Brides of Arizona, page 11
“I understand a little better.” Glorianna smiled. “Just think about the desert heat and remember you don’t need a winter coat.”
“I’ll do that.” Relief flooded through him. “Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I need to see to the men.” He started to turn away, then wheeled back around to Glorianna. Taking her hand in his, he ran his thumb over the soft skin. “I can’t wait to see the sunrise tomorrow.”
That afternoon, Glorianna gritted her teeth and stared in stony silence at the desert rolling by the ambulance. They were heading for the Verde River for their evening time to bathe and cool off. She knew she needed more than a river to help her cool off. The heat of anger had been building all day, ever since she first saw Chastity Denton and her mother.
Sighing, she recalled the talk she and Fayth had earlier that afternoon.
“Glorianna, you have to realize that Conlon is a cavalryman. It’s his duty to follow orders and please his superiors. If that means escorting a beautiful girl around, then that’s what he has to do. It doesn’t mean he likes it.”
“But I hate the way she leans on him and smiles up at him. She acts like she owns him.” Glorianna detested the whine in her voice.
“You know Conlon is not interested in her. It only takes one look at his face to see he’s miserable around her.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“I am right. Conlon only has eyes for one beautiful girl, and that’s you.”
“So what should I do?”
“Try to remember what a good Christian should do. You love her and treat her like you want to be treated.” Fayth reached out and gave her a quick hug. “I know that’s far easier to say than to do. With God’s help, you can, though.”
“I’ll try,” Glorianna promised.
Of course, that promise was made before she knew the extent of Mrs. Denton’s formidable power. She soon learned that even her father quailed before the enemy. She knew he felt he made concessions, but it didn’t help her at all. He finally decided that he would sleep in the officers’ quarters. Mrs. Denton and the major, when he arrived, would have her father’s room. The worst part was that he expected her to share her room with Chastity. That would be like crawling into bed every night with a rattlesnake or, even worse, a viper.
To her credit, Chastity hadn’t been happy about the situation, either. She whined and pleaded to no avail. Chastity knew when she pushed as far as she could. Since then, she had done her best to irritate Glorianna at every turn.
The wagon pulled to a stop, and the women began to climb down. The men tied their horses and hurried to help before they continued down the river to their spot. Glorianna watched Chastity, sitting with her parasol twirling over her head, her blue eyes fastened on Conlon.
“Lieutenant.” The sultry tone made Glorianna nauseous. “Help me down.” Chastity cocked her head to one side and held out her hands, batting her blue eyes. Her ruby lips pursed in a sensual smile.
She could be Melissa’s twin, Glorianna thought. She has the same eyes, the same hair, the same coquettish attitude, and probably the same low standards, judging from the way she plastered herself to him earlier.
Conlon approached the wagon, his jaw muscles tense, his eyes dark and narrowed. He did not look pleased with Chastity. He reached up, grasped her small waist, and fairly threw her to the ground. She barely caught her balance when he circled away from her to the front of the ambulance where Glorianna sat.
He stopped beside her, and Glorianna could see his struggle to control his anger. “May I help you down, Glory?” he asked softly. His words carried in the silence as the whole group watched the exchange.
“Thank you, Conlon.” Glorianna tried to make her smile especially bright for him. The next moment his hands were circling her waist. Wrapping her fingers around his arms, she felt the tensing of his muscles as he lifted her effortlessly over the side of the wagon. He gently deposited her on the ground in front of him, holding her longer than necessary. For a moment she thought he might kiss her. Instead, he ran one finger down her cheek, smiled, winked, and stepped back.
She glanced at Chastity, gratified to see her red face and angry stance. Mrs. Denton stood near her daughter, doing an amazing resemblance of a thundercloud during a summer rainstorm. “Come, Chastity.” Mrs. Denton’s voice grated in the silence. “Let’s not watch such a tawdry display.”
