Savage storm

by Conn, Phoebe

  had simply seized an opportunity to pursue his own lusts with no thought of what the consequences might be to her. Still, she could not erase the memory of his forceful kiss from her mind and her lips burned with a shame she found nearly impossible to endure in silence. But there was no way she could escape the prying eyes of her companions and give in to the torrent of tears which blocked her throat with a painful knot. When breakfast was over she took Erica's advice, and her hands shaking with a tremor she hoped Paul would not notice, she cHmbed up onto the seat beside him.

  "Ah, I've waited a long time for your company, miss, but you look a mite downcast this morning." Paul flapped the reins upon the oxen's backs and the sturdy beasts began to pull the heavily laden wagon at the slow, lumbering pace they would maintain until he drew them to a halt for the noon break.

  Gabrielle shook her head. "I'm simply tired; I didn't sleep well. I'm afraid I won't be very good company for you."

  "I'll be the judge of that. Crawl into the wagon and go to sleep if you like; I won't be offended," Paul suggested with a ready smile.

  "Thank you, but I think I'll ride with you for awhile." He was such a pleasant man she didn't want him to have to suffer the foulness of her mood, and while the prospect of sleep was an appealing one, she thought she should try and stay awake for a little while at least.

  They had traveled no more than half a mile when Jason Royal appeared upon his nimble stallion and greeted them all with remarkably good humor. His smile was wide, but his glance barely included Gabrielle and Paul as he turned his mount to take up a position beside Iris Stewart. His invitation was spoken in such a low tone that the other young women could not overhear, but with a lilting laugh Iris urged her horse to a brisk canter and rode away with him.

  Gabrielle turned away. She'd dreaded having to face the young man for there were simply no words to describe the scandalous nature of her behavior during the hours before

  dawn, but to have him snub her so rudely after their passion-filled encounter stunned her. She had expected, at the very least, an apology. She felt he owed her one since the whole incident had been his fault, but to be ignored as if nothing had happened was intolerable. She felt even worse then, sick to her stomach to think how casually he'd used her and then tossed her aside without a thought when she'd refused to give in to him.

  Paul needed no more than a sidelong glance to perceive Gabrielle's deepening depression and to rightly guess its cause. "He would have asked you to ride with him had you been riding Sunny as you usually do. I've no doubt of it. Don't let the fact that he took his second choice upset you so badly."

  "Second choice?" Gabrielle's blue eyes flashed angrily as she turned toward the friendly driver. "I have no idea what you mean. Mr. Royal may choose whomever he pleases for company, and I will never object for it is no business of mine!"

  Paul cringed in mock horror, his expression one of deep remorse. "Forgive me for mentioning the man, miss. I didn't mean to offend. Apparently Mr. Royal has."

  "He did not offend me!" Gabrielle denied hostilely. "He does not even exist in my opinion!"

  "Yes, ma'am, whatever you say," Paul agreed promptly, and giving his full attention to the team, he did not risk looking Gabrielle's way again for clearly she was in no mood for conversation on any subject.

  The pain in her head grew increasingly more severe until Gabrielle had no choice but to climb over the back of the seat and lie down in the wagon. When they stopped for the midday meal and rest she didn't awaken, and by suppertime she felt far better physically if no less guilty emotionally. Kissing Beau had been a natural expression of her love for him, but Jason's wild kisses had led her into a far different realm, not one filled with the beauty of love but one tormented by untamed desire, the memory of which made her tremble. She would never forgive him for the spell he'd woven on her emotions, never.

  In sharp contrast to Gabrielle, Iris was in a festive mood that evening. She had found Jason Royal to be an entertaining companion and could not seem to stop talking about the young man. Since there was no way she could join in any discussion of Jason's considerable charm, Gabrielle excused herself from the group and went to check upon Sunny's comfort. The stallion had trotted behind the wagon all day, and he now greeted his mistress enthusiastically as she gave him the apple she'd been served with her dinner. She stayed with the stallion for a long while, enjoying his sincere affection, and when she finally returned to her wagon, everyone was preparing for bed. She wished that she had another nightgown to wear so she could throw away the one she'd worn the previous night, but she had only the one. The soft fabric slid over her bare skin with the same sensuous glide as Jason Royal's deeply tanned fingertips, and she shivered as she tried to force that erotic image from her mind. Sleep was a long time coming since she'd rested all day, but Gabrielle kept her eyes closed and her breathing even, not wanting her friends to speak to her. Eventually she fell into a troubled sleep.

  The next day Jason took a petite blonde from one of the other wagons with him when he rode ahead to scout the trail. The following day another beauty had caught his eye and rode by his side. Gabrielle could not believe the man could be so low as to play one woman against another, but each seemed enormously pleased by his attentions and deeply disappointed when he invited someone new the following day. When that pattern continued, she decided his need to surround himself with beautiful women was a craving she'd never again satisfy. She gave her full attention to her new friends and the passing scene, and none to Jason Royal and his ceaseless pursuit of every female on the train. Whenever she saw him he seemed to be smiling, always in high spirits, and she wanted to shriek, to tell everyone what a devil he was, but she bit her tongue and swallowed the vile names she knew he deserved to be called.

