And just like that, she’d been dismissed.
“That’s Omar. He’s my mount,” her father said. “And let me introduce you to the other four.”
Ambrosia bit her lip as she fiddled with the lace on her collar. A less clever woman would have been annoyed that he was ignoring her. Instead, she was planning his speedy departure. How long would this one last?
“You stay and get acquainted,” her father said. “I’ll see about getting those supplies salvaged.”
As her father left, the trooper crossed his arms over his chest and stood in silence before the dromedaries. Obviously he found them more interesting than her.
Ambrosia moistened her lips and sashayed closer. “Camels,” she said. “I guess you weren’t expecting that.”
The sun reflected off his tanned face and thick eyelashes. “You never know what surprises a day will bring.”
She smiled sympathetically. “It’s just a pity that my father troubled you for naught.”
Now she had his attention, but whatever was going on beneath his handsome face, she couldn’t guess.
“You’re making this trip with him?” he asked.
She shot a look over her shoulder as if getting ready to impart a secret. Intrigued, he bent forward to hear her whispered answer.
“If our plans hold, I’ll go, but so far all of our help has deserted us. The camels are extremely dangerous, and it would take someone with a death wish to handle them. Plus, Father is very unreliable when it comes to payment. I really don’t see what the incentive would be.”
“Besides getting to spend time with you?” He said it evenly, as if it were a fact that everyone had already acknowledged.
A spark coursed through her veins. He wasn’t ignoring her now. “I . . . I . . .” She swallowed, then braved a coquettish smile. “Please don’t rely on me to be pleasant company. A journey in sweltering weather across an endless prairie is hardly ideal. Now, maybe if we’d met under different circumstances . . .”
Chapter
3
The camels were sure hard on the eyes, but Miss Herald was another story. She was a beauty, and from the act she was putting on, quite a handful, too. But what did she have to gain with the tall tales?
And what was her father thinking, bringing such a little spitfire on a trip like this? She might talk a tough game, but the scorching grasslands in August were no place for a lady.
“I appreciate the warning on the camels,” he said, “but I’m no cowboy. This is my mission, and that means something to me.” It didn’t matter if he was riding a buffalo and herding catfish, he had to keep the captain happy.
Her parasol rotated slowly. Her smart, apple-green dress looked cool and crisp in the heat. “The camels have teeth like razors, and they chomp off the feet of their riders.”
He couldn’t keep his face from scrunching up in amusement. Bradley Willis knew when someone was joshing him.
“Then I’ll keep my feet away,” he said.
“And they’re mean-spirited. They’ll do anything to throw their riders off. Believe me, you don’t want to fall from that height.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” Bradley was intrigued. She might look like a proper lady, but she was up to mischief. And Bradley could never resist mischief.
“There’s something else, something that I dread mentioning.” She lowered her eyes, and her cheeks went pink. “They say that riding a camel can affect . . .”
“Go on.”
She twirled an ebony curl around her finger. Adorable, and she knew it. “I really shouldn’t say.”
“Too late now.”
She took a deep breath, as if bracing herself. “If you ride the camels, then you may not be able to sire a family later.”
He stepped back to get a better look at the young miss, then burst out laughing.
She frowned. “I don’t appreciate being laughed at.”
“And I don’t appreciate women who try to do my thinking for me.”
The coquetry was blinked away in a heartbeat. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I don’t know why you’re trying to sabotage your pa, but that’s pretty low. Now, how about you stop with the nonsense and tell me something about these animals that’s helpful?” Although she was telling him plenty about herself.
Had Major Adams known about the camels? Had he sent Bradley on this farce purposely? No way would a cavalry officer send a bona fide trooper on a mission like this.
Unless that trooper had deserted his unit during a gun fight. And that major happened to be his future brother-in-law who was always looking for new ways to inflict torment on him. Major Adams knew exactly what he was doing.
A rickety wagon pulled by one of the farmer’s horses came rambling across the yard.
“Are y’all coming to help?” Captain Herald called.
“Yes, sir!” Bradley took one last look at Miss Herald. She stood in a perfect circle of shade beneath her parasol. The wide green ribbon wrapped around her dainty waist waved gently in the breeze. She would melt away like a stolen sugar cube out on those plains.
Good thing she wasn’t as sweet as one.
Her eyes narrowed, as if reading his thoughts. With quick steps, she dashed past him to catch up with Captain Herald, ignoring Bradley’s bow as she passed.
They came upon the scattered goods, and Miss Herald paused. She turned to Bradley, her narrow skirt flaring like a gentle fire. “How on earth did you spill a load in a wheat field? Was there a sudden curve you didn’t see coming?”
“Oh, Ambrosia.” The captain laughed as he pulled the wagon nearer the mess of supplies.
“I wasn’t in the wagon when it overturned,” Bradley said. “The horses tried it without me.”
“They threw you out of the buckboard?” She glanced pointedly at his uniform. “Our troopers are not what they used to be.”
“I didn’t lose control. I got off—”
“And forgot to set the brake?” She smiled triumphantly. “I suppose cavalrymen aren’t accustomed to the responsibility of crating goods. They’re usually only looking out for their own hide.”
