Brides of Arizona, page 3
“Are you on Conlon’s side now?” Glorianna began to fold the material with jerky movements. “You know I might not mind him so much if he would quit pushing. He sticks closer to me than my shadow.”
Fayth laughed. “He is a little presumptuous. But his heart is right, and I believe he’s quite taken with you. I’ve watched the way he looks at you. Don’t be too hasty to be rid of him.”
“I’ll try to be patient with him.” Glorianna stood. “Now, I have to get home. I’ll take the dress with me and work on it a bit more when the afternoon heat lets up. Thank you for the help.”
Fayth walked to the door with Glorianna. “After all the help you’ve given everyone, I’m glad to finally be of some service to you.”
Glorianna waded through the waves of heat, feeling the air pressing in on her. Oh, to get these tight clothes off and lie down for awhile. Her lack of sleep, combined with the close needlework, made her drowsy.
The interior of the house, though quiet, was only slightly cooler than the outside. The doors and windows were open, ready to draw in even the slightest afternoon breeze. She crossed to her room and put away her sewing. Taking the pins out of her hair, she shook it free and began to unbutton her dress.
“Now that’s what I like to see.” Glorianna froze as Dirk’s whiskey-slurred words oozed across the room. She jerked her dress closed and turned her back to him.
“Mr. Smith, you will leave now, or I’ll speak to my father. If you have something you need to say to me, I’ll be out in a moment.”
In the quiet that followed, she could hear his shuffling footsteps getting nearer not farther away. Her heart began to pound. Her trembling hands fumbled madly at the undone buttons of her dress.
“It’s okay, Missy, you don’t need to fix up those buttons. You can open the rest if you want.” A waft of whiskey-laden, rotten-toothed breath made her gag.
“Get out of here, Mr. Smith. Get out now, before my father comes.”
A low chuckle turned her blood to ice. “Well, now, isn’t it too bad the captain’s gone? I guess he won’t be here to see, will he?” One of his hands grasped her by the arm, pulling her back against him, while the other hand covered her mouth. Glorianna’s scream of terror welled up too late to escape.
As quickly as he grabbed her, he let go. A strangled yelp echoed in her ear. “Perhaps the captain won’t be here to see you, Dirk, but I will.”
Glorianna nearly cried with relief at the sound of Conlon’s voice. She turned around to see Conlon, his eyes hard and angry, holding Dirk in a grip of iron. Dirk’s feet fought to touch the floor, and his eyes bulged almost out of their sockets as Conlon twisted his collar tighter.
“I’d like to beat you senseless.” Conlon’s cold voice drained what little color was left in the pockmarked face. “Get back to the barracks. I’ll deal with you later.”
Setting the shorter man back on his feet, Conlon watched with Glorianna as Dirk sidled out the door. “Don’t even think of trying to get away,” Conlon called after him.
As Dirk disappeared through the door, Glorianna began to shake. She bit her lip, trying to hold back the sobs that welled up within. Suddenly, she felt herself engulfed in Conlon’s strong arms. Without thinking, she leaned against his muscular chest and began to sob. For a long time she cried and trembled. He spoke soothing words and held her tight. His hand smoothed her long hair.
After awhile Glorianna’s tears stopped. She rested against Conlon, noticing for the first time how wonderful it felt to be held within his strong embrace. She could hear the steady beating of his heart and feel the coarseness of his uniform tunic on her cheek.
Remembering where they were, Glorianna pushed away from Conlon. Her cheeks warmed in embarrassment. “Thank you, Lieutenant Sullivan,” she said. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything about this to anyone.”
“Why didn’t you report Dirk?” Conlon frowned. “I assume he’s been making inappropriate gestures for awhile.”
“He’s my father’s servant. It wasn’t my place to question. Besides, I thought Mr. Smith to be harmless. Now, please go.”
A slow smile spread across Conlon’s face, lighting up the room and making Glorianna’s heart beat faster. “Do you want me to leave because you don’t think I’m harmless?” He lifted a hand as if to touch her, then paused. “I’ll go, but I’ll tell your father. He can pick someone else to help around the house.” His tone turned more serious. “Don’t worry, we’ll keep this quiet.”
