Page 5 of Wagon Train Song
Marnie held her ground, as unmovable as a boulder.
So did Gabe. He’d come to do something, and do it, he would.
Joe broke the stalemate as he sauntered forward on silent feet. “Ma’am, if I may speak my piece?”
“By all means.” Relief in her voice suggested she welcomed anything to break the stare down. Or was she even aware that was what they had going on?
“I’m a good guide,” Joe said in a soft, husky voice. “But I won’t be responsible for a wagon train of nothing but women and a child. It’s too risky.”
“Have you forgotten my son?”
If Joe heard the challenge in her voice, he gave no sign. “I would consider your son a?—”
“He’s good with animals.”
“That’s a plus. But I’ve observed he is not good with people. That is not a plus.”
“Mrs. Woods?” Gabe kept his voice gentle. “Please accept my offer to travel with you.”
She trailed the toe of her brown boot through the dirt, drawing little circles. She pushed a strand of hair off her cheek. Finally, she lifted her gaze to his, eyes dimmed.
“It’s a free country. You can go where you choose.” She stood taller and jutted out her chin. “However, I ask that you stay back from my wagons, and I will be in charge of my outfit. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Another conveyance rattled up the roadway.
Marnie groaned. “What now?”
CHAPTER 2
Marnie had about reached her tolerance of delays. It had been one thing after another. Strangers deciding to ride with them was the last straw. She’d spent hours preparing Bertie for Joe and explaining his role. She answered his endless questions and soothed his concerns. But now three Miller men?
She remembered Gabe mostly as dear Ellen’s husband. Not that she recalled much of him. Her days had been full with looking after children. Then measles hit them all. And Ellen—well, Ellen didn’t survive. Gabe was much as she remembered him. Big, dark-haired, dark-eyed. His two sons were much like him.
But what were they doing here? And to suggest—no, announce—they were going to travel with her family? Well, honestly, it was more than she could deal with let alone expect that Bertie could. Little surprise, he’d gone to the barn. It would take a miracle to get him out—or two weeks of gentle persuasion. She’d come up short on the former. Didn’t have time for the latter. They needed to be on their way and very soon.
And now another caller. “Has someone sent out a message informing one and all of my planned departure?”
Gabe chuckled. “Can’t say about the others. But Carson wrote and told Walt of your plans and expressed his concern about you traveling on your own.”
“Carson and Walt?” Her voice warbled several notes higher than normal.
Gabe crossed his arms, his face toward the approaching carriage. “Why does that surprise you?”
No mistaking that warning note. He was protective of his sons even though they were full-grown men. She understood that.
“Only reason is that Carson is more Cecil’s age.”
“Guess so.” Was he purposely keeping his tone bland? Trying not to be offended by her remark?
Not that it mattered. She’d make sure they saw little enough of each other even if his wagon trailed hers. But why would Carson suggest she needed the Millers to accompany her?
Before she could voice the question, she recognized the passenger in the visiting carriage. “Louise.” For Gabe’s benefit, she added, “Miss Archibald.”
“Uh-huh.” The sound hung like a question, but she didn’t feel like explaining anything.
“She’s come to say goodbye, I expect. She and Hazel are friends.” Enough information. After all?—
