The Unlikely Wife

by Cassandra Austin

  “Of course it was.” The feminine voice brought Clark’s head up, and Decker’s as well. “Hadn’t Hancock ever heard of Sand Creek?”

  She had crept closer during the narrative and sat only a few feet from him. As surprised as he was to find she had gotten so close without his notice, he was more surprised by the question. He hadn’t expected the colonel’s daughter to know anything about the ‘64 massacre, let alone connect the Colorado Volunteers’ burning of that peaceful Cheyenne village with the Cheyenne’s behavior now. Most people didn’t seem to believe Indians had memories.

  The troopers, however were more interested in the woman than in the question. They were watching her more closely than they watched their guest.

  Decker was clearly startled. Clark could guess what he was thinking. An effeminate boy? A woman in disguise that only he had seen through? Clark decided to let him wonder. Besides, she had asked a good question.

  Decker recovered quickly, though he cast Whiting a questioning glance. “As a matter of fact, that’s just what Roman Nose asked him. He came to parley during the standoff.”

  “What happened to the deserted village?” Clark asked, though he could guess.

  With a flick of his wrist, Decker tossed his cold coffee on the ground, in lieu of tobacco juice, Clark supposed. “Hancock sends Custer after ‘em, waits four days, and burns the village. Two hundred fifty lodges. Now they got no choice but to raid. This here’s Hancock’s war plain and simple.”

  The camp was quiet Darkness had closed in around them during the past few minutes. Clark glanced around the circle of young faces, knowing each was considering what they were about to ride into.

  “Sergeant Whiting,” he said quietly. “Arrange guards for the night.”

  “Yes, sir.” Whiting issued orders, and the troopers moved toward their own tents.

  Except for the curvaceous “soldier” beside him. She was staring into the fire. Decker was staring at her.

  “Thanks for the information, Mr. Decker,” Clark said, drawing his attention.

  “Sure thing. Don’t reckon you need guards, though. Most all the raiding’s a mite farther west.”

  “The men will sleep better knowing there are guards on duty,” Clark said.

  Decker nodded his approval. “I reckon you’re right. ‘Cept for the ones actually doin’ the guardin’.” He went back to watching the “soldier.”

  Clark didn’t like the speculative gleam in the old scout’s eyes. He was probably thinking she was his mistress, smuggled into camp in uniform.

  “Miss Huntington,” he said. She turned toward him, sorrow evident in her dark eyes. “Have you met Carl Decker? Mr. Decker, this is Colonel Huntington’s daughter.”

  “Short Deck,” Decker croaked, then cleared his throat “Begging your pardon, ma’am, but is there a reason you’re in that getup?”

  She gave him her most brilliant smile. Clark could feel the force of it even in profile. “All the ladies are wearing these back east,” she said, plucking at the shoulders of the wool blouse. “Though I personally think it needs a little decoration. A couple of bows or something. What do you think?”

  Decker grinned, showing tobacco-stained teeth. “Maybe it needs a medal or two.”

  Her eyes brightened. “Medals! I hadn’t thought of that. Do you know where I could get some?”

  “If I had any, I’d hand them over right now. Maybe the lieutenant has earned hisself a few.”

  She turned her smile on Clark. Her eyes were fairly dancing. “What do you think, Lieutenant?”

  She was quite a picture, her dark hair curling around her collar and ears, her dimples bracketing smiling pink lips. Every curve of her body outlined by the uniform. “I think you should go back to your wagon.”

  Her eyes went from teasing to knowing. Damn, she could guess why he wanted her to leave. He didn’t like the way Decker watched her. Or the fact that she was practically flirting with the man. She thought he was jealous. He wasn’t, of course. She was under his protection, and her flirting made that a more difficult job. He kept his face impassive as she grinned at him.

  “Well,” she said with a sigh. “I suppose you’re right. It was nice meeting you, Short Deck. I’ll leave it to Lieutenant Forrester to explain my presence as best he can. Good night”

  Out of habit, Clark stood as she stood. Resuming his seat, he tore his eyes away from the retreating figure only to discover that Decker hadn’t “She’s traveling with the supply train because the public transportation has temporarily shut down.”

