The Hiding Heiress

By Jeanna Brown

A young woman hides from whom she is to escape the issues of her life, hiding her identity as long as she can to start fresh and feel freedom from her status and what is known to be proper. She meets new people along the way and learns how hard life can be in the world outside of her protection, remembering the advice of her parents and hearing the voice of her mother like an angel in her dreams. Soon an old hopeful suitor finds her and threatens her world as he tries to destroy everything she holds dear. She meets the man she has quietly fallen in love with, and he finds out who she really is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524639693

Jeanna Brown

The author is a first-time writer with a desire to write what her imagination holds. She has a love for the old days, when times were simpler. She loves the old life and the stories it holds, creating a story that you won’t want to put down.

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© 2016 Jeanna Brown. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  09/15/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5246-3970-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-3969-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016915303

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter 1   A New Town

Chapter 2   New Things. New People.

Chapter 3   The Land And The Homestead

Chapter 4   What Once Was Can Be No More

Chapter 5   The Beginning

Chapter 6   The Stranger In Town

Chapter 7   Sunday Morning

Chapter 8   Kidnapped!!

Chapter 9   The Night

Chapter 10   In Safe Hands

Chapter 11   Disbelief

Chapter 12   A Time To Heal

Chapter 13   The Unspoken

Chapter 14   Time Will Tell

Chapter 15   The Hostage

Chapter 16   New York

Chapter 17   Church

Chapter 18   The Brouné Manor

In memory of my mother and the legacy she left me.

To my good friend Michael Toft who listened to me read and encouraged me often.

Chapter 1

A NEW TOWN

S HE TOOK A STEP DOWN onto the train platform, careful not to fall off the train steps, while holding her dress in one hand and the rail in the other. She was busy looking around at the new surroundings of the town.

She stepped off the platform of the train station, not knowing a soul and greeted by no one. She walked down the street with only her change purse and two carpet bags. She had brought no other luggage with her in her haste.

Many people looked her way smiling or simply nodded their head ‘hello’. The town seemed like it was filled with pleasant people but looks had been deceiving in the past.

She wore a brown skirt and top, with satin covered buttons running down the front continuing the satin trim of her lapel. The hem and cuffs on her dress were also covered with brown satin trim. She wore a black hat tilted to one side with a black satin sash wrapped around the base and a luscious bow in the back. Her hair twisted up in back, for volume, and tied up nicely for the travel.

‘Hopefully, Katie James was right about this town.’ she thought to herself as she continued walking wishing her best friend was there with her. She looked around consciously as she was stepped onto the platform and continued a few feet before observing the buildings around her and then continuing on.

Katie James, her best friend, had come a few months ago and stayed for a few days. She rode around town and checked out the country surrounding of the town. She had even talked with the townsfolk to see of their approach to new people. When she came back, Katie James gave her a good report. ‘It’s a lovely place ma’am.’ she remembered her saying.

She came upon the telegraph and post office and went inside. May I send a telegram, please? she asked quietly trying to stay discreet about her business.

Yes ma’am. said the teller, Where would you like to send this telegram? he asked taking the pencil from the top of his ear.

"To the Brouné Manor in New York, please. I would like to send it to a Katie James. ‘Send the black box luggage. Hold onto everything until you hear from me. Arrived this afternoon. Will send word of progress. Send word of any changes or concerns.’ That is all." She waited for the teller to stop writing and then he read her message back to her to confirm.

The teller looked at her for a moment and asked, What concerns are you referring to that you didn‘t bring your luggage with you? He thought it interesting that a woman did not bring luggage with her. She didn’t look as if she was lower class and he was confused by it.

Nothing that you would be interested in, she said politely hoping he would not ask her another question as she smiled. May I ask where a hotel in town might be? A place I could stay for a while, pulling the money out of her change purse to pay the man. She was careful to take out only what she needed.

Down the street at the corner is a hotel. Still new! Only built a few months ago. Has six rooms too! He stated with joyful pride in his voice.

