Gold Rush Bride Tegan: Gold Rush Brides, #3

By Linda Shenton Matchett

Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn't count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart.

Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it's too late...for both of them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Shenton Matchett
• Release date: Dec 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223395010

Book preview

3

Gulls cried overhead, their cries mingling with the shouts of the seamen on the docks. Metal clanked, and somewhere in the distance a bell rang. Tegan tightened her grip on her satchel waiting for the ramp to be lowered so she could finally disembark the cramped, churning steamer that had been her home for the last two weeks.

In comparison, the three-day train ride to San Francisco had been a picnic. She hadn’t been shoulder to shoulder with perspiring, unkempt men whose leers raked her form on a regular basis. Food on the boat had been plain and filling, but hardly the kind of haute cuisine she was used to. She’d slept with her gun under her pillow, but after poking it into the stomach of the first man who tried to get friendly, her weapon was no longer needed. How often would she require the pistol here?

She gazed at the sky and sucked in a deep breath. Robin’s-egg blue, the expanse held few clouds. The briny air was crisp and warm. Having never seen the ocean, she’d spent most of the journey on deck, amazed at the varying moods of the sea. Sometimes dark and churning, other times smooth as glass. On several occasions, fish that someone told her were called dolphins, and weren’t really fish, played and swam alongside the vessel, their gray bodies glistening. As the ship got closer to Alaska, colorful birds, another passenger told her were puffins, swooped and soared ahead of them as if beckoning her toward her adventure.

Yesterday had been even more exciting when a whale had breached the surface with its tail, if that’s what it was called, slapping the water and creating a massive wave. Then the creature’s head appeared, and a giant stream of water had surged from a hole on its forehead. She couldn’t wait to write home and describe the wonders she’d seen. How many more animals resided in the sea?

A thump sounded, and she swiveled her neck to the commotion at the far end of the deck. A pair of sailors had laid down the ramp and were securing it to the boat. Passengers pushed and shoved, jostling each other in an attempt to be the first one off the vessel. She rolled her eyes. As if thirty minutes was going to make a difference in their search for gold.

The captain barked an order, and the commotion ceased. Sheepish looks were exchanged among the travelers, and one by one they clomped down the wooden ramp onto the pier. Waiting for the last of the men to disembark, she watched the activity of the sailors as they went about their business, ignoring the passengers.

Finally free of the crowd, she picked her way across the deck, nodded to the captain, then marched off the boat. Her body swayed, and she stumbled. How odd. Despite being on solid ground, she felt as if she were still on the ocean, bucking and moving with the waves. Her heart pounded, and she pressed a hand against her thundering chest. She’d arrived. She was in Alaska. Too bad Wiley and Nolan couldn’t see her now.

Tegan searched the buildings, her gaze roving the signs hanging in front of each one. First, the claims office, then the mercantile for a few supplies. She stepped forward, then was jerked back by a grip on her arm. Snarling, she yanked free. What do you think you’re doing? She glared at her assailant, a swarthy, odiferous man of perhaps fifty. He leered at her with bleary eyes, tobacco juice staining the corners of his mouth.

Whatcha doing here, lady? Come to show us miners a good time? He reached for her again. She slapped away his hand, regretting that her gun was stowed in her satchel. She should have pocketed the weapon. Stupid mistake.

Not on your life. She cradled her bag, using it to put space between her and the foul-smelling man. I’m here for gold, just like you.

The man howled with laughter. Well, now, ain’t that a hoot. A pretty girl like you thinkin’ you can last up here.

She scowled and glanced past him. Expecting help was probably unrealistic. Look—

Unhand her, Stumpy. A towering giant of a man pushed his way toward them, a deep frown on his otherwise handsome face. That’s no way to treat a visitor.

Stumpy held up his arms, then cowered. I ain’t doin’ nuthin’, Elijah.

Right. Why don’t you go about your business?

I didn’t mean nuthin’, lady. Her assailant touched the brim of his hat, then scuttled away through the crowd.

Tegan drew her eyebrows together as she studied her rescuer. The man had to be well over six feet tall, and his broad shoulders looked as if he could carry an ox with no trouble. Crystal-blue eyes glittered at her as he removed his hat to reveal a headful of curly dark brown hair. A well-trimmed beard accentuated his square jaw. His clothes were worn but clean. Obviously, not a miner.

The man jerked his head in the direction Stumpy had disappeared. Please tell me you’ve been separated by whatever man has accompanied you to Nome and that you’re not here by yourself.

She straightened her spine and lifted her chin. Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m alone.

Then you need to get back on that boat and go home. This is no place for a woman. Stumpy’s harmless, but the majority of these men are not. They won’t hesitate to steal your...uh...virtue, or your life.

I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. She unbuckled her satchel and pulled out her gun. Granted, I should have been wearing this, but now I know, and can defend myself with no problem.

It’s gonna take more than a pistol to ensure your safety, miss. He glowered. "You don’t look like a professional girl. Why are you