A Reinvented Lady (Sons Of A Gun Book 2) Read online

  A REINVENTED LADY

  SONS OF A GUN SERIES

  BOOK 2

  Brenda Sinclair

  Kindle Edition

  ISBN 978-1-926474-22-9

  Copyright 2020 by Brenda Sinclair

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. Except for use in any review, the reproduction of this work in whole or in part in any form now known or hereafter invented is forbidden without the written permission of the author.

  All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names.

  Iris Lake escapes her disreputable past by accepting a position as Milestone’s new schoolteacher. She’s convinced nothing can ruin her happiness, until she learns the gentleman courting her is a lawman. Iris ends their friendship, hoping Daniel will never learn the truth about her. But keeping her distance from the handsome and persistent deputy becomes a challenge.

  Daniel McLennon grows closer each day to fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a Pinkerton agent. And he plans to further boost his promising career by finding the culprits responsible for a local bank robbery and recovering the missing money. Provided he can trust the information he learned from the new schoolteacher.

  Iris fears her former life will spoil her happy future. Will Daniel look beyond Iris’s past? If forced to decide between Iris or his law enforcement dreams, will Daniel follow his ambitions or follow his heart?

  DEDICATION

  To anyone who survived a troubling childhood

  and reinvented yourself,

  creating the person you’re proud to be.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Title

  Blurb

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Next in the series

  Acknowledgements

  Books by Brenda Sinclair

  About the Author

  Find Brenda At

  Chapter 1

  Milestone, Montana

  September 1885

  Iris Lake had believed her new life couldn’t get much better: freedom, independence, and an honest-to-goodness job she loved. But what had she done to catch the eye of Daniel McLennon?

  She resisted the urge to pinch herself. Had her mind conjured up the handsome young rancher seated across from her in the dining room at the Milestone Hotel? Her body warmed when he smiled at her.

  She’d noticed him shortly after she arrived in town a few weeks ago, and Reverend Fitzpatrick finally introduced her to Daniel, the second son of wealthy A. J. McLennon, last Sunday at the Milestone Community Church. After the service, Daniel asked her to accompany him to supper Wednesday night, and he’d monopolized her thoughts ever since.

  “What would you like to drink?” The woman, who appeared in her forties, smiled as she waited on them.

  “Coffee for me, please,” Iris piped up, her hands sweating in her lap. At twenty-two, she’d never been asked to supper by a man before, and she hoped her nervousness didn’t show.

  “Same for me, thank you,” Daniel replied, his eyes never leaving Iris’s.

  The waitress headed off to fetch their drinks and they were alone. Iris sat, somewhat uncomfortable under the close examination of Daniel’s gaze. She couldn’t imagine what he was thinking.

  Iris studied the room while desperately searching her mind for something to say. The sturdy mahogany furniture and blue-painted walls contrasted with the white lace curtains covering the four large windows overlooking Granite Avenue. Late afternoon sunlight illuminated the room while the window coverings created intricate patterns on the plank floor.

  “I recently met your brothers and your lovely sister, Amanda. Would you mind telling me about your family?” Iris inquired, the best she could come up with. And who didn’t enjoy talking about their kin. Except her, of course.

  “Well, the McLennons own the Double M Ranch, a forty minute wagon ride north of Milestone. We raise shorthorns, Hereford and Longhorn cattle and Morgan all-purpose horses, as well as the new Thoroughbred breeding business we recently started.”

  “I’ve heard your father, A. J. McLennon, is a longtime resident.”

  “That’s right. He’s lived in the Milestone area since 1848.”

  “My goodness, that is a long time.” Iris hoped Daniel would never learn the truth about her father.

  Daniel leaned back in his chair, appearing completely relaxed. “How was school today? Did your students behave themselves?”

  Iris had worked very hard at normal school and graduated near the top of her class, and her training helped her to survive the first weeks of classes with the children. “The older boys have been a challenge, but they’ve learned who’s in charge. The younger children are a total joy.”

  Daniel chuckled. “My teachers probably considered me a challenge. I wasn’t the best behaved. I hated school, except reading. I’d rather be outdoors than stuck inside doing a lot of boring book learning.”

  “Perhaps that’s the thinking of my older students.” Iris straightened in her chair. “I’ll try to make the lessons more interesting. I should hold a few classes outdoors while the pleasant weather lasts.”

  “That sounds like a great idea, but I’d suggest you do it soon. Some folks are predicting a cold winter while others aren’t buying the idea since winters have been tolerable the last few years.”

  “I’ve been warned about Montana winters.” Iris smiled at the waitress who returned to their table.

  “Thank you, Ellie,” Daniel said, as the woman set a cup of coffee in front of him.

  “Thank you,” Iris echoed. She sipped the coffee, burning her tongue slightly.

