The Major's Daughter

by Regina Jennings

  “What’s Bradley say?”

  “He doesn’t know yet, but he told me the army isn’t going to let any troopers make claims. He’d have to resign if he wanted to be eligible, but he won’t. He wants to see his enlistment out. That leaves it to me.”

  They stopped their conversation as Sergeant Byrd paused to exchange pleasantries. Caroline made the correct answers, but her mind was reeling.

  She’d known since she’d heard the rules that she could compete in the race. What was more, just like that renegade Frisco Smith, she knew the terrain. With some help from her grandmother, she would have enough funds to stay the course. It wouldn’t be easy. . . .

  They’d reached the long white stables that housed the cavalry’s horses. “What exactly is your plan?” Caroline asked.

  Amber paused at the sight of the paddocks stretching before her. “I’m going to ask Bradley to set aside a fast horse for me the morning of the race. If your father must know, I’ll tell him that it’s so I can observe without being trampled, but when the bugle sounds, I’ll take out with everyone else and try my luck.”

  “If you get a homestead, then what? What makes you think you can do the farming?” Caroline had her eyes on the farthest stalls. She hadn’t been to the stables since she’d returned. Just another part of her that she wanted to reclaim.

  “Farming and raising horses has been the plan all along. And Bradley will join me in a few weeks. He might even be able to help put in a garden before then.”

  “And you already know how to build a house.” The summer Caroline had met Amber, she and her mother had just finished overseeing the construction of their home in Garber, Texas. It was all Amber could talk about—besides Bradley and the camels her father was transporting.

  Hardtack nickered at the sound of Caroline’s voice. He lifted his chestnut head over the gate and blew his musty breath at her. Caroline held out her palm for his velvety, whiskery love. The fort commander’s family was granted free livery care and feed for their personal mounts. Hardtack belonged to her. She wouldn’t have to steal a horse, although she’d probably have to sneak out with the same care as if she had.

  “Have they been taking care of you?” she murmured, causing the horse’s ear to twitch.

  “Of course we have.”

  Caroline turned to see Bradley come around the corner, carrying a shovel. “I’ve kept him groomed. Louisa tried riding him, but he was too spirited for her, so Daisy exercises him. What are y’all doing out here? Going on a ride?”

  Caroline kept a hand on Hardtack’s neck. “I’m going to run in the race,” she said. “And to do that, I’ll need my horse in top form.”

  “You’re going to run?” Amber came at her in a flurry of green ruffles and a swaying parasol. “You are not. You’re mocking me, but I can do it. I’ve traveled across this territory on camel—”

  “Hold on a minute.” Bradley held his shovel out, creating a barrier between the women. “What are you talking about, Amber? You aren’t running.”

  Amber spun with flashing eyes. “Yes, I am. If you can’t get the claim, I’m going to. We’re a team. We’re in this together. I’m not going to sit by and miss our opportunity.”

  “It’s too dangerous,” he said.

  Caroline snorted. “My uncle Bradley discouraging recklessness? What irony.”

  “And you?” He pointed at Caroline. “Your father would kill me—literally and legally—if I let you take part in this.”

  “I’m not asking your permission,” Caroline said. “This is my horse, and it’s no business of yours if and when I decide to ride him.” Already her mind was whirling. She couldn’t homestead, not like Amber and Bradley wanted to. But what would it take to have a place of her own? A roof to offer shelter to travelers? A place by the railroad?

  Amber twisted a black curl around her finger. “Actually, I might ask your help. I don’t have a horse.”

  “Absolutely not,” Bradley said.

  “You can ride Daisy’s,” Caroline said. “Gunpowder is fast enough. We’ll take her out and run her so you can get used to her.”

  Bradley rammed the shovel into the ground and leaned against its handle. His eyes darted back and forth between the two women as he shooed away a fly. “I’m trying to put my finger on exactly why this is a bad idea. Anyone with half a grain of sense would say you don’t have a chance.”

  “When have you ever cared what anyone thinks?” Caroline asked. “We’re thinking for ourselves.”