  When one morning he approached her, she drew back, barely civil as she responded to his cheerful greeting. He was not on horseback, but walked up to her carrying a large piece of oilcloth rolled up in his right hand.

  "I should have given you this weeks ago, if you'll wrap your books tightly in this water resistant fabric they won't suffer any damage when we must ford a stream."

  Surprised by his sudden concern, Gabrielle wondered if by some slim chance the man did have a conscience after all. Perhaps he was too proud to come to her with an apology for his shameless behavior but wanted to make amends and had chosen this useful gift as the method to do so. Still, she hesitated to accept his present, not truly convinced his motive was a sincere one.

  "You don't need this yourself, Mr. Royal?"

  "Jason," he whispered softly so he'd not be overheard by those standing nearby. "No. I want you to have it since I know you want your books to arrive in Oregon in good condition."

  Gabrielle reached out cautiously to accept the roll of fabric, thinking he might at the last minute change his mind and jerk it away but he placed it in her hands. His fingertips crossed her wrist as he stepped back and she was shocked by the heat of his touch, appalled to think nothing she'd learned would shield her from the force of his magnetic appeal. He grinned at her slyly, as if he'd had the very same reaction but had enjoyed it.

  "Take care now." He touched his hat brim in a friendly salute and then strode off, seeming to have countless other errands which demanded his immediate attention while Gabrielle stood and watched him move through an opening between two wagons and disappear from view. She tossed the oilcloth into the back of their wagon, choosing to wrap her books later, and swung herself up into Sunny's saddle while the others in her group stared at her with fascinated glances.

  As soon as they started to ride. Erica caught up to her, as always bursting with curiosity. "Didn't Mr. Royal ask you to

  go riding with him today?"

  "No," Gabrielle repHed honestly. "Why should he want my company?"

  "Well, why not yours? He seems to be going down some list to see we all receive his attention, but I can't figure out what his order must be."

  "I doubt he has any such plan. Erica, but wh
y don't you invite him to go riding if you're so impatient for him to reach you?" Gabrielle suggested flippantly the matter unworthy of consideration in her view.

  Erica's green eyes widened in dismay, "What is there between you two, Gabrielle? Whenever anyone mentions that man's name you find some excuse to change the subject or to leave us. Do you dislike him for some reason?"

  "No, I despise him!" Gabrielle responded hoarsely; then she was sorry she'd revealed so much when Erica grew all the more inquisitive.

  "But why? He seems like such a nice man to me."

  "He is lower than a snake, just believe me he is, and don't ask me to explain my opinion, please," Gabrielle insisted promptly, considering the subject closed. Before Erica could demand she explain the reason for her opinions, Marlene brought her horse up beside theirs.

  "What did Mr. Royal say to you this morning, Gabrielle?" She asked shyly.

  Exasperated that their brief exchange of words had drawn such notice, Gabrielle nevertheless tried to answer calmly since she knew Marlene to be a sensitive soul who'd be offended by her anger while Erica wasn't. "He had some extra oilcloth he thought I might use, that's all."

  "Oh." Marlene bit her lip, her nervousness plain. "I thought maybe he had asked you some questions about me."

  "Has he bothered you, Marlene? If he has, he's going to be damn sorry!" Gabrielle vowed instantly. She'd been wise enough to see through the scoundrel's motives, but Marlene had the innocent heart of a child and she'd not remain silent if

  Jason had taken advantage of her.

  "No!" The pretty blonde's denial was instantaneous. "Not at all, it is only that, well, I put something on my application form that wasn't true and I'm afraid he's going to find out what I did and ask me to leave." As Marlene blurted out her confession, tears filled her eyes. She was terrified by the possibility that she might be sent back to her sister's home where she knew she'd never be able to find a nice husband or have the precious babies she wanted so badly.

  "What sort of thing was it, Marlene?" Erica gave Gabrielle an astonished glance as she pursued the matter, for she could not imagine what kind of lie the young woman could have told.

  Marlene looked first at Erica then at Gabrielle, "I know you'll never tell, but I would not trust any of the others with my secret."

  "Of course we'll not tell!" Erica agreed immediately. "Now whatever did you say that wasn't true?" She leaned forward, eager to hear it.

  After taking a deep breath, Marlene spoke softly. "I said I was nineteen, but I'm really twenty-three."

  "Oh, is that all?" Gabrielle laughed at Marlene's serious expression. "Your secret is safe with us, and I'm certain no one will ever guess you gave an incorrect age. You don't look a day older than nineteen so cease to worry over the matter. Your future husband will be delighted with you no matter what your age, I'm certain of it."

  "Do you really think he will?" Marlene asked hopefully.

  "Yes, I am positive he will!" Gabrielle was relieved the matter was no more important than that for she'd truly feared Jason might have gotten Msirlene into some serious trouble. Not until several days had passed did she recall that conversation and realize that she had not been shown an application form or been requested to sign one. Perhaps it was no more than a formality, but she went to find Clayton Home to seek his advice since he was the one charged with the responsibility of their care.

