Savage storm

by Conn, Phoebe

  "As you wish." Jason shrugged, uncertain why Gabrielle had suddenly grown so contrary.

  He paid for the last of their purchases and then drove the heavily laden wagon over to Clayton's so they could pick up her belongings. He had not even considered the reception they'd receive, but all the young women seemed to be at home that morning and each glance which met his was an openly curious one. Why women were taught so little by their mothers he did not know, but he decided to act as though he and Gabrielle had lived their entire lives together. After all, the fact that they'd spent the night in the same bed was not at all remarkable.

  "Run on up to your room and pack; then call me when you want everything brought downstairs. Til talk with Clay while Vm waiting," he said.

  "I won't be a minute," Gabrielle called over her shoulder, but she'd misjudged her roommates' fascination with her marriage. They soon huddled closely about her, their curiosity undisguised.

  "It seems Jason Royal was interested in more than that stallion of yours after all," Iris remarked caustically.

  "Apparently he was," Gabrielle responded pleasantly for she did not intend to allow Iris' spitefulness to irritate her.

  "Personally, I think such haste to wed is unseemly. I plan to announce my engagement at least a week before I marry." The haughty brunette continued to make the insulting comments she considered conversation with women she thought her rivals.

  Folding her clothing neatly to stack it in her bag, Gabrielle asked, "Have you already accepted a proposal then. Iris?"

  "No, of course not. I plan to wait until I'm certain I've found a man who suits me. I'll not marry the first one to propose." She tossed her dark curls as if she'd received so

  many offers of marriage she'd lost count.

  'Tm sure that's wise of you," Erica agreed. "Have you noticed how interested in Christina John Randolph has become? You were wise not to give him all of your attention when he's proven to be so fickle."

  Iris' dark eyes narrowed to vicious slits. "You don't think I care about how he spends his time do you? Why he means nothing to me, he can marry Christine for all I care!"

  "He just might," Erica predicted with exaggerated sweetness. "You are fortunate to have so many other suitors the loss of one will not matter."

  Too outraged by that taunt to reply. Iris stormed out of the room, slamming the door with a loud bang. There were still plenty of men who were interested in her. She didn't intend to take such teasing from Erica, and she vowed not to speak to the young woman for the rest of the day.

  Erica broke into a high-pitched giggle, delighted that she'd upset Iris so greatly. "Well, it's true. Iris does seem to attract a lot of attention, but I noticed last night that the crowd around her has grown smaller. Even those who still seem to admire her are spending more of their time with others. John Randolph is only the first to stray, but I'll wager the rest will follow his lead."

  "I only hope Iris marries a man who deserves her," Gabrielle commented agreeably, and that remark sent her companions into peals of gleeful laughter. "You shall have to keep us informed as Jason and I want to attend your weddings," Gabrielle continued when at last her friends again grew still.

  Erica sat down on the edge of the bed they'd shared to relate her own happiness. "Michael Jenkins is quite the nicest man I've ever met. It was lucky for me he was waiting outside just when I needed a ride to your wedding." Her sly smile let everyone know she'd taken every advantage of that coincidence. "He seemed to like me too, but I'll not get my hopes up until he comes to call."

  Gabrielle made it a point to ask about Marlene's friend, hoping to make up for the rudeness she'd shown her. "How are things going between you and Charles?" she inquired, hoping the young woman had forgotten her worries about her age.

  "Very well," Marlene revealed proudly. "It seems the matter I mentioned to you was of no importance to him, he likes me exactly the way I am."

  "Really?" Gabrielle was amazed that the shy girl had had the courage to confide in the young man when she'd been so unsure of the outcome. "I told you it would not matter, but I see you believe Charles more than you did me." She took the time to ask Barbara and Margaret about their beaus too, and then turned to Johanna. "How are things going for you?"

  "Not so well, I'm afraid. It seems Frank only pretended an interest in religion to impress me. When we went to church on Sunday, the preacher did not even know him."

  Johanna had continued to wear her pretty curls loose, and while her manner was serious, her appearance was so cute she seemed unconcerned over the man's ruse.