  “Are we?” Amber asked. “Seems to me that you’re grabbing the reins of my buggy.”

  Amber had a point. Until five minutes ago, Caroline had been ridiculing Amber and Bradley, but now the fever had caught her too. A new start. A new challenge. Concocting a society from scratch. Frisco’s insults might have lit the match, but the fuel had been there all along.

  “I have my own plans,” Caroline said. “I need some land near the railroad. We’ll get adjoining properties and look out for each other.”

  “We’d be neighbors?” Amber’s face lit up. “Think of it, Bradley. What could be more perfect? When Major and Mrs. Adams come to visit his daughter, your sister can walk to the next field and visit us.”

  “It’s a crazy thing when the two of you start to make sense,” Bradley protested, but that reckless look he tried to tamp down was blooming.

  “We could run for land that’s close to the fort,” Caroline said. “Amber only has to hold it for a few weeks until you can join her. That way neither of us would be alone out there.”

  “The only change is that I’ll be racing instead of you,” Amber said to Bradley. “Women are allowed to file, just the same as men, so legally that won’t make any difference.”

  “Maybe you could talk me into it, Amber. You’re over twenty-one and a free agent, but Miss Adams there comes with complications that I’d rather not tangle with.” He pointed at Caroline. “If something happened to you, Louisa would never forgive me. Thinking about your father’s reaction makes me want to start digging my own grave. Besides, there’s no way you can really prove a homestead on your own. So why don’t you help us get ready? That’ll be your part in this.”

  Amber stepped sideways toward Bradley. Amber and Bradley had each other. Caroline was on her own. She needed another angle.

  “I know a guaranteed way to get land,” Caroline said. “There’s a crossing that’s practically hidden. Only a few know it exists. Once we get past that, we’ll have our pick of the best land in the area, but Amber won’t find it on her own. For her to have a chance against all the other runners, she needs me. If you tell my father, then Amber will be running without a guide.” She reached a hand over her shoulder to pat the horse who was huffing hot air into her ear as he nibbled on her hat. “And running without a horse.”

  Closer in age to brother and sister than uncle and niece, Bradley and Caroline had tested each other’s limits repeatedly and knew when further argument was useless. So far the contests between them had ended peacefully, but there was always the chance that both of them might dig in their heels. The day that happened would be disastrous.

  But today Caroline held all the cards, and she knew it.

  Bradley swung the shovel up on his shoulder. “I’m not saying it’s a good idea,” he said, “so when the time comes, you best tell your pa that I had nothing to do with it.” And then, to contradict his claim of no involvement, he added, “Leave it to me, and I’ll fix everything.”

  And just like that, Caroline was going to get a shot at her dreams.

  Bradley had never been prouder of Amber than he was at that moment. It irked him that he couldn’t do it on his own, but that was what he needed a partner for, right? And in a few weeks, he’d be free of his obligations and able to make her his partner for life.

  The discussion between the three of them moved rapidly, jumping from challenge to challenge as they each blurted out their ideas, preparations both made and unmade, and problems they saw ahead. Bradley already ha
d provisions set aside at Evans’s store, but one didn’t race with a horse laden with supplies. One of the girls would have to come back for them. Caroline would wire her grandmother and ask if she’d be willing to forward some money from the dowry fund she’d set aside for Caroline. Hopefully the reply wouldn’t alert Major Adams to their plans.

  Bradley had to admit he’d worried about leaving Amber alone on the homestead while he finished his enlistment. It’d be nice knowing that Caroline was nearby. And wherever Caroline was . . . well, even if Major Adams didn’t approve of what she’d done, you could bet your last dollar that there’d be a patrol going through there to check on her every hour or so.

  “You might as well saddle up Hardtack and Gunpowder,” said Caroline. “We need to test them. We’ll put on riding clothes and come back.”

  “Wait a minute,” Bradley said. “I have stable call, and all these stalls have to be cleaned out before noon. If you can’t saddle your own horses, how are you going to make this work?”