  Daniel’s eyebrow rose. “Too hot?”

  Iris grimaced and glanced at Daniel. “A wee bit.”

  “I should have warned you. The coffee is always hot and fresh here.”

  “No serious damage done.” Iris returned her hands to her lap, nervously twisting the corner of the napkin covering the skirt on her wren-brown dress. A new addition to her limited wardrobe.

  “You look lovely today,” Daniel commented.

  “Thank you. I purchased this from the local ladies’ store,” she blurted, then mentally kicked herself. She needed to practice restraint when accepting a compliment.

  Daniel straightened in his chair. “Amanda’s Clothing Emporium? My sister and our new sister-in-law share owner
ship of the store.”

  “Lily?” Iris gazed into his eyes. “I met her recently. She’s a lovely lady. I popped my head into the hotel dining room the day of her wedding, not realizing it was closed for the private event.”

  “I saw you. You should have stayed. Everyone was welcome.”

  Iris’s breath caught; he’d noticed her! “Oh, I couldn’t have stayed. Not without an invitation.”

  Daniel chuckled. “Things are less formal out here in the West.”

  “I’ve heard that, also.”

  “Jackson and Lily returned from their honeymoon on the weekend. Just in time for the fall roundup.” Daniel finished his drink and set the cup aside. “Where’s home?”

  Iris choked on her mouthful of coffee, spluttering and wiping her mouth with her napkin. What should she say? How should she best answer what Daniel would consider an innocent question but an inquiry that sent her heart racing? “I lived in Rhode Island where I attended Normal School and graduated last year. Soon after I graduated, I tended my ailing mother, but she passed, unfortunately.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Please accept my condolences.”

  “Thank you.” Iris’s eyes misted for a moment, but she blinked away the threatening tears. She needed to continue the conversation before he asked again where home was. “This is my first classroom of students and I cannot tell you how much I’m enjoying being a teacher.”

  “You might be a natural-born schoolmarm,” Daniel teased.

  “Not certain I’d go that far. But I’ve found my purpose in life.” Iris shifted in her chair. Teaching was certainly an improvement over her previous profession.

  Daniel and Iris both ordered a steak and trimmings and soon their meals arrived at the table. Roast potatoes, carrots and turnips accompanied their steaks. It looked delicious and smelled even better.

  “Let me know if there’s anything else you need,” Ellie called on her way back to the kitchen.

  “Dig in,” Daniel encouraged Iris. “This looks good enough to eat.”

  Iris chuckled. “Handsome and a jokester, too?” Her hand covered her mouth when she realized how bold that statement sounded and not ladylike by any stretch of the imagination. She needed to remain constantly cautious, responding to questions and taking part in conversations in an appropriate manner for a schoolteacher. As she’d been taught at the normal school. She’d graduated with honors after all.

  “Tell me more about your family’s ranch?” she ventured.

  Daniel wiped his mouth on his napkin and straightened in his chair. “The ranch has been in the family for two generations now. Well, Pa loved the previous owner like a father, so I suppose you could consider it three generations. Eventually, four when Jackson and Lily have their first child.”

  Iris set her fork down. “I’ve only ever lived in a city or town.”

  “Ranching means lots of hard work. Long hours. Everything depending on the weather. Feeding animals in winter’s sub-zero temperatures or making hay in the blistering heat of summer.” Daniel chuckled. “Of course, most of the local ranchers wouldn’t live any other way.”

  Lily laughed. “Despite all that, I think it would be a rewarding way to live. Growing your own food. And providing meat for others by raising cattle to sell at market.”

  “I suppose so. Over the years, we’ve negotiated contracts with the army to supply beef. Sold to mining companies to provide meat at their camps. Besides the ranch, Pa inherited a mercantile in Butte, and he employed a fellow to haul a wagonload of various goods out to the mining camps, selling to the miners directly. Saved the men coming into town to buy whatever items they required.” Daniel leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Life has treated the McLennons well.”

  Iris wished she could say the same for herself. With the hand she’d been dealt, she couldn’t be more embarrassed by every single member of her family, except her mother who’d been a charming woman. Losing her beloved parent this past June had been the most painful experience Iris ever endured. Why couldn’t Fate have taken her father instead? Her hand flew to her mouth. What a terrible thought to have. But she couldn’t honestly say she would take it back.

  “Are you all right?” Daniel reached over and touched her arm. “You turned as pale as a bedsheet for a moment.”

  Iris shook her head. “Not really. I… I should go.” She leapt off her chair. What had she been thinking? This decent, respectable man and his kin bettered her family to the point of laughable. “Thank you for asking me to supper. It… it was lovely.”

  “You’re welcome. But are you not feeling well?”

  She nodded. “I’ll be fine. Just a little tired.”

