Amelia stared across the room at Emmie. “Maybe you should invite him over, Emmie. I thought he seemed to be sweet on you. If you were nice to him, maybe we could get him out of Jessica’s clutches.”
“I’ve told you before I don’t intend to get involved with any man,” Emmie said. “It wouldn’t be right with my situation.”
“But Isaac is different,” Sarah said. “He’s like Rand and Jake. He has character and principles.”
“Then I hope he’ll see through Jessica on his own.” Emmie’s tone did not invite further discussion.
Amelia gave a sidelong glance at Sarah. “We’ll just have to trust in his good sense.”
The thick paper rustled in Isaac’s pocket, and he stood a little straighter as he strode into the sutler’s store. The scent of cinnamon blended with that of tallow and kerosene swirled in the air as he shut the heavy door behind him to block out the cold wind. The rows of supplies were barely wide enough to allow his broad shoulders through, but he pressed toward the front of the store. He’d seen Emmie come in a few minutes ago.
She turned away from the candy counter near the front of the store and longingly glanced back toward the licorice.
He motioned to the clerk behind the counter. “A licorice for the lady, please.”
The blue cape she wore deepened the color of her violet eyes as she whirled to face him. “I don’t need it, Lieutenant Liddle. It’s much too dear.”
“I’m celebrating today.” He handed her the small bag of licorice and smiled. “I’m a landowner.”
Her small gloved hand circled the bag, and she peeked inside as if she couldn’t wait to taste the candy. “A landowner?”
He pulled the deed from his pocket. “I just bought five hundred acres near Sheridan.”
The color washed from her cheeks. “You’re leaving the fort?”
The desolation in her face encouraged him. She didn’t want him to leave. “Not yet. I’ve got two years to serve yet, but I want to be ready. By then the area should be safe enough. I’d like to show it to you sometime.”
Her long lashes swept down and obscured the expression in her eyes. “What does it look like?”
“It’s only five miles away, so it looks a lot like here.”
“That seems a little dangerous in more ways than one. The Indian trouble is far from over.”
“This territory is perfect for cattle and horses, and I didn’t want to miss a good opportunity. Would you come see it with me?”
She bit her lip. “I don’t know what the future will bring.”
“I’d like a woman’s opinion. Promise you’ll at least come look at it with me.”
She moved the bag of candy to her other hand. “I don’t like to make promises I might not be able to keep.”
“This one will be easy. We’ll take a picnic and some other soldiers as soon as it seems safe. Please?”
“Very well. But only if Rand says it’s safe.”
She took a step toward the door, and he knew it was too soon to tell her he dreamed of building her a home on those rolling hills. He’d told Rand he could be patient, but it was getting harder than he realized.
FOUR
Hurry up, Sarah. We’re going to be late,” Emmie called at the bedroom door. “Assembly sounded five minutes ago, and the post band is warming up.”
“I’m coming!” Sarah rushed out in a flurry of rustling skirts and the wafting aroma of lilac. Emmie and Joel followed her out the door and across the parade ground toward the milling crowd in front of headquarters. They hurried up the platform that Colonel Carrington had ordered erected for the ladies and found a seat beside Amelia.
“I thought you were going to miss the opening assembly,” Amelia whispered.
Lieutenant Adair, adjutant of the Eighteenth, had the adjutant’s call sounded. The companies formed lines in front of their quarters, then moved to their battle positions. Colonel Carrington stepped to the fore and addressed the men. He began a stirring address to dedicate the fort to the brave men who had lost their lives in the course of the fifteen weeks it took to erect the encampment.
Emmie found her eyes straying to Isaac’s erect figure just to her left near the newly finished flagpole. He kept his eyes steadfastly on his commanding officer, and she felt a thrill of enjoyment that she could look at him without anyone noticing. He looked very fine with his new blue uniform pressed and the sun glinting off his brass epaulets and polished boots. She glanced to her right and saw Jessica DuBois glaring at her. Emmie’s cheeks warmed, and she looked away quickly and fastened her gaze on Colonel Carrington.
The little colonel finished his speech by handing the halyards to William Daley, who had done most of the work on the flagpole. The men stood at parade rest with their right hands raised as the orders were barked out. “Attention! Present arms.”
The rifles slapped in the hands of the soldiers, and the drum corps played a long roll, followed by the swell of the full band playing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Tears slid down Emmie’s cheeks as the guns opened fire, and William Daley pulled the halyards and raised the twenty-by-thirty-six-foot flag slowly to the top of the mast. The chilly breeze stretched it out to its full glory.
She waved her handkerchief in honor of the flag with the rest of the ladies and wept unashamedly. For the first time in her life, she felt part of something worthwhile, something good. She glanced involuntarily over at Isaac and found his steady gaze on her. He smiled and tipped his plumed hat. She smiled tremulously back at him. Glancing over at Jessica, she found her engaged in a conversation with Colonel Carrington. Thank goodness she hadn’t seen the exchange.
As the men marched off to their quarters to the tune of “Hail, Columbia,” Isaac pushed his way through the melee and caught Emmie’s hand. “Will you save me a dance later? I have to take care of a few duties before I can join the party at headquarters.”
