Brides of Arizona, page 4
Glorianna tried to step back, wanting to distance herself from Conlon. The stable wall stopped her. Why did his nearness always affect her this way? Rather than pursuing her desire to ride this horse, she found herself wanting to look at Conlon. She wanted to watch the way his blue eyes sparkled with humor. To brush that stray lock of hair off his forehead. To touch his handsome, chiseled face.
With a mental shake, Glorianna brought herself around. “I will talk with Mr. Washington at the first available moment, Lieutenant. Right now, I believe it’s time to return home.”
Conlon stepped back, bowed low, sweeping his arm toward the door. “Allow me to escort you, Miss Wilton.”
Glorianna lifted her chin and swept past him, heading down the passage between the stalls. She studiously ignored the arm Conlon offered her. “I can find my own way back, Lieutenant. I’m sure you have other matters to attend. The morning inspection is fast approaching.”
A sudden influx of soldiers proved Glorianna’s point. Loud, raucous laughter filled the stables as the troops headed for their tack and horses to get ready for the drills and calls. She halted, unsure how to proceed with so many men in the way. The firm pressure of Conlon’s hand on her elbow was a welcome relief, although she determined he would never know it.
“I’ll get you to where the ladies will be gathering. Then I’m afraid I’ll have to get Champ ready.” Conlon’s soft words spoken close to her ear sent a shiver down her spine.
Although her parasol blocked the sun’s rays, it did little to cool the rising heat of the morning. Despite the warmth, Glorianna stared at the parade of horses and men, captivated with the beauty and symmetry of their movements. The proud horses’ bowed necks complemented their riders’ straight backs and oneness with their mounts.
“There’s Timothy.” Fayth’s pride in her husband shone on her face. Glorianna glanced at her, then followed the direction she looked, and managed to spot Timothy Holwell riding a bay. The horse’s dark brown coat gleamed in the sun.
“I still have some trouble knowing who’s who,” Glorianna admitted. “When they’re in uniform and have their caps on, they all look alike.” She sent an apologetic smile in Fayth’s direction.
Fayth laughed and bounced Alyce higher on her hip. “Don’t worry, we’ve all been through that. Imagine how I felt when I couldn’t even recognize my own husband. You’ll do better in no time.”
Glorianna didn’t know how she would ever tell one soldier from another. Even the horses were starting to blend together.
“Look, there’s Conlon riding out on Champ.”
Glorianna looked across the parade ground. Conlon’s shining buckskin pranced to the center of the parade ground. His black-socked legs pistoned up and down in precision movements. Champ’s black mane and tail perfectly complemented his gleaming tan hide. Conlon sat ramrod stiff, every inch the cavalry officer. The stable call began, each rider rigid in the saddle as he paraded in front of his commanding officer.
As they rode past, Glorianna found herself comparing each rider to Conlon. Every man in the cavalry lacked something. He was either too short, too slouchy, or too thin; not one of them could compare in looks.
“Didn’t you love the call-to-arms?” Fayth whispered as the last of the horses high-stepped past. “I’ve seen it more times than I can count, and I still get a thrill from it.”
“I don’t know which I liked best,” Glorianna admitted as they ambled toward their houses. Each of them held one of Alyce’s small hands as she toddled between them. “Watching the soldiers leap for their rifles and the officers buckle on their swords in the call-to-arms could take your breath away. Then again, the sight of all those mounted soldiers sitting so perfectly on their glistening horses reminded me of knights in shining armor. I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be swept off my feet and ride off into the sunset with one of them.”
Fayth stopped and stared open-mouthed at Glorianna. “Are you telling me you’re falling for Lieutenant Sullivan? I just knew you wouldn’t be able to resist him.”
“I did not say I was falling for anyone.” Glorianna felt a blush heat her cheeks. “Remember Kendrick? He would make a wonderful knight in shining armor. Perhaps I’ll go write a letter and tell him. Maybe I need to let him know exactly what my feelings are.”
