Brides of Arizona, page 2
“Never in my life have I been so insulted.” Glorianna’s words were spoken too late to reach the retreating Conlon. “I’ll have a thing or two to say about this, Lieutenant Sullivan. You just wait and see.”
Glorianna turned and stormed into the small house that she would share with her father. She ignored the crude furniture and the naked, hard-baked beige adobe walls. Instead, her thoughts were filled with Conlon’s tanned and handsome face, which sported that arrogant smile and wayward lock of ebony hair.
Throughout the evening she found herself thinking of him. She tried to concentrate on Kendrick and how much she missed him. Strangely enough, she couldn’t vividly recall his face. Her memory of him, already fading from the long trip to Arizona Territory, slipped even farther away, as if pushed by a certain rugged cavalry officer.
“Lieutenant Sullivan asked my permission to court you.” Her father’s voice jolted her out of her reverie. He looked at her over the top of a newspaper.
“I will not have him courting me,” snapped Glorianna. “I plan to marry Kendrick when I go back east. There’s no need of my being courted by anyone here.”
Richard Wilton frowned. “You said the Hanford boy hasn’t declared his intentions yet. Why is that?”
“Well,” Glorianna shifted in her chair, “he’s busy learning his trade and probably wants to buy a house first.”
“Exactly what is his trade? I seem to remember him as being rather shiftless.”
“He is not shiftless.” Glorianna’s eyes flashed fire. “He’s just trying out different positions to find the one that suits him best.”
“Shiftless,” Richard Wilton murmured, rustling his paper as he turned the page. From the depths of the wagon-train–carried, outdated newspaper, he stated, “I gave Sullivan my permission. He’s smart, hardworking, and will make some woman a good husband. I think you’d do well to consider him.”
Glorianna stood up stiffly, knowing when her father spoke in that tone there would be no changing his mind. “I believe I’ll go on to bed. It’s been a long day.”
Tears of anger raced down her cheeks as she closed the door behind her. She threw herself on the bed, not caring about her already rumpled dress, nor about getting dirt on the bedclothes.
God, I know it’s right for me to marry Kendrick. This is what I wanted so much. Why am I here when he’s back there? I don’t want to be courted by some cavalryman who will always be riding off to one battle or another. Glorianna buried her face in her covers and sobbed. She wondered if she would ever survive her father’s edict.
Conlon rose early, after a restless night filled with dreams of a red-haired girl with a freckled gumdrop nose. Walking through the predawn quiet, he left the camp to sit on a low rock. Every morning he liked to wait for the dawn and talk to God about the approaching day. This was his time to prepare and listen.
Thank You, God, for sending Glorianna here. He smiled, remembering the fiery beauty, longing to see her with that glorious chestnut hair hanging loose. Her flashing green eyes sparked with intelligence and a zest for life that he’d rarely seen in a woman.
Lord, I’ve waited a long time for a woman to share my dreams with, and here she is. I want to marry her now. So, please help me to quickly convince her that I’m the one You’ve chosen for her.
As if in answer to his prayer, the sun peeked over the horizon at that moment. A dazzling array of pinks, yellows, and blues swept across the sky, taking Conlon’s breath away with its beauty. This must be God saying yes to me, he thought as he pushed off the rock and headed back into the fort, determined to win Glorianna’s love.
“Glorianna, can you come out here?” Her father’s voice cut through the fog of deep sleep.
Dragging herself slowly out of bed, Glorianna noted the sun, barely awake itself, was already warming the day. She hadn’t slept well during the night, and her eyes felt scratchy and heavy.
“I’ll be right out.”
Within minutes, Glorianna stepped out of her bedroom, wearing a fresh but travel-wrinkled dress, her hair neatly combed. “Good morning, Father,” she said as she stretched up to kiss his newly shaven cheek.
“Sorry to wake you, Kitten.” Her father smiled. “This is an army post and we rise early. If you want breakfast, you have to get up on time. Besides, I want you to meet someone.” He turned toward his room and called, “Dirk, come here.”
A man sidled into the room, his rounded shoulders hunching farther as he faced the captain. His pockmarked face split into a wide grin at the sight of Glorianna.
