Wicked Temptations Read Free Page B

concern it is of yours? It's my understanding that you are a cattle rancher. Granted, you own one of the larger spreads in the territory, but your enterprise will be in no danger from me unless, of course, you engage in improper or illegal means of operation, and I were to report it in an article. But it would be a stretch for me to assume anything of the sort. Am I right?"
    "You are right, Miss Phipps. My cattle operation is secure and my business practices above reproach. But Cheyenne has several newspapers, and they would not look favorably on yet another paper starting up."
    "If you are referring to the Cheyenne Daily Leader and the Cheyenne Daily Sun , I am familiar with both newspapers," Priscilla said. "From what I've learned, they serve the interests of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and have a wide circulation, which makes me curious. Why, may I ask, would you think that a mere woman, starting up a small paper, would be in danger here? That was your concern wasn't it? That as a single woman, I might be in danger of bodily harm, if I were to enter a field dominated by men?"
    He gave her a look of tolerant understanding. "It is not that you are a woman, single or otherwise," he said. "It is anyone starting a newspaper. But a woman is naturally more vulnerable than a man." His expression emotionless, he waited for her response.
    "I don't feel vulnerable in the least," Priscilla said. "After all, Miss Abigail Scott Duniway established The New Northwest in Portland , Oregon and has made a success of it without being threatened, as did Miss Laura DeForce with the Daily Leader down in Stockton , California . And not far from here, Gertrude and Laura Huntington have the Platte Valley Lyre. But I don't believe you fear for my safety. I think you have other concerns. Perhaps an ax to grind because women are starting to infiltrate a field that has, until recently, been completely dominated by men."
    Lord Whittington drew in an extended breath, plainly exasperated with the changes in his life—losing his long-awaited bride, confronting a woman entering a man's domain. When he stood staring at her, she said, "You seem to be at a loss for words. Are you afraid I might penetrate your association's publishing empire and steal their subscribers and advertisers?"
    To her surprise, an amused glimmer came into the man's eyes, and the hard line of his mouth softened with a half-smile, which had the odd effect of bringing heat rushing up her face to settle in her cheeks like hundreds of tiny hot prickles. The corner of his mouth tipped up further, as he replied, "Not if that's the press you intend to use."
    "Well, it isn't," Priscilla assured him. "I have my own press. I expect to have it in operation before the week is done. My newspaper will be called The Town Tattler , and I invite you and the other members of your cattlemen's association to become subscribers. After all, it is always good business to know what your opponents are about."
    "And in what way do you believe your paper to be a threat to the Cheyenne Daily Leader or the Cheyenne Daily Sun ?" he asked.
    Priscilla held his lofty gaze, and replied, "Because there is an excellent chance that The Town Tattler may be in opposition to them. I travelled across country with homesteaders, whom, it is my understanding, you cattlemen would like to see driven out of the territory."
    He eyed her in amusement. "I'll keep that in mind." He glanced at the old press again, and said, "And the brides which you have taken possession of? Will they be operating the press that you brought along?"
    Priscilla bristled at the man's condescending manner. "The women will be setting type, something that women, with their smaller more nimble fingers, are far more adept at doing than men. As for operating my press, I have a pressman who is strong and well trained in its operation.   Now, as you can see," she said, spreading her arms as if to encompass the entire room, "I have a lot of work ahead of