An Agent for Claudia: Pinkerton Matchmakers, #23

By Marie Higgins

Claudia Cummings will do anything to keep her family's plantation from falling into her greedy cousin's hands–even going as far as accepting a business arrangement–a marriage in name only. However, she must make her family and friends believe she and Blake are happily married. Now the trick is trying to stop her heart from getting involved. 

 

Pinkerton Agent, Blake Bentley, has been ignoring his superior's telegrams about training a female agent as most of the other agents were doing. Of course, Blake would have to marry the woman, which is something he never thought he'd do. But when tracking his latest criminal, he meets the very impudent and extremely lovely Miss Cummings, he quickly changes his mind about marriage. Besides, she would be able to help him catch his thief, as long as she doesn't try to catch his heart, as well. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barr26 Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Dec 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223094609

Book preview

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Charleston, South Carolina 1872

Mark my words, my sweet Claudia, you will be my wife.

The evil glint in Phillip Matthew’s eyes and the sneer of his lips, made Claudia Cummings want to smash her foot on his instep so he’d release her from his tight dance hold. She’d never liked her second cousin, and his most improper statement left a taste of bile in her mouth. Greedy men like Phillip only wanted her for her family’s plantation, and she vowed they would not get that. Her father promised before he died that she could choose the man who would take over the plantation – a man she could also claim as her husband and love until death parted them.

Claudia still waited for her brave soldier to come home and marry her as he’d promised seven years ago. She couldn’t bring herself to admit Johnny Evans was dead as everyone else in town suspected.

Phillip sighed heavily – and noisily – a most unbecoming feature in her opinion. His obscene bodily noises were one of the many things she disliked about him. Her redheaded cousin’s looks and temperament revealed their Irish ancestry more than anyone else in the family. On and off throughout the years, Claudia and Phillip had butted heads, and she was getting tired of his childish tirades.

I declare, Phillip, you have had a few too many toddies. She arched a brow. I’ll have Oda-Mae take the punch bowl back into the kitchen before you do something to embarrass yourself in front of my guests tonight.

He tsked and shook his head. Even in his inebriated state, he managed to keep the waltz’s rhythm; a dance she absolutely loathed, thanks to him. If not for the family and friends who’d come to wish her well on her birthday, she would be curled on the bed in her room with the door locked, and her nose in a good mystery novel. These social functions had never really excited her, and they were as useless as the corset squeezing the breath from her.

The only reason she danced with her cousin was because Grandmama Ruth had encouraged her. Claudia seethed inwardly. Grandmama had no idea how rude Phillip had been thus far into Claudia’s party. It wasn’t just tonight’s event, either. Since they were children, she had always disliked him. Competition was upmost in his mind, and he was determined to win no matter the consequences. For him to blurt out his so-called affections was very ill-mannered since she knew he didn’t have any kind of tender emotions for her at all. His intensions had everything to do with greed.

Oh, Claudia, I’m sure you have noticed how much I’ve grown to care for you lately.

She cocked her head. Actually, I have noticed a different gleam in your eyes.

See. It’s infatuation.

No, Phillip, it’s dollar signs. The plantation has been producing quite well since the war ended, and you think if you can sink your claws into this place, your future will be set. However, Pa gave me Magnolia Grove as my inheritance, and I will not let you take over a place my family has worked so hard to keep flourishing.

Phillip gasped, having the audacity to look shocked. I’m appalled that you’d even consider such a notion.

She arched an eyebrow. And what amazes me is that you actually believe me to be dim-witted.

But if you must know... He paused, frowning. There is something about the plantation that you aren’t aware of.

Tilting her head, she narrowed her eyes on him. What had he done this time? "If it has anything to do with Magnolia Grove, then yes, I must know."

I suppose I shall tell you since you insist. He shrugged. I was at the bank earlier this week, and Mr. Meyers and I had a lengthy talk. It appears that he’s not been happy that you’re running such a large plantation. In fact, many people in Charleston are appalled that a woman manages Magnolia Grove. With so much gossip going around, I fear you will eventually ruin your family name, and then who will buy the cotton from you after that?

The cold fingers of dread gripped Claudia’s throat. She found it difficult even to swallow. She didn’t say anything, just nodded for him to continue.

Claudia, you know as well as I do how backward that man’s thinking is, and that Mr. Meyers thinks a man should run the plantation. In some ways, he is correct, you know. Men will no longer see you as a woman who is fit to be a wife and mother. He sighed and shook his head. Because I hate to see your reputation ruined this way, I’ll step forward and agree to be your husband. Your grandmother approves of my plan, as well.

Claudia’s stomach clenched as if he’d just plowed his fist into her. Pain exploded in her head as panic consumed her very being. No! She would not marry Phillip, and her grandmother couldn’t make her.

Or could she?

I appreciate your concern, she told Phillip as calmly as possible, but I do plan on marrying my soldier, and he will run the plantation.

Phillip shook his head as a pitiful frown pulled on his mouth. Claudia, it’s been seven years, so why hasn’t your beau come back to marry you?

Tears stung her eyes, so she quickly blinked to keep them away. Now was not the time to give into her emotions. It was time to stop moping about Johnny. He couldn’t help her now, and she would find a way to stop her cousin from getting the plantation.