  Expecting to find the man near his tent, Cahrielle approached with a confident stride hut hesitated to intrude when she saw him talking with Jason. They appeared to be discussing some issue of importance so she turned away, meaning to return at a more convenient time but the men had seen her.

  "Miss MacLaren, wait! What is it, my dear?" Clayton rushed to overtake her. Although he had tried upon numerous occasions to win the young woman's confidence, he knew he'd ruined whatever chance he'd had the morning he'd made the mistake of laughing at her request to stand guard duty. That had been most insensitive of him and he regretted his mistake deeply. Since then she'd given him no more than the slightest of greetings accompanied by an icy stare, and he hoped to seize this opportunity to impress her favorably for a change.

  Gabrielle turned slowly as the stocky man approached, "It was a small matter, Mr. Home. I can see you are busy so we can discuss it some other time."

  "Nonsense," Clayton replied emphatically. He had learned through the countless opportunities he'd had to observe her that Gabrielle was well respected by the other young women in her party. She was both bright and charming, and except for her desire to help with guard duty she seemed very sensible too. "Now come with me. May I offer you some coffee or perhaps a cup of tea?"

  "No, thank you." Gabrielle had meant only to ask a brief question, not to pay a social call, and she felt refreshments were unnecessary.

  Jason stood aside, a slow smile curving across his well-shaped lips. "Good evening. Miss MacLaren."

  "Good evening." Now that they stood in front of the tent Gabrielle found her inquiry difficult to phrase. Jason was watching her expression attentively, not leering or observing her with the taunting stare she'd come to dread. He appeared to be interested in hearing her problem no matter what it might be, and thus encouraged, she attempted to be concise. "One of

  the women mentioned the application form you had the others sign and I was never given one."

  Startled by that report, Clayton looked up at Jason. ''How could we have made such an oversight?" They had taken particular care in the wording of the document since these were not truly marriage contracts but simply informal agreements between the prospective brides and themselves.

  "As I recall, you dismissed Miss MacLaren before I had a chance to offer one," Jason explained easily. "You had extras printed, why not give her one now?"

  Gabrielle tried to appear calm, but it was difficult when Jason simply stared at her while they waited for Clayton to find his store of the forms. If he had said something she would have replied, but he kept silent and so did she. The tension between them was so intense she could scarcely bear it. He seemed to be waiting for her to speak first and she'd not give him that satisfaction and kept still too. When Clayton returned and handed her the application, she scanned it quickly, finding it straightforward in its message. Still, she hesitated to supply the required information. "The others all filled these out for your

  "Yes, it asks only for the answers to some basic questions and for your signature." Jason moved behind her and, leaning over her shoulder, pointed out the sections which were to be completed. He stood as close as he dared while he spoke. "Clay, she'll need a pen and ink."

  Gabrielle found it difficult to even focus on the printed words with Jason's warm breath upon her cheek. He was being polite, considerate; yet she felt his purpose was probably more devious than it seemed and drew away. "I can see what it is I am to do, merely agree to go to Oregon with you. That's all, isn't it? Since I am obviously making the journey, it seems pointless to have me sign this now."

  Clayton pursed his lips thoughtfully, "No. It is not pointless, for when you sign our form it makes our responsibility for your welfare complete. Should you fall ill,

  we will see you receive the best of care, should you require assistance of any kind, we will render it without question. There is a space for our signatures below yours/'

  Gabrielle still felt uneasy, but she had no reason not to trust the basic purpose of their endeavor regardless of her opinion of Jason Royal's morals. She took the pen Clayton offered, and using a book he held out as a support, she began to fill out the form. When she came to the question regarding next of kin she looked up. "I have no living relatives, shall I just leave this blank or state that?"

  "You have no one, Gabrielle?" Jason asked, his concern too genuine to doubt.

  "No, not unless I were to count the man Til marry as a relative and that seems a bit premature."

  "Just write none then; that will have to do," Clayton suggested, as surprised as Jason to think this lovely young woman was
alone in the world for each of the others had had someone, no matter how remote a relation, to list. "I am sorry I did not realize sooner that we had no completed application form from you, my dear." He waited patiently for her to finish and sign the document; then he wrote his name with a flourish and handed the pen to Jason for his signature. "I'll go and put this form with the others right now before it can become lost."

  As Clayton entered their tent, Jason moved to Gabrielle's side. "I'll walk you back to your wagon."

  "That really isn't necessary, Mr. Royal. I know the way."

  "Jason," he reminded her with a teasing chuckle. "My name is Jason, why is that so difficult a fact for you to remember?"

  Gabrielle turned to face him, hoping to end their conversation quickly. "Jason, then. I'd rather walk by myself if you don't mind."

  "But I do mind very much. I have few opportunities to speak with you and I'll not waste this one," Jason responded in a serious tone this time, but his expression was still a teasing one.

  He really had a most charming smile. His even white teeth

  flashed with a bright sparkle against his dark skin, but the fact that he was so attractive a man was beside the point in her estimation.

  "I think we've said all we need to say to each other/' she replied firmly, hoping he would finally see her point and desist in his efforts to impress her.