Brides of Arizona, page 10
“I know,” Conlon agreed. “I wish I knew a better way. We don’t have the knowledge of the land like the Indians do. They can survive on almost nothing and hide behind the smallest bush.”
Conlon stood and stared off into the empty desert. “Let’s go, men.” They mounted and headed back into the open. The intense heat seemed to suck the life out of them one step at a time.
“Lieutenant.” Timothy shaded his eyes, staring ahead. “There’s a dust cloud ahead. Riders are circling the mountains.”
“Fall into formation, men,” Conlon directed. “Let’s ride.”
Even the horses seemed to sense the excitement of the moment. They lifted their heads and rolled into a canter, manes and tails streaming in the wind. Maybe this would end their search. Maybe this was their long-sought quarry.
For long minutes they kept up the pace. Then, the distant dust cloud drifted away. Conlon slowed the column to a trot, wondering if, once again, the Indians had simply disappeared without a trace. Had they imagined the horses ahead? What if the desert heat and the desire to fulfill their mission made the whole company see a mirage? He shook his head. The very idea was ridiculous.
Topping a rise, Conlon raised his hand, calling a halt. Below them a group of horses and riders gathered close. They were so intent on each other, they obviously didn’t see the small group of soldiers above them. The riders’ saddles creaked. Sunlight glinted off their gun barrels. The yellow stripes on their pant legs caught the eye. These weren’t Indians. They were cavalrymen.
Conlon allowed Champ to pick his way down the slope. As small rocks skittered down the hill ahead of them, the men stopped their conference and looked up. Conlon counted a dozen, some in uniform, some in regular clothes. As he and his men approached, the soldiers pulled back, leaving two older men to face them. Clearly, they were in charge.
For a moment, he studied the two men. The one on the right had a commanding air about him. He didn’t wear a uniform, but his bearing conveyed the message of his military position. Only an officer of rank could do that with such ease.
The second officer looked vaguely familiar. His grim face sported a huge mustache that covered his mouth and dripped well past his chin. Bushy eyebrows drew together in a frown as he studied Conlon.
“Lieutenant Sullivan, Camp MacDowell, Sir.” Conlon held himself erect, watching the reaction of the two men.
“Sullivan?” The heavy mustache opened to release the words. “Are you the Sullivan serving under Captain Wilton?”
That voice tickled a memory somewhere. Conlon nodded. “Yes, Sir.”
The mustache split in a grin, a deep chuckle issuing forth to break the man’s angry countenance. “I guess you don’t remember me, Son.”
Son? Who was this man to call him son?
The man continued. “I’m Major Denton.”
“Yes, Sir, I remember.” And want to forget, he thought. “I believe Captain Wilton is expecting your family to visit Camp MacDowell.”
“That’s right.” The big man frowned. “We’ve had a slight delay, but we plan to get there soon.” He gestured to the man on the horse next to him. “You’ve probably heard of General Crook. General, this young lieutenant took quite a liking to my daughter. He’s the reason she’s so anxious to return to Camp MacDowell.” A hearty laugh followed.
General Crook’s gaze hadn’t faltered or changed visibly, but Conlon felt the intensity increase just the same. Took a liking to his daughter? Conlon wanted to groan in frustration, but kept his expression neutral, pasting a smile on his face.
“Pleasure to meet you, General. I’ve heard a lot about your campaigns from Arizona Territory to Montana.” Conlon had long admired General George Crook and his expertise in tracking and fighting the Indians. He was a legend among the cavalry.
“You know, General,” Major Denton said, “Lieutenant Sullivan may be the answer to our problem.”
At Crook’s nod, Major Denton turned back to Conlon. “We’re camped a few miles from here. We were on our way to Camp MacDowell when the general found us. I agreed to help him round up the Apaches who are causing trouble, but we didn’t know what to do with my wife and daughter.”
Forcing himself to stay calm, Conlon didn’t want to hear what the major was thinking. Please, God, don’t let him ask me what I think he wants to ask.
“Why don’t you and your men escort them to Camp MacDowell? Then, we can use all our men and really get after these Indians.”