“Josiah.” Conlon tried to make himself heard over the banging of the blacksmith’s hammer. Josiah looked up and grinned, then thrust the piece of metal into the water to cool.
“Afternoon, Conlon. What are you doing out in this heat?”
“I guess I could ask the same of you. You’re not only out in it, you’re making more.”
Josiah laughed, a hearty chuckle from deep inside. “This weather only reminds me how much I’ll enjoy heaven when it’s my turn to go. I don’t want to lose sight of that.”
Conlon grinned. “I can’t imagine your losing sight of the Lord.”
“So, what are you doing? I have the feeling you didn’t come by here just to talk.”
Looking around the blacksmith stall, Conlon paused a moment, rubbing his chin in thought. “I need to ask something of you, Josiah, and I need it kept quiet.”
“You know me, Conlon. I’ll not say anything.”
“I know.” Conlon smiled at his friend. “I need a pair of shackles I can fasten to a wall.”
Josiah’s eyebrows shot up as he looked at Conlon. “Why would you need those?” Then he hastily added, “Not that it’s any of my business. You’re in charge here with the captain away.”
Conlon gazed out over the deserted parade ground before turning to Josiah. “One of the men tried to take liberties with the captain’s daughter. I want to lock him up until the captain returns.”
Black eyes flashed in anger as Josiah strode into the hot stall. He rummaged around in a box and soon returned with a set of cuffs. “These should do the trick. You can fasten them to the wall through here. Just don’t tell me who the dirty dog is, or I might make these unnecessary.”
Conlon nodded and hefted the heavy shackles. “I’ll post a guard, too, but I don’t plan to tell why the soldier’s confined. Thanks.”
“Say, Josiah.” Conlon turned back as his friend picked up the lump of metal from the pail of water. “Can I ask you something?”
“Now what words of wisdom can I give you?” Josiah gave a mock bow.
“I’m a little stumped,” Conlon hesitated. “You see, it’s about Glorianna. I’ve tried to be patient with her, but she’s just not coming around.”
Josiah grinned. “You’ve been patient with her? That might be something to see.” He chuckled. “Just how have you been courting her?”
“I try to be there all the time.” Conlon frowned in thought. “I walk her to breakfast and dinner. I check on her during the day and stop by in the evening to talk.”
“Maybe you’re suffocating the poor girl,” Josiah suggested. “Why don’t you back off a little and see if she comes around. Remember how you win a horse’s affection. Sometimes you have to ignore the animal, then before you know it, that horse is nudging you on the shoulder.”
“Are you suggesting Miss Wilton is like a horse?” Conlon grinned at Josiah’s look of discomfort. “Thanks, Josiah. I’d better go before you start asking me what size shoes you should make for her.”
“Glorianna, are you there?” Fayth stepped through the open doorway.
“In here, Fayth.” Glorianna splashed more water on her face, trying to erase the tearstains and puffiness.
“Guess what?” Fayth’s eyes sparkled. “Timothy had the greatest idea.”
“What is it?” Glorianna couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s obvious excitement.
“You know how the soldiers have taken to sleeping outside on their cots?” Glorianna nodded and Fayth continued. “Well, Timothy thinks we should do the same. That way, when there’s a breeze, it won’t be so hot and stuffy, and we’ll be able to rest.”
“What a great idea.” Relief flooded through Glorianna at the thought of more sleep. “In the middle of the night, the air cools off outdoors. I can’t wait to try this.”
For the next hour, they carried out cots and situated them under trees so they wouldn’t be too hot to lie upon. “Here, Glorianna, let’s put your cot under this paloverde tree. It should shade you from the morning sun a bit and provide you some privacy.”
“Are you bringing out a cot for Alyce, too?”
“Yes,” Fayth said. “And, Lord willing, she’ll be quiet through the night. She’s been tossing and turning as much as the rest of us.”
After supper, Glorianna, Fayth, and Timothy sat outside and talked until dark. Glorianna found herself watching for Conlon. He always showed up this time of night. It irritated her that, although she wanted him to leave her alone, the first time he did, all she could think about was his absence.
