Clint glanced at Harriet, stating, “She’s not under arrest; we’re really married. May I introduce Mrs. Clinton Marlowe,” he announced to everyone. “Now, I would like to be alone with my wife.”
“Clint!” Kathy playfully scolded him, blushing.
He looked down at her and savored the radiant smile on her face. “Sorry, wife. I guess youll have to teach this wild frontier rogue some manners. We’ve had damn little time together.”
Griff, Dray, and Jake carried the bags to her cabin. Jake ushered everyone out, saying he would explain. Clint closed the door and locked it, when turned to Kathy, inviting her into his protective and longing embrace.
He lifted her and carried her to the bed, gently laying her there. He blissfully tantalized her mouth until she was breathless. He gazed down at her and vowed, “No more golden torments, my love, just beautiful golden dreams for our future. I love you, Kat Marlowe,” he whispered huskily.
“Kat Marlowe…it has a nice ring to it,” she murmured.
She sighed wearily. He studied her pale face and trembling body. “How’s the arm?” he asked.
“It’s hurting like hell, Mr. Marlowe,” she responded saucily.
“Perhaps I should teach you some manners,” he quipped.
“That isn’t the lesson I have in mind,” she shamelessly chided him.
“You better rest, love. You’re still weak and hurt.”
“Rest?” she seductively taunted him. “I could have sworn you just vowed no more torments. Yet, here you are racking my body with torturous frustration. Have you no mercy, my handsome groom?”
“But you’re hurt, Kat.” he reluctantly argued.
“Then come and ease my worst pain,” she entreated.
“You sure?” he questioned, wanting her so badly his loins ached.
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. Except…”
“Except what, woman?” he pressed curiously, teasing at her lips.
“Except that I love you with all my heart.”
He was promptly out of his clothes, then gently undressed her. He placed her beneath the covers and joined her. He gingerly leaned over her and captured her inviting lips. He pulled away long enough to vow, “I love you with all my heart and soul, Kat Marlowe. At last, a priceless treasure is mine alone.”
“Nothing’s free, Jurrell,” she provocatively teased. “Is the price worth it? No more splendid uniform or carefree life?”
“It’s definitely worth anything,” he concluded.
“But I do like the name Landis Jurrell,” she pouted.
“Then we’ll name our first son Landis Jurrell Marlowe,” he cunningly solved that problem. “Landis was my father’s first name, and Jurrell was my mother’s maiden name,” he quickly explained.
She smiled serenely. “If you don’t get busy, Marlowe, there won’t be any sons,” she hinted, kissing him greedily. “Well have years to discuss our adventures together. This isn’t the time to talk.”
“God, how I love you and need you, Kat Marlowe,” he huskily murmured again, savoring the melodious sound of her name. Closing his sensual mouth over hers, he skillfully and eagerly fanned golden torments into fiery passion…
Hislorical Epilogue
This author has made every attempt to portray the vivid character and fascinating life of Harriet Pullen with accuracy and detail. Historically, Harriet Pullen left Seattle in September of 1897 to seek her fortune in Skagway. A thirty-seven-year-old widow, she headed for Alaska with only seven dollars in her pocket, leaving her four small children behind until she could afford to send for them. She was a strong and vital female with flaming red hair; she exhibited an adventurous, daring, resourceful, and independent air which rivalled any male pioneer’s. Though history has recorded little about this fascinating and courageous woman, she was lovingly labelled “Mother Pullen” and the “Mother of the North.” Her hotel, Pullen House, stands in Skagway to testify to her achievements. As in this story, she actually became famous in Alaska and the Yukon Territory for her bravery, endurance, and success. She began her fortune by baking and selling apple pies to the men there; later, she added to her success by actually transporting goods over the dangerous Chilkat and White Passes, braving all conditions and obstacles to make her imprint upon that vast and harsh frontier. As civilization and progress touched Skagway, she built a hotel and restaurant. Dan, one of her sons, was slain during World War I, and she lost her son Chester to a drowning accident. Later, Harriet purchased cattle and a farm to supply her restaurant with fresh foods and meats. A heartwarming legend, Mrs. Pullen can be viewed as a forerunner of equal rights for women and as an inspiration to all. May her memory and achievements be known forever.
Jack London, the famous American novelist, was stranded in Stewart for one year, during 1897-’98. He was a ruggedly handsome blond giant of twenty who fearlessly piloted the dangerous rapids of the Yukon River to carry prospectors to the gold fields. Jack left San Francisco to seek adventure and wealth in the Klondike, but never found gold. As a reckless and defiant youth, he allowed his health to deteriorate greatly in that treacherous environment, eventually suffering from scurvy. History has labelled Jack many things: a loner, a rebellious adventurer, a spendthrift, a serious and forceful man, and a talented writer. After leaving Alaska, Jack spent years travelling and absorbing ideas for his novels. But his later life was tragic: following two unsuccessful marriages and a battle against alcohol, he took his own life in 1916 at age forty. But his experiences in the savage and suspenseful Yukon gave him the insight and stimulation to write many of his best novels, including my two favorites: White Fang and Call of the Wild.
Other characters who actually lived during that eventful period and location were Moore, the lumberman and Harriet’s first boss, and Randolph “Soapy” Smith. “Soapy” was a legendary villain, known for his wild and devious exploits. Several mementos, including his iron knuckles and gambling equipment, are on display in Harriet Pullen’s Hotel/Museum in Skagway. Smith’s saloon was also restored to its original appearance. Following a dispute in 1898 over how he was handling his recruits for the Spanish-American War, Smith was shot and killed by one of his own men. Even today, when tourists go to Skagway or Dawson, they learn who and what Smith was.
Dawson was destroyed twice by fire: late 1898 and early 1899. It eventually became the seat of the territorial government. The railroad was completed in mid-1900. Although the United States began to evince interest in Alaska during the gold rush, the gold-boom was actually at its historical heights during 1897-’98.
My gratitude to these historical figures who inspired this tale of peril, passion, and Golden Torment…
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eISBN 978-1-4201-2742-3
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Copyright © 1984 by Janelle Taylor
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”
Thirteenth printing: March 1996
Printed in the United States of America
Golden Torment Page 54