“I’d love to help you out, Sir, but Captain Wilton sent us on a mission to find the marauders. I don’t think he would want me to quit before we had tried everything we could to catch them.”
“Nonsense.” The bushy eyebrows drew together in another frown. “The general and I are superior officers here. If we give you a different set of orders, your captain can’t possibly object. Besides, I’ll be at the camp as soon as I can and settle the matter.”
“We’ll send you written orders, Lieutenant,” General Crook said. “The ladies need to be someplace other than a rough camp in the desert.”
Conlon ordered his men to fall in line for the trip to the major’s camp. God, please give me the patience for this, he pleaded. If Mrs. Denton and Chastity are as bad as before, I may be tempted to leave them for coyote bait in the desert.
Then again, he smiled ruefully, what do I have against the coyotes?
“Lieutenant Conlon Sullivan.” The high-pitched squeal made Conlon groan all the way down to his toes. Chastity stood before him, batting her blue eyes and fluffing her blond curls, trying her best to look coy. Her attempts failed.
“Hello, Miss Denton.”
“Oh, none of this ‘Miss Denton’ business.” She dipped her parasol and smiled impishly. “We know each other too well for such formality. Just call me Chastity.” She placed her hand on his arm possessively.
He felt like his face would probably rival the deep pink sky of the sunrise. God, I can’t take Chastity to Camp MacDowell with me. What will Glorianna think? The two of them will be like cats with their tails tied together. He groaned inwardly, thinking of Josiah’s warning of impending doom.
Dearest Kathleen,
I can’t thank you enough for writing to me about Kendrick. I don’t know why I was so blinded by his charms. I believe he always represented adventure to me. All the other girls were wild about him, and I followed along for some unknown reason. Actually, I guess the reason was pretty obvious. I wanted to fit in.
Because of Mother’s illness and our travels as I grew up, I didn’t have many friends. You are my only friend there and, believe me, you were enough. I thank you for standing by me even when my thickheaded ways threatened to undo me.
I do have a friend here. I wish you could come out and meet Fayth. She’s older than I am and married. She has the sweetest little girl, Alyce. If we didn’t live in such a remote area, I would invite you to come out here. Maybe someday I will anyway.
Glorianna stopped and chewed thoughtfully on the end of her pen. Kathleen, sweet and steady, always confided her longing for marriage and a family. Unfortunately, a birthmark splashed across her cheek marred her looks. Despite her deep faith in God and His purpose for her life, Kathleen grieved because none of the eligible young men would notice her. Glorianna frowned; at least they didn’t notice her positively. They constantly made hateful remarks and tormented her because of her looks. Not one of the louts took the time to see Kathleen’s inner beauty.
As I am writing, I remember Father saying he expects to get a transfer this fall. Maybe we’ll go someplace near a city and you could join us. Being in a camp like MacDowell is a little lonely, but I’m told there are some nice cities in Arizona Territory. Maybe we’ll even go to Fort Lowell just outside of Tucson. I’ve heard it’s a nice town.
She stopped writing again, thinking how to word the next part of her letter. Laughing blue eyes danced across her vision. How she missed Conlon. For a few mornings, she continued to go to their rock and watch the sunrise. It wasn’t the same with Conlon gone. The colors seemed pale without him there to talk to. She couldn’t wait for him to get back.
You were right about something else, Kathleen. There are other men. I’ve finally realized that. In fact, I’ve met a man I feel is right for me. Fayth recommended the same thing you always did. She said I should look for godly attributes in a man. Conlon Sullivan is just that—a godly man.
We’ve been meeting in the mornings to watch the sunrise. Conlon always gets up to have a time alone with God. I happened to find out and began to join him. Now, if I don’t see him early, my day isn’t the same. Right now he’s off with some men tracking down renegade Indians. I can’t tell you how much I miss his presence. I do wish you could meet him. I know you would love him, too.
She could just picture Conlon and Kathleen together. He wouldn’t even notice her birthmark, or if he did, he would only comment on how the star-shaped mark enhanced her beauty. And they wouldn’t be empty words, either. Conlon cared about people and saw beauty where others didn’t. As she thought, the conviction grew that she needed to bring Kathleen out west to help her heal from life’s hurts.
