The Lieutenant's Bargain

by Regina Jennings

  Major Adams bowed with his head tilted to the side. One eyebrow rose as he said, “Miss Walker? That’s not what I heard. Please, won’t you come inside?” Then, to the man who was trying to disappear, “That includes you, Lieutenant Hennessey. Inside. We have a lot to discuss.”

  What was going on? Why didn’t the major believe she was Miss Walker? Was she supposed to be someone else? Hattie followed him through the door and found herself in a charming entryway with an office at her right and a parlor ahead. A striking blond woman rushed forward to hug her as Jack stepped away.

  “Welcome to Fort Reno, Hattie,” she said. “And congratulations. I’m Louisa, and this is my husband, Daniel, or Major Adams, I’m supposed to say.”

  Her use of first names was surprisingly familiar for such a proper-looking lady, but maybe the situation wasn’t as formal at a military fort. “Nice to meet you,” Hattie said. “But I don’t feel that congratulations are in order. The ordeal was nothing to celebrate.”

  “An ordeal?” Major Adams jabbed his elbow into Jack’s arm. “Hardly an auspicious beginning.”

  “She’s talking about the attack on the stagecoach,” Jack said. “I hope you haven’t forgotten that part.”

  The major’s face sobered. “Of course not. I’m sure the Arapaho hospitality was a comfort after your harrowing experience.”

  Comforting? Hattie blushed to think of how she’d treated them. But Jack didn’t give her time to confess.

  “The Arapaho were impressed by her courage and grace,” he said. “She conducted herself admirably.”

  Hattie released the breath she’d been holding and shot Jack a look of gratitude.

  “That’s good,” Major Adams said. “We’ll want to get a full interview from her as soon as you feel that she’s ready. Have your men written their reports?”

  “Sergeant O’Hare will have them first thing in the morning,” Jack said.

  An interview? Hattie supposed she should have expected to give a record of the attack. So much had happened since then that she’d forgotten there might be a chance of catching the man who was responsible for all her misfortune.

  “Are they here?” a young voice called out from the top of the stairway that rose in front of Hattie.

  “They’re here,” said the major. “Come on down.”

  Hattie took another look at the beautiful Mrs. Adams before she stepped to the side and made way for two young ladies coming down the stairs with a large piece of butcher paper.

  They had painted her a picture? How fitting. They reached the bottom of the stairs, and the youngest, who looked about eleven years old, took her end of the paper and walked away from the other girl, who had to be her big sister. The hand-painted banner unfolded to reveal an announcement in big block letters festooned with birds and flowers.

  Welcome Home, Lt. and Mrs. Hennessey

  “Mrs. Hennessey?” Hattie’s eyes opened wide as she looked at Jack. “You didn’t tell me your mother was here.”

  Louisa squeezed Hattie’s waist. “Jack’s mother is here? How wonderful. Did she come in for the wedding?”

  “You’re the one who got married,” Hattie responded. “I don’t know who you invited.”

  “Sir, we need to talk.” Jack motioned toward the office. “The sooner the better.”

  “When the scout came with the report this morning, we couldn’t believe it,” Major Adams said. “But it’s about time.”

  “What’s going on?” Hattie asked. Not knowing what everyone was talking about put her at a disadvantage.

  The major shot Jack a questioning look, then with a flick of his finger directed his daughters to put away the banner. “We shouldn’t make any more demands on your time,” he said to Hattie. “Not until you’ve had a chance to refresh yourself. If you’ll pardon me, I’ll take some time to consult your—Lieutenant Hennessey while my wife and daughters get you settled for the night.”

  Jack’s sigh sounded like a whoosh. “Go with them, Hattie. They’ll get you what you need.”

  Was the military always in this much confusion? Whatever misunderstanding they’d had, Hattie was more than ready to leave it all behind. A warm bath and soft bed were more important to her after a long day of bouncing in the ambulance wagon.

  “If you’ll come with me, Miss . . .” Louisa paused, and Hattie wondered at her forgetting her name already. “I’ll gather some clean clothes for you, and we’ll go next door and get some water heated. Won’t that be nice?”

