If you could have a wish granted, he had said, what would it be? She had almost said, “To be your wife.” But of course the chasm between them was too deep, so she had answered, “To finally find my father.”
Sadly, Luci turned away, trying to concentrate on all the eligible men who would be waiting to court her in Denver. Could she ever be thrilled by another man’s kisses the way the big enemy scout had excited her to wild abandon? Even now, she hungered for him to take her in his embrace and press her hard against the shelter of his wide chest. For one crazed moment, she pictured him swinging her up in his arms, and carrying her off in the brush. She wanted to hold him prisoner between her slim thighs, lock him in her Cheyenne caress, and kiss him until they were both breathless.
The images her thoughts provoked made her tremble. Could any other man ever do that to her? She watched his hands handle the brush and remembered how they had felt on her own skin. Beloved enemy.
Without a word, she turned and headed back to camp. In the darkness outside the main camp, she saw a small campfire and paused to look. Maria Weichell lay by that fire, gently protected by David Van Schuyler. Luci watched, touched by the scene.
The sensitive blond man sat holding Bear Cub’s beloved sketch book. A knot grew in Luci’s throat and threatened to choke her. The crippled Cheyenne boy had died trying to make it back to camp to save her–save the others. She was glad she had put his drawings into the hands of a fellow artist who could appreciate them.
David stared at the drawings. “These need to be in a museum of some kind, and saved for future generations to see,” he said to Maria. “By looking at these, I can follow the history of the Dog Soldiers over the past several years.”
“Oh?” Maria said softly, but her gaze was on David’s face, not the drawings.
“Scenes of the Kidder Massacre, Beecher’s Island, and some of the other big battles are drawn here.”
“It’s all so ironic–” Maria seemed to struggle with the English words. “Susanna told me her husband and her younger brother were both with Forsythe’s Scouts at Beecher’s Island last year in that fight. They killed Cheyenne and now the Cheyenne have killed her.” She began to weep softly and David laid the sketch book down and took the girl’s hand.
“Maria, what do you intend to do now?”
“I–I don’t know. My husband is dead, and I know few people in this country. Maybe I should go back across the ocean where I have friends–”
“You have friends here.” He brought her fingertips to his lips hesitantly. “This is the wrong time and the wrong place to discuss this, Maria, but in time, perhaps you could learn to care for me.”
“You only feel pity for me.” She turned her face away and tried to withdraw her hand, but David held on to it.
He reached down and turned her tear-stained face back to his. “No, I’ve grown to love you in just this short time, Maria. When this is all over, when you’ve recovered from your ordeal, I’d like to marry you.”
“David, don’t you understand?” Her voice trembled, “I–I’ve been raped by a dozen warriors! I’m expecting a half-Cheyenne child. God only know who fathered it–”
But he leaned over and kissed her gently, interrupting her words. “We can start fresh–somewhere where no one knows either one of us. I’ll raise the child as my own, if you want to keep it.”
She laughed sadly. “With your blond hair and blue eyes? The child will know; everyone will know. You know how white men feel about women who’ve been raped by Indians. They think we should kill ourselves rather than submit. You’ll be ridiculed.”
“I’m a secure person.” He brushed her hair out of her eyes. “I can live with it if you can. What I haven’t told you, Maria, is that my father is a rich man, and although he has disinherited me because I won’t let him plan my life, I have a small income of my own from investments.”
For the first time in the firelight, Luci saw hope in the girl’s tragic face. “If I could only think we might make it, far from anyone who knew us!”
“We can. Trust me, we can.” He looked down into her eyes. “I’m an artist at heart, Maria, and maybe a pretty good one. I never had much of a chance to find out. There’s lots of beautiful country out there waiting for me to put it on canvas, and my enlistment will be up soon.”
She put her small hand on his face. “They tell me I’ll be in the hospital a couple of weeks. When you leave, David, if you still want me then, I’ll go with you.”