Heat flooded her cheeks and pleasure curled around her. “I don’t think I’ll be dancing. Besides, Jessica might be angry.”
He frowned. “What’s she got to do with us? Her father is my superior. I’ve just been helping her get settled in. Believe me, I know the kind of woman she is. Once she heard my family owns a large ranch in Texas, her interest kicked up. She doesn’t really care anything about me.”
Emmie caught back the smile that wanted to spring to her lips. “She doesn’t know about the estrangement?”
He shook his head. “It’s none of her business. But it’s clear you don’t think much of me.” He strode off in the direction of the barracks.
Emmie bit her lip. Maybe she shouldn’t go to the party at all. She just didn’t know how to handle Isaac. Or her own turmoil. For just a moment she longed to be free of the mistrust she felt about men. But it was the only defense she had. And she needed a defense when it came to Isaac. There was something about him that so attracted her and made her feel undone.
Amelia grabbed her hand. “Wasn’t it wonderful? I was so overcome.” She tugged her toward the line of ladies and officers heading toward the door to headquarters. “I don’t want to miss a moment of the fun. Sarah went to find Rand and Jake. I told her we’d meet them there.”
“I’m not sure I should go. I’m still in mourning—” She broke off at Amelia’s incredulous look.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Emmie. Whatever do you have to mourn about? That rascal wasn’t even your true husband.”
“I don’t think we’ve met yet,” a soft, feminine voice behind them spoke. “Won’t you introduce us, Amelia?”
Emmie turned to stare into Jessica’s blue eyes, and her mouth went dry. Did she hear what Amelia had said? But the beautiful fa
ce before her gave no clue.
“Hello, Jessica.” Amelia’s voice sounded falsely gay to Emmie, but Jessica didn’t seem to notice. “I heard you were here. Sarah and I had planned to stop in yesterday, but she was not feeling well.”
“Oh?” The one word and upraised eyebrow spoke volumes. Sure you were, it said. Just as I lost no time in coming to see you.
Amelia flushed at her tone. “Um, this is our dear friend, Emmie Croftner.”
“Croftner. Where have I heard that name?” Jessica frowned, a gentle ripple in the smooth perfection of her peaches-and-cream complexion. “You’re not related to Ben Croftner?”
“I am. I’m his sister.”
“Oh my.” For a moment Jessica seemed flustered. “Do forgive me. I’m very pleased to meet you.” She held out a tiny gloved hand, and Emmie clasped it briefly. “Well, I do hope to get to know you better in the future. Now I must go. I see Daddy motioning to me.” She gave Emmie an enigmatic look before strolling over to her father.
“I wonder what she’s up to,” Sarah said as she hurried over to them. “It looked as though she was actually being nice.”
“I really don’t know,” Amelia admitted. “Maybe she’s changed, but she seemed quite sweet.”
The furniture had been cleared out of the big meeting room, and long tables piled with food lined the west end of the room. The wooden floor had been polished to a brilliant sheen that was a trifle slick to walk on. The band was already warming up at the makeshift bandstand at the other end of the room under the wide eyes of the post children clustered about them. Emmie noticed that Sarah’s brother, Joel, had his harmonica with him. She looked around the room and saw Jake wave to them from the food table.
“Trust that man to find the food.” Amelia laughed as they threaded their way through the crowd. “Eating already?” she asked with a smile.
“Wait till you taste this apple pie.” Jacob took an enthusiastic bite. “Mrs. Horton certainly has a way with dried apples.” With his brown hair and eyes, he looked enough like Rand to be his twin.
Amelia pretended to be miffed. “Well, you can just eat at her table every night then. I won’t inflict my poor attempt at culinary arts on you.”
He put an arm around her. “Now you know I like your cooking just fine.”
“ ‘Just fine,’ he says.” She punched him gently in the stomach. “When I’ve been an army wife as long as Mrs. Horton, maybe I’ll have a way with dried apples too.”
Emmie gave a wistful chuckle. Sarah and Amelia were so lucky. She pushed the memory of Isaac’s smiling eyes away.
The band struck up a lively tune behind them, and Jacob took Amelia into his arms. “Time’s a-wastin’, gal.” Amelia laughed as he swung her onto the dance floor.
Rand claimed Sarah a few moments later, and the officers lined up for a dance with Emmie. She was exhausted within fifteen minutes. The men were so exuberant and determined to have a good time. When there was no lady available, they danced with one another. She passed from one set of arms to another until the faces all became a blur.
“I think this is my dance.” Isaac cut in on a young lieutenant with a good-natured grin. He spun Emmie away from the disappointed young man. “You look very lovely tonight.”
Emmie looked away, heat rising in her cheeks. “It was a very nice ceremony,” she said awkwardly.
“Wasn’t it?” He drew her closer as the music changed to a slower song and laid his chin on the top of her head. “You are just the right height.” His words were soft with a hint of tenderness.
Emmie felt herself relaxing against his chest. She heard the thud of his heart under her ear and smelled the pine scent of his soap. If they could just stay like this forever. She pulled away slightly. That was how Monroe had trapped her before. With his sweet talk and tender arms. She was soiled goods now too. Isaac wouldn’t be interested in her if he knew the truth.