  Clean clothes and warm water. Things Hattie had always taken for granted, but with them, she’d be ready to face whatever came next.

  Major Daniel Adams appeared to be the embodiment of decorum and concern, but Jack wasn’t fooled. As soon as the door to his office closed, Daniel dropped into the seat behind his broad oak desk. The epaulettes on his shoulders caught the lamplight, as did his wide smile. He wouldn’t miss this opportunity to meddle in Jack’s personal life. It was only fair, considering how Jack had conducted himself when Mrs. Adams had first arrived at the fort, but this wasn’t fun and games. This was serious.

  “As a newlywed man myself, I congratulate you on your lovely bride,” Major Adams said. “At the same time, I offer my condolences that she doesn’t appear to enjoy the nuptials as much as yourself.”

  “I can’t believe word spread already,” Jack said. “You must have known before I did.”

  “Both tribes are celebrating the union. Chief Right Hand sent a messenger as soon as the ceremony was completed.”

  “There was no ceremony. The Arapaho made a mistake.”

  “But that’s Hattie Walker from Van Buren, Arkansas? The young lady from your hometown you’ve told me about? The one you write to?”

  “And the one who never writes me back. It’s her, all right. Never in a hundred years would I have expected to find her in Indian Territory.”

  “But here she is, and what’s more, she married you. How could a fellow be so lucky?” The major’s smile was stubborn, daring Jack to contradict him, but Jack had no choice.

  “She doesn’t want to be my wife, sir.” The words twisted like an arrow in his gut. “She didn’t even recognize me when we stood face-to-face and conversed. I asked Chief Right Hand to arrange a ceremony for the transfer of the survivor. Something happened in translation. Coyote got confused, and the next thing I know, he’s telling me that she’s my wife.”

  The major’s brow lowered. “The Arapaho have been after you all summer to find a wife. They didn’t understand why you wouldn’t pick a woman.”

  “I didn’t pick one,” Jack said. “They picked her for me, but I can’t let it stand. Hattie and I aren’t married.”

  Outside the office door, the house had gone silent. Louisa must have taken Hattie next door to his house. What was Louisa saying to her? He knew the major’s wife was good at keeping secrets. He prayed she could keep mum about this one.

  “You said the chief’s nephew came with you?” Major Adams asked.

  “Yes, Tom Broken Arrow is going to enroll at Darlington.”

  “What changed the chief’s mind?”

  “Can’t you guess?” Jack asked. “He reminded me that only a family man could understand what it meant to be responsible for someone’s child. At the time, I thought he was just goading me.”

  “Did he mention the payment that’s due to them? That cash was going to provide them with blankets and beef for the winter.”

  “The money that was stolen in the robbery? No. The Indians don’t know that the cargo that went missing is their payment.”

  “It’s not going to sit well when they hear it’s delayed again. And you worked hard to get that money for them.” Major Adams’s chair creaked as he leaned back into it. “Ever since you arrived at Fort Reno, you’ve made it your aim to gain the trust of the Cheyenne and Arapaho.”

  A verdict was coming. Jack could feel it.

  “To that end, you’ve studied their culture and language and strengthened relationships that have k
ept peace on this reservation. That peace has saved lives, but it’s fragile.”

  “Sir, I can’t sacrifice Miss Walker for my career. That’s a line I won’t cross.”

  Major Adams swung one leg over the other. “Miss Walker might not have chosen to get married yesterday, but neither did she choose to be attacked by outlaws or rescued by Indians. She has to allow for some complications.”

  “I’m not a complication.”

  “No, you’re worse. Agent Lee and I have had our fill of white men coming in and marrying Indian women, only to leave them when they’ve grown tired of living on the reservation. They claim that the Indian ceremonies aren’t binding on them—a cruel trick to play on unsuspecting Indian maids.”

  “I didn’t marry an Indian.”

  “But you’re asking me to release you from oaths you made in the presence of the tribe. That I cannot do. You’re of age and know more than most. How can we hold others accountable while allowing you to break your vows?” Major Adams lifted an eyebrow as he tapped his chin. “What happened after the ceremony last night?”