In a flashing thought, she compared his blackened stubby teeth with a certain lieutenant’s brilliant white smile. Dirk’s hair, wet and dark from hair tonic, lay slicked back from a narrow face and hooked nose. Glorianna did her best to repress a shudder.
“Glorianna, this is Dirk Smith. He keeps house for us.” Richard Wilton turned to his daughter. “I know it would be better for you to have a woman here. I’ve inquired, but so far I haven’t found one. Until I do, Dirk will be taking care of us. This morning you’ll eat in the dining hall, but after this, Dirk will cook for us, too.”
Dirk’s dark gaze swept across Glorianna, making her squirm uncomfortably. She suppressed a shudder as his oily stare traveled over her. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Smith,” she said, trying to keep disgust from her voice. “I appreciate the help you give my father.”
“Well, we’d better be off.” Captain Wilton tugged his cap over his head. “We don’t want to miss our breakfast.”
Glorianna snapped open her parasol, shading herself from the sun even on the short walk to the mess hall. She hated the thought of more freckles popping out on her nose. They were such an embarrassment and impossible to get rid of once they appeared.
After breakfast, Glorianna’s father headed to his office as she assured him that she would be fine unaccompanied on the short walk back to the house. Before she had gone two yards, Conlon Sullivan fell into step beside her, adjusting his long strides to match her shorter ones.
“Good morning, Miss Wilton.”
Her cheeks warmed as his dazzling smile started her heart racing. “Good morning, Lieutenant Sullivan.” She tried to take deep, slow breaths. “I’m sure you have other duties. I can find my way home just fine.”
“Oh, but it’s such a pleasure walking with you.” His deep voice warmed her. She struggled between annoyance at his intrusion and her desire to hear him talk. “I guess your father told you that I spoke with him.”
“Yes, he did.” Glorianna stopped and faced Conlon. “I have to tell you, I intend to marry another man. Your attempts to court me will prove fruitless.”
Conlon threw back his head and laughed aloud. Glorianna looked around furtively, hoping no one was watching them. “Please, Lieutenant Sullivan, I think you should give this up.”
Tucking her hand in the crook of his arm, Conlon continued walking toward her house. “I don’t intend to be turned away that easily, Miss Wilton. I believe God brought us together, and I intend to marry you.”
Glorianna stopped suddenly and jerked her hand from Conlon’s grasp. “Don’t I have a say in this?” she asked as he turned to face her. “How dare you talk about our marriage as if you and God have already decided what’s best for me.”
Glorianna brushed past Conlon. Marching up to the nearest house, she knocked on the door.
Please be home. I have to get away from him.
A sigh of relief rushed from Glorianna’s lips as Fayth Holwell opened the door. “Why, good morning, Glorianna.” Fayth’s face lit with a delighted smile. “I’m so glad you stopped by. Won’t you come in?”
Fighting tears of anger, she brushed by Fayth to enter the cool house. “Good morning, Fayth. I hope you don’t mind my visiting so early.” Her voice trembled with a huskiness that belied her emotion. She could almost feel Conlon’s lingering gaze as he watched her enter the house, but she refused to turn and look at him.
“Are you okay?” Fayth’s sympathetic voice broke the dam that held Glorianna’s tears at bay.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come here and fall apart like this. I just had to get away from him.”
“Away from Conlon Sullivan?” Fayth’s voice registered her surprise. “Why, he’s always such a gentleman.”
“Maybe that’s because you’re a married woman.” Glorianna didn’t mean to sound so bitter.
“Did he do something improper?” Fayth eyes widened.
“No,” Glorianna sighed. “He wasn’t improper.” For the next hour, Fayth listened as Glorianna explained how her father left her in charge of her invalid mother when he returned to his post out West. She told about seeing the other girls her age having fun when she couldn’t and of feeling left out because she had to care for her mother. She spoke of her longing to belong to the group and how she wanted to be courted by the handsome and much-sought-after Kendrick Hanford. Her voice softened as she described her longing to be married and live in a cottage surrounded by flowers and a picket fence.
