Brides of Arizona, page 15
Conlon knelt on the floor in front of his bedroll. He covered his face with his hands. Josiah didn’t interrupt his thoughts.
“You’re right, Josiah,” he sighed. “It isn’t God who changed. It’s my outlook.” He bowed his head and whispered, “Oh, God, I’m sorry I didn’t trust You totally. Please see me through this. Help me to wait on You.”
When he finished the prayer, he felt Josiah’s arm around his shoulders. His friend knelt with him on the hard floor, praying for the guidance only God can give.
“Thank you,” Conlon said gruffly. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you, either.”
Josiah grinned. “You won’t have to be without me for long. My hitch is up in a couple of months. I’m planning to get out.”
“You didn’t tell me.” Conlon couldn’t suppress the surprise. “When did you decide this?”
“I’ve been praying about it for awhile,” Josiah said. “I feel the Lord directing me to set up my own blacksmith shop in Tucson. I’ll look you up when I get there.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” Conlon spoke sincerely. “I just hope you’ll be able to look up Glorianna and me.”
“We’ll keep praying about it. God brought you this far. Be patient and let Him do the rest.”
With tears in her eyes and a pain in her heart so severe she thought she might die, Glorianna watched the ambulance being packed. This morning, as soon as she got out of bed, Chastity blurted out the news that they were leaving and Conlon had orders to go with them. The triumph in her eyes made Glorianna want to scratch the orbs from her face. Chastity told her that she and Conlon would be married before Thanksgiving for sure. After all, there wasn’t a parson anywhere around here, but in Tucson it wouldn’t be hard to find one. Glorianna’s stomach had been tied in knots ever since.
God, how could You allow this? I know Fayth says You allow trials, but haven’t we gone through enough? I don’t know how I can live life knowing Conlon is married to Chastity and not me. Please, God, I have the feeling if he leaves with them, I’ll never see him again. Help me. Help us.
She clutched the handle of her parasol, not caring that it wasn’t even tilted right to keep the sun off her face. What were a few freckles compared to life without Conlon? She wanted to rush to his quarters and beg him to stay. But that was foolish. He couldn’t disobey orders. The matter was out of his hands. Even her father couldn’t change things. She knew he had tried. She’d overheard him talking to the major.
“Trust.” The voice wove a soft pattern across her heart. “Lean not on thine own understanding.”
Lord, I know in my head I can trust You. But my heart won’t listen. I feel like everything is falling apart. I feel like You’re not in control.
Glorianna thought about Fayth and the Scriptures they’d discussed since she arrived at Camp MacDowell. Over and over, Fayth reminded her that you can’t trust in your feelings, but you can trust in God’s Word.
Okay, God, even though it seems hopeless, I want to trust You. Help me just to look at You and not at the circumstances around me.
“Well, I hear you won’t be lonely.” Chastity sauntered over from the wagon. “My father says he brought a new lieutenant with him. Maybe you can get him to marry you.”
Glorianna wanted to wipe the smirk off Chastity’s face. She closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. Peace flooded over her, filling every part of her with a sense of well-being, of knowing God could and would take care of everything.
“Chastity, I know you’re lonely and need a friend,” she said softly. “But I want you to stop and think about what you’re doing. Forcing a man to marry you when he doesn’t want to isn’t the answer. Soon he’ll turn bitter, and your life will be miserable.”
Chastity’s eyes narrowed, and Glorianna hurried on before she interrupted. “I know somewhere the right man is waiting. Conlon isn’t that man. Please don’t make him do something that both of you will regret.”
“You just want him for yourself,” Chastity snapped. “I know he’ll be happy once we’re away from you. Mother and I plan to have the wedding as soon as we get to Tucson.”
Chastity whirled and stalked back to the ambulance, where her mother directed the two soldiers loading their trunks. God, I don’t see how You can work this out, Glorianna prayed, watching the duo prepare to leave. I’m trying not to listen to my understanding, but to trust You. She turned and trudged toward the stables, hoping to find Conlon before he left.