  Caroline’s nose wrinkled, and she looked like she was fighting the urge to stick her tongue out at him. “Fine,” she said. “We’ll do it when we get back. C’mon, Amber.”

  But Amber’s sparkling blue eyes were on him. She twisted her closed parasol. “Go on without me, Caroline.”

  Caroline rubbed her hand on Hardtack’s nose one last time. “We can’t let Father catch either of us walking across the parade grounds unaccompanied. I’ll wait for you at the door.” She gave them both a stern look. “Don’t make me wait long.” Then she turned to leave the building.

  Amber dipped her head and giggled. “You’d think she was the oldest.”

  How could she look so fresh and clean in the stables? He planted the end of the shovel in the dirt floor and let the handle fall against the gate of the stall.

  “We need to get her married off, or else she’s going to pester us something awful. Can you imagine her next door with no one to boss around? She’d never leave us alone.” And being left alone with Amber was something he was looking forward to.

  “She’s a good friend, Bradley. I’m determined to help her any way I can.”

  “I’m a good friend too, and the best way to help her is to get her hitched.” He stepped closer.

  Her forehead wrinkled. “You’ve been shoveling out the stables, love. My dress can’t get dirty because I won’t have time to launder it, and once I get the homestead, I’ll be so busy—”

  “Shhh,” he said. “It’s just my hands that are dirty.”

  “And your fatigue clothes.”

  He looked down at his shirt, which was splashed with something wet. When had that happened? But Bradley always had an answer.

  “My lips are perfectly clean.” He stopped just a foot in front of her. “If you don’t believe me, try them for yourself.”

  She cast a quick look at the doorway, then leaned forward and pressed her lips against his. It was nice, but it wasn’t enough. He still had months of missing her to make up for. He didn’t realize that his hand had risen until he felt the sharp tip of her parasol in his ribs.

  “What?” he asked.

  She stared pointedly at the space between them, the space he was doing his best to span. “That’s enough,” she said. “I’ve got to go.” With a shove, she marched him back.

  Bradley held up his hands. “No reason to skewer me. I’ll take the hint.” Although her smile showed clearly that there was no offense taken.

  “Excuse me, Corporal Willis, but I have many tasks I must attend to.” With a wink, she sashayed away with a look over her shoulder to make sure he was still watching.

  “Ambrosia. Food of the gods,” he said. And he could never get enough.

  Chapter seven

  FORT RENO, INDIAN TERRITORY

  APRIL 22, 1889

  The dew was heavy, and the hem of Caroline’s split skirt would soon be soaked, but there was no helping it. She shouldered her knapsack as she and Amber tiptoed off the dark porch.

  Today was the day. It was still six hours before the cannons sounded, but they had to be off the post long before noon if they didn’t want their adventure halted before it had begun.

  The girls had barely reached the parade grounds when the front door to their house was flung open. With a blanket wrapped over her nightgown and her hair tied up in curling rags, Daisy ran barefoot across the porch and into the road to catch them.

  “Where are you going?” With her raised voice, Daisy was showing a shocking lack of regard for the sleeping families on Officers’ Row. “Sneaking away early?”

  “Sorry,” Amber whispered to Caroline. “She must have caught me going back for my mallet.”

  “And why do you need a mallet?” Daisy asked. “It’s still dark.”

  “What’s it matter?” Caroline retorted. “If Father trusts me as far away as Galveston, then shouldn’t I be safe on the post?”

  “You’re up to no good, sneaking out before dawn with a bag packed. Why would you run away? You just got here. . . .” Daisy’s eyes bulged. “You’re running in the race, aren’t you? That’s it. You want to get a claim.” The wind flapped her curling rags like crazed moths. “Father wouldn’t like this. He wouldn’t like it at all.”

  “But you aren’t going to tell him. Not until the day is over.” Caroline had always had her bluff in on her younger sister, but her advantage was slipping. “After I’ve got the claim secured, then you can tell him, but not until then.”