  Decker didn’t turn toward him. “The getup your idea?”

  Clark couldn’t resist a laugh. “No, that was hers. She believes it won’t attract the Indians’ attention.”

  “Sure as hell attracts everybody else’s.”

  “I imagine she’s aware of that, as well.”

  Decker turned and laughed. “She gettin’ to ya, Lieutenant?”

  Clark had his expression back under control. “She’s my commanding officer’s daughter.”

  Decker was still grinning. “You’re a better man than I am if you let that stop you.”

  Clark didn’t respond.

  “Ah, well,” Decker said, coming to his feet with more agility than Clark expected, “I better find my roll and turn in. See ya in the morning, Lieutenant.”

  “Good night.”

  Clark gazed into the darkness beyond the fire. He tried to consider what the scout had said, but found himself thinking about Miss Huntington instead. “Medals,” he muttered. If he could deliver her to her father without touching her, he would deserve one.

  It was best not to even think about her. He would think about Annie; that should bring him back to his senses. Oddly enough, he had a little trouble remembering her face. He remembered the pain when she turned down his proposal, however.

  When he got word that his uncle had died, he had requested leave to go home and asked Annie to join him. He had pictured a small wedding with some of his family but had offered to marry her in Dodge before they left. He had known he would be reporting to the new fort upon his return.

  She had turned him down. Life as a soldier’s wife wasn’t for her. She didn’t want to move from fort to fort and worry about her husband every time he rode away. And he couldn’t blame her.

  He didn’t feel heartbroken, exactly. But she had been a sweet, quiet, gentle woman who would have made a good helpmate. If she couldn’t tolerate his life, what woman could?

  He shook off the loneliness. He would miss Annie, of course. And that was why he found his teasing little charge at all attractive. And no doubt that explained why he kept picturing one of his medals dangling from the breast of her uniform blouse.

  “He sent out a hunting party,” Brooks announced as soon as Rebecca crawled into the seat beside him.

  “You’re sure?” Rebecca caught sight of the bay as the column started up an incline. He was closer than he had been the day before. Half the troops had been pulled out of formation and positioned along either side of the caravan.

  “Sergeant was asking for the best marksmen,” Brooks said. “Sent out five. Don’t get me wrong, ma’am. I don’t begrudge you a good meal. Nor them other ladies neither.”

  “But?” she prompted.

  “But nothing. I’m just talking. What did you think of the old man’s story last night? You reckon we’re in for trouble?”

  Rebecca shrugged. “I don’t think we’re especially vulnerable. Besides, most of the trouble’s west of here.”

  “Ain’t that the way we’re going?”

  Rebecca had to grin at him. “As a matter of fact, it is. But didn’t you join the army to fight Indians?”

  “No, ma’am. I joined to eat. And I think I made a mistake.”

  Rebecca knew the soldier was at least half serious, but she couldn’t help laughing. “The army doesn’t want you getting too fat for your uniform.”

  “The army don’t have to worry.”

  He smiled but it wasn�
��t very pleasant. Rebecca turned away, preferring to watch the lieutenant’s back. “Oh, look!” she cried. “Another visitor.”

  As before, Forrester stopped the column and rode forward to meet the stranger. Rebecca wished she was with him to know who it was and what news he might have brought. In a moment the two came riding back, but Forrester didn’t signal the column to move. Instead they skirted the troops and cantered toward them.

  Rebecca spared the stranger barely a glance. Forrester was such a pleasure to watch. He rode as if he had been born to it, his back straight, his head high. He drew up beside the ambulance with the slightest touch on the reins. She smiled, knowing he had to have seen her watching him.

  He showed no sign, however. “Miss Huntington,” he said. “Mr. Kolchek has an invitation for you.”

  Rebecca turned to the stranger. Evidently Forrester hadn’t warned him about her attire. It took him a moment to find his voice.

  “Miss Huntington,” he said, snatching off his hat. “I understand you’re one of three women traveling with the soldiers.”

