Bride of North Dakota (American Mail-Order Bride 39) by Heather Horrocks

perhaps recognizing the rage burning within Daniel. Idiots, all of them.
    Jealous and furious, he pushed through them and into the shop, without another word.
    Violet looked at him. She stood behind the counter, back against the wall, as if huddling.
    Instantly, his anger faded and his protectiveness toward her took over. “Are you all right?”
    She blew out a shaky breath. “I’m not sure. I’m in shock.”
    “I saw James leaving the shop. I nearly punched him.”
    “He asked me to go to the festival with him, and I was so confused, and all those men were watching, and I...” She faded off. “I’m sorry, Daniel.”
    Skirting the counter, he went to her and took her hands. “It’s understandable. I was shocked to see him. Maybe if he’d invited me to the festival, I’d have gone, as well.”
    She smiled at that, and his heart pinged. “Thank you, Daniel. You are my best friend and you always seem to know what to say to make me feel better.”
    Just when he’d opened himself up to the possibility of loving this woman, his heart broke within him, and he wished for things he could never have. Especially now that pretty boy Evans was back in town.
    He didn’t feel he could pursue her now that her original groom had come back.
     

     
    My dearest Darby,
    I have been worried about you, fearing that your Rand might have learned of your... secret. I will not name it here in the event he has not. Regardless, you have been in my thoughts. I hope Rand is everything his letter stated, and that you are happy. My groom is everything he stated—and so much more than I could have ever imagined. My life here has certainly been different from single life in the boardinghouse. Please write and let me know how it goes with you.
    (Letter from Violet Keating to Darby McClintock, written November 21, 1890)
     
    Violet stumbled through the door of Amelia’s home.
    The other woman rose from the sofa where she sat embroidering. “Are you unwell, Violet? You are so very pale.” Amelia set down her embroidered work and took Violet’s cold hands. “Why, you’re freezing! Why are you out by yourself?”
    Violet choked out a shaky laugh. “My groom has returned.”
    Amelia tipped her head, surprised and smiling. “Has Daniel declared himself, then? Oh, that is wonderful news. I am so thrilled to have you for my sister.”
    Violet shook her head, tears threatening. “Not Daniel.”
    Amelia’s eyes grew wide. “Another man in Minot?”
    Violet fought to control herself. She did not want to cry. “James Evans.”
    Amelia gasped and put her hand to her heart. “No!”
    Violet nodded.
    “Please sit down,” Amelia said.
    Violet dropped like a sack of potatoes onto the middle section, and Amelia sat back down beside her. “He came to the shop, followed by a dozen or so men looking for some entertainment, I suppose. He said he was ready to take me to the pastor’s house immediately.”
    “No!” Amelia shook her head.
    “Yes.”
    “The nerve of him! After abandoning you so cruelly when you first arrived.” Amelia sat down again and took Violet’s hand. “What did you tell him?”
    “That it was past time for that.”
    “It certainly is.” Amelia studied her. “My dear, what are you going to do?”
    “I am confused. Am I still committed to marrying him? He did pay for my ticket, but I feel perhaps he negated that by leaving me at the train station, practically at the altar.”
    “I agree. You owe him nothing.”
    They sat in silence for long minutes. Finally, Amelia said, “Do you wish to marry James?”
    “At this moment, I don’t know what I want. I am stunned.” Violet sighed deeply. “He asked me to go to the festival with him. I said yes. It was all those men watching. I felt unable to refuse. And then Daniel came in and I told him what happened—and he didn’t give me any hint that he was disturbed by James returning. I thought he was interested, but now he doesn’t show that he is.”
    “My brother is