An Agent for Penelope: Pinkerton Matchmakers, #31

By Christine Sterling

A refined bookworm determined never to marry; a pugilist and seasoned agent determined to work alone; the case that will test their tenacity.

 

Penelope Chapman's youngest sister leaves town with a traveling preacher and Penny is sure something is wrong. She goes to the only person she's sure can help her get to the bottom of it–her twin sister, Marianne. She hopes Marianne will convince the Pinkerton Detective Agency to get involved. What she didn't count on was the gruff bare-knuckled fighter that appeared to have more bruises than sense, who is assigned to the case.

 

Angus Hightower was avoiding the Pinkerton Denver office at all costs since the policy on marrying male agents to the new female agents. He becomes a bare-knuckle fighter for a case until a scandal involving one of their own sends him back to Denver. One look at Penelope Chapman and he dives into the temporary marriage with the intention of solving his case, finding the girl, and impressing his new wife.

 

Will Penny and Gus find the youngest Chapman girl before it is too late? What happens when they discover that Angus' case and the disappearance of Penny's sister might be tied together, and the danger is more than either of them realized? When Penny goes missing, will Angus be able to save her, or will his love and fists not be enough?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barr26 Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Dec 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223503491

Book preview

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September 1871

Flat River, Nebraska

If Penny Chapman had to listen to one more word from their visitor, she was going to try to drown herself in the beautiful china teacup she held in her hands. Instead, she nodded and pretended to pay attention.

Her younger sister Alice, however, had no such problem. She sat on the ground next to the settee and hung on every word that Silas Benson offered. Penny looked at Alice and took another sip of the tea in her cup, grimacing as the liquid had turned cool.

Her mother had invited the young evangelist to tea after Sunday services. He was visiting from New York on his way out west to save sinners from themselves.

He had been the guest preacher at their church for the past month. Everyone thought extremely highly of him, apart from Penny. There was something she just couldn’t put her finger on.

He had dark brown hair he wore parted down the middle and slicked back with pomade. He was clean shaven apart from his hairy upper lip. She thought it looked like one of the barn rats was resting under his nose.

The man had to be close to 30, a few years older than Penny. He wasn’t ugly, but he wasn’t swoon-worthy either.

Marmee would say she had been reading too many novels to use such words.

Penny would rather be in her room reading, than sitting in the parlor trying to make mindless conversation.

Penny sighed. She had dreamed of what her future husband might look like. He would be dashing, clean shaven, a true gentleman. He would tell her how ardently he admired and loved her.

Thank you, Jane Austen.

But Penny knew she wouldn’t get married. She would be hard pressed to find men such as Mr. Darcy or Captain Wentworth. So, she affirmed that she would remain a maid the rest of her life if necessary, rather than lower her standards.

Penny looked at her younger sister. If she didn’t know better, she would think her sister was infatuated. Silas was too old for Alice, so she dismissed the thought without further ado.

Alice was eighteen years old. Her long blonde hair fell in ringlets down her back, secured with a blue ribbon that matched her dress. She was leaning on her elbows, her chin cupped in her hands. She looked like a young schoolgirl, not a nearly grown woman.

Alice was the youngest of the Chapman siblings, and somewhat coddled. She was the delight of the family and could do no wrong. Penny sighed. It must come with being the youngest.

In the family, there were five brothers. Twins Owen and Oliver were the oldest followed by Caleb, Michael, and Everett. Unfortunately, Michael was killed in a gunfight somewhere near Denver.

The family received a telegram from Marianne who had followed him out to Denver, but not much else was said. Penny still didn’t know what happened. She was eighteen at the time; the same age as Alice was now. Penny found it hard to believe that was 7 years ago.

After the boys, came the Chapman girls. Penny and Marianne. After their brother’s death, Marianne never came home. And now Marianne was working as a secretary for the Pinkerton Detective Agency in Denver.

Finally came baby Alice.

Penny and Marianne were identical twins. Penny was not quite a minute older, and rarely let Marianne forget it. They may have looked the same: pale skin with a smattering of freckles along their noses, green eyes and curly red hair that couldn’t be tamed. But that is where the similarity ended. They were as different as night and day. Marianne was impulsive, headstrong and adventurous; whereas Penny was reserved, cautious and timid.