Quickly, Glorianna left her new friend and rushed across the parade ground toward her quarters. She tried to forget the small lie she’d told Fayth about picturing Kendrick as a knight. Instead, she began to plan how to word a letter to him. But, for some reason, she couldn’t shut out the image of all those cavalrymen and horses. The vibrant picture of Conlon Sullivan sitting so straight and tall left little room to remember a passing acquaintance she hadn’t seen for months.
As darkness fell, Glorianna, wrapped in a light blanket, made her way to the cot prepared for her. She sank down exhausted from so many nights of fitful sleep. As the cool night breeze washed over her, she drifted into a night of peaceful, much-needed sleep. She didn’t even consider whether the cans of water would do their work, she simply slept.
Chapter 5
Towering maple and oak trees shaded them as Glorianna and her cousin, Kathleen O’Connor, strolled down the street. The quiet afternoon muted their conversation. Carriages rolled soundlessly down the rain-washed street. Other than the faint buzz of bees busy about their work, they were the only two in this world of silence.
Glorianna stopped, placing a restraining hand on her cousin’s arm. “Look, Kathleen, it’s him.”
Kathleen turned her freckled pixie face toward Glorianna. “Who?” she asked, her hazel eyes darkening in question as she reached to pull her veil over her face.
“It’s Kendrick. Can’t you see him?”
Glorianna watched as Kathleen shook her head, her mahogany curls swinging with the motion. “I don’t want to see him, Glory. I don’t want you to see him, either. I’ve told you before he isn’t worth your time.”
“But, he’s so handsome. I know you don’t think he’s a Christian, but he goes to church.”
“Oh, Glory.” Kathleen frowned at her. “You know the only time he attends church is when he can get a free meal or some entertainment. Besides, a man who loved God wouldn’t get himself into as many scrapes as Kendrick does.”
“He leads an interesting life.” Glorianna twirled the handle of her parasol. “It would be so exciting to be married to him. Think of all the adventures you would have.”
“I refuse to think of them,” Kathleen said. “I wouldn’t even allow him to call on me. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll discourage him, too.”
“But, God wants me to marry Kendrick. I’m sure of it.”
“How do you know such a thing, Glory? Doesn’t the Bible say we shouldn’t be unequally yoked? Have you stopped to look at Kendrick through God’s eyes?”
“And what would God look for that I haven’t?”
“I believe God would look for a man that will pray and read the Bible regularly with his family. Will Kendrick do that?” Kathleen’s honest assessment made Glorianna fidget. “God wants a man for you who will take you to church every week. Will Kendrick do that?”
“He will.” Glorianna tipped her parasol to the side so she could get a better look at her cousin. She hoped her doubts weren’t reflected in her eyes. “He just needs some encouragement. He hasn’t come from a Christian home. That makes it hard for him. A good wife will bring out the best in him.”
“Glorianna.” She turned as the deep voice called her name. Kendrick stood there, his face set in its customary haughty smile. The persistent buzzing of bees near her head grew louder, but she ignored it. As she watched, his pale blue eyes deepened to a morning glory blue and filled with kindness. His blond hair darkened to black and his haughty expression changed to one of love. But he wasn’t Kendrick anymore. What was happening?
“Don’t move,” he warned. “Please stay still.”
She looked in confusion to see him raising a gun. Before she could even cry out, smoke belched from the gun’s barrel and a loud bang reverberated through the air. Glorianna screamed and leapt from her cot.
“It’s okay, Sweetheart.” Suddenly, Conlon’s arms were around her. Once again, she found herself sobbing into his shoulder, completely disoriented.
“I’m sorry, I thought you were awake. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Glorianna pushed herself back from him. “You shot at me.” Fear made her want to scream at him. “And I am not your sweetheart!”
“Glorianna, look.” Conlon grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her around. There, on the ground beneath her cot, a headless rattlesnake writhed in its death throes. Glorianna’s knees buckled. If he hadn’t been behind her, she would have collapsed on the ground.
“I tried to warn you to lie still. I didn’t want you to get off your cot with the snake under there.” The sound of running footsteps startled her, and Glorianna realized she had nothing on but her nightdress.
