“The Indians used to ride almost daily in the Bradshaw Mountains and Hassayampa River Valley nearby, but currently they’re mainly working the Verde Valley and other areas in all directions from us. We have orders to protect prospectors, miners, ranchers, farmers, lumberjacks, freighters, and other travelers who work or pass through this territory. We have a lot of homesteaders in the valleys and important mines and placer claims in the mountains nearby. Indians love to steal stock and supplies; raiding is like breathing to them. At first, they only killed during raids or in retaliation for attacks on them or their allies, but in ’60 after so many troops left for the war back East, they started slaying every white they found in this territory. We’ve tried to make truces with them, and treaties evoked by Weaver and Major Willis almost succeeded, but it’s difficult when the bands are so fragmented. Take the Apaches, the worst of the lot, they don’t have a head leader like we have a president; they roam in sort of clans, and they unite with others who have a similar culture, language, and goals for large raids or seasonal hunts. Things aren’t too bad with the Maricopa, Pima, Yuma, Papago, and Majave. But those Tonto Apaches, Yavapai, and Hualpais are still warring heavily against us. As I said, they pretty much operate twenty or more miles from the fort; they know it’s too strong to take and they don’t want to be close enough for troops to come after them in a hurry.”
Everyone remained quiet and attentive as Jim took a sip of coffee.
“We tried fighting the Indians only from spring to the end of fall each year, but that strategy wasn’t enough to halt them. Now, we’re keeping them on the move during winter and destroying their supplies and rancherias so they don’t have time to hunt, raid, and kill whites. Last January, Colonel Kit Carson got the Navajos under control for us, and most of them are on a reservation.”
Howard asked, “Do citizens often go Indian-hunting around here?”
“Not as much as they used to, sir, not since we’ve been reinforced and can handle the major problems for them. But if a man is going to settle in this kind of territory, he best know how and when to fight them. At times, the action can be over before we hear about it and can respond.”
Howard asked, “When was the last time a truce was attempted?”
“One is talked about nearly every month, sir, but little success comes from those discussions, and it’s short-lived. It just doesn’t seem to be the Indian way to stay peaceful or to stay in the areas assigned to him.”
“Perhaps because he considers us invaders,” Howard surmised.
“That’s the right size of it, sir, but we have our orders to hold this territory; she’s too valuable to give back to the Indians or turn over to the Rebs. The white man has dug in pretty good and won’t be leaving, so the Indians might as well accept that fact, hard as it is, and make peace before it’s too late for negotiations. After the war is over, this area will be flooded with more pioneers and miners. We already have settlers located in most of the valleys. In fact, I’ll be sending a couple of units over to the Verde Valley this week; it’s forty miles east. A group of men from Prescott went over there last month to farm because the climate is better, warmer, and the ground is fertile and water is ample; so is good grass for stock. It’s mighty pretty land for homesteading. Another group joined them earlier this month; they’ve settled on Clear Creek and already have barley, corn, squash, melons, and other things planted. But you can mark my words, the Tontos and Yavapais will give them trouble if we don’t help out. That’s about all I can tell you for now, sir, but you can check it out for yourself.”
“When the time is convenient for both of us, Major, I’ll let you guide me around those locations. Is Governor Goodwin still in Prescott? We both graduated from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, so I’d like to meet and chat with him if he hasn’t already departed.”
“I’m afraid he has, sir; as you know, he was elected as the Arizona delegate to Congress, so he’s supposed to be in Washington in five days. Secretary of the Territory, Richard McCormick, is Acting Governor, and he’ll probably be our next governor if rumors can be trusted. He’s had plenty of practice doing the job when Goodwin left him in charge to travel around the area. McCormick, Mayor Oury, and the five councilors are in town; if you want to meet them tomorrow, I’ll ride over with you and introduce you. I also want you to meet the Miller brothers; they’re ranchers and freighters who’re one of our suppliers for stock, goods, and lumber. Would you like to ride along with us, Miss Laura, and see the town?”
Laura was determined to see Jayce alone tomorrow, so she quickly came up with an excuse for a refusal. “Thank you for the invitation, Major Wright, but I’d prefer to finish settling in first. Besides, you and Father have business to handle and I’d just be in the way.”
“If you change your mind, tell your father. I’m sure Em will be going with us to shop, so she could spend time with you while we’re busy.”
Laura was elated to learn that Emmaline would be gone and wouldn’t witness her change of plans. She smiled and said, “I promise to go next time, but I really have things to do before I go traipsing around having fun.”
Howard told the major, “I’ve already assigned Private Jayce Durance as her escort and guard, so there will be times when Laura needs him. Since he’s under your command, that won’t be a problem, will it?”
Times when I need him, Father? I need him all the time! As soon as matters are settled here, that’s a secret I must tell you.
Emmaline gazed at Howard in surprise. Before thinking, she said, “But he’s a Galvanized Yank, sir. Is that wise and safe?”
Laura saw Jim shift in his chair and look worried, no doubt embarrassed by his wife’s bold behavior toward his superior officer. Being the intelligent and genteel man he was, her father did not take offense.
