She looked so flustered and embarrassed that Emily felt sorry for her. Chances were she’d never seen a finer gown and was probably shocked to have found it so carelessly tossed on a chair.

“Thank you,” Emily said. “That’s very thoughtful.”

Peggy Sue spread the gown neatly across the bed, smoothing out the full skirt. Though she appeared to be somewhere in her early twenties, she had the weary look of someone much older. Brown hair pulled into a severe bun did nothing to soften the sharp angles of her face. Nor did the shapeless gray frock and thick-soled shoes do anything to enhance her looks.

“It’s beautiful,” Peggy Sue said, her voice hushed in awe. She ran a finger along the lacy bodice. “I don’t think it will fit into the wardrobe. Would you rather I boxed it up?”

“Yes, thank you.” Since Peggy Sue still looked flustered and uncomfortable, Emily tried to put her at ease. “Have you worked here long?” she asked.

Peggy Sue shoved her hands in her apron pocket. “Ever since my daughter was a baby.”

“Does your daughter live here too?” Earlier, Emily had spotted a young child but assumed she belonged to Cookie or one of the cowhands.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“That must have been the little girl I saw earlier. What’s her name?”

“Ginny. She’s nine years old.” Peggy Sue’s eyes sought Emily’s. “She won’t give you any trouble.”

“I’m sure she won’t. Does your husband work on the ranch too?”

Peggy Sue hesitated, and her cheeks turned bright red. “I’m not married,” she said.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I just assumed…” Emily felt bad for putting her on the spot and decided not to pry further.

Peggy Sue tossed a nod at the wedding gown. “I…I noticed that there’s a small rip at the hem. I’m quite handy with a needle. If you’d like, I’d be happy to mend it.”

Emily had no further use for the gown. If she never saw it again, that would be soon enough. Indeed, all it had done so far was bring her bad luck. But the housekeeper looked so eager to please that Emily didn’t have the heart to turn down her offer.

“That would be very kind of you,” she said.

With an audible sigh, Peggy Sue lifted the gown off the bed, smoothed it carefully over her arm, and inched toward the door. “I’ll have it back in a day or two.”

“There’s no hurry.” Emily wanted to say more, but Peggy Sue had already left the room as if she couldn’t leave fast enough.

9

Emily had no idea where Chase had spent the night. Nor did she care. As long as it wasn’t with her. All she knew was that he had left the house early that morning on urgent ranch business. In his stead, the affable cook insisted upon taking Emily to the bunkhouse and introducing her to the ranch hands while he delivered their noontime meal.

“Mind your manners,” he called to the men as they entered the low-slung building. “There’s a lady present.”