Thank you, she said quickly and walked out to the street. She stood at the edge of the building and looked around at the towns’ people and their present activities. The town seemed to have everything a small town could have and then some. Still, it was so primitive to what she was use to. It was nothing like New York with all the streetlights and entertainment going on. This was more like a quiet town without the entire ruckus like she remembered back home. She was tired of the ruckus. Hearing guns going off in the night and people screaming for one reason to another was not relaxing to her. Nor restful. She wanted a new beginning.

The sun shown brightly in the sky warming her face as she stepped onto the dirt street. It was a nice cool day and very refreshing to her. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She looked down the street to where the hotel was.

The hotel sat on a corner at an angle. It faced both streets that came together like a ‘T’. Next to the front door, a sign said ‘Welcome.’ She walked across the street being careful of the wagons and horses coming and going.

As she came closer to the hotel, she stopped. Discreetly, she looked around, as she tugged at her dress, pretending not to be looking up. After feeling secure, that she was not being followed or watched she walked in.

Walking to the front desk, the clerk looked up, and greeted her. He was wearing a brown vest with matching pants. The vest held a gold watch and chain in front. The man was taller than she was and thin. He had brown hair around the crown of his head.

Ah! A new customer! Welcome! He said with much excitement.

‘He must have had his coffee already.’ she thought to herself noticing his energy.

Thank you, she said as she looked around the room. There were people sitting in the front room reading the morning paper by the windows and drinking their hot beverage. Of course, now they were looking at her and this loud man. This is not what she wanted! She had hoped to remain invisible for a while. She kept her voice low while feeling a bit alarmed.

Can I get you a room ma’am? We have two large rooms for people who plan to stay a while and four rooms for shorter stays! However, we only have one of each available! Which would you like? He leaned on the counter as if he where charmed with her presence. Oh! I almost forgot! he laughed.

She jumped with the boom of his voice so close to her ear.

He lowered his voice and put out his hand as he stood up. My name is Mr. Greg Smith. he said smiling.

Nice to meet you Mr. Smith, she said quietly, but you also forgot the prices of the room. she smiled. Indeed I did. The large rooms are only 20 cents a night or a dollar a week. The smaller ones are 10 cents a night and they are on the bottom floor.

I will take the larger one, please, she replied.

How long will you be staying with us, ma’am, he asked.

Before answering, she looked around the room to see if anyone was listening in on their conversation and then replied, About a month or so.

As she looked over the room again she noticed it was nicely decorated. Definitely, a ladies touch. Two windows on the side of the building were facing the road to the train station. Two more were on the other side of the lobby, past the door. Two men, at a small table by the windows, were reading the paper. Neither seemed to be listening in, still she would continue to be careful. She paid for the room and asked where she could get some water to freshen up. Mr. Smith called for a boy to come and told him to fill up the bath in room one. He then asked her to sign the log book.

She signed it, ‘Ms. Joanna Armstrong.’ Looking up and smiling, she hoped he did not know anyone with that last name or he might ask a lot of questions about her family to see how they might be related or not.

She followed Mr. Smith up the stairs and on their left side, was her room. She walked in behind him just as the boy came up with two buckets of water for her bath. You will need to keep the door unlocked until he brings you all the water you need. It should only take a small while. The laundry lady is across the street and always keeps clean hot water boiling for us and her business. As does my wife, during meal time. She watched the boy carefully pour the water into the bath without spilling anything more than sprinkles and then running off to get more.

Over here is a nice way to greet the morning by the window. You have a great view of the town from here. That is one of the reasons I wanted the hotel sitting at an angle on a corner. If you are hungry, there is Ms. Jessica’s café down the street at the end. It’s out in the open but the food is real good. He walked to the door and turned. Is there anything else I can do for you, Ms. Armstrong?

Where is the bank? she asked.

Across the street. He gestured to the window.