  Daniel stood. “Let me pay the bill and then I’ll drive you home in the buggy.”

  “That’s not necessary. I doubt it’s dark yet.” Iris turned on her heel and fled the room. She couldn’t care less if it was pitch black outside. She’d embarrassed herself in front of the handsome rancher; he must consider her a complete ninny for dashing out of the dining room after offering such a flimsy explanation. A little tired? Surely, she could have invented a more believable excuse. But had she remained any longer, she would have burst into tears creating even more questions in Daniel’s mind.

  She’d been extremely attracted to the rancher, but he could never know the truth about her. To do so would ruin everything. Probably for the best if her blunder destroyed any chance of a future with the handsome fellow. A wonderful upstanding citizen like Daniel McLennon would have absolutely nothing to do with the likes of her, if he knew the truth.

  She ducked down the alley between the cooperage and community hall, the quickest route to Mrs. Carter’s home on Second Street near the park. Iris wished she’d brought her shawl; the evening air had cooled and it would be completely dark soon. She hurried onward, her mind a jumble of thoughts. Best she didn’t temp Fate. Perhaps she should simply never spend time with Daniel again. However, she needed to convince her heart that decision would be for the best. Or would suddenly avoiding him send up even more red flags?

  Iris yawned as she entered Mrs. Carter’s home through the back door. Her poor confused mind and tired body needed sleep. And with her luck, she’d probably dream about Daniel tonight. Blazes! Why was life so complicated?

  A large cinnamon bun waited for her on a china plate in the middle of the kitchen table. Mrs. Carter had cut the treat in half and buttered it, exactly how Iris liked them. Her landlady spoiled her something awful, and Iris wasn’t accustomed to such kindness.

  “Exactly what I don’t need,” she muttered, recalling the huge supper she’d consumed. But she carried the plate to her room, intending to devour every crumb. She closed her bedroom door and took the first bite, groaning with confectionery appreciation.

  A mouth-watering bedtime snack.

  A good night’s sleep.

  She’d worry about Daniel McLennon tomorrow.

  * * *

  Daniel paid for their supper and hurried out the Milestone Hotel’s front door.

  He stood on the sidewalk, looking down the street one way then up the other. Iris had simply vanished from sight. Why had she rushed off so suddenly? She’d claimed she was tired. Could be, but the condition presented itself in a heartbeat. Daniel wracked his brain attempting to recall his last comment during what he’d considered pleasant conversation. Had he said something that triggered her sudden emotional departure? He’d caught a glimpse of tears in her eyes.

  Life has treated the McLennons well.

  What could she have heard in that innocent observation that caused her to take offense? He hadn’t been bragging. At least, that hadn’t been his intention. In fact, he hadn’t mentioned his new job as a town deputy. Or the praise he’d received from Sheriff Robertson for his part in helping to solve a recent abduction. Or how pleased his boss was with the progress during his law enforcement training. He couldn’t wait to apply for a position as a Pinkerton agent. A dream he vowed to fulfill one day. He hadn’t men
tioned any of it. Heck, he’d worn his Sunday duds for the meal he’d considered part of the courting ritual, instead of his work vest with his deputy’s badge fully displayed.

  Daniel removed his Stetson and scratched his head. Women plumb confused him more times than not. He’d been smitten with Iris the first time he laid eyes on her, and she’d appeared to enjoy their supper together. He’d believed their courtship had gotten off to a wonderful start. At least, he’d hoped she considered it a courtship. But then she bolted from the room like the devil was following on her heels.

  He turned and headed for the jailhouse where his work duds awaited him. He’d begin his rounds of the saloons at nine o’clock and he might as well check in with the other deputies in case something exciting was in the works. Not that he was holding his breath about it. Deputy work in this small town seemed ninety percent boring and ten percent not that exciting. But it sure beat working on a ranch!

  The family ranch.

  Had Iris taken offense about him being a McLennon? The family name held substantial weight in Milestone. What could she possibly have found lacking in him? Well, nothing doing but to ask her out again. Maybe he’d suggest a buggy ride after Sunday services. He suspected she could be the woman for him and he’d succeed in his conquest or drive himself crazy trying.

  Besides, how hard could it be to win a woman’s heart?

  Chapter 2

  Early Saturday morning, Iris stepped inside Amanda’s Clothing Emporium where the familiar tinkling of the small bell above the doorway announced her arrival. Iris met Amanda during her last visit to the store, and she liked and admired the gregarious young entrepreneur.

  “Good morning, Iris,” Amanda called from her seat at one of the Singer sewing machines situated in the back portion of the room behind the front counter.

  “I’ll be right with you,” added Ruby Simpson, the shop clerk, busy folding lace and other trimmings on the shelving. Iris recalled she’d been introduced to her as Amanda’s aunt.