Later, when all was quiet, Glorianna crept out to her cot, praying no one would notice her in the dark. As she lay on the cot with the light breeze caressing her, she remembered the feel of Conlon’s strong arms surrounding her. His embrace felt so good. But she quickly pushed the thought away and struggled to think about Kendrick.
Slowly, her body gave in to the demands of the day, and weariness made her eyes drift shut. “Ouch!” Glorianna spluttered as she sat up in bed wondering what happened. At her movement, another pain shot up her leg and fire flared on her arm.
“Glorianna, what’s wrong?” Fayth called.
“Owww!” Glorianna brushed wildly at her arms and legs. She hopped off the cot, grabbed the sheet, and shook it out. “Bugs, Fayth. There are bugs all over my bed.” With that she made a dash for the house before a certain lieutenant came running. It wouldn’t do to have him catch her in her nightclothes.
Chapter 4
Are you sick, Miss Wilton?” Conlon stared at her as he pulled out a chair and sat down. Glorianna, already seated at the Holwells’ breakfast table, felt the warmth of a blush in her cheeks.
“No, Mr. Sullivan, I don’t have the measles or any other dread disease. I’m perfectly healthy.” Glorianna slowly and carefully unfolded the cloth napkin and arranged it in her lap. She hoped Conlon would drop the embarrassing subject.
Conlon reached across the table and grabbed one of her hands. She winced as he rubbed his thumb across the swollen, red bumps on the back of her hand. “So, what caused these?”
“That’s none of your business.” Glorianna tugged at her hand. She glanced toward the other room where Fayth and Timothy were getting Alyce dressed.
“I have to disagree.” Conlon grinned at her, holding her hand tightly despite her attempts to free it. “Your father asked me to look after you. What will he think when he returns and finds you covered with spots while I know nothing about their cause?”
“He also asked Fayth and Timothy to watch over me. They know exactly what happened, so you needn’t worry yourself over it.” With a jerk that rocked her in her chair, Glorianna pulled her hand free.
“Good morning, Conlon.” He stood as Fayth walked into the room. Timothy followed carrying a still-sleepy Alyce. “Have you seen the nasty bites on Glorianna’s hands?”
Conlon widened his eyes in mock surprise. “Bites? Now, who would be biting such a sweet young lady?”
Glorianna’s face looked like a thundercloud as Fayth rose to the bait and began to tell of their humiliating trial the night before. “When the bugs began to bite Glorianna, we all came inside, knowing we would be next. Timothy’s idea to sleep outside was good, but now we have to figure out how to get rid of the insects.”
Conlon could feel his chest tighten as he tried to hold back the laughter. Poor Glorianna, or maybe that should be poor bugs. The thought was too much, and a deep chuckle broke loose. Soon everyone but Glorianna was laughing. Even little Alyce chortled happily, waving a spoon in the air as if directing their laughter.
“Well, I don’t see what’s so funny about being chewed up by bugs.” The red spots in Glorianna’s cheeks burned bright.
“I’m sorry.” Conlon stifled his laughter. “I just thought of those poor bugs not knowing what they were getting into when they bit you.” Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself. “I have an idea, Timothy. What do you think about putting the legs of the cots in cans of water? Then, if we keep the cots out from under the trees, the crawling bugs won’t get on them anyway.”
“That sounds good.” Timothy nodded. “I know Alyce is happy this morning, but she fussed all night because of the heat and the couple of ant bites she got. I don’t want to go through that again.”
Conlon ate quickly, noticing how often Glorianna rubbed at her hands. He knew how nasty those ant bites could be. Excusing himself, he followed Fayth into the kitchen. A few minutes later, he knelt beside Glorianna. Before she could object, he plucked her hand off her lap.
“Has God told you this is the time to ask me to marry you, Lieutenant? I’ll tell you right now the answer is ‘no.’ ”
Conlon grinned. “I hadn’t thought of asking you quite yet, Miss Wilton. I’ll be sure to let you know when it’s time. Right now, I have something to help take the itch out of those bug bites.” With that, he began to smear a white paste over the swollen bites.
“What are you putting on her?” Fayth moved around the table to watch. “Can I use it on Alyce?”