A knock at the door interrupted Glorianna. She carefully put the pen in the inkwell and hurried to answer. Fayth and Alyce beamed at her from the front step.
“Come in. I’m glad you dropped by.” She laughed. “I’m so bored, I’m actually writing a letter to my cousin. She’ll be shocked to hear from me so soon. I’m terrible with letters.”
Fayth’s eyes twinkled. “I have some news for you.”
“What?” Glorianna held her breath, hoping this was the news she wanted to hear.
“They’ve been spotted. The men will be here in about half an hour.”
Alyce clapped her hands, then held them out to Glorianna. “Daddy, home.”
Glorianna swung the girl up in the air. “You’re right. Daddy’s home, Sweetheart. I’ll bet you’ll be glad to see him.”
“I’ll bet you’ll be glad to see someone, too.” Fayth’s knowing gaze sent heat creeping up Glorianna’s cheeks.
“I couldn’t possibly know what you mean.” Glorianna tilted her head and fluffed her hair. Then she dissolved in giggles and kissed Alyce on the cheek. “I can’t wait to see him. It seems like forever.”
Later, at the mercantile, Glorianna dropped off the letter she’d written to Kathleen, then hurried to follow Fayth across the parade ground. The milling horses and men told them the troop had returned. Her heart raced as she searched the crowd for Conlon’s familiar face. She couldn’t wait to see him.
“Oh, dear.” Fayth’s soft whisper barely reached her ears.
She turned to look in the direction Fayth was looking. Conlon stood at the side of a wagon, reaching up to help a young woman down. He swung her easily to the ground. She wrapped her arms around his, leaned on him, and smiled up at him.
Melissa? Glorianna couldn’t believe it. How could Melissa Cornwall have come here? The slim form and the blond curls looked just like Melissa’s. First Kendrick and now Conlon. Would she never be rid of her rival? Her insides began a slow burn, gradually building in intensity as she watched that brazen female ooze all over Conlon.
Chapter 13
Conlon remembered, years before, falling in the muck of the pigpen after a good rain. The slimy goo stuck to his clothes, his skin, his hair, and everywhere. He thought he would never get it washed off. Chastity Denton reminded him of that slimy goo. She clung to his arm like a leech, a leech he feared he might never dislodge.
Tugging his arm in an attempt to at least loosen her grip, he glanced up to see disaster heading his way. A red-haired, green-eyed ball of fury rolled across the ground on a collision course with him. Desperately, he searched for a way of escape. From the other direction the ultimate catastrophe approached. Like a ship parting the waters of the ocean, Mrs. Denton sailed through the milling soldiers toward them. God, don’t leave me stranded here, he begged, hating the helplessness of the situation.
“Lieutenant Sullivan.” Sounding like a train making an emergency stop, Mrs. Denton had everyone’s attention. Conlon winced and tried to turn away, moving his shoulder perilously close to Chastity’s head. She took advantage of the situation by leaning against him and rubbing her cheek on his arm. He gritted his teeth and groaned.
“What is going on here?” Glorianna’s normally melodic voice could cut through solid rock. Conlon watched helplessly as her green eyes flashed a fire that pierced his heart. He begged her with his eyes, hoping she’d understand his dilemma, but his silent plea didn’t seem to help.
Taking a deep breath, Conlon knew he had to do something to redeem the situation. Sending up a silent prayer, he made one more unsuccessful attempt to dislodge Chastity before speaking.
“Excuse me, ladies.” For the moment he had their attention. “Glorianna, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Denton and her daughter, Chastity.” He tried to move his arm in a gesture, but the leech clung to him. “Mrs. Denton, Chastity, please meet Glorianna Wilton, Captain Wilton’s daughter.”
The three women eyed each other like vultures prepared to fight over their prey. To his relief, some of the fire faded from Glorianna’s eyes as she studied Chastity.
“I’m pleased to meet you ladies.” Although softer, her tone still had an edge.
Mrs. Denton sniffed, looked Glorianna up and down, and then nodded in her direction in obvious dismissal. The insult fanned the flames of fury, and the green eyes flashed fire again.
Chastity followed her mother’s example. Lifting her nose in the air, she once more began to rub against Conlon’s arm like a cat begging for attention.
