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  The Debutante’s Escape

  The Debutantes of Durango

  Peggy McKenzie

  Copyright 2020 by Peggy McKenzie

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means , including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Cover Design-Dar Dixon @ Wicked Smart Designs

  Editor-Trayce Layne @ 3C Edit Services

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Epilogue

  More books in this series…

  Peggy McKenzie & Friends

  Brides of the Rio Grande

  About the Author

  The End

  About this book

  The Debutante’s Escape

  Book One

  The Debutantes of Durango Series

  (A Western Historical Romance)

  Regina Beckett is no damsel in distress and she certainly isn’t looking for a husband. For the last few years, she’s stayed just ahead of her parent’s matrimonial expectations. But now, an unwanted proposal threatens her freedom, so she decides to make a marriage proposal of her own.

  John Kingston has always been a ladies man and one of Durango’s most eligible bachelors. He has no plans to shackle himself to a wife—not if he can’t have the one woman he’s always wanted. But, when that very woman makes an unexpected proposition, can he convince his heart not to get involved?

  Friendship, reputations, and hearts are on the line.

  Chapter 1

  Regina Beckett knocked softly on her father's library door, praying he wouldn't answer.

  “Who is it?”

  She closed her eyes in disappointment. Dread stole her breath. The moment her mother had informed her of her father's wish to speak privately with her, she knew whatever he was going to say couldn't be good. The man may be her father, but he had little tolerance for females. He said they were put upon this Earth to do as a man said, and as long as he was in charge of this household, she and her mother would do exactly as they were told.

  Regina took a deep breath. “It's me, Father. Mother said you wished to speak with me.”

  “Yes, yes. Well, don't just stand outside the door. Come in.”

  “Yes, Father.” She twisted the doorknob of the massive library door and stepped quietly inside where she found him hunched over his desk. She did her best to make herself invisible hoping to avoid her father’s usual criticisms of her. Instead, her attempt just made her even more vulnerable to her father’s attacks.

  “Don't slouch,” he snapped.

  “Yes, Father.” Regina stiffened her spine against the ribs of her corset and her father’s hypocrisy. She stifled a grimace when they pinched—one her skin, the other her self-esteem.

  She perched on the leather wingback chair in front of the desk where he sat, careful to keep her posture rigid and straight for fear of antagonizing him more. It wouldn’t set a good tone for the talk she knew was coming.

  Her father’s fingers tented under his chin in thought. She crossed her ankles demurely beneath her expensive brocade silk dress and waited for her father to speak.

  He leaned forward to flip through several papers lying on his desk. The longer he remained silent, the more anxious she grew. Nervous anticipation had her squirming in her chair, the leather creaking under her slight weight.

  “Regina, please be still. You really must work on your social skills. How ever are you going to attract a husband with such boorish behavior?”

  “I'm sorry, Father.” It was all she ever seemed to say to the man across the desk.

  Henry Beckett peered over his wire-rimmed glasses at her. She didn't wonder what he was thinking because he never missed an opportunity to tell her just how inept he thought she, his only child, was.

  He had made it clear more than once how much he’d hoped for a son, but in lieu of a son, he would use his daughter as leverage to get the son-in-law he wanted. A proper one. One with the right connections to further his ambitions.

  “Regina, sit up straight. You seem to lack the basic social skills most women are born with. I've watched your mother instruct you time and again over your social blunders and you never seem to learn from it.”

  “I'm sorry, Father” she offered once more. What else could she say? She didn't try to embarrass her parents, but their unreasonable expectations sucked the very life out of her.

  “Yes, yes, you've said that before.” She watched her father stand and pace behind his desk for a moment before he stopped to look at her again.

  “Regina, I've come to the decision it is time for you to marry. Since you have failed to take the initiative yourself and choose a husband, it falls to me, as your father, to see to the matter for you.”

  Stunned, Regina sat motionless absorbing her father’s words. When she didn't respond to his shocking declaration, he kept going.

  “There is to be a ball at the hotel later tonight and we've all been invited to attend. Mr. Benjamin Scott will be there with his family. That includes his son, Martin. I expect you to put your best foot forward in gaining the young man's attention.”

  Regina didn't miss the pointed comment or its meaning.

  “Father, I will do my best to make his acquaintance, but I will have to step over a dozen other ladies vying for his attention as well. This ball is all anyone is talking about. Though I, for one, could care less about attending”

  “Yes, I spoke with your mother and she said you preferred to stay home, but you will be attending the party and you will do as I say and make Mr. Martin Scott's acquaintance. This is very important to me, Regina. I trust you will not let me down”

  Regina's panic pushed what little courage she possessed forward. “Father, I will make Mr. Scott’s acquaintance, but I hardly think he’s going to want to marry me at first sight whether we suit each other or not,” she half-joked.