She looked out the window to see that it was, indeed, straight out her window. Also, no one should be in your room without your permission so please leave all messages with me if you are allowing someone to do so. I am usually here so there should not be any problems. Yet if something was to happen please let me know immediately. He left leaving the door cracked so the boy could come in easily with the water.

She put her things on the bed and walked to the table, noticing the lace tablecloth. The table was a round, medium size with two chairs on either side of the table. The window had white lace curtains. The full size bed seemed nice with a 9-block patchwork quilt on top. There were two nightstands with yellow glass oil lamps on either side. An armoire was sitting behind the door on the far side of the room with drawers at the bottom. Chester drawers were by the door with a coat rack closest to the door. The bath was at the center of the room after the door, with a small table next to it. The room felt small to her, but comfortable. She walked to the window and peered outside at the busy street. Wondering what life would be like to live here. Would they treat her the same as their neighbor or like an outsider? She wondered if someone would find her. Would Katie James be alright until everything was settled? Would this really work? Was it what she really wanted? While deep in thought, she did not realize that the boy was standing in the doorway waiting to be dismissed.

Yes? She asked. Your bath is ready, ma’am. Is there anything else I can do for you? he asked.

With the boy standing in the doorway, she got a better look at him. He had brown hair and eyes. His clothes were worn and ragged. He looked like he needed the bath more than she did. He could not have been over twelve years old and skinny too.

What’s your name? she asked.

Robby, ma’am he stood there almost scared to death of her not sure to leave or wait.

Are you here every day? she inquired still looking him over.

Yes ma’am he said quickly as he watched her go to her purse and pull out a nickel.

He looked up and with big brown eyes as she placed it in his hand, Thank you! Almost no one ever gives me a tip! Thank you! and off he went down the stairs, quickly.

She could hear his footsteps as if a horse was going down them. She laughed quietly and shook her head while closing the door behind him. She took off her dust worn clothes and got into the bath; scrubbing the dirt off from the long train ride; she started to relax. She thought of her troubles back home. Then on to what she was going to be doing tomorrow and how to succeed about it.

The thought of the boy made her sad. Where was his family and who was taking care of him? He looked as if he had not had a bath in weeks and he seemed so happy to get the nickel. Maybe that was too much for around here or maybe that was his next meal.

After her bath, she got dressed into her clean clothes. A dark navy, sleeveless dress that laced up the front with a ribbon tied into a bow at the top. A pale blue blouse underneath with a high collar gave it a simple look that she and KJ wanted to have. This was simple to her usually attire and made her feel underdressed but knew this is what had to for or forever. She fixed her hair by hiding its sun washed brown under black bonnet.

She emptied her carpetbag and put her things in the armoire. A silver mirror, brush and a comb set her mother gave her before she had died. A bottle of fragrance, that one of her potential suitors had given her. A navy blue blouse with a hat to match; a pink skirt; and her Sunday dress, shoes and hat with a change purse to match. She put her dirty clothes into her carpetbag; grabbed her change purse and headed down the stairs. As she came down there was Mr. Smith at the front desk reading the paper.

How are we doing, Ms. Armstrong? he asked looking up hearing her.

Fine, thank you. I have some dirty clothes. Is there a place I can leave them to be cared for? she asked quietly.

Sure is. Go down to the livery stable on your left, pointing to the street, That’s Mr. Lee’s business; but his wife, Helen, she does laundry for my hotel.

She nodded with a smile, Thank you.

As she headed out to the livery stable; she kept looking around at the town. When she arrived at the livery she went into a barn like building and called out, Hello? Anyone here? Mr. Lee? As she looked around, she saw a few horses in the stalls. Tools were hanging on the walls by nails and hooks.

Back here! She heard a loud voice call from the back of the building. Can I help you? A man, about her height, called to her. He was wearing a leather apron around his waist and a mustache. He spit tobacco on the ground.

Yes, I was looking for Helen. I was told she does the Hotel laundry?

Sure does. She’s out back. Go ahead. Pointing to the door, Ms. Joanna went to the back of the livery. Helen was washing clothes with sheets hanging about on a rope attached to the building and attached to poles.