He wondered what it’d take to wipe that smug grin off her face. He had a few ideas.
“Another cowboy backed out on me.” Captain Herald grunted as he lifted a bag of beans to his shoulder. “And he was my last one. Good thing Private Willis is made of sterner stuff.”
All the cowboys had backed out? Why? Then Bradley looked at Miss Herald. She batted her eyes at him before reaching for an empty gunny sack and collecting the apples that had scattered.
What was she up to?
Bradley grabbed a small barrel and carried it to the farmer’s wagon. “Where’d the hotel’s wagon and horses go?” he asked.
“I caught that cowboy sneaking away from the farm,” Captain Herald answered. “After abandoning the mission, the least he could do is take them back to town for me.”
“Can the camels pull this wagon?”
The captain set a crate on the buckboard with a thud. “They could, but they don’t need to. A camel can carry six hundred pounds on its back.”
Bradley choked down his surprise. Supply wagons were the bane of the cavalry’s existence—having to slow down for them, always looking for a safe crossing. Without wagons, they could travel unencumbered. Then again . . .
“So they’re more like oxen?” Slow animals that plodded along. His hopes for a quick assignment and neat resolution to his trouble back at Fort Reno were fading.
“Only their strength. Depending on the length of the race and the terrain, some can travel faster than horses.” Giving Bradley no time to dispute that claim, the captain continued. “We’ll fit the two younger calves up with frames so they can carry our supplies.”
Balancing the sack of apples on her hip, Miss Herald said, “I hate to delay us, but it’s going to take some time for Sears, Roebuck to deliver a camel sidesaddle. I doubt they even carry such a thing.”
“I sw
ear, daughter. You and your objections, when I know from your mother that you packed a split skirt or two. And I’m going to make saddles for the three of us.”
Bradley expected more of an argument, but Miss Herald gave that one up easily. What was going on here? Was her father forcing her to take this trip?
“Why camels?” Bradley asked. “What are you going to do with them?”
“I’m going to keep them for my own enjoyment, and there’s nothing you can say to talk me out of it.” At this, he cut a quick look at his daughter. “Now, once we get the saddles built, we’ll use these pillows to pad them. . . .”
The instructions continued, right along with the absurdity. But at the end of the day, it didn’t matter. Bradley needed a good report from Captain Herald if he wanted to stay in the service. That meant following his orders and keeping his willful daughter from ruining their mission.
Ambrosia wrapped cotton batting around the frame of the saddle, just as her father had instructed.
“That’s it.” He walked across the barn to inspect her work. She had to admit, he hadn’t collapsed yet despite the hard labor. “You show an aptitude for this,” he added.
“It’d be easier with the right tools. Why don’t you rest while I go to town and see what they have available?”
“And lose another day? I’m ready for the adventure. Aren’t you?”
She focused on the twine she was wrapping tightly around the batting. Was he ready? So far he’d been well, but she had her doubts that he could keep it up.
That cavalry trooper was watching her again. She wasn’t surprised by his attention. Amber knew how lonely troopers were, but no matter how outrageous her behavior and her demands, Private Willis was not discouraged. Had she lost her touch?
“Captain Herald,” the trooper said, “I hope you don’t mind me sharing my opinion, but I think it’s a pity that Miss Herald has to make this trip with us. The heat is unbearable, and there are dangerous men in Indian Territory. Riding across the plains is no place for a lady.”
On the other hand, he might be useful yet.
“I appreciate your concern, Private Willis,” said her father, “but she insisted that she was up to the challenge. She wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Private Willis’s eyes crinkled. “Sir, are you in the practice of letting your womenfolk tell you what to do?”
The twine tangled in her hands. “How dare you talk to my father that way! He’s been unwell.”
“Calm down, Ambrosia,” her father said. “You’ve made it no secret that you don’t approve of my plans. Maybe Private Willis will appreciate my mounts more than you do.”
“That’s another problem,” the cavalryman continued. “Your daughter seems to have an unhealthy fear of the camels.”
Uh-oh. None of the cowboys had stuck around to speak to her father after they’d decided to bail. Private Willis was going to mess this up. “I’m not afraid,” she said. “I just think this is a bad idea.”
“You’re not afraid of the camels?” Private Willis sat on the table and swung one leg. “According to Miss Herald, they’ll bite your feet clean off.”
Her father’s mouth tightened. “Ambrosia, I told you I didn’t need your help. You can take the train home without me.”
There was no way she was letting him make this journey with only a conceited cavalryman to help.
“According to Miss Herald, the camels also like to throw their riders,” Willis said.
“I—I just assumed . . .” she stammered.
“And what’s worse, riding the camels can hurt your ability to . . . what did you say, Miss Herald?”
Amber sputtered in surprise. He wouldn’t dare. Not in front of her father.
With a wink, Private Willis said, “Hurt your ability to sleep at night. I think that’s what she claimed.” His teeth gleamed like a wolf’s.
She let out a shaky breath. He hadn’t totally humiliated her, but he’d let her know that he could. Ambrosia didn’t appreciate the warning. Until now, her father had been patient with her objections, but from the set of his jaw, that patience was running out, and she had Private Willis to thank.
