Brides of Arizona, page 5
Glorianna stared in amazement as she stepped into the muted evening sun. Conlon Sullivan stood in the shade of a paloverde tree holding the reins of a beautiful horse. Her sorrel coat and flaxen mane and tail reminded Glorianna of Josiah Washington’s Sultan. Four white socks colored her trim legs and a slender white strip ran down her nose. Small ears perked forward as Glorianna and her father approached.
“I know how much you like horses, Kitten. This spunky little mare needed a good home, and I thought of you.”
“She’s mine?” Glorianna gasped. “Oh, she’s so beautiful.” She gently stroked the soft neck. She looked across the mare at Conlon and smiled as the horse leaned her head over and rubbed her ear against his arm.
“She seems to like you, Lieutenant.” Glorianna turned to her father. “What’s her name?” Excitement made her chatter like Alyce.
“She doesn’t have one.” Her father shook his head. “I guess you’ll have to think of a suitable name for her.”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Glorianna paused as she stroked the soft muzzle. “She’s such a sweet little girl. Do you have any ideas, Lieutenant?”
“I’d say you just named her.” Conlon grinned, his blue eyes sparkling. “Little girl in Spanish is nina. That sounds like a good name.”
“Nina,” Glorianna whispered. “I like it. When can I ride her?” She swung around toward her father.
“You may go now if Lieutenant Sullivan will accompany you.”
Glorianna turned back to Conlon. She wanted so much to ride Nina, even if it meant going with Conlon Sullivan.
He chuckled in obvious delight with the prospect. “I’m ready to go. Champ is saddled at the stables. I’ll get him while you change into your riding habit.”
Scampering inside, Glorianna couldn’t contain her excitement. I’ll just pretend I’m riding with Kendrick, she concluded, not at all sure she would manage the pretense.
Chapter 6
Nina’s smooth, rocking gait thrilled Glorianna. Her father had given her the perfect gift. She missed the riding she had done in the East. On the days her mother didn’t need her so much, she always took the opportunity to go for a refreshing ride. Nothing equaled the feeling of freedom that came from sitting on a spirited horse.
“Where shall we go, Lieutenant?”
Conlon took a long look around them, as if trying to decide the best direction. “It occurred to me that you haven’t seen much of our desert. You probably have no idea that we have a river near the camp.”
“A river? Here?” Glorianna couldn’t mask her astonishment.
“That’s right.” Conlon laughed aloud. “Would you like to ride down to the Verde with me?”
“I’d love to.” Glorianna followed Conlon down a wide trail. Memories assaulted her, the freshest one also the most painful. …
“Glorianna.” Her mother’s weak voice barely reached her.
“What is it?” she asked, hurrying to take her mother’s thin, dry hand in her own. “What do you need?”
“Please ride to the river. See if you can find some spring flowers and bring me a few.” Her mother collapsed back into the pillow, weakened by the speech. “I want to see their beauty one more time.” Glorianna leaned close to hear the words.
Glorianna galloped to the river as fast as she dared over the uneven ground. Was her mother dying? Dr. Prince told her only yesterday that it wouldn’t be long. She wasn’t ready though. She would never be ready. Tears streamed down her face, the whipping wind drying them as they fell.
At the river, Glorianna slipped off her horse near a patch of bluebells, her mother’s favorite. As she bent to pick a bouquet of the delicate flowers, a tinkle of laughter caught her attention. Her horse’s reins in one hand, flowers in the other, she rounded the bend of the river.
Seated on the riverbank were three girls and a group of five boys. The boys were all friends of Kendrick’s. The girls all attended the same church as Glorianna and her mother. Glorianna took another step closer and noticed a couple seated on the ground, partially hidden by a huge oak tree.
Kendrick and Melissa Cornwall—syrupy, beautiful, wealthy Melissa Cornwall—were engaged in intimate conversation. He leaned back against the tree, and she rested her hand on his chest, batting her blue eyes at him. Glorianna wanted to scream. How could he look at her like that?
Glorianna backed out of sight and swung back on her horse. On the way home, the tears weren’t for her mother; they were for her and her inability to fight for the man she wanted to marry.