Howard chuckled and smiled. “I wouldn’t allow Durance to get near Laura if I believed he was a threat to her. I handpicked all the new recruits. I spoke with Durance while I was selecting them, so I know his background and skills, and I think I’m a good judge of character. Don’t worry about her safety, Mrs. Wright; Durance struck me as the perfect choice for Laura’s needs.”
I’m so glad you like him and trust him, Father, because, if things work out between us, he’ll be your son-in-law one day!
After Emmaline served dried apple cobbler and hot coffee, the group chatted for a while longer before the men made plans to leave for Prescott at eight o’clock the next morning.
At eight-thirty as Taps was being played by the bugler, the Adamses thanked the Wrights for their hospitality and bid them good night.
As Laura and her father strolled arm-in-arm toward the gate, she gazed at all the barracks and wondered which was the one where Jayce was settling down for slumber.
As Howard was buttoning his overcoat the next morning, an already dressed and well-groomed Laura asked, “Father, could you send Private Durance over so I can set up a riding schedule for tomorrow after I finish my chores today? I want to get a look at my new surroundings.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to go into Prescott with us today?”
“Yes, sir. In fact, I dread going there at all. Emmaline and the wagon driver both told me it’s a wild and rough place. I didn’t want to say so in front of the Wrights, but I prefer for you to study the town before I visit it.”
“That was wise and clever of you, my dear,” he said and chuckled.
Laura watched her father head for the fort. You’ve become quite the convincing liar and trickster, Laura Adams! she scolded herself. You should be ashamed of yourself, and you would be if seeing Jayce weren’t involved and so important to you. Please. God, don’t let him have ridden out on patrol before Father speaks to him. Please let my beloved be understanding and forgiving.
Laura didn’t want to be caught peering out the window, so she resisted the urge to watch for Jayce’s approach. She paced the floor until she heard several knocks. Her heart leapt with joy and suspense. With hope and hesitation, she ope
ned the door and her gaze locked with Jayce’s unreadable blue one. She forced a blank expression in case someone was watching.
It was the same for Jayce as he looked at the woman he loved and desired, so close, and yet unreachable, untouchable, a mystery to him. “The colonel said you wanted to see me, Miss Adams.”
Laura struggled to keep her tone calm and pleasant as she whispered, “As soon as Father and the Wrights leave for Prescott, let’s go for a ride. We need to talk, Jayce, and it wouldn’t look proper for you to come into the cabin with Father gone. Our time is limited. Please, ride and talk with me.”
Few things would please me more than to hear your story. “I’ll fetch the horses. Be ready to leave in a few minutes.”
As they rode from the cabin on the last day of February, the weather was mild, the sky was a clear blue, no snow was on the hard ground, and the wind was calm. An experienced horseman, Laura galloped a little ahead of Jayce whose mount was brown with black stockings, ears, tail, and mane; that caused her to wonder what had happened to the ebony stallion that he loved; it probably was confiscated when Jayce was captured, she reasoned in dismay. Without turning, she knew how he looked in the dark-blue shell jacket with brass buttons down its front and on its sleeves at the wrists, sky-blue pants with yellow stripes down their sides, and black boots. They covered a virile frame she remembered well. His navy kepi had a black bill and yellow trim. Around his waist was a black leather holster with a pistol on a black belt with a brass plate that bore images of an eagle and a separate silver wreath. An ammo pouch also was attached to the belt that banded the waist her arms yearned to encircle. A Henry rifle rested in a long sheath, ready to be drawn if needed. His saber had been removed and left behind, as had his dark-blue overcoat. Mercy, how she loved and desired him!
They were surrounded by grass-covered ridges and low hills with tall pines and cedars growing here and there, alone or in clusters, so she rode until she knew they were hidden from the fort’s view. Her gaze scanned the secluded area and she listened for the sound of other hoofbeats; sighting and hearing nothing that might intrude, she reined in her horse.
As Jayce joined her, Laura looked at him and said, “I’m sorry you got stuck with this duty, but it wasn’t my idea. I didn’t even know you were here until Father brought you to meet me. At least you’re still in the cavalry and have freedom of a sort; that should make you happy.”
Since time was short for their talk, Laura didn’t wait for him to respond as she focused on the matter most important to her. “I searched for you at Petersburg before I left Richmond,” she revealed, “but I couldn’t find you to let you know I was leaving to join my father.”
“I searched for you, too, Laura, but there weren’t any Carlisles in Fredericksburg where Lily and Richard said you had gone.”
“You saw them?”
“Just before I went to prison. They didn’t know—or say—anything to help me locate you.”
“Didn’t Lily give you my letter?”
“What letter? They said you hadn’t left one.”
“That isn’t true. Why would Lily withhold it? I don’t understand.”
“Neither do I, but that’s what she claimed when I questioned her. All she told me was that you were going home to Fredericksburg to be with your father because he wasn’t dead like you thought.”