  “Nothing. The hour was late. Everyone went to bed.”

  “Where?”

  Jack rubbed his head. “Where did they go to bed? In their tepees, I suppose.”

  “Where did you go to bed, Lieutenant Hennessey?”

  Jack’s hand stopped. His heart rocked in his chest. He peeked up at his superior with guilt crawling all over him.

  Major Adams sighed. “So you never protested in their presence, and you left the camp with her in your custody?”

  Jack covered his eyes and nodded.

  “Good heavens, Jack, what were you thinking? I’m afraid this is on your shoulders. The only thing to do is go home and make the best of it.” The major’s boot hit the floor with his verdict. “We can’t tell the Arapaho that we respect and honor their traditions and then show disdain for their most binding contract. Besides, she’s the only witness to a triple murder and the robbery of government property. She must stay here until a marshal from Fort Smith has made a full investigation, and she’ll be safe under your care. There’s no way around this, I’m afraid.”

  “You can’t do that,” Jack said. “You can order me into a battle that means certain death, but you can’t make me live with a woman who doesn’t want to be my wife.”

  “Then maybe you ought to work on changing her mind.”

  That was a thought, but Jack had been ruminating on how to win Hattie for years. What made him think she’d be agreeable now? Especially in this situation?

  Major Adams smiled. “Go home, Jack. It’s late. See that she’s settled, and maybe you’ll be surprised. She might not be as opposed as you fear. If she is, well, then it’s a choice you have to make. Leaving your wife would mean leaving this post. We can’t have you disrespecting the tribes and their customs.”

  Leave Fort Reno? This was his life’s work. It was more than a career. Jack’s efforts meant more opportunity for the people he was trying to help. But Major Adams, newly married to his own bride, didn’t understand how humiliating it was for a man to have to admit such a colossal mistake. Especially to a lady as perfect as Hattie Walker.

  Chapter Eight

  Hattie ran her finger across the plate, then licked the last of the icing from its tip.

  “Do you want more?” Louisa poured Hattie a second cup of hot tea. “I’ll run next door and get another piece of wedding cake.”

  “No. Please, don’t go.” Hattie didn’t know if she’d ever be full again, but she was deathly afraid of being left alone. Even in this comfortably cluttered parlor.

  Louisa had helped her wash her hair in the strange kitchen, getting the more stubborn knots out with a comb while Hattie ate cold fried chicken left over from dinner. The wedding cake was just another reminder of the Adamses’ happiness and Hattie’s misery. But Louisa had nothing to say on the topic. She deftly maneuvered around the confusion and kept Hattie busy, offering her choices of woolen underthings, flannel nightgowns, and blankets to wrap in once her bath was finished. The bath had been barely a dip, because no matter how delicious the water felt, Hattie couldn’t relax in the unfamiliar room. She imagined someone looking in at each dark window. She imagined the door bursting open and exposing her, so she hurried into the layers of freshly laundered clothing so she could rejoin Louisa in the parlor.

  Louisa had to move a stack of books off the couch in order for them both to sit there. After her rough exposure to the elements, Hattie didn’t even mind the dust that tickled her nose. Undoubtedly this house had been abandoned. With the clutter and grime, it was unlikely anyone lived there permanently. But was she supposed to stay alone? She feared that once the darkness settled, her horrible nightmares would return.

  “Will I be on my own tonight?” Hattie set her plate atop a leather-bound journal and shivered. “This is an awfully big space for one person.”

  Louisa smiled and kept smiling. “Have some more tea. It will help calm you. And it does feel cold in here. Lieutenant Jack normally keeps the stove warm, but with him out on patrol, the house has gone cold again. Here, let me get some more firewood.”

  Louisa took a few sticks from the firebox and placed them in the fireplace. The warm red glow of the coals tinted the room and filled it with a homey smell. Hattie could have fallen asleep right there on the sofa if she knew this kind woman wouldn’t leave her side. She had to make conversation if she wanted to stay awake.

  “Are those your daughters?” she asked.

  Louisa beamed. “They are now. I came to the fort in June as their governess, more or less. And yesterday, as you know, I married their father, the major.”