“After Mother died, Father insisted I come out here. I tried to explain to him that I wanted to return to Boston right away, but he wouldn’t listen.” Glorianna shook her head and absently twirled her parasol. “Now he’s given Lieutenant Sullivan permission to court me, despite my protests. Lieutenant Sullivan even had the audacity to tell me that he and God are in agreement that we should marry.”
Fayth smiled and reached for Glorianna’s hand. “Conlon is a good man. He’s a little impatient, but if you give him a chance, you might find yourself attracted to him. As for God … well … He knows the plans He has for us. So, ask Him. I’m sure you’ll find out in time what God wants for your life. Maybe you should even ask God what to look for in a husband.”
“I guess you’re right. I’ll pray about the matter. But I’m sure God wants me to marry Kendrick.” Glorianna lifted her head and looked around the neat room. “Meanwhile, is there something I can do to help you? I seem to have a lot of time on my hands, and I’m at a loss as to how to spend it.”
Fayth gave a little laugh. “Have you any skill at sewing? I’m afraid I’m hopeless, and I’m trying to make a new dress for my daughter, Alyce.”
“It just so happens I love to sew.” Glorianna smiled in relief. “Let’s get started.”
The flames leaping out of the forge served to remind Conlon of the fiery hair and sparkling green eyes of Glorianna Wilton. The smooth rhythmic clanging of the blacksmith’s hammer lulled him temporarily. Conlon recalled the gentle weight of her hand on his arm, and he longed to see her again. But, Glorianna didn’t want to see him. He shook his head and sighed as he focused his attentions on his friend, Josiah Washington, the company’s blacksmith.
“Mornin’, Conlon,” Josiah said as he dunked the red-hot horseshoe in a pail of water. The water hissed, and a cloud of steam enveloped Josiah’s sweating body.
“Good morning, Josiah. I came to see if you have Champ’s shoes ready.”
“I’m just finishing them.” Josiah gestured to the horseshoe dripping water. “I’ll fit him right away. Are you in a hurry?”
“No hurry.” Conlon shook his head, trying to concentrate on his reason for being here.
“The boys said the captain’s daughter arrived yesterday. Did you meet her yet?” Josiah’s brows drew together as he watched Conlon. “What is the matter with you, anyway?”
Conlon couldn’t hold back a grin. “You won’t believe her, Josiah. God answered my prayers and sent me an angel to marry.”
“You mean you’re going to marry the captain’s daughter?” Josiah looked incredulous. “Did you know her before?”
“I met her for the first time yesterday,” Conlon admitted. “But, I know she’s the one for me.”
“And how does this angel feel about your marriage?”
Conlon frowned. “Well she is still a little wary of the idea.”
“Uh-huh.” Josiah nodded. “I’ve seen you do some things on the spur of the moment, but this might be too much. Don’t you think you should get to know her a little first?”
“I already have the captain’s permission to court her. We’ll get to know each other faster that way. Besides, she wants to go back east and marry some man who isn’t even interested in her. She just needs a little convincing to understand that I’m the right one for her.”
Josiah shook his head and picked up the horseshoe. He examined it, frowned, and stuck it back in the coals of the forge. “Well, I’ll pray for you, Conlon. Try not to get too pushy, though. You’ll scare her off if you do.”
Glorianna smiled as she opened the door and slipped into her house. She’d had a wonderful morning with Fayth and her young daughter, Alyce. The dress, well on its way to being complete, would look darling on the little girl. It felt so nice to have another woman to talk to. Fayth loved God and talked of Him as if He were her best friend. She reminded Glorianna of her mother.
Crossing the living room to her bedroom, Glorianna intended to lie down for awhile. The rapidly warming day, coupled with the fact that she hadn’t slept much last night, made her drowsy.
Stepping through the open door into her room, Glorianna paused and drew in a sharp breath. Dirk, hunched over her trunk, was pawing through her dresses and underthings.
“What are you doing?” Glorianna’s sharp tone brought the man to his feet, his eyes darting around the room as if looking for a way to escape. “I asked what you’re doing! Why are you going through my clothing?”