“I assumed we were going home, but Father got reassigned here, and he insisted I come with him. We do live near Fredericksburg; we have a plantation east of town.” Laura began explaining how she had used Clarissa’s last name and how she had inherited the house and hotel in Richmond—both now belonging to Lily and Richard—from her. “After she died, I didn’t know if my family was alive and if Greenbriar was still intact, I remained there until Father sent for me. But I don’t understand why Lily didn’t give you my message, the letter I left for you. Perhaps you said or did something to make her think you were a threat to me.” She watched Jayce shake his head. “Obviously something alarmed her or she would have given you the letter, but that’s past now. If you had been at Petersburg as you said, I could have told you in person.”
Jayce hated to lie, but had no choice. “I was south of there, in a unit of irregulars, so I guess my name never got put on any company’s or corps’ list. I was passed around to serve wherever I was needed that day.”
“But your last name is Durance, and I never inquired about him.”
“That wouldn’t have made any difference since I’ve been going by Jayce Storm since the war started.”
“Why?”
Jayce felt ashamed about half-lying to her as he said, “When I first joined up, I was doing reconnaissance and was ordered not to use my real name, so I got stuck with being called Storm and stayed with it. I should have told you my real name, but you know it now, just like I know yours. Some secrets seem foolish later but important at the time, right?”
“I suppose it’s obvious now why I didn’t tell you mine, with you being a Confederate officer and my family being Unionists.” He grinned and nodded, and she was a little surprised he didn’t query their motives. But, she deduced, perhaps they were as obvious to him as the reason for her tiny lie, or perhaps he just didn’t want to discuss such enormous differences between them. “And speaking of secrets, I found this in my cellar,” she disclosed, urging her mount close to his and handing him the knife.
Jayce smiled as he pocketed the treasure and told the truth, “So, that’s where I lost it, when I was checking the supply cellar to make sure you had plenty of food since you refused to let me give you money. Thanks, it was a gift from my father and it means a lot to me.”
While he was talking, Laura removed the glove on her right hand, leaned forward, and stroked his cheek. “Are you truly all right, Jayce?” she asked. “I was so worried about you until I found you here. I know this situation must upset you, but I’m glad you’re safe and far away from all that bloodshed and peril. I’ve missed you terribly. I feared I would never see you again.”
Jayce grasped her cold hand in his. As his gaze delved hers, he asked, “Does that mean you told me the truth in Richmond about your feelings for me?”
No matter his reaction, Laura had to be honest on that point. “Yes, I love you. Did you tell me the truth about your feelings for me?”
Jayce’s heart surged with joy at her confession. “Remember the promise I made to you about surviving this war and marrying you?” He saw her nod, but look apprehensive. “Well, I meant it; I never break my word of honor. I love you, woman. But it will be complicated between us for a while longer. I doubt your father would be delighted to learn about our relationship at this point. Give me time to earn his trust and respect. Besides, if anybody suspected the truth about us, it would make it hard on both of us until this war ends.” Even hazardous for us, especially you if I’m exposed and those culprits try to use you against me or harm you as revenge on me. Whatever it takes, even foul-tasting lies, I’m going to protect you from them. “You won’t ever lose me, Laura, but we have to be careful to guard our secret.”
Laura was thinking much the same. She was relieved he had suggested they hide their relationship, as revealing it could endanger their lives and her mission. He would be in particular danger if the villains entrapped her and thought he was her accomplice. “You’re right, but it will be hard to hide my feelings. It’s so difficult to be near you and not touch you, to behave as if we’re strangers and enemies.”
Jayce checked the security of their location before he lifted her from her saddle and placed her across his lap. “We’ll never be enemies, my love.”
They embraced and their mouths met in a slow and tender kiss which soon became searing and urgent as their passions were set ablaze by long-denied needs. They nestled close together and shared several long kisses, their tongues mating as their bodies couldn’t at that time.
As she rubbed her cheek against his, Laura realized he had shaved. Her mind had been so distracted by their impending talk that she
had failed to notice that change until that moment. She was glad the mustache and beard, though they looked nice on him, were gone so the rough hairs wouldn’t scratch her delicate skin and she could see his handsome face better. Her body warmed at his stimulating contact and actions. It was blissful to be in his arms again, to feel him, to taste him, to touch him. It was enthralling to know he truly loved and desired her as a woman, as his future wife. She was glad he wasn’t resentful about her Union loyalties and past deceit, which showed him as an understanding and forgiving and generous person. She vowed to tell him everything about herself as soon as possible. For now, all she wanted to concentrate on was their stolen reunion and powerful bond.
As she cuddled against him and gave a dreamy sigh, Jayce drew a deep breath and cautioned reluctantly, “If we don’t stop this right now, we could get caught. My hunger for you is growing by leaps and bounds, woman. If we keep going like this, I’ll soon forget everything to feed it.”
“You aren’t the only one suffering from that condition, my love, but we mustn’t take risks. My father would probably send me home fast and put you back in a horrible prison if he discovered our…secret. Since you’re my escort, we’ll find a way to sneak off and be together soon,” she told him.
Defiant Hearts Page 36