“Conlon?” He had his back to her, saddling Champ. She ached to touch him, to tell him it would be all right. She knew by the sag in his shoulders how discouraged he was.
“Glorianna.” He swung around, not losing his grip on the cinch he was tightening.
“I heard you’re leaving.” She tried to say more, but the lump growing in her throat held back the words.
He nodded. “I tried to get out of it, but I can’t.” He dropped the cinch strap and reached for her. His arms wrapped tightly around her, pulling her close. “I’ll miss you so much, my morning Glory. Somehow, this will work out.”
She gazed into his deep blue eyes that overflowed with love. “I love you,” she whispered, then stepped back, hearing the major call for him. Watching him ride down the stable aisle, she felt like she were being torn in two. Was he right? Would this work out, or was this the last time she would see him?
Chapter 19
The outline of the business district at Florence barely broke the skyline when Major Denton called a halt. Conlon watched the weary soldiers swing down from their equally tired mounts. They should have arrived at Florence yesterday, for the major and the ladies to take the stage to Tucson, leaving the cavalrymen to follow with their belongings at a more leisurely pace. None of them counted on the various mishaps that had beset them on the way.
On the morning of the second day, one of the wagon wheels dropped into a rut, splintering several spokes. It took hours to fix the wheel, and they traveled late to make up lost time. Then, this morning, they rose before dawn to resume the trip. In the predawn darkness, one of the horses pulling the ambulance stepped in a hole, breaking its leg. They lost even more time disposing of the horse and bringing in a replacement. What should have been a two-day trip had taken them three long days.
“Lieutenant.”
Mrs. Denton’s voice twisted the knot in his stomach. She had done nothing but complain over the delays. Between her bossiness and Chastity’s whining about being uncomfortable, he wanted to throttle them both. How did the major stand it? Perhaps this explained why he spent so much time in the field.
“Yes, Ma’am?” Conlon tried to keep his voice polite as he kneed Champ closer to the wagon.
“Why are we stopping?” Mrs. Denton demanded. “We need to get on to Florence so Chastity and I can rest.”
“I would assume we stopped to let the horses get their wind,” Conlon tried to explain, knowing Mrs. Denton wouldn’t be listening anyway. “We’ve been traveling hard, and the strain is telling on the horses. We’ll be in Florence in time for you to catch the evening stage.”
“Conlon, I need to get out and walk,” Chastity whined. “I want someone to escort me.” She tilted her head to one side, as if trying to look coy.
Reining Champ away from the wagon, Conlon called back, “I’ll send someone to walk with you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to see the major.” He quickly urged Champ to a faster pace, hoping they wouldn’t call him back. Gritting his teeth, Conlon determined he wouldn’t spend any more time with Chastity Denton than absolutely necessary. Nor would he cater to her whims. He didn’t have to, now that his actions weren’t hurting the captain.
“Lieutenant.” Major Denton beckoned to him. “I’ve just heard that there’s a detachment of soldiers from Fort Lowell in Florence. I want to ride ahead and see why they’re there. Will you accompany me? I believe the ambulance will be well escorted without us.”
Falling in beside the major, Conlon tried to remember what he had planned to say. All the arguments that came so easily last night disappeared now. God, I need You to give me the words, he prayed. Please, don’t let me offend this man. Prepare his heart to really hear what I have to say and to accept it. Thank You, Father.
“You know, Sullivan, my wife and daughter seem determined to have a wedding the minute we arrive in Tucson.” Major Denton glanced over at Conlon.
Conlon nodded, waiting to see what the major was leading up to. Had God already worked in this man’s heart, or was he going to help plan the wedding?
“When I mentioned your marrying my daughter, I thought I detected some reluctance on your part. Is that correct?”
Taking a deep breath, Conlon prayed again for the appropriate words. “Yes, Sir, you’re right.”
“I’m thinking you might have some feelings for the captain’s daughter.”
Conlon nodded again, not sure where this was leading.
“Why didn’t you just say so? Why did you continue to escort my daughter?”