  “That’s right,” she said, smiling.

  “I own a ranch west a ways. It doubles as a stage station. We’d be pleased to have you ladies as our guests at noon. And the lieutenant, if you can persuade him.”

  “That’s most kind of you,” Rebecca said, beaming. “My aunt especially will be grateful for the change of scene, not to mention diet”

  “And clothes,” Forrester added.

  Rebecca sent him a wicked grin.

  Kolchek looked from Rebecca to the lieutenant and back. “Yes, well. I best be headed home to see that everything is ready.”

  He turned his horse and rode away. Forrester turned to follow, but Rebecca stopped him. “Lieutenant What did he mean if I can persuade you?”

  Forrester hesitated. “We’ll arrive in a little over an hour. You ladies might want to change as we travel. I’ll try to give you plenty of time to enjoy Mr. Kolchek’s hospitality, but you can’t have the whole of the afternoon.”

  He started away again.

  “Wait!” He was polite enough to turn back, and his irritation was barely visible. “Aren’t you eating with us?”

  “That depends.” This time he turned away with enough resolve she didn’t try to call him back.

  She sank down into the seat and watched him go. In a moment they were moving again.

  “He’ll eat with you,” Brooks said, startling her. She had nearly forgotten him.

  “Depends on what?” she wondered aloud. Didn’t he want to eat with her?

  Brooks shrugged. “Care to make a friendly bet?” he asked in a low voice.

  She laughed. “Want me to bring you a steak if you’re right?”

  “I got more on my mind than food. I was thinking more like a kiss.”

  Rebecca’s stomach turned queasy. She tried to laugh it off. “What do I get if I win?”

  He was quiet for a moment than offered softly, “You could bet the same thing.”

  “No deal,” she said, trying not to sound as revolted as she felt. “Gambling’s frowned on in the army.”

  “Is kissing, too?” he whispered. “We could skip the bet and go straight to the payoff.”

  “I need to go change.” She rose to climb over the seat, taking more care than usual not to touch him.

  “I’ll be thinking of you,” he whispered.

  Rebecca scrambled under the canvas and tied the front flap in place. She turned to find Belle and Alicia staring at her. Had they been listening to her conversation with Brooks? They could hardly blame her for what he said.

  “Did you hear we’ve been invited to dine at a stage station?” she asked, making her way to the back of the rocking wagon. It seemed unbearably close. She pulled aside the canvas to let in a hint of a breeze, realizing how peculiar that might seem after tying the front flap.

  “It’s not proper,” Aunt Belle said.

  “Proper? Aunt Belle, I’m sure they invite most travelers to eat with them.”

  “I mean the way you talk to that lieutenant. You are far too familiar. He’s bound to remember how you made eyes at him on the train.”

  Rebecca resisted a sigh of relief. If she had heard Brooks she wouldn’t be so concerned about her behavior toward Forrester. From experience she knew the best tactic with Aunt Belle. “I’m sorry,” she said, letting her head hang slightly. “I forgot myself. I’ll try to act with more decorum in the future.”

  “Good,” stated Belle, evidently willing to accept her vow at face value. “Now, I’m ready to get out of these awful clothes. We’ve only an hour to make ourselves presentable.”

  Approximately an hour later the ambulance rolled to a stop in front of Kolchek’s station. Rebecca got her first glimpse of the long low building when Brooks came behind to help them out of the wagon. Aunt Belle had forbidden either her or Alicia to part the canvas for so much as a peek for fear their dresses would get dusty. “It’s hard enough dressing in such a confining space without dust billowing in as well,” she had said.

  The house was built of rough-hewn wood and completely devoid of paint. The roof didn’t even seem to be level. Alicia stepped up beside Rebecca as she studied the building. “That’s ghastly,” she whispered.

  “Rustic,” Rebecca corrected.

  Aunt Belle made an audible gasp as she climbed from the wagon. “My,” she said, joining the girls. The wagon clattered out of the yard, and Belle looked after it with something akin to panic.