“I’ll still want you.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead.
Luci’s vision blurred as she watched and she realized suddenly that she was crying. A happy ending–David and Maria were going to have a happy ending out of this tragedy. And wasn’t she herself going to get a happy ending–a Cinderella finish with gold and a Colorado castle?
Then why was she crying? Because she was so weary and overcome by everything that had happened, she convinced herself as she tiptoed past the pair and on to the main campfire.
They arrived at Fort Sedgewick on a hot day in July.
As they rode in, Luci and Major North dismounted in front of the office where a once handsome older man leaned on a cane out front.
Luci’s heart beat faster. No one had to tell her who he was. She saw her own features, Winnifred’s features, in his face along with the bright blue eyes. “Father?”
But his attention turned to Major North. “Where in the goddamn hell have you been? When I said I’d wait at the fort, I didn’t know you intended to be gone a month!”
“Sorry I can’t arrange Indian wars to be convenient for you,” North said dryly as he turned to Luci. “Miss Starrett, this pleasant gentleman is your grief-stricken father, who’s come to take you back to Denver.”
She paused uncertainly, waiting for him to hold out his arms and embrace her. Instead, he leaned on his cane and looked her over. “You’re mine, all right. If I had any doubts, I don’t now. You look more like me than you do Sunrise.”
Soldiers and settlers turned to look and listen.
Major North cleared his throat. “Out here in public is no place for this meeting. I think the officers of Fort Sedgewick wouldn’t mind if we used their office.” He turned and handed the reins of his and Luci’s horses to Johnny Ace.
She looked back over her shoulder at the big Pawnee, but his dark, impassive face gave her no clue, no emotion, as he took the horses, hesitated, then turned and led them away.
All over the parade ground, weary, dusty troopers dismounted, and curious settlers and other soldiers crowded around to hear the battle details. Maria was carried past on a stretcher, headed for the infirmary. David Van Schuyler walked by her side, holding her hand.
For a moment, Luci envied the girl the devotion on the man’s face and stared longingly after Johnny Ace’s broad back as he strode away with the horses.
Then she realized her father was staring at her. She turned and went with them into the heat of the office.
I’m the luckiest girl alive, she thought as she accepted a chair. Then why did she suddenly envy Maria?
Major North helped Manning Starrett to a chair and stood looking down at him. “I warned you I didn’t know when the Fifth would return. It was your choice to wait.”
“I almost went back to Denver,” Starrett grumbled, “but I wasn’t sure I felt like making the trip twice. At least you sent a message to McPherson so I could get here.”
She smiled at him. “Father, I hope your business didn’t suffer because of this.” She yearned for him to reach out, pat her hand, and give some sign that he really was glad to claim her. Instead he only frowned.
“My associate, Billy Reno, is looking after things back in Denver. I trust him enough to give him my power of attorney so he can keep things running. He’s as much like me as a son.” He looked at her and she had a sudden feeling he was terribly disappointed that she and poor Winnifred had not been boys.
“In that case, I’ll be looking forward to meeting Mister Reno,�
� she said politely. She had been warned, but somehow, she hadn’t been expecting such a disagreeable man.
“You’ll meet him all right.” Starrett laughed, leaning on his cane. “It’s my fondest wish that you and Billy will marry so I’ll have grandsons to inherit my empire.”
She tried to look enthused although her mouth felt dry. It was all happening too quickly. “Well, maybe when I meet Billy, Father, if I like him, then maybe someday–”
“I haven’t got a lot of time left!” Starrett snapped.
Major North pulled at his mustache. “Luci, I don’t think your father was asking, I think he was issuing you orders. He’s an important man, used to people doing what they’re told.”
“You got a goddamn helluva lot of nerve, Major!” The handsome face turned scarlet. “She’ll like Billy! But first, I’ll let all Denver society entertain her, give big balls and parties in her honor.” He smiled at her. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you–lots of pretty clothes and everything you ever dreamed of?”