“Oh!” She grabbed for her thin blanket, still crumpled on the cot. Running for her house, she could feel the heat of embarrassment burning her cheeks. What had Conlon been doing by her cot anyway? Did he spy on her while she slept? Maybe it wasn’t worth the comfort of sleeping outside if it tempted him to watch her. She would question him about this later.
“Hello?” Fayth’s light knock and query echoed through the silent house. Glorianna’s trembling fingers fumbled at the final button of her dress.
“I’ll be out in a moment.” Glorianna hated the shreds of fear in her voice. She could still hear the buzzing from her dream and see the twitching body of the snake. The buzz hadn’t been from bees as she dreamed. If she had gotten off her cot, the snake would have bitten her in an instant, before she was fully awake. She shuddered and took a deep breath to calm her queasy stomach.
“Are you okay?” Fayth’s concern showed in the paleness of her face.
Glorianna forced a tentative smile. “I’m fine, I think. I’m just a little shaky. It isn’t every morning I wake up to such excitement.”
Fayth hugged her tight. “Timothy and I were so scared when we heard the shot. Thank God, Conlon happened along when he did.”
“That’s something that has me a little upset, too.” Glorianna stiffened at the reminder of Conlon’s seeing her in her nightdress. “What was he doing by my bed?”
Fayth smiled and grabbed Glorianna’s hands, holding them tight. “I believe God sent him. You see, we invited him for breakfast again. For some reason, you slept late. When he rounded the corner and saw you still asleep, he planned to walk on by.”
“Then why didn’t he?” Glorianna tried hard to hold on to her anger.
“Why? Because he heard the rattler. He couldn’t very well leave you defenseless, could he?”
“I suppose not.” A chill raced through her, raising bumps on her arms. “I don’t know why I slept so late, anyway. I never do.”
“But, don’t you see?” Fayth continued, the excitement in her voice demanding Glorianna’s attention. “God planned that. If you had awakened earlier, no one would have been there to kill the snake. It might have struck at you.”
“I could have died.”
“Yes, that’s possible, but sometimes a person only gets sick from rattlesnake bites. If the venom gets drawn out right away, there’s a good chance they will live.”
Glorianna nodded, hoping she would never need to recall that information. She didn’t ever want to see another snake again, especially one with rattles on its tail.
“Now, how about coming to our house for some breakfast? You look a little pale, and I’m sure you’re hungry. Emily should have the food ready to set on the table.”
“I’d love to. Let me run a brush through my hair first. I don’t want to scare Alyce.” She attempted a smile, not sure her stomach would welcome any food. Still, she didn’t want to upset Fayth, who was so thoughtfully trying to help.
Heat from the blacksmith’s forge washed over Glorianna in waves, overwhelming the warmth of even the desert sun. Sweat beaded on her brow and threatened to trickle down her face. She sopped it with her handkerchief and pulled her parasol forward to block the hotter waves that radiated in front of her.
The smell of burning wood and the steady bang of the hammer against the anvil shut out the world around her. Mesmerized, Glorianna watched the blacksmith rhythmically pound a piece of red-hot metal, molding it into the U-shape of a horseshoe.
She hadn’t seen the blacksmith before. If he was standing straight and not bent over his forge, he would tower over her. His muscles rippled and bulged, sweat covering his bare, ebony arms in a mirrored sheen. His huge hands looked as though one of them would wrap quite easily around her neck. A tremor of fear swept through her. Was this what Conlon meant about being brave enough to ask about riding the blacksmith’s horse? Would this giant take offense and swat her away like a bothersome fly? Trepidation shivered down her spine. She stepped back. Maybe it would be best to slip away before he noticed her.
But the thought came to her too late. The blacksmith turned and thrust the heated metal into a pail of water. Steam hissed and rose in a cloud around him. His inky gaze locked on her, and a slow grin split his face.
“Good evening.” His booming voice held her fast. “You must be the captain’s daughter.”
“I–I am.” Glorianna swallowed hard, trying to regain her composure and remember why she was here.