Oh, how she yearned to be bold! Where Marianne was always out with her brothers climbing trees and performing feats of daring, like crossing the tree that fell across the creek. Penny stayed indoors and tended to her sewing and book learning.

Since Marianne refused to be dressed in pinafores and bows, Mrs. Chapman gave up and turned all her attention to Penny. There were days Penny would be sitting at the window watching Marianne tie up her brothers in a game of cowboys and Indians.

Penny longed to be out there, but instead, she was stuck indoors reading Austen, Tennison and Wordsworth and learning mathematics. She wished Marmee didn’t drill into her that ladies should not be climbing trees, crossing creeks and ruining their clothes.

Penny sighed. Sometimes it was hard to be a lady, but she certainly did try her best.

Penelope? Mrs. Chapman asked. Are you going to answer Mr. Benson?

Penny placed her tea down and looked at the man who directed the question. Please forgive me. I missed the question. What did you ask?

I asked how you enjoyed the services this morning, Miss Chapman? We had another ten souls saved today! It is so exciting.

Oh! Penny clasped her hands together. It was so … so… She looked at Alice. Help me, poppet?

Enthusiastic? Alice offered hopefully.

Penny patted her sister on the shoulder. Enthusiastic. What a grand word. Yes, Mr. Benson, I found them enthusiastic. You certainly have a way with the gospel. She pumped her fist in the air. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it preached with such vim and vigor before! And to reach those ten people, it is truly a blessing.

Silas Benson beamed under the praise. That is such a compliment coming from you, Miss Chapman. He looked out the window. It is such a lovely day outside; would you care to take a walk?

Penny stilled. Would it be proper? I mean, as a clergy, should you be escorting an unmarried woman?

Silas grinned. We will remain in perfect view of your mother and sister.

Penny gave an awkward giggle, which Silas must have taken for compliance, as he stood and offered her his outstretched hand.

Penny bit the inside of her cheek. Well…

Really, Penny? Alice interrupted, rolling her eyes. What are you so worried about. He is a preacher after all.

She couldn’t think of a reason why she should refuse him. She placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her up. He wrapped her arm through his and placed a hand on top of hers.

Penny gave a backwards glance as they headed out into the garden. Her mother was there, shooing them away as if she was snapping a sheet from the clothesline.

Go on, Mrs. Chapman whispered. It is a lovely day outside.

Penny allowed Silas to lead her into the garden. Her father had taken great care in crafting a garden for her mother. The Nebraska soil was very wet in the range land, so her father took great care building raised beds with ample drainage.

The flower boxes connected, forming a pattern of a square with a cross in the middle.

Mrs. Chapman would spend hours among the flowers. Penny loved the garden too. She would sit on one of the benches and read.

It is much cooler here than back home, Silas said.

Where is home, Mr. Benson? I know you are from New York, originally.

Actually, I’m from Tennessee. I moved to the upper part of New York when I was called to preach the gospel.

Are you near the canal?

The Erie one?

Penny nodded. She had just read about the Erie Canal in one of the books a traveling salesman brought around. It fascinated her that goods could be moved from the ocean into the lakes bordering the northern states.

Close to it. I’m afraid the winters there get very cold. Penny didn’t say anything. I heard your sister call you Penny.

She has done it since childhood. My siblings picked up on it and they call me that as well. She looked at Silas. Better stop any hopes he might have, right now, she thought. I prefer Penelope. Or Miss Chapman.

Penelope is truly a beautiful name, he said, patting her hand and pulling her closer to his side. Penny tried to wriggle her hand loose, but he held firm. What kind of plant is this? he asked, pointing to a small shrub with bright red leaves on top.

Penny took advantage of the situation and withdrew her hand from his grasp. She walked over and touched the top of the bush. I believe it is called a burning bush, after the bush Moses encountered in the Bible.

Hmmm, he said thoughtfully. I’ve never seen anything like it. It is a beautiful plant. But certainly not as beautiful as you. He reached out to touched one of Penny’s curls. Penny quickly ducked out of his way and continued up the garden, two steps in front of him.

How long are you staying in our little town, Mr. Benson?

Silas quickly caught up with her and adjusted his jacket as he resumed walking at her pace. Only a little bit longer. I’ve been invited to save souls in San Francisco.

Are there many souls that need saving out there, Mr. Benson?

"Yes, there are. San Francisco is filled with the most wretched of society. Folks from