“Well, Sir, to be honest, I was concerned about the captain.” At Major Denton’s questioning look, Conlon continued. “The last time you were at Camp MacDowell, I tried to discourage Chastity. If you remember, Sir, Captain Wilton came under fire for my behavior.”
“I do recall some of that,” Major Denton admitted. “My apologies. I realize my wife and daughter can be rather determined once they set their minds to something. However, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking in the past few days.” He paused, his dark eyes watching Conlon. “I don’t want my daughter marrying a man who doesn’t want her. That would make for a disastrous marriage. Don’t you agree?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I’ve decided to intervene. I know my wife. She won’t like it, and Chastity will cry for awhile, but I think it’s best if you don’t marry her.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Thank You, God, Conlon added silently. “I’m sure your daughter will find the right man someday, but I’m not him. I can’t marry her when my heart belongs to another. I hope you can see that, Sir.”
Major Denton pulled his horse to a halt. He stretched out his hand, and Conlon grasped it in a firm handshake. “I understand completely, Lieutenant.”
“Thank you,” Conlon repeated. “I am afraid, Sir, that it won’t be easy to convince Mrs. Denton and Chastity to call off the wedding.”
“You let me handle that.” Major Denton chuckled. “I’ll break the news and then ride out for a week or two with some soldiers. I’ve found it’s the best way to handle those two.”
At the outskirts of Florence, Major Denton gestured to a group of cavalrymen gathered by their horses. Conlon followed him as he urged his horse to a canter, changing direction to intercept the troops. They looked as if they were preparing to mount up and ride out until Conlon and the major came riding over.
A young lieutenant handed over the reins of his horse to another cavalryman and walked over to meet them. He saluted as the major dismounted.
“Lieutenant Rourke, Sir.”
“Lieutenant.” Major Denton returned his salute and finished the introductions. “What are you men doing so far from Fort Lowell? Is there trouble?”
“We were tracking a soldier, Sir. We had one who’d gone bad. He was coming up for trial and he broke out. He killed the soldier guarding him and escaped.”
“Did you catch him?” Major Denton asked.
“No, Sir, we tracked him all the way to the Superstition Mountains. We lost him in the canyons there.”
“That’s a miserable place to try to find someone,” Major Denton said.
“True,” said Lieutenant Rourke. “We finally gave up after we lost one of our men.”
“How’s that? It wasn’t Indians, was it?” Major Denton looked tense.
“No, Sir.” Lieutenant Rourke paled slightly, as if the memory of what happened still plagued him. “One of the men left camp by himself. A cougar got him.” The lieutenant rubbed a hand over his face. “We’d heard the cat scream the night before, but didn’t think about it being out in the daylight. We couldn’t understand why it was taking O’Reilly so long to get back. When we found him, it was too late.”
“We were tracking some Indians in the Superstitions a few weeks back and heard a cougar.” Conlon shuddered at the thought of losing one of his men that way.
Lieutenant Rourke choked for a moment before he could continue. “O’Reilly was a good man. One of the best. Judging by the tracks, the cat was a big one. We decided to leave Smith to the cougar. I didn’t want to risk any more men.”
“Who?” Conlon tried to calm his sense of panic. “Who were you chasing?”
Major Denton and the lieutenant were both staring at him. “The man’s name is Smith, Dirk Smith. I believe he used to be at Camp MacDowell, so maybe you know him.”
Conlon felt the world shift beneath his feet. Dirk! He was back in the area, and Glorianna didn’t know. What if he tried to get to her? He turned to the major, urgency taking the place of everything else.
“Major Denton, I have to go back to Camp MacDowell. We originally sent Dirk Smith to Fort Lowell because he attacked the captain’s daughter twice. The first time he was drunk, but the second time he fully intended to take advantage of her. He may try again.”
Major Denton studied him for a long minute. “Go on back, Sullivan. I’ll take care of your orders. I’ll have them delayed for a few weeks. We’ll send you notice.”
“Be careful of him, Lieutenant,” Rourke warned. “He’s a dangerous man. He’s killed once and probably won’t hesitate to do it again.”