Glorianna noticed Fayth and Timothy turning away, trying to hide their smiles. Several of the others chuckled quietly. Activity resumed. The men headed down the path to their part of the river. Glorianna followed Fayth and Alyce down the slope of the riverbank, hoping she could control her dislike of Chastity and her mother.
Awhile later, Alyce laughed with glee as she watched Glorianna spurt water in the air by pushing it up through her hands. Alyce loved water games, splashing her chubby hands and squealing when the water sprayed her face. She made a dive for her mother, going under the water before she reached her. Fayth pulled her up, shaking her head as Alyce sprayed them with water while she spluttered and laughed.
“Alyce, I don’t think my heart can stand more of this.” Fayth shook her head. “You have no fear of this water. I think it’s time to get out.”
Glorianna laughed and watched the pair head for the bank. She didn’t notice who moved up beside her until Chastity spoke in her ear. The sultry tones had changed, sounding like a lower-pitched version of Mrs. Denton.
“So, you think Lieutenant Sullivan is going to be yours. I just want you to know you’re wrong,” Chastity said.
Glorianna reluctantly swung around. Ice blue eyes bored into her.
“He’s mine,” Chastity hissed. “My mother promised me I’d marry him, and she always gets what she wants.”
“I believe Lieutenant Sullivan can choose a wife for himself.” Glorianna tried hard to push her anger down.
“Oh, but you’re wrong there.” Chastity’s smile could freeze fire. “He’s a military man. My father has a lot of rank on him. Lieutenant Sullivan will have to do what he’s told.”
“Marriage is a little different than following orders on a parade ground.”
“My father can make his life miserable. Is that what you want for your precious lieutenant? If you really feel something for him, you’ll give up now.”
Chastity’s smirk proved too much.
“If you excuse me, I believe I’ll join Fayth and Alyce at the wagon.” Glorianna stood. She started to take a step, then wobbled. Her arms windmilled. In a flash, she fell on top of Chastity, pushing her beneath the rippling water of the Verde River.
Chastity pushed back, and Glorianna leaned harder on her, acting like she couldn’t get her balance. The other women began to rush toward her. Just before they reached her, she sat back. Chastity broke the surface, gulping in air, looking like a drowned rat. Her blond curls, now limp, hung in a tangled mass.
“Do forgive me,” Glorianna purred. “These rocks can be tricky. I must have slipped on one.” With that, she rose and, as gracefully as possible, left the river.
Chapter 14
Glorianna leaned against the house, rubbing her arms against the early morning chill. Stars still twinkled overhead, their light not yet dimmed by the approaching dawn. A dove’s haunting cry echoed over the chirp of crickets. In the distance a lone coyote howled a message about the night’s hunt.
Her eyes burned. She fought against the tightening in her throat and chest. She hated crying. She wouldn’t give in to tears over some flirtatious fool like Chastity Denton. A lone teardrop traced a wet, cool path down her cheek.
“What am I to do?” Glorianna whispered to the night. “I’m going crazy staying in a room with her.” For the last three weeks, she had shared her room with Chastity while Mrs. Denton took over the rest of the house, running it like some sort of queen. She told Glorianna what to wear, how to act, and where she could go.
Visiting Fayth hadn’t been high on the list of things Mrs. Denton encouraged, either. After all, Glorianna could hear her say, your father is a captain and you have certain standards to which you must measure up. You must watch whom you befriend.
Well, her mother hadn’t felt that way. She loved everyone, welcoming anyone into her house. But her mother also taught her to respect her elders. Glorianna determined not to disappoint her mother or her father.
The hardest part of the last few weeks had to do with Conlon. They hadn’t had a minute alone. Mrs. Denton insisted he escort Chastity everywhere. His only break came when he had military duties to perform. Even some of those were given to the other men so he could be at the Dentons’ beck and call.
Oh, she knew he didn’t enjoy the duty. Having to be attentive to Chastity’s every whim was taking its toll. Dark shadows ringed Conlon’s eyes. His face seemed drawn and haggard. His blue eyes rarely held their merry twinkle. At least, when she got close enough to him to see his eyes. Chastity made sure he and Glorianna kept their distance.