At home she put away her horse, wiped her eyes, and headed toward the house. “You won’t get away with this, Melissa,” she whispered. “Kendrick is mine and I’ll not let you have him.”
She put the small bouquet of flowers in a vase and took it to her mother’s room. Her mother was no longer there. Only her body remained, an empty shell. Her spirit had gone home to be with the Lord.
Within a few days, Glorianna was heading west to be with her father. She had no chance to fight for Kendrick.
She had to get back before it was too late and Melissa won.
“Miss Wilton?” Conlon called for the third time. He reined Champ closer and touched her hand where it rested on the saddle. She started, and her green eyes focused on him for the first time in several minutes. “Are you okay?”
A slight shudder shook her slender frame, and Glorianna said, “I’m fine, Lieutenant. I apologize for my lack of manners. I was just remembering my last ride before I came west.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” Conlon studied her pale face. “You looked so sad.”
Glorianna shrugged, a sad, faraway look on her face. “I rode to a river near us to bring some flowers for my mother.” She paused, then continued in a near whisper. “She died before I returned.”
“I’m sorry,” Conlon said, reaching over to squeeze her small hand lightly. She didn’t pull back, and he clasped her cool fingers for a moment to warm them.
Glorianna attempted a smile. “I know she’s happier with the Lord. It’s just that I miss her so.”
As if she realized her vulnerability, Glorianna pulled her hand from his. “Maybe this isn’t the best time to ride to the river. I’d like to go back home, please.”
Conlon nodded and let Champ follow Nina as Glorianna reined her around in the road. Why does she seem so open, then suddenly close up on me? Just when I think we’re starting to become friends, she puts up a wall and shuts me out. He stroked Champ’s sweaty neck and watched Glorianna’s fingers whiten on her reins. Something is bothering her, he thought. Lord, help me learn how I can reach her and help her through this difficult time. I know she misses her mother, but it’s more than that, I think.
“Glorianna! Conlon!” Fayth waved wildly from her seat in the ambulance. The boxlike wagon was often used to transport cavalry wives and children to various destinations. “Come with us,” Fayth said as Conlon and Glorianna drew near. “We’re going to the Verde River to bathe and cool off.” Beyond the wagon a group of cavalrymen sat astride their horses.
Conlon looked at Glorianna and shrugged, giving her the opportunity to answer. “I don’t know, Fayth.” Glorianna tried to smile. “I don’t have any other clothes with me.”
“I took care of that.” Fayth held up a wrapped bundle. “I was hoping we’d run into you, so I brought some extra things. Come on,” she pleaded. “Alyce will love having you along, and it will feel wonderful to be cool for a few minutes.” Alyce clapped her hands as if agreeing with her mother.
“All right.” Glorianna laughed at the toddler’s antics. “I guess we’ll just ride behind you.”
“If you would like, Miss Wilton, I’ll take Nina back to the camp. You can ride in the ambulance with the others.”
“Aren’t you coming, Conlon?” Fayth frowned at him.
“I want to get some clean clothes. I’ll catch up with you,” Conlon said. “Don’t worry, I won’t miss out on a chance to cool off.”
Conlon dismounted and helped Glorianna into the wagon. She settled onto the seat next to Fayth. Alyce climbed over to snuggle into her lap, and Glorianna hugged the tiny girl, drawing comfort from her.
The ambulance jolted into motion, nearly unseating several of the women. They laughed and chattered with one another. Glorianna tried to ignore the emptiness gnawing a hole inside her.
“Has anyone told you about the cactus here?” Fayth leaned close to be heard over the other women’s chatter.
Glorianna looked at all the strange plants by the side of the road and shook her head. “I don’t know much about them. I wouldn’t know what to avoid and what’s safe.”
“Just in case you’re ever watching Alyce, let me explain which ones she shouldn’t play near.” Fayth grinned. “The last thing I want is a daughter that comes in looking like she’s been in a fight with a porcupine.” They both laughed. For the remainder of the ride to the river, Fayth pointed out various plants and explained their dangers or purposes.