Running to mount Champ, Conlon prayed, Please, God, protect Glorianna. Don’t let that madman get his hands on her. Anger began to build as he thought of Dirk’s touching Glorianna. He had to get back in time.
“Glorianna?” Fayth called through the open door. “May we come in?”
“Go’wy.” Alyce’s high voice mimicked her mother.
Glorianna smiled as she crossed the front room to the door. “Of course, you may come in.” It felt good to smile. She hadn’t done much of that since Conlon rode off with the Dentons, taking her heart with him. Life now consisted of a constant ache within as she longed for his return.
“How are you doing?” Fayth’s steady gaze seemed to look right through her façade and uncover the misery beneath.
“I miss him so much.” Glorianna fought back the tears. “I’m so glad I have God now. Despite all the hurt, deep down I have a peace I can’t explain. I know things will work out. I just don’t know if they will work out the way I want them to.”
“At least you know things will work out God’s way. Right?” Fayth asked softly.
“Yes,” Glorianna said. “But, of course, I do wish I had one more chance to dunk Chastity in the river. Maybe I wouldn’t let her up so soon,” she teased.
Fayth laughed. “Sometimes I think I’d like to help you with that. Oh, by the way, I came to bring you a letter. Timothy brought it by a little while ago.”
Glorianna held the cream-colored envelope in her hand for a moment, savoring its heaviness. “It’s from Kathleen. I miss her so much. She was my only friend until you.” She tore open the letter before her eyes got too watery. She had been crying entirely too much lately.
“If you want, we’ll leave so you can have time with your letter.”
“No, please stay,” Glorianna urged Fayth. She pulled Alyce up on her lap. “Besides, I won’t let Alyce go, so you have to stay. Let me tell you what Kathleen has to say.”
She opened the letter and read for a minute. A blush heated her cheeks. “Oh, my.” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “It seems that Kendrick and Melissa are married now.”
“So soon?” Fayth asked. “I thought they weren’t getting married for a couple of months.”
“That’s what everyone else thought, too. But it seems Melissa’s father visited Kendrick with a shotgun, and the two of them were married very quickly.”
Fayth gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. “I hate to say this, but I’m glad you didn’t marry him if he’s that kind of man.”
Glorianna hugged Alyce against her. “I thought I’d be upset when they got married, but I find I don’t care at all. I believe that if I had gotten to know Kendrick, I may not have liked him so much. I realize now I only liked him because all the other girls did. That’s a poor reason to marry someone.”
“Unfortunately, when we’re young, we can be easily influenced that way. I wonder if God brought you out here to get you away from that situation.”
“I know now that God has my best interests at heart. I only want to trust Him, even though it’s hard for me not to tell Him what I think those best interests are.”
Fayth grinned. “I think we all have that problem.”
Slipping the unfinished letter in her pocket, Glorianna tickled Alyce, making her giggle. Alyce’s deep chuckle was contagious, and they all laughed.
“I’ve been moping around here long enough,” Glorianna declared. “Why don’t we go for a ride? I haven’t ridden Nina since Chastity took her over. Would you go with me?”
After leaving Alyce with Mrs. Peterson, Fayth and Glorianna hurried to the stable for their horses. They planned a late evening meal, which would give them a couple of hours to ride.
“Are you sure you’ll be able to ride?” Glorianna asked again. “I don’t want you to do this if it will hurt the baby.”
“Don’t worry about this baby. He’s too feisty to be hurt by anything as simple as a horseback ride. I think getting away for awhile will be the best thing for me.”
Glorianna settled into Nina’s easy walk, relaxing completely for the first time in days. She hadn’t been this direction before. This road led to Pinal City and the Florence turnoff. Conlon had ridden this road only four days ago. Was he in Tucson by now? Had Chastity made him marry her? She pushed the thoughts from her head before worry set in once more. Trust. That’s what God wanted her to do.
“This is a beautiful time of day.” Glorianna savored the peacefulness of the desert. “I love to watch the rabbits and coyotes. I don’t even mind a snake if it keeps its distance.”