“Mother, I wish you were here.” Glorianna’s whispered words echoed the ache in her heart. “Daddy is letting this woman run over the top of him. I know you would have been able to set things right. You were always good at settling disputes among the ladies everywhere we went. Now, I don’t know where to turn.”
Tears ran down her cheeks. She bit her lip to stifle a sob. She didn’t want to wake Mrs. Denton or Chastity. She didn’t want them to know she’d slipped out early to be by herself. Today, for the first time since they had arrived, she had managed to get out of the house without Mrs. Denton’s waking and demanding to know where she was going before daylight.
Glorianna pushed away from the house. She hoped Conlon would be at their rock today. Maybe, just maybe, they could have a few minutes together. She crossed the parade ground, going first to the stables. Despite the dark, she knew the way well enough. The sound of an occasional stomping foot thudded against the floor. She had to see Nina. Even her horse had been forced to desert her. Chastity demanded the right to ride her and had, of course, gotten her way.
“Hey, Sweetie.” Glorianna stroked the satiny muzzle. Nina nickered and blew against her hand. “I’m sorry I don’t have a treat for you. It was too risky to go in the kitchen for a sugar lump. I’ll try to bring one later.”
She wrapped her arms around Nina’s neck. “Sometimes I want to get on you and ride away from here.” She breathed deeply, drawing comfort from the horse’s earthy scent. “I can’t do it, though. I’ve fallen in love with Conlon, and I can’t leave him behind.” The horse’s thick neck muffled her sobs of despair.
Conlon dropped down on the rock. He rubbed his face with his hands, then swept his hair back from his forehead. God, I’m sorry I’ve been so lax in my meetings with You lately. Those women are making me crazy. Mrs. Denton is sure I’m the perfect husband for Chastity. She doesn’t even care what I think of the idea. All I’ve done these last few weeks is pamper a spoiled child—for that’s exactly what Chastity is.
The skittering sound of a night animal running for shelter interrupted his thoughts. He watched the sky for a moment, knowing that before long it would begin to lighten in preparation for another day. Another day wasted, he thought. His mouth twisted into a grimace of disgust. How could he manage to be polite to Chastity and her mother? How much more could he take before he really exploded?
What he wanted to do was spend the day with Glorianna. How he missed their mornings together. He missed her lilting laugh. He wanted to touch her, talk to her, tell her how much he loved her. A groan escaped as he thought of the sweet scent of roses that belonged to Glory. God, what am I to do? How long must I wait?
He hadn’t slept well lately. Thoughts of Glory and Chastity fought a war in his head every night. How could he resolve this dilemma? I guess the truth is, I can’t do a thing, Lord. Once more, I have to leave this in Your hands.
Memories of the previous night drifted before his eyes. Chastity, always too forward, nearly threw herself at him when her mother wasn’t looking. Mrs. Denton kept prattling on about his speaking with the major when he arrived tomorrow. She expected him to ask for her daughter’s hand in marriage when, in truth, he couldn’t stand the thought of even touching Chastity’s hand.
Late last night, by the light of a candle, he searched his Bible, looking for some word from God. Psalm 37:7 kept coming to him over and over. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. …” Conlon shook his head, wondering again how long the Lord expected him to be patient and wait.
Recalling long rides and even longer walks with Chastity made his stomach turn. He couldn’t stand the way she flaunted herself. Always one to get her way, she expected him to put her first in everything they did. She never gave a thought to anyone else’s feelings.
The scrape of a shoe on the sandy desert startled him. Oh, God, please don’t let Chastity have found me so early. He groaned. Pushing himself up from the rock, he turned to face the intruder. To his surprise, it wasn’t Chastity or her mother coming to begin their daily torments.
“Glory!” He longed to rush to her and scoop her up in his arms. Something held him back. He gestured to the rock. “Come and join me. We have a little time to talk before the sunrise.”