  "Perhaps he has been too busy to attend services, but that does not necessarily mean he has no interest in religion," Gabrielle suggested sympathetically.

  "That was exactly what he said," Johanna explained. "But I do not believe him."

  "Well, do not be so hasty in your judgment," Erica cautioned. "I know from bitter experience how much trouble that can get you into."

  Johanna shook her head. "I plan to allow enough time for him to show me whether his beliefs are sincere or not, but I'll not marry him if he is only trying to please me now and will prove to be a poor husband once we are wed."

  "A wise decision," Gabrielle assured her. She gave Johanna a warm hug and then quickly escaped before anyone had an opportunity to inquire as to what sort of husband Jason had proved to be. Hurrying downstairs, she called Jason. He came quickly to carry her one bag and her books which were still

  wrapped in the oilcloth he*d given her. It took a moment for him to find space for her belongings; then he drove the sturdy wagon around to the barn to get Duke and Sunny. He'd not even considered hitching them to the wooden vehicle as they were far too suspicious of each other to function as a compatible team. He merely tied their reins to the tailgate, then tossed the saddles upon their heap of goods. He waved goodbye to Clayton and the young women who stood at the windows of the man's well-built house before climbing up into his seat and turning to give Gabrielle a sly wink. She took his arm and moved close, clearly as delighted as he to be on their way. He whistled a happy tune as he started the wagon rolling down the road toward their home, hoping with all his heart fortune would smile upon them and he could make the future a happy one for the woman he loved.

  Jona^ile^ Ju^X/

  As they rode along arm in arm, Jason could not help but chuckle. **Clay was remarkably discreet this morning. Were your friends able to contain their curiosity too?"

  Gabrielle smiled prettily as she described the scene in the girls' bedroom. "Their reactions were easily predictable. Iris was spiteful as always, but Erica amused us by teasing her. Then I asked the others to tell me about the men in whom they are interested, and none remembered to ask me about you.'*

  "That's just as well, I suppose." After a moment's pause, Jason became curious. "What would you have said about me had they not become so easily distracted?"

  Gabrielle's perceptive glance swept her husband's deeply bronzed features fondly. The clear gray of his eyes was unusual, but combined with his dark complexion and black curls, they made him all the more handsome. It was difficult for her to formulate a coherent reply when his attractiveness stirred the memory of the deep pleasure they'd shared on their wedding night. However, knowing he would soon grow impatient with her silence, she forced herself to state the first thought that occurred to her. "I had no remarks prepared as I prefer to keep my opinions to myself in such personal matters."

  Disappointed in her evasive response, Jason persisted.

  "You'll not keep your opinion from me, I hope."

  Gabrielle laid her right hand upon his sleeve. He was again dressed in buckskins and the softness of the suede was delightful to touch, almost as alive and warm as his own skin. "Are you simply fishing for compliments this morning, sir, or has my delight in becoming your bride escaped your notice?"

  Patting her hand affectionately, Jason responded truthfully. "I enjoy hearing compliments as much as you do. That should come as no surprise."

  "Y
ou wish me to continue?" Gabrielle queried playfully. "I shall have little time to help you with your house if I must spend the whole day flattering you."

  "Our house," Jason corrected. "Compared to Clayton's it is quite primitive. I hope you'll not be too badly disappointed in it."

  "Since it is your home, I shall not be disappointed," she reassured him emphatically.

  When they reached the house his father had built she was amazed that his description had been so inadequate. Like Michael Jenkins' home it was constructed of logs, but it was more than twice the size of his. The front door opened upon a large living room with an enormous stone fireplace at one end, while the kitchen occupied the far corner. A wide loft ran the length of the room. It had obviously been built to provide ample space for the beds of the brothers and sisters Jason's parents had hoped he'd have, and Gabrielle was saddened to think that their other offspring had survived only briefly. Jason's father had built a separate master bedroom. It was spacious and had its own fireplace. A magnificent brass bed, an ornately carved wardrobe, and a handsome dresser served as furnishings.

  Unable to believe Jason would not be proud of such a lovely house, Gabrielle asked him pointedly, "Why would anyone be disappointed in your home, Jason? I think it is an extremely nice one."