Can I help you? said Helen.

Yes. Mr. Smith said that you do laundry for the hotel and would be able to do my clothes for me?

Yes, I do. I am behind with the laundry right now but I can have it done in two days. I will have it sent back to the hotel when it is done, she said.

Thank you very much. Ms. Joanna emptied out the contents from the carpetbag and handed the dirty items over.

How much do I owe you?

Ten cents for all this, she replied. Ms. Joanna paid her and thanked her again. She left the carpetbag behind so she could leave her belongings in them till she was ready to clean them. Heading down the street to the Ms. Jessica’s Café she saw one table with no one sitting at it. She walked over and seated herself wondering who would take her order. She was very hungry and hoped to order some mash potatoes, gravy and fried chicken.

A large sized, black woman can over to her table, You’re new. she smiled.

Ms. Joanna looked up. Yes I am. Can I help you?

The woman chuckled, You mean can I help you. I am Ms. Jessica. This is my café and we are having meatloaf tonight with gravy on the side. You can have coffee or water to drink. She stood smiling with her hands held in front of her.

Dad had always said ‘Be polite to everyone no matter who they happen to be. You never know when there might be an angel around watching. ‘There might even be a rich prince in beggars clothing.’ he use to say. She was always looking for one of those, she thought to herself.

Sounds delicious with water, please. she said politely hoping not to sound too disappointed. Ms. Joanna watched her walk away. She was a heavyset woman with a brown skirt and cream top. She wore a red bandana on her head. She seemed run the kitchen by herself with her constant busy movements.

Yet she wondered how she was able to own this cafe, or run it, without someone starting trouble. Although, there was the Sheriffs’ building next door, she thought to herself, he might be the reason Ms. Jessica was be able to run a café. No one in their right mind would do anything to Ms. Jessica’s Café with it sitting next to the Sheriff’s office. Unless, of course, he was disapproving, as well.

Ms. Joanna looked around at the café. The cooking area had a roof with no sidewalls. Only the back wall, where the kitchen stove was. There was a nice breeze in the air. It felt good to be outside with no one bothering her. She looked around at the people walking by and others sitting at the tables finishing their dinner.

The General Store, up from the café, across the street with a bell on the door, was making a bell ringing notice every time a customer came in or out. ‘A new person would remember or learn where it was by simply hearing the ringing. Smart.’ She thought to herself.

It was a comforting sound to hear. Back home, in New York, some of her favorite stores had bells on the door. Ms. Jessica came to the table with a tin plate of meatloaf, silverware and a glass of water in her hands. Will there be anything else for you? I do have some apple pie left, she asked.

That would be nice, thank you. Ms. Joanna said happily. As Ms. Jessica walked away Ms. Joanna was reminded how much she disliked meat loaf. She ate it anyways since there did not seem to be anything else on the menu of ‘Jessica’s Café’ today. If there was a menu. The pie on the other hand was delicious! She would have asked for more but was afraid she might ask how she liked the meatloaf.

The sun was setting. She walked slowly to the hotel looking around at different shops that were lined up next to each other. The saloon was next door down from the Hotel. She watched the saloon closely as men came out drunk, laughing, and walking her way. She kept to the side of the street far away from them as possible. She had learned in the past to stay away from drunken men. Far away.

As they passed her, they called out to her as the ‘pretty lady’. She looked away, lowering her head and walking faster to the hotel with her hand in her pocket. Still, she watched for anyone acting suspicious. As soon as she was able to cross the road and get inside the hotel doors, she felt safe. She casually walked upstairs to her room and locked the door behind her, taking a deep breath. She walked to the window and peered out from the side. She did not see anyone following her. Maybe no one would anytime soon, and hopefully, not at all. ‘Deep breath. Just breathe.’ she told herself.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day with a lot to do. She turned to the nightstand and lit the wick. Put on her nightgown and read a chapter in the Bible left on the nightstand. Soon she was fast asleep under the patchwork quilt, dreaming of all that she had left behind. Praying for no one to follow her here. Praying for a new start. A new beginning with peace in her life.