“I’d like that.” Glorianna’s smile warmed him. “We haven’t had many chances to see each other these past few weeks.”
He waited until she made herself comfortable, then he allowed himself the luxury of sitting next to her. He inhaled, closing his eyes for a moment to enjoy the clean, rose scent that drifted to him. He wanted to pull her close, to bury his face in her soft hair, but he mentally shook himself in order to maintain control.
“I haven’t been able to get away from Mrs. Denton long enough to come out and watch the sunrise.” She looked so forlorn, it broke his heart. “I miss our morning talks.”
He nodded. “I miss them, too. I’ve had some trouble getting here of a morning myself. I know God understands. I still have a short time with Him at night, but nothing is quite like these early morning meetings.”
“You look tired, Conlon. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” He tried to smile. “I am a little tired of having my schedule directed by someone other than your father.”
Glorianna laughed a dry, humorless laugh. “I think the whole camp is tired of being run by Mrs. Denton. I want to blame Daddy, but I know he tries. Despite his best efforts, she has taken over.”
He grinned. “I wonder what will happen when the major shows up tomorrow?”
“Does she run him like she does everyone else?”
“She sure does. I remember the last time they were at the camp; she had everything turned upside down. I don’t know how one woman can cause so much disorder in so many lives.”
“Conlon.” Glorianna’s voice barely reached his ears. “I don’t know how much longer I can take her interference before I explode. I’ve tried to be nice, but I’d really rather take her out and tie her to a cactus.”
“That would be interesting.” Conlon chuckled.
“I can’t stand spending another night with Chastity. All she talks about is you.”
“And what does she tell you about me?”
She shrugged, silent for a moment. “She talks about how much you love her, about how you plan to ask for her hand in marriage when her father gets here, and how wonderful you will be as a husband.”
Conlon watched Glorianna as she talked, hope filling his heart. Was she jealous? Just then the sky overhead burst into color. Conlon barely noticed as he stared at Glorianna, drinking in her beauty.
“Glory, I don’t plan to be her husband.” He tried to speak firmly, to wash away the despair he thought he could see in her eyes.
“But, she says you’re in the cavalry and you have to do what her father says. He’s a higher rank.”
He couldn’t help it; the laughter just bubbled up from deep inside. She was jealous. He understood now. The only way she could be this worried about Chastity was if she truly cared about him.
“In a way she’s right.” Conlon tried to calm the thundering of his heart. “I do have to obey my superior officers. But that only pertains to military matters. My personal life is my own.”
“I know Major Denton can’t order you to marry his daughter, but she says he’ll make your life miserable if you don’t marry her.”
He watched the colors fade from the sky, trying to think of the best way to answer her. He took her small hand in his, running his thumb over her soft skin. “Glory, look at me.” He waited until her tear-filled green eyes looked into his. “There is no way Major Denton could make me more miserable than I would be if I married his daughter. I can’t think of anything worse.”
Her emerald gaze held his for a long time. Slowly, he became aware of the pressure of her fingers as they gripped his. He smiled and almost laughed with joy as an answering smile lit her face.
“Tell me, Glory.” He pulled her close, tucking her arm against his side. “What do you want most?”
For a long time she looked lost in thought, then she turned to him. “I used to think all I wanted was a little cottage. I wanted a white picket fence and a flower garden where my friends could come and visit with me.” Her eyes took on a dreamy look. “I pictured sitting there with my children, watching them play and laugh.”
A look of sadness washed over her face. He longed to touch her and wipe the look away. “What happened to that dream?” he asked.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly. “I just realized something was missing.”
“What’s that?”
A faint blush stained her creamy cheeks. “You’ll think this is silly, but I always dreamed of friends and children. I never had a husband at my cottage.”
“Not even Kendrick?”
“Not even him,” she spoke thoughtfully. “I see now it was a shallow wish, only for me.”