“For some reason, my daughter has made it her goal to terrify every man I’ve requested help from. Cheers to you, Willis, for calling her bluff. If you can convince her to take the train home, I’m more than happy to arrange it. Listen to him, Ambrosia,” her father said as he walked out of the barn to measure the camels for their saddles.
“Ambrosia,” Willis said.
“Are you trying to get me into trouble?” she said.
“Why would I do that? I just wanted to verify the information you gave me.”
“You’re nothing but a . . . a . . . tattletale.”
He grinned. “Usually it’s me who’s getting tattled on. I must be doing something right.” He hopped off the table and picked up the mallet lying next to her. “So why are you trying to run everyone away? You need help, you know. You don’t want to do this on your own.”
She took the mallet from his hand. “It’s none of your business.”
He dipped his head to the side. “Actually, seeing how I’m assigned to accompany you on this journey, it is my business.”
“I’m staying with my father, and that’s that. I suggest you find another way to employ yourself.”
His mouth twitched. “I’m not your father, ma’am. It doesn’t matter a whit to me if you get riled up, if you pout, or if you threaten to run away from home. I specialize in reckless, dramatic gestures, and I doubt any of yours would impress me.”
“I am not a child.” Amber never yelled, but she could speak very emphatically. “You are attributing immaturity to me that I have not displayed.” Because she was trying very, very hard not to act her age.
And the shrewd trooper seemed to know it. “All that’s missing is for you to pack your bag and stomp off down the road.”
Stomping away was her first impulse, and she fought it valiantly.
He leaned close enough that she could see a dusting of blond on his jaw. “What has he done to make you want to ruin his plans? Is he that awful to you?”
Amber slammed the mallet onto the table. The trooper’s conclusion was unfair. She had a noble objective, even if her methods were questionable.
“If you want to question my loyalty to my family, then test me,” she said. “Try to send me away from my father and watch how I fight you.” She’d never spoken to a stranger like this before, and it felt invigorating. Her pulse thrummed; her muscles ached to give action to her words. He’d never try to restrain her physically, but the thought made her want the battle.
Something flickered in his eyes. His voice lowered. “I’m not your enemy.”
“If your aim is to separate me from my father, then you are.”
“The heat will be unbearable. Water limited. Sickness possible. Will your determination last?”
“The train ride here wasn’t much better.”
He shook his head. “But this will be slow, and in the sun. And the danger . . . I don’t want to scare you needlessly, but there are bad men in Indian Territory—lawless men of every nation. Right now the tribes are at peace, but you never know when tempers will flare.”
“Let me guess, the Indians will bite my feet off?”
“I’m not telling stories, ma’am. Your father is a military man. He’s faced danger before. You, on the other hand . . .”
“If you can convince him to abandon this endeavor, then do it.” The only reason she was still talking to the trooper was that he seemed like he might be listening, after all. That and the bottom lip. It warranted more studying. “Then you’ll have an excuse for your commander for why you can’t take this assignment.”
“I have too much riding on this to back down. Too much to fail.”
“Well, so do I.”
Their eyes held as each tried to judge the sincerity of the other. Ambrosia didn’t know if she was more likely to laugh or cry, but her emotio
ns were roiling.
“Then let’s strike a bargain.” He extended his hand.
Maybe she was acting like a spoiled child, after all. If he was willing to acquiesce . . . She offered her hand, and he took it in a warm grasp. All the sparks from her anger flared up into something new.
His throat jogged as he studied their linked hands. “I’m going to see that the captain arrives safely home with his camels. You’re going to do everything you can to stop me.”
“Why are we shaking hands, then?” she asked. “We haven’t agreed on anything.”
“We’re agreeing that we’ll behave ourselves like honest opponents and not take it personally.”
“I haven’t agreed to anything,” she protested. “And I take it personally. Very personally.” In fact, she was taking this handshake too personally, already. With a huff, she yanked her hand free. “If you’re going to oppose me, I don’t see how we can be friends.”
“That’s a pity,” he said. “I’d very much like to have a friend like you.”
She marched away, but with a tinge of regret. What if she’d treated him honestly upon first meeting him, instead of setting up this rivalry? She was beginning to see that there was more to Private Willis than a quick wit and nervy attitude. There was something strong and determined. Something that made Ambrosia fear she might have met her match.
Chapter
4
Camels had to be the most awkward creatures on God’s earth. Instead of sleek lines like a horse, there were bumps sticking out where bumps shouldn’t be. Their heads bobbed and swayed like a snake’s. Their lips split right down the middle and flopped easily, usually with a long tongue hanging down the side. They might be able to carry more weight than a horse, but they lacked the dignity.
Bradley had yet to sit on one, but the tall saddles didn’t look promising. Balancing on the hump looked like the worst place to direct the animal from. And the saddle wasn’t fitted to the hump. Instead it was peaked in the middle to accommodate the awkward shape. Bradley couldn’t help but wonder what riding tricks he could devise, but standing on the saddle wouldn’t be one of them.
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