She nodded at this prince of commerce who had, through some magic, turned out to be her father.
“Time I don’t have, Luci.” He glared at her. “I–I’m a sick man. I need someone to look after me–that’ll be you and Billy right there in my mansion. We’ll be one big, happy family.”
He didn’t care about her after all. Like Winnifred had said, he only wanted blood kin whom he perceived as doing a better job than hired nurses. And yet, with her kind heart, she pitied him. For only an instant, she wondered what he was dying of. What difference did it make? He was her father, and surely they would come to care about each other.
She reached out and patted his coat sleeve. “Maybe we can make up for the past, Father, and make a fresh start. And if it’s your dearest wish that I marry Mr. Reno, maybe–”
“What about Johnny Ace?” the major blurted as he sat down behind the desk.
“What about him?” She kept her voice cold, her eyes averted. He had not made a commitment to her nor asked for one from her. “I’m going to Denver with my father and start life all over.”
“That’s a smart girl!” Manning Starrett smirked. “You won’t regret it, Luci. Why, wait ’til you see the trunk of clothes I brought from Denver for you and there’s more back at the mansion.”
She couldn’t help clapping her hands in delight. “Dresses for me?”
“Anything you want, my dear. I can well afford it. By the way, the stage leaves at nine tomorrow morning for Denver. Let’s not miss it.”
An aide came in, saluted.
Major North sighed and gave him a halfhearted salute. “What is it?”
“The ladies of the fort sent me to extend an invitation to a grand party tonight in Miss Starrett’s honor.”
“I presume General Carr and the officers of this fort are aware of this?”
“Oh, yes, sir!” The handsome officer smiled at Luci and she felt herself blush.
Major North grinned in spite of himself. “We all need a little relaxation. I hope Miss Starrett and her father will join us.” He looked at Luci.
She flinched, remembering the last time. “Father, is there a party gown in that trunk?”
“As a matter of fact, there’s an original all the way from Paris, France,” Starrett said with self-satisfaction. “It’ll knock the ladies’ eyes out. The goddamn thing cost enough to buy this place, lock, stock, and barrel!”
“Then of course, Major,” she said, “we’d be delighted to let the ladies of the fort entertain us!”
The aide smiled at her again, saluted smartly, and left.
The major steepled his fingers, looking at her. “Well, Luci, you’ve done it. All the most important people in these parts will be here tonight, groveling at your feet because of you sudden power and wealth. I hope what you’ve chosen is going to bring you happiness.”
She nodded, although she didn’t feel very happy. The Pawnee scout would be hanging around looking through the windows while officers fought to dance with her.
“You’re goddamn right she’s happy, Major.” Starrett’s eyes gleamed. “Maybe she’s just like her old man after all. I can’t blame you, gal. These people humiliated you? We’ll make them crawl and fawn, just like they do me in Denver!”
She didn’t want people fawning and bowing and scraping to her because of her father’s money. She realized he must be one of the most hated and feared men in the Colorado Territory, and as his daughter, she would rule Denver society and be hated and feared, too.
Luci felt suddenly weary and depressed. She stood up and the men stood, too. “If you’ll excuse me, I want to rest up and get ready for the party. Major, will you look after my father?”
“Of course. See you tonight.” The slightly built officer bowed gallantly as Luci turned and went out.
It was more than a dream, Luci thought, as she opened up the big trunk her father had sent to her room. Like a treasure chest, it overflowed with elegant dresses, jewelry, shoes, and the finest of dainty lace undergarments.
She lay dress after dress across her bed, and knew immediately which one she would wear tonight. There was a full-skirted blue silk, just the color of her eyes, that matched priceless blue sapphire earrings and necklace. What a contrast tonight was going to be to that other party!
Luci took a bath in some of the imported soap she found in the trunk and did her ebony hair up in an elaborate cascade of curls on the back of her neck. There was even rich lotion for her work-worn hands. A few weeks away from the constant laundry tub and they would be pretty.