Before long, they arrived at the Verde River. Having caught up with them, Conlon joined the men tromping along the path leading farther down the river. The women slipped and slid down the nearest trail to the cool water.
“Hey, stop that,” Glorianna laughed as Alyce splashed water in her face. Alyce chuckled and did it again. “I’ll get you wet if you don’t stop,” Glorianna warned. Alyce squealed and slammed both hands down on the water, shooting a spray into Glorianna’s face.
“Alyce, you behave.” Fayth’s lips pursed as if she held back a smile.
“Don’t worry. We’re just having a little fun.” Glorianna splashed water on Alyce’s stomach. They laughed, enjoying the cool river water.
Later, as Fayth, Alyce, and Glorianna relaxed in the shallow water, Fayth asked, “Are you upset about Dirk being released?”
Glorianna shrugged and watched Alyce pick up rocks from the river bottom. “He said he only did it because he was drunk. I’ll just stay away from him.” She picked up a handful of rocks, then dribbled them back into the river. “I guess I am a little nervous.”
Alyce’s head nodded forward. Fayth chuckled as she picked her daughter up. “I think you’re about to fall asleep in the water.” She stood and began to wade toward the bank.
“I’ll go up to the wagon and fetch our clothes,” Glorianna called. “I’ll only be a minute.”
Following the faint path up from the river to the road, the sounds of women’s laughter faded away. The quiet peacefulness of the desert settled around Glorianna. She hoped none of the men were at the wagon yet. She didn’t like the idea of them seeing her in wet clothing, particularly a certain lieutenant who had the bad habit of catching her off guard.
Glorianna peered into the wagon, searching through the bundles of clothing for the one Fayth wrapped up for them. She lifted the bulky garments and turned back to the trail down to the river. Hands grabbed her arms. Before she could react, she was crushed against a wet body.
“Well, well, looky who we have here.” Dirk’s fetid breath didn’t smell of alcohol this time. Glorianna’s heart almost stopped, then beat a frantic rhythm as she struggled to free herself from his iron grip.
“Let me go, now,” she hissed. “You won’t have the excuse of being drunk this time. You know what my father will do.”
He laughed. Glorianna turned her head, trying to avoid his foul breath and the unsightly glimpse of rotted teeth. She pushed against his chest, hitting him with her fists.
“That’s what I like, sweet thing. A woman with spirit. You and I will get along fine.” He laughed and tried to pull her closer. “You just need a little time to get used to the idea of us together.”
“Leave me alone.” Glorianna’s body was taut with fear. “If you don’t let go, I’ll scream. You know that help isn’t far.”
A hand clamped over her mouth before she could say more. “Then I guess I’ll just have to keep you quiet.” His sinister laugh sent a chill coursing down her spine. “No one will hear you now. They’re all having too much fun in the river.”
Glorianna strained against Dirk as he tried to pull her tighter against him. She wanted to bite his hand and loosen his grip just long enough to get out a scream, but he pushed it painfully tight over her mouth. She relaxed, hoping he would think she was giving in and let down his guard for a minute.
“That’s right, sweet thing.” Dirk leaned closer to her. “I knew you’d understand. No one will help you this time.”
“No one, Dirk? I think you’re wrong there.” Conlon’s voice held a deadly calm.
Dirk whirled, releasing Glorianna. She fell to the ground. He crouched low. A knife appeared in his hand as if by magic. Without thinking, Glorianna swept her feet forward, knocking them into Dirk’s legs. He lost his balance and stumbled forward.
Like a streak of lightning, Conlon’s fist caught Dirk on the jaw, knocking him backward. With his other hand, Conlon grabbed Dirk’s arm and banged it against the wagon. The knife clattered to the ground.
Glorianna scooted backward, trying her best to put some distance between herself and the fighters. She winced as Conlon picked Dirk up from the dirt and hit him again. Blood from Dirk’s nose streamed down the front of his shirt. Conlon’s eyes were dark with anger. He pummeled Dirk, knocking him back against the ambulance.
“I warned you once,” Conlon snarled. “I told you to stay away from Glorianna.”