Chapter 2

NEW THINGS. NEW PEOPLE.

T HE SUN CAME INTO THE room early the next morning. Creeping across the floor, toward Ms. Joanna, as she woke up slowly and peacefully. Roosters were heard in the distance, giving their morning wake up call, as Ms. Joanna slowly turned in her bed looking out the window. The air, from the cracked window, was fresh and cool. For the first time, that she could remember, she had slept through the entire night. Ms. Joanna sat up on the edge of her bed and enjoyed the sun warming her skin.

Sitting for a while, she thought over the things that had been going on in her life for the past six months. Her fathers’ death; suitors knocking on her door; the unbelievable people she thought where her friends. She shook her head at the memories of reality setting in. All the warnings that her father had given her had ended up happening.

The few high society friends she had; started making comments on what to do with her wealth. Whom she should marry was usually a cousin of theirs or some benefactor. They would show up unannounced and snoop around before she would enter the room.

One friend. One friend was all she really had. Katie James was their scullery maid and her best friend, at the manor. Katie James new everything about her, and still spoke of it to no one. ‘Thank you Lord. For my one friend.’

Ms. Joanna got up and put on her day clothes putting aside her thoughts so she could get started on the important things in her new life. Starting with finding out what was for breakfast.

As she headed down stairs, she was careful to walk quietly not to wake anyone. When she got to the front desk, she notice a few guests of the hotel, were already up. One gentlemen nodded his head at her and went back to reading his newspaper. Morning, Ms. Armstrong. How did you sleep last night? Soundly, I hope. said Mr. Smith.

Yes I did indeed, Mr. Smith. Good morning to you, as well. Is Ms. Jessica’s Café open this morning? she asked hearing the pleasantness in his voice.

Sure is! Just go ahead and have yourself I nice walk on down the street, he said with eagerness. He had coffee in his hand and was clearly awake. Ms. Joanna smiled as she turned and walked away.

As she headed out the door of the hotel she noticed many shop owners where putting up their ‘open’ signs and saying ‘good morning’ to each other. A few said, good morning to her and offered her their services. She had been there less than a day and felt very welcomed. ‘Let nothing change them from the way they are,’ she prayed quietly to herself. She felt exhilarated inside being in this little town. She had dreamed of being in a place like this since she was a little girl. Quiet, peaceful and friendly. She wondered if Katie James had actually found a place like the one she had dreamed up in her mind. It seemed she might have.

As she came upon the café and found a table on the outer side, she saw a few other people sitting at the tables. Some men were talking with each other and inviting others to join. Only a few women were sitting at the café. They were listening to the men talking as they sipped their drink and spoke quietly to each other in whispering tones.

At a distance, Ms. Joanna saw that a saloon girl had come from up the street wearing a red dress. She came into the café and walked straight to Ms. Jessica. They spoke a few moments and exchanged money for food. The girl left with tin pans in her arms, full of food. Some of the customers, in the café, were not too happy about her being there. No one said anything to her as she walked around everyone and kept her head low. As the girl walked back toward the saloon, she walked quickly and rushed inside the saloon.

In New York, those kind of girls were proud of who they were. At least, that is what you would think if you walked by the house that they were staying in. She had a friend at one of those houses. She wanted out, but every time she would try, she was beaten for it. Until one day, she was beaten so bad that had she died. ‘Trauma to the head.’ said the coroner. Not that he cared.

She always wondered what Tammy would have been like if she had not lived that kind of life. She surely would have been happier had her family survived the epidemic. Maybe married with children. One would never know now.

Back then, she was not so bold to stand up for someone less than her status, even if it was a friend. She had thought that the riches would be taken away. Being exiled in New York meant your business and your family’s business could be ruined. She would not do that to her family or her father’s business. When she expressed this to her dad, he told her of how she could keep her high society status and be a common woman in secret. He described to her of how to make disguises and to involve Katie James on all adventures.