“Isaac, I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” a honeyed voice said. “Daddy wants to talk to you.” Jessica laid a gloved hand on his arm and gazed up at him with an adorable pout on her lips.
“I’ll be along in a moment.” He pulled away from her gently. “Let me get Emmie some punch first.”
“No, really, I’m fine.” Emmie stepped away from him hastily. “You go on along with Jessica. I’ve promised the next dance to Jacob.”
Isaac hesitated, then allowed Jessica to pull him away. Emmie looked after them with her heart aching.
Jacob arrived and held out his arm. “Amelia is determined not to let me sit by her all evening. She says she likes watching us as much as if she could dance to every song herself.” He pulled Emmie into a rollicking dance.
She was breathless by the time they finished. Jacob took her elbow and guided her toward the punch table. He took two cups and handed one to her. “I wanted a chance to tell you how much I appreciated the help you’ve been to Amelia. She was so lonely and blue before you and Sarah came. I haven’t caught her crying once since the two of you arrived.”
Heat sprang to Emmie’s cheeks. “Sarah is the real miracle worker. You’ve nothing to thank me for.” She looked away and took a sip of punch. Sarah had told her it was just strong tea with citric acid in it, but it was really quite good.
“That’s not true, you know,” he said with a frown. “I’ve seen the way you hover in the background trying to make sure neither of the girls is doing too much. You have a sweet, unassuming way of encouragement about you that has really helped Amelia. This pregnancy has been hard on her.”
“I’m glad if I’ve been able to help her. There’s no one in the world like Amelia. She’s so trusting and sees the best in everyone she meets. I wish I could be more like her.”
Jacob smiled. “She’s too trusting sometimes. But you’re right—there’s no one like her.”
“You love her very much.”
He nodded. “She means everything in the world to me. I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to her.” He looked over to where Amelia sat chatting with Mrs. Horton. “She seems so frail, sometimes it worries me.”
Emmie laid a hand on his arm. “She’ll be just fine. Dr. Horton is very pleased with her condition. Women have babies all the time, you know.”
Jacob squeezed her hand. “You’re right, I’m sure. Anyway, thank you for all your help.”
“You’re very welcome.” She watched him stride over to his wife, whose face lit up as she saw him coming. Emmie couldn’t suppress the pang of envy that pierced her heart. Love like that would never be for her. She sighed and took the last sip of her punch before being claimed for another dance.
Isaac shuffled and took a gulp of punch as Emmie danced by on the arm of another soldier. How had she gotten under his skin so quickly?
Jessica tugged on his arm. “Isaac, I’m not used to being ignored.” Her lips went into a pretty pout.
He managed a smile in spite of his anger with her at being pulled away with a lie. Her father hadn’t wanted to see him at all, though the major was watching the two of them even now. He didn’t dare show his displeasure. “Sorry, Miss DuBois. Can I get you more punch or a plate of food?”
“I’d settle for some attention. And please, call me Jessica. We’re much too close already to stand on such formality.” She spoke a little loudly as Emmie danced past again, as though she wanted Emmie to hear the word close.
“As you wish.”
She touched her fan to his arm in a flirtatious gesture. “I see you watching Emmie Croftner. She won’t do much for your career, you know. Not with her background.”
“You mean because of her brother? That’s not her fault.”
&nb
sp; The lamplight gleamed on her vivid red hair and her jewelry caught the light. “That’s not exactly what I meant. But I suspect you’ll find out all her secrets soon. The whole fort will.”
He didn’t care for the venom in her voice. “What secrets?”
A smile hovered on her full lips. “You’ll see.”
FIVE
Emmie slipped out of bed and poured cold water from the cracked pitcher into the bowl on the cloth-covered crate that passed as a bed stand. She shivered as she took a piece of flannel and quickly washed herself in the frigid water. She pulled on her blue wool dress and combed her hair up into a serviceable knot, then draped her shawl around her shoulders. She could hear Rand thumping around in the kitchen as he readied for his day. The clear notes of reveille sounded just as she pushed open the curtain from her bedroom and stepped into the small parlor.
Rand looked up as she entered. “Go on back to sleep. I wouldn’t let Sarah get up either. I’ll grab some grub at mess so you girls don’t have to worry about fixing me breakfast.”
“I don’t mind.”
He patted her shoulder as he strode by and seized his coat. “I know you don’t, but I have a busy day today, and I might as well get to it. You get some rest.” He opened the door and stepped out into the still-dark morning. “I’ll see you tonight,” he said before closing the door.
Now what was she supposed to do? She was already dressed and too wide awake to go back to sleep. She tiptoed past Joel, a lump under the covers on the parlor cot with just a tuft of blond hair showing, to the bedroom door and peered in at Sarah.
“Rand wouldn’t let me get up,” Sarah murmured sleepily when she saw her at the door. “I really should, though. I need to take the laundry to Suds Row.”
“I’ll do it. I’m already dressed and not a bit sleepy. Would you like some breakfast before I go?”
“No, thanks.” Sarah yawned and pulled the quilts up higher on her shoulders. “All I want to do is sleep.”