Dirk dodged Conlon and wiped his nose with his sleeve. “You just want her for yourself, Lieutenant. You figure you’re the Cap’n’s pet so you should get her. Well, you aren’t the only one in the game.”
Conlon let out a low growl and lunged for Dirk. Glorianna screamed. Yells and the pounding of heavy footsteps sounded in the brush. A moment later, Timothy Holwell and several of the other men appeared from the river path. Timothy grabbed Conlon while the other men restrained Dirk.
“Tie him up,” Conlon ordered. “We’ll take him back to the camp and let the captain handle this.”
Timothy loosened his hold, and Conlon walked over to Glorianna. He slipped a hand under her elbow and helped her over to the wagon. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.
“I’ll be fine.” Glorianna tried to keep her voice steady. She wanted Conlon to take her in his arms and comfort her, but knew he wouldn’t with all the men around. The excited voices of the women were coming closer as they climbed the path from the river. “Thank you for rescuing me again, Lieutenant. You seem to do it very well.”
Conlon grinned down at her, his eyes a deep warm blue again. “It’s truly my pleasure.”
Conlon lay on his cot watching the panorama of celestial splendor overhead. But a mental image of a beautiful redhead with vivid green eyes overshadowed the stars. She seemed so sad today when they were riding. He longed to hold her and comfort her.
His hands clenched as he remembered finding Glorianna once more in the clutches of Dirk. Never had he felt such rage. The thought of that lowlife touching Glorianna filled him with fresh anger. At least it wouldn’t happen again. The captain had agreed to lock Dirk up until they could ship him to Fort Lowell in Tucson. Conlon wanted to hang him.
God, I’m sorry I’m having such a hard time with forgiveness here. Please help me. Teach me how to reach out to Glorianna without being pushy. I’m so used to getting what I want that I’m having trouble waiting for You, Lord. I want to learn patience. I know I’ll need it throughout life, and I may as well start right now.
Conlon drifted off to sleep, a smile relaxing his face. Memories of sweet rose scent and silken fiery red hair filled his thoughts and dreams.
Chapter 7
Looks like rain might finally be a possibility.” Fayth pointed at the sky as she and Glorianna left the mercantile.
Over the desert, billowing clouds played hide and seek with the sun. The wind whipped the women’s dresses against their legs. The blowing sand stung as it tried to imbed itself in their tender skin. Fayth handed her package to Glorianna and sheltered Alyce’s face against her neck.
“The summer storms are late this year.” Fayth led the way across the deserted parade ground. “Usually, we’ve had some rain by now, and the dust isn’t so bad as this.”
“What exactly are they?” Glorianna squinted against the wind. “Isn’t one storm like another?”
Fayth shook her head and leaned farther over Alyce. “These are more than normal storms. They bring lightning, strong winds, and, we hope, rain. The temperature drops drastically. Sometimes, we don’t get the rain. Then the lightning starts fires in the dry brush of the desert. The early ones are always a little scary because the desert is so dry. Of course, it’s possible these clouds won’t amount to anything.”
Fayth opened the door to her house. Glorianna stepped in and started to close the door when a shout stopped her. She turned to see Conlon striding toward her; his eyes fastened on her, disregarding the strong breeze. Her heartbeat quickened, and she tried to ignore how much she looked forward to seeing him.
Conlon waved something at her, his mouth moving, but the words were ripped away by the wind. He strode closer, then called again, “I have a letter for you.”
Fayth returned to take the packages. Glorianna tried to remain calm as Conlon approached. She didn’t know whether her excitement stemmed from seeing him or from getting a letter. Oh, it would be good to hear from home.
“It looks like you heard from someone back east.”
Standing in the doorway with Conlon on the steps below her, they were almost the same height. She had no trouble gazing into his sparkling blue eyes. In fact, she had trouble looking away. Mesmerized, she watched the wind play games with his dark hair, flinging it on his forehead, then sweeping it back over his brow.
“Your mail, Miss Wilton.”
Glorianna started, then felt the heat of a blush rising. She’d been staring at Conlon like a sentimental schoolgirl. He held out her letter, grinning as if he knew her every thought.