  A large woman emerged from one of the three doors that ran along the front of the house. Shading her eyes with one hand she waved with the other. “Come on in out of the sun and have a cool drink. Dinner’ll be ready in no time.”

  “It’s bound to be cooler inside,” Belle said, stepping forward. Rebecca and Alicia followed her onto the porch.

  After they had all introduced themselves, Mrs. Kolchek expressed a need to get back to the kitchen. “You folks just make yourselves at home.”

  “I’d like to walk around a little,” Rebecca said. “I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  Alicia touched her mother’s arm. “I’ll go with Rebecca and see that she doesn’t take too long.”

  “Good idea.” Belle followed the woman into the station.

  “I hope you don’t mind,” Alicia said. “I wanted to apologize for letting Mother overhear your conversation with your lieutenant. I parted the canvas to see why we had stopped. It muffles sound quite effectively the rest of the time.”

  “Don’t give it another thought,” Rebecca said, turning in a slow circle. Where was the lieutenant, and what could she have done to assure his presence? She made out the soldier’s camp nearer the creek.

  “What is there to look at?” Alicia asked. “Or should I say look for?”

  “Horses,” Rebecca said, pointing. “I want to look at the horses.”

  “Certainly,” Alicia muttered, following along. “And your lieutenant will see you standing out here and won’t be able to resist coming in.”

  Rebecca grinned. “Do you think he’ll notice me?”

  “If Mother had known how bright that red dress was, she would have objected. It looked more subdued in the wagon.”

  At the corral fence Rebecca climbed onto the lowest rung and reached her hand toward an iron-gray gelding. “Come here, boy,” she coaxed.

  “Rebecca.” There was a note of warning in Alicia’s voice.

  “He won’t hurt me,” she murmured in the same soft tone. “Will you, handsome? Come on. I just want to talk to you.”

  Rebecca’s father had taught her about horses, and the gelding was a beautiful animal. He tossed his head and stepped closer.

  “Come on, sweetheart.”

  The horse took the last few steps and let Rebecca rub its nose and neck.

  “I see your charm works with horses, too.”

  At the softly accented words Rebecca spun around, nearly falling off the fence. Strong hands caught her and settled her on the ground. He b
acked away much too quickly.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you.” The light in his eyes made a lie of the statement.

  “Why of course you didn’t, Lieutenant,” she said, giving him her biggest smile. “I’m lucky you moved quickly enough to catch me.”

  “My pleasure, ma’am.”

  Alicia had to clear her throat twice before either of them turned toward her.

  Chapter Four

  Clark tore his eyes away from the smiling beauty.

  “Perhaps we should go in,” the younger girl said.

  “Of course. Ladies.” He offered each an arm.

  “Tell me, Lieutenant,” Miss Huntington began, acting as if she were strolling down a city sidewalk. “What exactly was your presence here for dinner dependent on?”

  “The hunting party,” he said. At her questioning look, he added, “They brought down a good-sized deer. The men are dressing it out now. There’ll be enough for tonight as well as their noon meal.”

  “And if the hunters hadn’t gotten back in time, or had come in empty-handed?”

  “I’d be enjoying the government’s famous pork with the rest of the men.”

  “You’re an honorable man, Lieutenant,” Miss Huntington said, turning toward him as she stepped onto the sloping porch. Her smile seemed more sincere than flirtatious, but with this young lady, he didn’t trust his perceptions.

  “I hope so, ma’am. But it isn’t so much honor as common sense.”

  He let the ladies precede him into the squat little station. The room was smoky from oil lamps and cigars. Mrs. Evans, sitting in a high-backed chair, seemed relieved to see them.

  “Our host has gone to help bring in the meal,” she said. “It seems some of our food was cooked ‘out back’ as he put it I’ve been afraid to look out and see what he meant.”

  The younger ladies indicated a desire to wash, and their senior offered to show them where she had earlier been directed. Alone, Clark looked around the crudely furnished room. There wasn’t much to recommend the place, except Kolchek himself. Clark had met him twice before, and Sergeant Whiting knew him well. He had the reputation of knowing everything that went on in his portion of the state.