Page 10 of Mail-Order Millie (A Mail-Order Mystery #1)

Ten

B ram paid for the things Millie picked out and waited for the store clerk to wrap his purchases. He leaned against the counter and watched Millie in the distance. She was going through the racks of dresses like a child opening present on Christmas. His heart went out to her and against his better judgement, he made up his mind to do what he could for her while she was with him. Millie was a huge part of his cover, and he didn’t want to jeopardize her in any way. The best way to do that was to stay away from her. He’d give her money tomorrow to get more of what they needed. She could fix up the house the way she wanted it, and when the assignment was over, he’d purchase it for her. With the money she’d be compensated with, she’d have more than enough to live on for quite a while. She could find a job for extra money, maybe work here at The Emporium, or, if her sewing skills were good, get a job with one of the dressmakers in town.

He gathered their packages and joined her. “Find anything you like?”

She held a lovely, light blue day dress in her hands. “Yes, I like this one.” Millie looked at the rack. “That green one is nice too.”

“Get them both and pick out a third,” Bram told her.

“Three?” She said with wide eyes.

“Four if you like, but I’m afraid that’s my limit.”

She blinked a few times, her mouth moving, but forming no words. Good grief, she was speechless!

Bram closed the distance between them. “Do you need to see if they fit?”

“I… I don’t think so,” she said in a soft voice.

“Millie?”

She met his gaze. “Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me.”

Bram slowly nodded. “I believe I do. Now fetch the other dresses. Take your time.”

Once again, she stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.

His chest swelled. He liked doing this for her. It was… fulfilling. Satisfaction grew inside of him the likes of which he’d never known. Great Scott, it was nothing but tablecloths, some curtains and a few dresses. But Millie appreciated them more than any woman he’d ever met. Of course, most of those were rich heiresses, and it didn’t take long for him to figure out how hard they were to please. They wanted it all and more, and he wasn’t willing to give them what they wanted. The women he knew were spoiled, haughty, and in general not very nice.

Bram sighed as he watched Millie sort through the racks, picking her four dresses with great care. “You have no idea how refreshing you are,” he whispered.

Bram smiled as his chest warmed again. He was on dangerous ground and knew it. Millie was doing her best to take on the role of his wife, and had yet to realize that’s all it was, just a role.

Bram hated the thought of disappointing her, but there was no help for it. Hopefully helping her to start a new life in Baker City would make up for it.

She brought her dresses to him, a big smile on her face, and showed him each one. She was so happy; he didn’t know how to react.

“What do you think?” she asked. “Do you like them?”

“I’ll like them better on you,” he said with a grin. “Are you sure they’ll fit?”

“Yes. I can tell by looking at them.”

“You sew a lot?” he guessed.

“Oh, yes. I sew all my own clothes, so getting dresses without having to do the work is a luxury.” She smiled again. “Would it be too much to get a petticoat?”

“No, sweetie. You go ahead.” He gave her a warm smile, and she began to search for what she needed.

Bram took the dresses to the salesclerk that helped him earlier. He set everything down and told the clerk to wait.

When Millie found a petticoat, she handed it to the clerk. While he added up the total she gave Bram a shy smile. “Thank you so much. I’ve not had new things in years.”

He stiffened, unable to help it. Who knows what her living conditions were like and for how long? If her father were still alive, he’d arrest him.

“You’re welcome, sweetie. Now, help me carry some of these packages and let’s go home.” He paid for the dresses, and as soon as they were wrapped, picked up two and let Millie carry the others. They left, arms full, and went straight home. He liked the fact that Baker City was small enough for Millie to walk to everywhere she needed.

When they arrived, they placed everything on the dining room table. Bram pulled out his billfold, counted out some money, and set it next to the pile of packages.

“What’s that for?” Millie asked.

“Food,” he simply said.

Her face fell. “I thought we were getting supplies together. You said there’s a general store not far from your office.”

Drat, he did say that. “I thought you’d like to start dressing up the place.”

“No, I…” she put her hand on his arm. “I want to spend time with you.”

His heart warmed. No, no, no! “Oh, well…”

“I could help you straighten up your office. Get it ready for your meeting with your new client. Mr. Kameyer was it?”

“Erm, yes.” Rats, what was he going to do now? He took in her big brown eyes and his resolve cracked. It was only today, then he’d avoid her as much as possible. “Fine, if that’s what you want. I just thought…”

She gave his arm a squeeze. “You thought I only cared about the house? Bram, you’re my husband. Of course I want to spend time with you.”

He gulped. “Then we should get going.” He put the money back in his billfold and they left.

“Are you tired?” he asked as they cut through the downtown area. His office was several blocks from here, and about two blocks from the general store he told her about.

“Not at all.”

He smiled and wondered what she was going to think of his shabby little office. As it was part of his cover, Quincy didn’t spend a lot of time seeking decent accommodations. No matter, he didn’t plan on being in Baker City any longer than he had to. He wanted to make short work of this assignment and get back to Washington. Especially now.

They walked in silence the rest of the way, and he forgot Millie needed shoes. He’d take care of those tomorrow and see that she got several pairs. She’d need a sturdy pair of work shoes that she could wear for gardening and chores.

He was so busy thinking about what she’d need to start her new life, he didn’t notice the small crowd gathered outside Springer’s Tailors.

“What’s going on?” Millie asked.

Bram stopped and looked at half a dozen women and even a few men trying to peek in the windows. “I don’t know. Let’s find out.” They approached the shop and spoke to the nearest person. “Excuse me, but why are you all milling about?”

A plump woman with grey hair and an oversized hat smiled at him. “Mr. Springer and Mr. Merriweather are hosting Bella Weaver of Bella Designs. She’s working on a ball gown!”

“Imagine, Bella Weaver in Baker City!” another gushed. “It’s so exciting!”

“Who is Bella Weaver?” Millie asked.

Bram was about to answer then snapped his mouth shut. A man of Bill Krantz’s ilk wouldn’t have any idea whom the famous dressmaker was. Bram of course knew. He’d purchased a Bella designed gown for his mother last year for her birthday. But he couldn’t let Millie know that.

“Why, Bella Weaver is one of the most famous dressmakers in the country!” a woman said.

He looked at Millie. She stood, wide eyed, taking in the small crowd, and still hadn’t a clue whom they were talking about.

“Come on, sweetie, let’s get to the office.” He led her two doors down, unlocked the door and ushered her inside.