“It’s just a mixture of baking soda and water. Doc Clark told me about it when I ran into a bunch of ants awhile back. If you put it on wet and let it dry, it helps. If Alyce eats it, it won’t hurt her. She probably won’t like the taste, though.”
Conlon handed the bowl of paste to Glorianna. “I’m sure you have other bites you would rather tend yourself.” He smiled as pink stained her cheeks. He didn’t want to let her know how hard it was to hold her hand and act like it didn’t affect him. He remembered well the feel of holding her in his arms yesterday. He could still smell the faint scent of roses and feel the silkiness of her hair. God, please help me to be patient, he pleaded. Help me find a common ground, something we both enjoy.
“You know, Conlon,” Fayth smiled sweetly at him, “Glorianna mentioned that she loves horses. Perhaps you could give her a quick tour of the stables.”
“You like horses, too?” Conlon turned to Glorianna, astonished at the immediate answer to his prayer. “We have plenty of time before the nine o’clock guard-mount and roll calls begin. Would you like to see our horses?”
Glorianna, the bowl of paste gripped in her hands, looked like she couldn’t decide whether to stay mad or succumb to her desire to visit the stables. “I’d love to see the horses,” she said finally. “Do you think I could have a minute to finish putting on some of this paste?” She grimaced. “I know I’ll be more comfortable.”
“This is my horse, Champ.” Conlon’s pride in the beautiful buckskin couldn’t be hidden.
Glorianna slipped her hand over the stall door. Champ gently nudged her, his soft muzzle tickling her palm. “He’s beautiful. Is he your own, or does he belong to the cavalry?”
“He’s mine.” Conlon reached up to tug on the horse’s black forelock. “I brought him with me when I came out here from Kentucky. Come on, I’ll show you the other horses. Fayth’s favorite is right down here. She enjoys riding when someone has the time to go with her.”
“Why does someone have to go with her?”
Conlon frowned. “Out here, there’s danger everywhere. Between the Indians, rattlers, and cougars, it’s best not to go out alone. And, in these wide-open spaces you can get lost pretty quickly. You need to remember that.”
Glorianna followed Conlon down the aisle of stalls. “I couldn’t see any danger when we came across the desert from Yuma. We didn’t see a single rattlesnake. I don’t think there’s much to worry about.”
“Glorianna, as long as I’m in charge of your safety, I want you to promise me you’ll always have someone with you when you go riding.” Conlon paused, his stern expression firming Glorianna’s resolve to ride by herself as soon as she had the chance. “If I can’t accompany you, then one of the other men will. Promise?”
“Oh, all right. I suppose I have to or you’ll give orders that I can’t have a horse to ride.” But, as soon as my father returns and you aren’t in charge of my welfare, we’ll see what happens.
“Good.” Conlon’s grin set her heart pounding. “Now, let’s see which horse you take a liking to.”
“Oh, this one.” Glorianna peered over the stall at a beautiful sorrel with a flaxen mane and tail. His head arched proudly, and his white socks flashed as he turned and pranced toward her.
“I must say you have excellent taste in horses, but I’m afraid this one is off limits, even to the captain’s daughter.”
“And why is that?”
“Because this is a man’s horse, Miss Wilton. He’s too high-spirited for a lady. We’ll find you something a little calmer.”
Conlon started off down the row of stalls. Glorianna stood by the sorrel’s stall, hands clenched at her sides, waiting for Conlon to realize she wasn’t following.
“Aren’t you coming?” Conlon turned back to face her.
“Lieutenant Sullivan, I have always ridden spirited horses. I can easily control this horse, and you haven’t given me a single reason why I shouldn’t be allowed to ride him. You’ll have to come up with something better than his being a man’s horse.”
Conlon slowly traced his steps back to her side, the soft dirt of the stable floor silencing his footsteps. He stopped in front of her, his blue eyes twinkling as if he was laughing at her. “Miss Wilton, this horse belongs to Josiah Washington, our blacksmith. To my knowledge no one else even feeds the horse, let alone rides him. Now, if you want to take on Josiah, you may do so, but I’ll warn you, he’s quite a bit stronger than you.”