  Jason shrugged noncommittally. "I grew up here. Perhaps

  that's why it seems so ordinary to me."

  "Well it is far from ordinary!" Cabrielle drew close to examine the decorative carving on the wardrobe. Fashioned from local pine, the piece was superb in both construction and style. "Did your father build furniture too? This piece is quite beautiful, better than anything I ever saw in Liberty."

  "Yes. He made all the furniture in the house." Since Gabrielle's compliment was obviously sincere, he told her something about his father. "He and my mother were very young when they married. They had little money to pay for things they needed so he was forced to make everything himself. By the time we came to Oregon, he had become quite proficient."

  "Then it is obviously from him that you inherited your artistic talent, for not only is his craftsmanship excellent, his designs are as well." She went over to look more closely at the dresser, marveling at the companion piece to the wardrobe before she turned to look at the bed. "He bought the bed though, didn't he?"

  "I believe he traded something for it, but that was so long ago I've forgotten just exactly what the bargain entailed." As Jason focused his attention upon the bed, he suddenly recalled how comfortable it was and turned to his bride with a sly grin. "It is an exceptionally fine bed, but you needn't take my word for it. We can try it out right now if you'd like."

  Gabrielle came close to slip her arms around his waist, intending to decline his invitation gracefully. "That would not be wise when we've left all our worldly goods and four tired and thirsty horses out in the front yard. Let's see to the chores to be done before we lose ourselves in each other."

  "I had no idea you were so practical, Gabrielle, but this is a poor time for you to display that trait because since you are right I'll have to agree." He turned her around then and with a playful swat sent her toward the door. "I'll unload the wagon and see to the horses; then I'll help you clean up in here so we can put everything away."

  "Whatever you wish, sir," Gabrielle repHed with a saucy smile, but she hurried out of his way.

  "You know damn well what I wish, and I'll not let you escape me so easily later!" He laughed happily as he went out the front door, certain his bride was such a passionate creature she would not object to the amusement he had in mind for the first spare moment they found.

  While Jason was busy unloading the wagon, Gabrielle strolled through the house once again, taking her time 'to admire the furnishings more closely. While every item the house contained was beautifully crafted, a thick layer of dust covered them all. She went to the door to call to her husband.

  "Have you found the mop and broom?"

  "Not yet." Jason kept sorting through their purchases until he found the implements she wanted. He carried them to the door and leaned down to give her a light kiss. "The house has been vacant for months. It's in a sorry state, so you can't expect to clean it thoroughly in one afternoon."

  "Perhaps not, but I can try,*' Gabrielle vowed seriously, for she knew they both deserved to live in a tidy home. Suddenly puzzled by his remark, she inquired, "You haven't come out here at all, have you?"

  "No," Jason admitted grudgingly. He looked away, his mood darkening at the realization that any man seriously contemplating marriage as he'd sworn he was would have taken the time to clean his house before he brought his bride home. "Another of my many oversights. I shouldn't have brought you here to do all this work. I should have had the house presentable before you arrived."

  "Jason!" Gabrielle reached out to catch his arm as he turned away. "That wasn't what I meant! I know how busy you've been. I'm not overly concerned about a little dust. Since this is to be my home, I do not mind putting everything in order."

  "It should have been my job, not yours." Jason scowled as he left the porch, unconvinced by her reassurance. He went back to the wagon to finish stacking their provisions by the

  front door. When he*cl completed that chore, he led the team into the barn before unhitching them from the wagon. He then put Clayton's horses in the small corral behind the barn and gave them plenty of hay and water before turning his attention to Sunny's and Duke's needs. Duke would be content in the corral, but the red stallion had gazed so longingly at the open fields he hesitated to confine him to a stall in the barn. Certain the spirited horse would not leave his mistress, he turned him loose to graze. What they needed, he realized, was a fenced pasture of sufficient size to provide the handsome animal with room to exercise. However, knowing that project would have to wait until spring, he returned to the house, uncertain as to what sort of reception Gabrielle would give him after he'd been so rude to her. He didn't want her to lie and he knew he'd been most remiss in not seeing that his house was properly cleaned before her arrival, but he felt anger would have been a far more logical response than her calm determination to set everything right. She'd wanted to be a farmer's bride, and he'd supplied the farm as well as a somewhat reluctant farmer; but he could not really believe she would be content with either of them for very long.