Her father had said he wasn’t up to attending the party and stayed in his room. But that didn’t deter Luci from going, and her heart beat fast with breathless anticipation as the buggy pulled up out front for her.
A dozen eager young officers waited out front of the hall and almost fought each other for the privilege of helping her from the buggy.
On the porch, Johnny Ace lounged against the wall, smoking a cigarette. He alone didn’t rush to her side. His face was shadowed, so she couldn’t see his expression, but the tip of the cigarette glowed in the darkness, and for a moment, she thought she saw his eyes, dark and moody.
She decided to ignore him. Laughing gaily with first one officer and another as they clustered around, she went inside to the dance. The crowd began to applaud as she came in and ladies came over, hinting that they might be in Denver sometime and would just love to be invited to the Starrett mansion for tea.
The young officers all begged to dance with her and more than one kissed her fingertips, swearing eternal devotion and asking permission to call on her when next they came to that city.
As one of the senior officers, Major North demanded the privilege of her first dance.
As he whirled her out onto the floor, he smiled. “My! Money does make a difference to the crowd hereabouts, doesn’t it?” His voice was wry and slightly disapproving.
“Mercy! It certainly is different than last time,” she admitted and was suddenly melancholic, remembering the one man to whom it hadn’t made any difference.
“Of course I can’t fault you for making this decision,” North said, and he looked toward the windows.
She only mumbled something and twisted in his arms to see if there was a dark face looking in from outside. Once she thought she saw Johnny, but, she decided it was only a shadow. He must have left the porch.
She danced every dance, the belle of the ball, laughing and joking with each man who flirted with her. By the end of the evening, she had had half a dozen proposals of marriage from young men she remembered had sneered at her or treated her badly when she was only a poor half-breed girl named Lucero.
Johnny wasn’t outside when she finally left the party in the wee hours of the morning, escorted by three young lieutenants who fought over who got to sit next to her in the buggy. She didn’t know whether she was relieved or disappointed that he wasn’t standing in the shadows. Probably she had seen him for the last time. With the Indians defea
ted, the stages could run again. She’d be leaving for Denver at nine o’clock in the morning.
She lay sleepless a long time, thinking. At long last, she was going to have the dream she and her mother had often dreamed together. The Pawnee scout had no place in that vision of wealth and privilege. Luci pushed him from her mind, thinking of fancy clothes and a mansion. She thought as she dropped off to sleep: Denver, here I come!
Chapter Twenty-five
Major North sat behind the borrowed desk, yawning as he sipped his first cup of coffee of the morning. Last night’s party had kept everyone up a lot later than usual. Every unattached officer on the post had danced with Luci, and had begged permission to court her in Denver. But the major had noticed her glance strayed often to the window to see if the scout were there. He hadn’t been. No doubt he couldn’t bear to watch other men embrace her.
He pulled out his watch and looked at it. Eight twenty-five A.M. The stage to Denver would come through at nine o’clock and this whole drama would be ended.
He savored the strong brew and smiled. David Van Schuyler had just left the office. He was glad to hear of David and Maria’s plans. Not that he hadn’t expected it of course, since he was always a quiet observer of the scene around him. He hated to lose the sensitive, caring young officer, but he couldn’t blame David. Maybe he and that tragic girl could lose themselves somewhere in the West and make a new start once Maria was able to travel.
He reached for a handkerchief and wiped his face. It was always hot on the plains in July, but it seemed unusually warm for early morning. “Frank, you’re getting old,” he said aloud, and then laughed because he was not yet thirty. This life had a way of aging a man, though. He ought to leave it. But he knew he wouldn’t as long as there were hostiles to corral. Besides, who would protect his beloved Pawnee from those hordes if he weren’t here?
He’d brought along his small volume of Shakespeare on this campaign. He got it out and began to read.
There was a rap at the door.
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