Page 15 of Wagon Train Honor
Robert couldn’t say if it was a question or a statement. Before he could find an answer that satisfied both possibilities, Bertie asked another.
“Why you not wear your red shirt today?”
“Decided against it.” Across the distance separating them, Ruby watched Robert. Curious? Interested? Eager? To see him or only to have him reveal more surprises in the hills?
Bertie shook his head hard. “You Mountie. You wear red shirt. Like Carson.”
“Is it all right if I don’t put it back on right away?”
“You not like it?”
“I like it fine. But it gets hot.”
“Oh.”
Gabe watched them. “Bertie, come for breakfast. Robert, please join us.”
Robert welcomed the invitation but didn’t want to appear too eager. “Are you sure?”
“Of course.” Gabe waved him forward.
“Very well. And thank you.” With Bertie at his side, the dog at their heels, and Alice bouncing up and down like her legs were full of springs, he joined those gathered at the camp. “Good morning.” The greeting was meant to include them all, even if his gaze lingered longer on Ruby. Long enough for her to duck her head as pink stained her cheeks.
He waited until Ruby chose a spot to sit and then sat beside her. The look she gave him could be regret or reproach. But it certainly wasn’t gratitude that he’d chosen to sit there.
Not that he meant to let it affect him, and he sure wasn’t going to move to another spot. Instead, he bowed his head while Gabe asked the blessing, accepted the plate of food Hazel offered him, and ate, taking part in the conversation, mostly because they continued to ply him with questions about Carson until he plumb ran out of information. Thankfully, they then turned to other things.
The meal was good. Much better than he would’ve made for himself. The coffee was excellent and the company even better.
Ruby refilled his coffee cup. But she said little while the others talked about their plans. However, she laughed softly as Petey wrapped his arms around Limpy’s neck and kissed the dog. Amusement rounded her cheeks and then lingered in her eyes. She must have felt Robert’s gaze on her, for she glanced at him from under her dark lashes. Then, she found the red coals interesting to study.
The meal over and done with visiting, he pushed to his feet. “I’ll go tidy up my campsite. Ruby, when would you like to go look at more flowers?” Though he had many other things to show her.
“I—” She shook her head.
Mrs. Miller patted her daughter’s hand. “She’ll want to help clean up and prepare food for the next meal. Why don’t you come back in an hour?”
An hour? He only needed ten minutes to take care of his chores, but fine. He could wait an hour. “I’ll be back.” He strode away without a backward look.
It indeed took him ten minutes to tidy his camp. He’d safely stowed his service revolver beside his saddle and slung his pack of supplies over a high branch where it wouldn’t tempt wild animals.
He hung his red serge from a branch and brushed it clean and then stepped back to study it. Bertie thought he should wear it all the time. He ran his finger along the sleeve. Rubbed a shiny button. It wasn’t as if he objected to wearing it. In fact, he kind of liked the respect it garnered. But not today. Today, he was simply Robert Davis, taking a pretty gal out, hoping she’d enjoy herself. Today might be all they had to enjoy each other’s company. He’d be moving on as soon as the horses arrived. And the wagon train would resume its journey once they decided they were ready.
Today was for enjoyment. Tomorrow he’d put on the red, carry the revolver, and return to being Constable Davis of the NWMP.
He hunkered down beside the cold coals of yesterday’s fire to wait.
Until finally… “Time to go.”
Ruby wasready and waiting before Robert returned, though she did her best to appear busy so no one would think her anxious or eager. Her sketchbook was stowed in the cavernous pocket of her favorite dress. A simple style in blue-gray. She wanted it to say she was serious about her drawing and that others should take her seriously. Not that they ever did. They always saw her as Ruby, the little sister. Always would be just as Ma said.
Robert headed in her direction, and she hurried out—without going fast enough to draw attention to herself.
“Just in time to rescue me.” What about this man made her want to confess things she’d never before voiced? And she couldn’t blame his scarlet tunic because today he wore a gray shirt a shade darker than her dress. A fondness for that color? Another thing they had in common? “Why aren’t you wearing your red jacket?”
He shrugged. “Are you going to be like Bertie and tell me I should?”
“No.” But she was curious as to why not.