Since then she had been a silent rebel, like her dad, and an heiress in public. She loved him for the freedom that he had shown her. Showing her how to be herself, yet removed from anyone’s attention so her identity stayed hidden and her status intact. Giving her the right to be free to choose for herself what she wanted to be in life. Her father had told her that her happiness was more important than all the businesses in New York put together.

Ms. Jessica came and placed a plate of eggs, sausages and biscuits in front of her. Ms. Joanna turned with a start remembering where she was. I added a little more food than usual, to your plate. You looked hungry earlier. Here’s some milk to wash it down with. Ms. Jessica said looking down the road in the direction, which Ms. Joanna was staring as she put the glass of milk on the table.

Who was the girl earlier. she asked quietly.

Her name is Celine. It’s only her and her brother. He works at the hotel for tips. They come from out east. Their mother was Sweden and their father was English. Both died of pneumonia. Celine is about 17 now, and last she spoke to me, her contract was almost up. She does not know what to do and I do not have enough money to take her on as a helper. The men are sometimes…well…they know what she is. They might treat her bad here in my café and I would not want that. I have just won the town over, with my cooking, not long ago. I would hate to have us both out on the street if something were to happen with her. God will provide though. Somehow. She lowered her head for a moment and took a deep breath. She put a smile on her face trying to cover up her concern for the girl and her brother. Sorry if I said anything out of line, ma’am. My deepest apologies. Ms. Jessica played with her apron when speaking of Celine.

Ms. Joanna was looking down the street listening while Ms. Jessica spoke. Does she know how to do anything else besides…that? turning to look at Ms. Jessica.

Ms. Jessica turned to look at Ms. Joanna, She sews several of those girls’ dresses but that is not going to help her make a living for her and her brother. It would be a long time and a miracle before someone would accept something to wear from her. No matter how modest the dress would be. Some folks in this town are not ready for change even when others are. She had a worried look and went back to help her customers.

To Ms. Jessica, looking around and seeing a lot of so-called God fearing people wasn’t unusual. It just bothered her because she knew what her Bible said and she wondered if they knew. Her brother would read to the house every night so they all would know what the Word said. No matter if they could read or not they would open their Bibles to where they were being read to from.

Ms. Joanna finished her breakfast and continued to think of the girl in the saloon. The idea of her contract ending soon gave her an idea. She better get started if she was going to get things in motion. She could not save Tammy at the time that she was needed the most. Nevertheless, she wasn’t going to make that mistake with Celine. If Celine would let her, of course.

Ms. Joanna had a determination within her rising up, which would cause her to move quickly. Determination always got her where she wanted if God provided and she listened to him. Too much rushing would cause disaster and so she knew with every quick move she needed to be cautious. Ms. Joanna took one last moment and motioned for Ms. Jessica to come, who was attending other tables.

Find out when her contract will be up and let me know as soon as possible. I am staying at the Hotel, room one. she paid for her meal and stood from the table.

Ms. Jessica stared at her for a moment. What is it you are up too? she was inquisitive. You said ‘God will provide.’ I might have a job for her that is respectful. I am intending on staying here in your nice little town and could use some help with things. Not to mention a few friends… She looked at Ms. Jessica and smiled hoping she understood her intentions were pure.

As soon as, the words came out of the Ms. Joanna’s mouth, Ms. Jessica showed the biggest, most beautiful set of white teeth. I will as soon she comes this way again. Please, keep it to yourself. No one needs to know till her contract is up or I am ready for her. Understood? Ms. Joanna said sternly but quietly. Ms. Jessica agreed thinking that any chance for Celine and Robby was better than none.

Ms. Joanna left thanking her for the wonderful breakfast. As she walked to the bank, she had hoped that Ms. Jessica was an honest and trusting person. Small towns had more pronounced gossip influence than big ones, from what she had heard.

When she entered the bank and she