“I’m Josiah Washington.” The massive head dipped toward her. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
Hot air swirled around Glorianna. She felt light-headed. She gritted her teeth, determined not to faint simply because this man looked like the makings of a nightmare. He sounded friendly enough, and his smile, although crooked, appeared pleasant.
Glorianna forced herself to meet Josiah’s jet black gaze. Suddenly, she knew with certainty that this man would never hurt anyone. His eyes were gentle and innocent. She smiled, then relaxed for the first time since approaching the blacksmith’s forge.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Washington. You’re right, I’m the captain’s daughter, Glorianna. I’d like to ask a favor of you.”
“And what might that be?”
“Yesterday, Lieutenant Sullivan took me on a tour of the stables. I happen to love horses. I learned to ride almost before I could walk. When I saw your horse, I wanted to ride him. Lieutenant Sullivan said you wouldn’t allow me, but I should ask you myself.”
Josiah picked up a rag and swabbed the rivers of sweat off his face. He looked at her, the smile wiped from his face as well. “I don’t let anyone ride Sultan, Miss Wilton. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but he’s a bit picky about who rides him.”
“I’m used to handling difficult horses.” Glorianna heard her voice rising, hating the sound of it. “Perhaps, if you give me a chance.”
“I would gladly share anything I have with you, Miss Wilton.” Josiah held her with his steady gaze. “But the truth is, I know that horse. He isn’t just difficult; he can get mean. His former owner didn’t treat him so good. I’ve seen him throw a man and then turn to pound him into the ground. I’d never forgive myself if something like that happened to you.”
Glorianna stood silent, watching the gentle giant. Now she understood why no one but Josiah even fed the horse. For some reason, the horse trusted him. He might not feel that way about her or anyone else. Josiah wasn’t denying her out of selfishness; he wanted to protect her.
“Thank you, Mr. Washington, I understand.”
Before she could turn to go, Josiah spoke again. “There are plenty of good horses in that stable, Miss Wilton. I’m sure the lieutenant will be happy to pick one out for you.”
Heavy footsteps thundered across the front room. Glorianna looked up from where she sat cross-legged on her bed writing a letter to Kathleen. A thread of fear wove its way through her. “Who’s there?”
“Kitten, it’s me.” Glorianna cried out at the sound of her father’s deep, rumbling voice. Tossing aside her pen and paper, she hopped off the bed and ran to him. Her father wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight.
“I’m so sorry,” he murmured. “I had no idea Dirk would try such a thing.”
“It’s not your fault, Daddy.” Glorianna smiled up at him through her tears. “Everything turned out fine, thanks to Lieutenant Sullivan.”
“I hear he’s been taking good care of you.” Her father grinned down at her. “I’ve heard stories of his fighting snakes of all kinds.”
Glorianna could feel the heat of a blush on her cheeks. She pushed back from her father, not wanting to admit how grateful she was for Conlon’s protection. “He only did his job.” She sounded petty, even to her own ears.
“I’d say he went beyond duty.” Her father’s reprimand made her feel like a child. His quick smile eased her discomfort. “I do want to say that I’ve released Dirk. He says it was only the liquor. He won’t be around you, though.” Her father hugged her again. “Now, enough about that. I’ve brought a couple of things for you from Tucson. Come with me.”
Glorianna followed her father into the kitchen. A young girl turned from the cupboards to face them. Her dark hair and eyes blended with her olive complexion. She looked down and shuffled her bare feet on the floor.
“This is Maria. Maria, this is my daughter, Glorianna.” He turned back to Glorianna. “Maria will cook for us and keep the house. If you need anything, just ask. She speaks quite a bit of English.”
“Hello, Maria.” Glorianna smiled at the pretty Mexican girl. “Thank you for coming to help us out.”
Maria nodded quickly and smiled. “Happy to, Señorita. Make good food for you.”
Slipping her hand onto her father’s proffered arm, Glorianna allowed herself to be escorted out of the kitchen. Her father grinned at her. “Now, I have something outside for you.”