  When Gabrielle saw Jason at the door, she pointed to the three braided rugs she'd placed beside it. "Would you please take these rugs outside and shake them a bit?"

  "Yes, ma'am," Jason drawled, and glad for the excuse to work elsewhere, he lugged the rugs outdoors and went to find the rug beater that he kept in the barn. Beating the rugs was a good outlet for his frustration but they'd not been on the farm more than an hour and he already felt as though he were suffocating. He had hated the endless chores that had filled his days as a boy. To have come back willingly to lead the farming existence he had once fled was an act to which he could still not quite reconcile himself. He'd wanted Gabrielle, and he'd been willing to pay the price, though being tied to the land again was an extremely high one. She'd asked if he intended to give up leading wagon trains, but he already knew the freedom that job

  allowed was not worth the agony he'd suffer if he left her home alone for months at a time. Everything in Hfe has its price, he thought. But he did not need to remind himself that having Gabrielle as his wife was worth the sacrifice.

  He slung the first rug over a rope stretched between two trees. Then he hit the defenseless carpet with a barrage of savage blows as if somehow the tightly braided woolen rug were to blame for his dilemma although he knew it was as innocent as Gabrielle. Finally, satisfied it was clean, he carried it back into the house before giving his attention to the other two. Once that job was finished he decided to wash the windows. They certainly needed cleaning, and doing so gave him a valid excuse to remain outside while Gabrielle struggled to restore neatness to the interior of their home.

  By late afternoon, Gabrielle was yawning frequently for she^d h
ad no time to stop and rest. When she heard Jason chopping wood by the back door, she went out on the porch to watch for a moment. He'd tossed his shirt aside, and while she'd meant to stay outdoors only briefly, she found herself so fascinated by the perfection of his powerful build that she could not turn away. The well-developed muscles of his arms and shoulders grew tense and then relaxed as he swung the ax with a slow, steady rhythm. His dark skin shone with a light coating of sweat, giving his body the gleaming appearance of a heroic figure cast in bronze. She stood quietly, watching him work, her gaze openly adoring, until he turned slightly and saw her observing him.

  "Yes?" Jason responded, thinking he'd not heard her call to him. "Was there something you needed?" He held the ax loosely in his grip as he awaited her reply.

  Gabrielle's cheeks filled with a bright blush as she answered, "I was just wishing that I knew how to draw as well as you do. You would make a very fine subject."

  Jason lay the ax aside and walked toward his bride, wondering if she now understood why he'd enjoyed drawing the luscious curves of her figure in such fine detail. "If you'd

  like to learn I will teach you. Since you needn't teach me how to read, we'll need some useful pursuit to keep us occupied this winter."

  When he reached the porch upon which she stood, his eyes were level with hers and so full of mischief she could not help but smile. "I would enjoy lessons of any sort if you were my teacher/' she confided in a throaty whisper, her voice as seductive as his expression.

  Jason rested his hand upon her shoulder, his thumb moving to cover the pulse which throbbed steadily in her throat as he drew her lips to his. He meant only to kiss her lightly, his gesture a promise of the pleasures yet to come, but she entered his arms with a grace which made any further delay in sampling her affection seem a deprivation. Blood began to rush through his ears with a fearful intensity, blocking out all awareness of the warm fall afternoon. Her mouth opened so eagerly to accept his deepening kiss it was plain that her hunger for love was as desperate as his own. The tension between them continued to mount until it was a tangible force which compelled Jason's immediate response. He swept Gabrielle up into his arms and carried her swiftly into the house, straight to the brass bed whose comfort he'd invited her to share. She offered no more than a lilting laugh in objection to his haste, so he began to peel away the layers of her clothing, tossing her garments carelessly over his shoulder until her superb figure was completely revealed to his view. His glance raked over her slowly, then returned to lock upon the blue of her eyes as he removed what remained of his own attire.