  “Why wouldn’t he want to marry you? My family name would add greatly to his social standing. And, Regina, I need him to propose sooner rather than later. It is the most expedient way I can see to get in his father’s good graces. Rumor has it the man is looking for someone to oversee his interests here in Durango, and I intend for that someone to be me.”

  Regina’s pulse raced as she realized her father was serious. “I know you think I’m not interested in marriage, Father, but I can assure you I am. I just haven’t found the right person, that’s all. If you will just give me a little more time, I promise to try much harder to find a suitable husband. Just a few more months, and— ”

  “Regina Lynn Beckett, your chance to find a husband has passed. I have made my decision. You are going to marry Ben Scott’s son if I have to spend every dime I have to see it done.”

  Regina's heart pounded in her chest. “Why must I, Father? Why this man?” She knew pleading with her father would never gain her ground. She just hoped reasoning would.

  “I just spent the last ten minutes explaining the matter to you. Why must you be so dense? Martin Scott’s father is a very wealthy railroad and shipping investor. That means he has lots and lots of money, Regina. More than you can imagine, though I’ve imagined it time and again.

  “I have my eye on the position he’s hoping to fill while here in Durango, and I intend to catch his eye
by introducing you to his son.”

  “You would use me as a pawn? Force me into a loveless marriage with a stranger? Father, how could you even consider doing this to me, your only child?”

  “Oh, Regina, don't be so naive. Or so dramatic. You knew this day would come. Besides, I've allowed your mother to coddle you for the past twenty-two years and you've done nothing but take, take, take. Who do you think has been paying for all the fripperies you consume? I do. Now it's time for you to do your duty to this family and give something back. Do you not agree?”

  She knew he wasn't really waiting on her to agree with him. He never did. In her desperation, she dared to try once again to persuade him not to do this.

  “Father, I simply cannot agree to this arrangement. Please try to understand my position. The idea that I should marry a man I have never even laid eyes upon is a horrifying thought.”

  There. She had said what was on her mind. She knew her father’s retributions would commence, but if she won this battle it would be worth the cost.

  “Is that right? You can't agree? Regina, my dear, misguided daughter. What makes you think you have any say in the matter? You will do as I say. You will do it without complaint. And you will be grateful.” His voice rose in anger.

  “Grateful? Why should I be grateful that you are pawning me off to someone I don’t know? How do you know what kind of man he is? How do you know he won’t mistreat me horribly. You are my father and you have an obligation to—”

  “Enough! I have heard enough. It is not your place to tell me what I should be doing or what my obligations are, young lady. Lila, get in here this instant!” Her father screamed at the closed library doors.

  The door opened immediately, and her mother entered the room. “Yes, Henry.” Her mother looked immediately to her father. “You have told her the news?” Her mother's superficial smile told Regina that she wasn't pleased by her father’s plan either, but she wouldn't dare cross her husband.

  “Yes, I've told her. Now, get her upstairs and get her ready for tonight's party. And do whatever is necessary to make her stand out among any parvenu or old money social climbers there who might have designs on my prize.”

  Tears burned Regina's eyes and though she knew it would only aggravate her father more, she didn't bother to hide them.

  Her father’s face was set in stone and filled with disdain as he glanced her way then addressed her mother, “And Lila, please impress upon our daughter that should she fail in her duties to this family, she will be disowned and disinherited. Do I make myself clear to everyone?”

  Her mother reached out and took her hand as if she were simply obeying her husband’s command to take Regina upstairs and get her ready. In truth, Regina needed her help, her legs were trembling so badly she wasn’t sure she could stand on her own.

  “Disinherited? Henry, that’s a bit extreme, don't you think? I’m sure Regina will do her best.” Her mother tried to cajole her father into relenting his harsh declarations.

  Her father stood and slammed his fist on his desk. “I mean it, Lila. She is getting married to someone who can elevate this family and she will do it now. The citizens of Durango do not give me the proper respect my heritage affords me. These uneducated, unrefined people don’t appreciate the importance of my lineage, so I’ll find something, or rather someone, they do appreciate and form an alliance with them. Then we’ll see who looks down their noses at whom,” her father declared at the top of his lungs.

  “Henry. There's no need to shout. I understand.” Her mother pushed Regina’s numb body toward the door. “I will see that your wishes are obeyed.”

  “And if you don't, you will be joining your daughter on her trip back East to live with your parents in that godforsaken place you call Kansas.”

  Her mother closed the massive library door behind them. Without one word, she pulled Regina down the hall and up the massive carved mahogany staircase her father had insisted be shipped from Boston at great expense. He said it made a statement that would impress his business associates. As far as Regina knew, the only thing that had impressed them was how big of an jacka—

  “Regina, please don’t make me pull you along. We can discuss this matter when we get to the privacy of your room. Now come along and stop dragging your feet.”