  “He’s going to notice that you’re gone this morning. What am I supposed to say?”

  “He knows that I’m going to watch. Everyone is going to watch. He’ll suppose that we got an early start. That’s all.”

  Daisy looked back at the front door as she weighed her options. “I don’t like it. I was looking forward to you being home. But maybe when you build your house, you could build me my own room for when I come visit.”

  Building a house? Yes, that would be Caroline’s first task after gathering firewood, digging a well, putting in a garden. . . . What in the world had she signed up for? How did she think she could do all that? But she would. If it meant independence, she’d give it her best. “If that’s all it takes, then yes.”

  “And I get to wear your new clothes whenever I want.”

  “They don’t fit you. You’re too short,” Caroline said.

  “Maybe it’s better that I tell Father. What if you got hurt? I wouldn’t want that on my conscience.”

  “Fine. You can wear my clothes, even though you’ll trample the hems. Just go back to bed and don’t wake anyone,” Caroline said. “And if I come back later today with nothing to show for it, then forget you knew anything about this.”

  “They couldn’t torture it out of me.” Daisy stifled a yawn. Then she brightened. “If you die, can I still have your new clothes?”

  “Yes,” Caroline gruffed. “But bury me in something nice. Don’t keep everything for yourself.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Daisy saluted, then turned back to the house.

  Amber let out a sigh of relief. “I can’t believe we’re going to get away with this. I’d thought for sure that the money wire from your grandmother was going to get us caught.”

  But somehow Lieutenant Hennessey hadn’t found time to mention the fund transfer to her father, and the shopkeeper in Darlington hadn’t thought to notify the major that his daughter had come in at the eleventh hour to purchase one of everything he had left in his ravaged store, and Agent Williams hadn’t remembered to take note of the fact that Caroline and Amber had asked to stash a few bags of supplies in the commissary until they could come back with a wagon for them. So many chances for their plans to be discovered, but with the whole countryside in an uproar, the army had more to worry about than the activities of Major Adams’s daughter and her friend.

  They hurried around the parade grounds. The soldiers and troopers were finishing with mess. There’d be no drill or fatigue duties on a busy day like today, so the girls needed to get off
the post before a hundred questioning eyes were starting out on patrol. They walked past a handful of Troop C’s men, who tipped their hats as the girls made their way to the family end of the stables.

  Amber looked over every stall. “Bradley said he’d meet us.”

  “Bradley said he’d try to meet us, but his officer probably had other ideas.” They reached the end stalls to find Hardtack and Gunpowder saddled, bridled, and waiting. “See, he didn’t forget. He’s looking out for you.”

  “Why am I so worried?” Amber asked. “You’d think I’d trust him by now.”

  But there was a lot at stake for them. A lot at stake for Caroline too, but this wasn’t the time for timidity. If she was going to play a role in this new venture, she’d better be ready to fight for her spot.

  The sun was up, and the air was filled with hope. Frisco gathered his paperwork and stuffed it into his rugged traveling case between the wad of cash from his investors and the rumpled handkerchief that was his only keepsake from his birth family. As a boy he’d carried this case—probably discarded by its original owner when it’d gotten a few scuffs—from the foundlings’ home, to the boys’ home, to the young men’s workhouse, and then to the streets when he’d grown tired of being bound by others’ expectations.

  For years he’d carted this case around, never completely unpacking it, as he petitioned for a chance at land—something that people with Frisco’s beginnings rarely got. Throughout it all, he waited for the day he could unpack the case permanently in a home of his own.

  While constructing his shelter on the hidden homestead, he’d been tempted. He’d stocked the shelves, dug a well, and put in a garden. Why couldn’t he finally empty his case? But the homestead didn’t belong to him. Not until he’d raced from the line and claimed it fair and square. Frisco played with the law like a banjo player picked strings, but he didn’t break the rules. He might get the rules to read in ways no one had before, but the written word was supreme. If it said he had to be on the line at noon to claim a homestead, that was where he’d be, and heaven help those who thought the rules didn’t apply to them.