“Lieutenant Sullivan,” Mrs. Denton spoke sharply, “you will show us to our quarters. I believe the captain’s quarters will suffice. They were pleasant enough when we were here last.”
From the corner of his eye, Conlon watched Glorianna’s jaw drop. “I’m sorry, Ma’am.” He talked fast, hoping to calm the threatening storm. “The captain and his daughter are there. I’m sure our guest quarters will be fine.”
Mrs. Denton, no doubt unaccustomed to having her orders questioned, began to resemble a lobster tossed in a kettle of boiling water. “We will stay in the captain’s quarters, Lieutenant.” Her tone brooked no discussion. “The captain and his daughter can stay in the guest quarters if they wish.”
“What?” Oh, no, Glorianna had finally found her voice.
“Mrs. Denton. Chastity.”
Conlon almost cried in relief as Fayth stepped forward, a smile lighting her face. “It’s so good to have you visit us again.”
Mrs. Denton stared hard at Fayth, whose smile never wavered. “Oh, yes, I remember you. Your husband is one of lower rank.” The condescending tone and pointed insult made Conlon wince.
“I’m Fayth Holwell. We heard you were planning to join us. The guest quarters have been freshened and cleaned just for you.”
“You forget, Mrs. Holwell, I’ve seen your guest quarters. We will stay in the captain’s house as we did before.” Mrs. Denton’s features softened as she looked at her daughter. “Besides, Chastity needs a room of her own rather than a front room everyone tramps through.”
Glorianna stepped up to Mrs. Denton looking undaunted. The larger woman towered over her. “My father and I are using his quarters, Mrs. Denton.” Glorianna’s slow, deliberate speech betrayed her anger. “You and your daughter may stay in the guest quarters like any other visitors to Camp MacDowell.”
The two combatants faced one another in silence for what seemed an eternity. Mrs. Denton pulled herself up to her full height and turned from Glorianna.
“We’ll see about this. Come, Chastity, I’m going to talk to the captain.” With that she sailed off through the crowd.
Chastity unwound herself from Conlon and followed her mother with hesitant steps. She turned back for a moment and smiled coyly at Conlon, her ice blue eyes freezing his blood. “I’ll be back.” Her sultry tones nearly set the ground on fire. “We can take up where we left off then.” She turned and sashayed after her mother.
Glorianna swung around and faced him.
God, Conlon prayed, this would be a good time for an earthquake. Let the ground just open up and swallow me. Or maybe an Indian arrow between the shoulder blades would be nice. Anything but what I’m facing, Lord. I do believe I might be a little cowardly in this instance.
Glorianna’s mouth opened, and he winced, waiting for the diatribe. Her mouth closed again without having issued a sound.
She’s speechless! Lord, I didn’t know You could do miracles like this. Thank You.
“Glory, I know you’re angry, but please let me explain.”
Fayth stepped up beside Glorianna, her arms crossed over her chest.
Oh, Lord, not Fayth, too.
“Glory, Chastity and her mother determined the last time they were here that I would make a perfect husband for Chastity.” He swallowed hard, trying not to shudder at the memory. “I’ve never encouraged her. I don’t want to marry her. I don’t even like her.”
Did he detect some softening in both women? Taking a deep breath, he continued, “Please believe me, she means nothing to me.”
“Then why was she draped all over you like a winter coat?” Glorianna’s voice could still cut iron.
“Because I can’t seem to convince her that I’m not good husband material.” Desperation began to set in. “I don’t know what to do to change her opinion of me. Once Mrs. Denton and Chastity decide something, they never change their minds.”
Fayth’s sudden smile felt like the sun after a rainy day. “He’s right. Mrs. Denton runs her own household like a general and assumes she can run the rest of the world, too.” She sighed. “I don’t mean to speak ill of the woman, but her last visit was far from pleasant. She had the whole camp in an uproar by the time she left.”
Conlon couldn’t take his eyes off Glorianna’s lips. They were lifting into a smile, a sight he thought he’d never see again. He could only think about how those lips would feel meeting his own. A sudden longing to hold her close almost overwhelmed him.