Dirk’s pockmarked face split into a lecherous grin as his inky eyes traveled slowly over her. “Why, I’m just taking care of you like your father ordered, Miss Wilton. I thought I could put away some of your things for you.”
“I can take care of my own clothes, Mr. Smith. You may leave now.”
Glorianna tried not to cringe as he approached. When he paused beside her, she closed her eyes and clenched her teeth. Please, God, get him out of here.
A sigh of relief escaped her lips as he passed out of the room.
Chapter 3
Summer arrived with a vengeance. The days lengthened, and the sun beat down unmercifully. Glorianna groaned as she dragged herself from bed after another sleepless night in her oven-hot room. Seated on the edge of her bed, she shook her head as she looked over her dresses. She couldn’t bear the thought of putting on one of those snug-fitting dresses. The heavy material and tight bodices made her sweat, and her constricted breathing threatened to induce fainting spells.
“Glorianna?” her father called from outside the door. “I need to talk to you before breakfast.”
“I’ll be right out.” Glorianna reached for her amber-colored dress. This one wasn’t so formfitting. Perhaps she wouldn’t be quite so miserable today.
“Good morning, Father.” Glorianna gave him a quick kiss, trying to ignore Dirk as he worked at cleaning the room. He always followed her with his eyes, which repulsed her. He made excuses to be near her. His foul breath made her stomach churn.
She spent most of her days out of the house, helping the few wives in the fort with their sewing and mending. Only in the afternoon, when she knew Dirk had returned to the barracks, did she dare venture home.
“Good morning, Kitten. I wanted to tell you that I have to leave for a few days.”
“What! Where are you going?” Glorianna tried to keep the rising note of panic from her voice as she noted the satisfied sneer that crossed Dirk’s face.
“I have to go to Fort Lowell in Tucson on an inspection tour.” Her father gently patted her cheek. “I’ll be gone less than two weeks, and I’ve asked Lieutenant Sullivan to keep an eye on you. Show him a little more respect and don’t try so hard to avoid him.” He frowned down at her. Glorianna lowered her eyes, willing away the tears.
“I’ll be okay,” she said. She looked up at her father. “Why can’t you ask Timothy and Fayth Holwell to look after me? They live right next door, and I know they wouldn’t mind.”
Richard Wilton smiled at her. “I have asked them to help keep an eye on you, but I think it’s possible you’ll need more than Fayth and Timothy.”
“Oh, Fayth,” Glorianna moaned, tugging at her sweat-soaked dress and fanning her hot face. “I don’t know how anyone can live through this heat. Sometimes I think I’d be better able to bear it if I could wear my nightgown all the time.”
“Why, that’s it, Glorianna,” Fayth said as a smile lit up her face.
“That’s what?”
“The reason I bear the heat better than you do,” Fayth informed her. “I still have to wear the dresses I used before I birthed Alyce.”
Glorianna shook her head and grinned at her friend’s enthusiasm. “I don’t think I understand.”
Fayth’s voice took on the same tone as when she explained something to her young daughter. “My dresses are loose and yours are tight. Also, mine are lightweight calico and yours are heavier. Why don’t we go over to Mr. Smith’s store? I think he has some calico cloth. We can make you some dresses that will give you room to breathe and allow the air to flow through.”
“What a wonderful idea, Fayth. Let’s go right now.”
By early afternoon, they had the first dress cut out and the stitching begun. Glorianna had two more lengths of material ready to start on as soon as she completed this dress.
“How are you and Conlon getting along these days?”
Glorianna bit her lip, trying to make it look like her sewing needed all her concentration. She waited until her feelings were more in control, then answered casually, “He follows me everywhere, but I’ve let him know I’m still waiting for Kendrick.”
“You aren’t beginning to like him, are you?” Fayth’s penetrating gaze rested softly on Glorianna.
“I … uh, he is nice, but I know God wants me to marry Kendrick. That’s what I want. Ouch!” Glorianna stuck her pinpricked finger into her mouth.
Fayth lifted Alyce to her lap. “I think perhaps you’re spending more time thinking of Conlon than Kendrick. Don’t you think it’s possible that God brought you out here for a reason? Maybe He didn’t think Kendrick would be the right husband for you.”