  Regina was in a fog of swirling fears and thoughts as her mother ushered her into her bedroom and closed the door to prying ears.

  “Regina. Get hold of your emotions. This is not the time to allow your insecurities to rule your good sense. You can, and you will, do as your father ordered. It's for the best. Besides, you may find you like Mr. Scott. Now, let's see which of these dresses will go best with your coloring. The green or the blue?”

  Her mother held the green dress up to her face and studied her for a moment.

  “Mother, I can’t possibly attend the Debutante’s Ball at the hotel tonight. There isn’t enough time to prepare everything. My hair, my clothes, my—”

  “Regina, your father told me his plans two weeks ago. I have everything ready. All you have to do is cooperate. Now can you please do that? Why must you make everything so hard on everyone?” Her mother set the green dress aside and lifted up the blue one. “Ah, definitely the green one. It goes with your dark hair beautifully. Though, I do wish your eyes were a more striking color than plain brown, but we will just have to work with what we have. Now, stand up and let's see if the alterations were successful.”

  Regina stood as her mother instructed. What did she care if the dress fit or not? “You’ve known for two weeks what Father had planned for me and you didn’t say a word? Mother, how could you agree to such a thing?” Regina felt her mother’s betrayal all the way to her bones.

  “Regina, darling. Do stand up straight. It's too bad you have inherited my family's curvy stature. This dress would have fit better if you were tall and willowy, like your cousins Roxanne and Marianne. And to answer your question, you know I have no say one way or the other, especially when your father has his mind made up. My opinions and thoughts are of absolutely no importance.”

  “I know all too well what kind of man father is. But you’re my mother. How can you allow him to pawn me off to someone I have never met? How do you know this man will treat me kindly? Don’t you care what happens to me?”

  Regina’s voice broke with emotion and she brushed a tear off her cheek.

  Her mother stepped back and looked at her. “Of course I care, Regina. Of course I do. And I’m truly sorry you have to ask that question. But you know that your father rules over everything under this roof and that includes you and me. I have no control over this situation or any other. All I can offer you is advice.”

  “Advice?”

  “Yes, you have a choice to make, Regina. You can make the best of the situation or become its victim. Now, let’s get you ready. Time is running away from us and we have a lot to do before tonight.”

  “Yes, Mother,” Regina repeated out of habit more than in agreement. What did her mother mean by making the best of the situation? Did her mother want her to throw herself at the man’s son too? Oh, what difference did it make? It would do no good to argue. Her parents simply never listened.

  “I wish you had just a little more height, but we will work with what the good Lord gave you. Now, undress and I will call the maids to bring your bath. Isn’t it going to be a lovely ball? You’ll get to see all your friends and think of the possibilities at hand.”

  “Yes, Mother” she answered again. What was she going to do? She could run away. Maybe she could make it to her aunt's house in Boston. No, that wouldn’t work. Her father would track her down and who knows what he would do then. He might decide to find her a husband right then and there in Boston or perhaps even in Kansas. Her mother said she would never go back there, so it must be a horrible place to live, especially if she would rather live under Henry Beckett’s heavy handedness instead.

  Regina knew if she did leave, and something went wrong, her fat
her would never allow her to come home again.

  The thought of marrying a stranger made her nauseated, but how was she going to thwart her father's plans? The only way she could avoid a marriage of his choosing was to choose her—

  Regina stopped short. Wait. Her mother said she had a choice to make. Make the best of the situation or become its victim. Make the best of the situation…make the best of the…

  A brilliant idea began to form in spite of her befuddled mind. Regina couldn't fathom the thought of marrying a stranger, but would she consider marriage to someone she knew? Someone she considered a trusted friend. A very dear friend, in fact. Someone she had known for most of her life. Yes, she most certainly would.

  John Kingston. She trusted him. And her father detested him.

  “Did you hear what I said, Regina? Aren't you excited about tonight's ball? Think about all the possibilities it holds for your future, my dear.” Her mother's voice faded as Regina’s plan began to form into something solid.

  Regina finally smiled and agreed in truth this time. “Yes, Mother. I must confess I am suddenly quite focused on the possibilities this evening could bring.”

  John Kingston held a royal flush in his hands. He eyed his friend, William E. Baker, Colorado Circuit Judge, who sat across the table from him. The man was an open book of emotions. He really should work on his poker face if he hoped to win at cards.

  “Better stick to hangings, Will. If the look on your face is any indication of the hand you are holdin', might as well fold now.”

  “Damn it, John. If I didn't know you were a better man, I'd swear you were cheating.” The man threw his cards face up and sat back in his chair. “Let's see that hand of yours.”