  “Yesterday? You should be on your honeymoon.”

  “We’re leaving on Wednesday. Daniel was waiting for Lieutenant Hennessey to get back, and then we’re taking the girls to Tahlequah for a few days.”

  “You postponed your honeymoon over me?” Hattie asked. “I don’t mean to be any trouble. As soon as a stage comes through, I can be on my way again. And look at me now. It’s late, and I’m keeping you from your household.”

  “Nonsense. We rarely get visitors here, and I’ve heard so much about you, or at least Daniel has. It’s a treat to finally meet you.” Louisa paused as footsteps could be heard outside. She stood and twisted the blond hair that was gathered over her shoulder.

  The doorknob turned, and Jack stepped inside, the cape on his overcoat snapping in the wind. “Mrs. Adams, thank you for looking after Hattie for me. I would’ve left the house in better condition if I’d known.”

  “This is your house?” Hattie looked at Louisa, who’d snatched her coat off the sofa and shoved her arms into the sleeves.

  “Good night, Hattie. Come see me in the morning if you’d like.” Then, barely opening the door more than a crack, Louisa slipped out, leaving Hattie bundled up on the sofa with Jack standing before her.

  Jack’s steps were heavy, as if he carried a burden too great to bear. He unfastened his overcoat, tossed it across the banister of the staircase, and dropped his hat onto the post at the last step. The quietness of the house made Hattie realize how alone the two of them were and how little Jack resembled the boy of her youth.

  Ruffling both hands through his hair, he sighed as he went to the fireplace and stood with his back to her.

  “Jack, I’m exhausted,” she said. “If you need me to fill out a report about the robbery right now . . .”

  He turned but didn’t quite meet her eyes. “Of course not. It can wait until morning. You need your rest.”

  “Where am I staying?” she asked. But when he kept his eyes down, she said, “Why do you look like that? Did I do something wrong?”

  “No. Not at all. It’s just that the fort isn’t prepared for guests, especially women. Major Adams’s house is full, and he’s the only officer here with a wife. I could go to the barracks and let you have the house to yourself, or there are empty beds at the fort hospital. There’d be staff up during the n
ight, so you wouldn’t be alone. Of course, none of them are women—just enlisted men.”

  Hattie hugged the blanket around her. If she was going to be alone with a man, she’d much rather it be Jack than a stranger. Somehow he’d been designated her protector. For the night in the tepee, it made sense. There had been no choice. Here, her choices were a roaring fireplace in a beautiful home or a cold fort of sleeping men.

  Poor Jack. Dead grass stuck to his boots. His clothes were wrinkled. Two days’ growth of beard sprouted on his jaw. While she’d had dinner and a chance to clean up, he’d had nothing. He didn’t need her to make a fuss. His day had been hard enough.

  “I’ll stay here with you,” she said. “According to Mrs. Adams, it’s all been arranged.”

  His jaw dropped like she’d just granted his dearest wish. His eyes darted around the room, and she could almost hear that giant brain of his spinning. Hattie had never seen Jack dumbstruck, and she couldn’t fathom what had caused it. He bounded forward and fell on his knees before her. Hattie drew her blanket tighter as he began to babble.

  “You’ve been through the worst trials imaginable,” he said, “but from here on out, it’s my duty to see that you lack for nothing. I’m going to take care of you. You won’t regret this. Thank you, Hattie. You’ll see.”

  Her forehead wrinkled in confusion. She’d never understood Jack. One minute he was dumping her on a stranger’s front porch and trying to escape, the next he was groveling at her feet. He was a very handsome man, as far as grovelers went, and because of him, her plans in Denver could be salvaged. Two fine reasons to forgive his strange conduct. But Hattie had to wonder if there was anyone in Indian Territory who behaved rationally.

  Jack knew Scripture. He believed in miracles. Blooms on Aaron’s rod, a blind man with renewed sight, Lazarus raised—God could do anything. And while Jack was still grappling with the impossibility of Hattie’s appearance in the nations, God had taken it a step further and made Hattie his wife. He hoped Louisa’s explanation had spared him from blame, but Hattie seemed to have already forgiven him.