Indeed, Mr. Evans has yet to return, but he will, Phillip. He promised me before he left for the war.

You can’t keep hoping he’ll come back for you. It’s been so long now. If he was alive, he would have returned.

She wouldn’t let her insolent cousin know she’d been harboring those suspicions, too. It hurt too much to think her dear Johnny was dead and in a nameless grave without anyone knowing.

Claudia pulled her attention away from her cousin as she scanned the guests in the room. Most of the small town was here to celebrate her twenty-third birthday, even some people she didn’t know had come. This was exactly how her grandmother had planned it. If her grandparent had her way, the family would always be in high-cotton.

An unfamiliar man stood near Doctor James, the stranger’s gaze followed her and Phillip closely. The man’s lips pulled into a grin, which widened the longer she studied him. Tall and extremely well formed, the stranger with dark brown hair was one that most women would stare at in fascination. Dimples deepened in his cheeks and his eyes twinkled, making him that much more attractive. Discreetly, he nodded at her, and her heart skipped a beat.

Phillip turned his head in the direction she watched, and chuckled. Ah, I see you’ve noticed Mr. Bentley.

Quickly, she swung her gaze back to her cousin. Mr. Bentley? Who is he? I’ve not had the privilege of meeting him.

I can guarantee it won’t be a privilege, Claudia. Mr. Bentley leads quite the scandalous life.

How so? She allowed her attention to wander in the stranger’s direction again. Wavy dark hair swept across his head, and long sideburns traced his clean-shaven face. His shoulders were wide and filled his black frock coat perfectly. One hand hooked on his hip, pulling back his coat to give her a glimpse of his lean waist and hips. Coffee-colored trousers stretched across very muscular legs. The man wasn’t dressed as elegantly as others at her party, especially Phillip, but Mr. Bentley presented himself quite nicely.

His gaze remained on her, and as each second passed, warmth filled her body.

Gossip has it that he’s in debt up to his ears. Phillip shook his head. Not only that, but he was a sympathizer for the North. That’s not something to talk about here, especially now the war has ended.

Claudia shrugged. "Why should that be scandalous? There are many men who live in the South that fought for the North. Not only that, but most men are in debt. In fact, I believe you are as well."

Oh, but I’m not finished, Phillip snapped, his face reddening as his jaw hardened.

Then forgive me for interrupting. Please continue.

Mr. Bentley has a reputation for backing out on betrothals. Even before the war, he was a rogue of the first water, breaking the hearts of women wherever he traveled. He compromised women and when their fathers demanded a wedding, Mr. Bentley ditched the women and moved to another city.

Shaking her head, she said, Phillip, really. Why would that give him a bad mark? I’m quite certain there are many men who haven’t followed through on betrothal agreements.

A small ache inside her chest, nudged her to wonder about her own true love who hadn’t returned for her. Had Johnny ditched her? Quickly, she dismissed the doubt. No, Johnny would never have done that.

Phillip arched an eyebrow. But, did the women mysteriously disappear right afterward? I think not, my dear cousin.

Disappear? She gasped, turning to look at the man once again. He now sipped his drink but kept his gaze on her.

Novels had been Claudia’s best friend of late, and she loved a good mystery. Mr. Bentley’s story intrigued her already. What she’d give to find the true story behind the handsome man. The women probably disappeared because they were embarrassed. I’ll bet they moved to another state just to start over.

You need to stop seeing his good looks and see the man he really is. Unfortunately, he’s never been arrested for the crime, but it’s very suspicious nonetheless, Phillip added.

Yes, his life is certainly a mystery.

Phillip chuckled and pulled her closer. I’m happy to see our thoughts run in the same direction, he whispered in her ear. Now I know, more than ever, that we’re meant to be together.

Alcohol was thick on his breath, and she wanted to gag. Clearly, the man was intoxicated, and she wished he’d leave her alone. Forever.

The small orchestra ended their medley, and she quickly pulled out of his embrace. She fought the urge to brush off his wretched scent, his touch, and run to the nearest privy and empty her stomach. "Phillip, I don’t want to have this conversation again. I know you have always envied my family’s plantation, especially since the war took away your livelihood by destroying your home. But you cannot have mine, and mark my words, you will not have me, either."

Tension throbbed in her head as she graciously left her cousin standing alone on the dance floor, pretending she wasn’t boiling with anger inside. Passing her guests, she nodded and smiled which was the customary thing to do at gatherings such as this. How much longer did she have to act like she was enjoying herself? Her face would certainly break if she kept her faux smile on for much longer.

From the main hall, Grandmama Ruth floated into the room as if she was the Queen of England. She waved at some of the guests. Soon, Phillip was beside the older woman. Claudia focused on the quaint scene as Phillip bestowed a kiss on her grandmother’s hand before escorting her onto the dance floor. Claudia gritted her teeth. Her grandmother would certainly be smitten by the false charm of that heathen. Why couldn’t Grandmama see Phillip as the monster he really was?

Claudia swung around and headed out the side doors, needing a little fresh air before she spouted out words she shouldn’t use in front of