Chapter 18

Millie had hoped she and Preston could spend time together. It wasn't long, and the men came out and said they were going to the mine to see what they could find out and wanted Preston to go with them. Father took Fritz with him to even out the Chadwicks and Burnetts. That was the end of her time with Preston.

She was ordered to go to the sheriff's office and tell him he might be needed at the mine, along with the Pinkerton agents. She thought about riding her horse, but looking at the snow that had fallen, she took the sled instead and let Edward drive her. That way, she could dress in her new clothes, stop and see Corinthia, and have dinner in town.

Edward stopped outside the sheriff's office. Millie knocked on the door and went inside, only to catch the man sitting behind his desk, snoring.

She cleared her throat as loudly as she dared. "Sheriff."

Coming to attention, he jolted out of his chair and stared at her. "Millie Burnett. What's wrong? You're all right, aren't you?"

"Yes, Sheriff. My father sent me to tell you he and Mr. Chadwick went to the mine to straighten things out. They wanted you to tell the Pinkertons in case they need some help."

"I see." He suddenly looked startled. "Those two big buffaloes weren't fighting, were they?"

"No. They took Preston and Fritz with them. Do you know what has been going on with the mine?"

The sheriff shook his head. "No, but Frank has been by and told me a few things that he was checking into."

"Someone shot Frank yesterday. Preston was with him, took care of him, and said he'd be all right. They didn't see anyone."

"I wish they'd come and got me. That is something I can work on. Maybe I'll take a ride to the mine and see if anyone knows who shot Frank." He yawned, stretched, and grabbed his hat. "You take care, Millie. I don't like the idea of someone shooting Frank."

"Edward is driving me around today. I'll be fine." She waved to the sheriff and instructed Edward to take her to Corinthia's shop. Who knows, she might find some more outfits to buy. The sleigh bells rang as the horses trotted down the snowy street. Millie closed her eyes and dreamed that Preston was sitting next to her.

But he wasn't. She was sitting alone, wrapping a blanket around her for warmth instead of being in the arms of the man she loved. Whoever that might be. She wanted Preston, but right now, she was lonely enough to consider anyone. Almost.

Stopped outside Corinthia's, Millie waited for Edward to help her exit the sleigh. "I'll be a little while. You can enjoy yourself for a couple of hours."

Edward nodded and left.

She entered the shop. "Corinthia, it's me, Millie?"

Coming from the backroom, Corinthia smiled. "Don't you look lovely? I thought you'd be busy with Preston. I know he was going to your house with Father. I do hope those two old bears didn't fight."

Millie laughed. "A bit of a wrestle, but they left in your father's sleigh for the mine. They took Preston and Fritz with them."

"Oh, what a pity. You and Preston need time together. He does seem interested in you, and I believe your eyes sparkle when he's in the room."

Millie blushed. "I would like to talk with him. It appears we may have to sneak away like we did before he went to Boston."

"Do you find him changed much?"

Millie shrugged. "We haven't been alone enough together to see if we could have a life together. He was always the man of my dreams, but we were young. Now, I don't know."

Corinthia sighed. "Give him time. He's starting his new practice here. Mother is sick. And now there is a problem with the mine."

Millie looked at a nice olive-colored outfit. "This is pretty. Do you think this color would look good on me?"

Shaking her head, Corinthia joined her and pulled one out that was a light blue. "This is a better color for you." She glanced at the backroom. "I have some alterations to make. I'll be back out in a few minutes." Corinthia ran and disappeared behind the curtains.

Millie looked at a few more items and turned as Candace came from the curtained backroom.

"Millie, what a surprise. I was being fitted for a new gown. I was surprised to hear your voice." Candace looked at her selection. "More clothes. Before long, you'll be the best-dressed woman in Denver."

Even though it sounded like a compliment, Millie suspected Candace meant to put her down. "A woman can never have enough proper attire. You're getting a new gown? Is there another ball in Denver?"

Candace grinned slyly. "Might be. My family is thinking of having one for New Year's. Don't worry, I'll invite you. Now that I know you won't come as a mountain girl." She chuckled.

Funny, funny, Millie thought. "Please let me know."

"I'll ask Preston, too." Candace sighed. "Do you think Fritz would like to come too?"

Millie stared at the woman. That she would make a play for Preston was all too clear. Fritz's name had been thrown in as a ploy. Millie could read the woman's motives as plain as if they were in a novel by Jane Austen.

Corinthia cleared her throat in a very lady-like manner. "I can close up for lunch. Would you like to join me?"

Millie nodded. "Yes, I would."

Candance answered the same. She smiled at Millie. "It will give us all a chance to catch up."

"We can go to Daisy's Diner. It is just a block away. I'll get my things and meet you at the door."

Millie looked at Candace. "After you." Then she followed the woman to the door. The day was not turning out how she thought. She only hoped that the men were having a better time and not getting into trouble.